JooJoo 3G may be carrier-subsidized

Fusion Garage CEO Chandra Rathakrishnan confirmed today that a 3G version of the JooJoo tablet will be ready in three months and follow a different sales strategy. While unveiled at the same time as its $499 Wi-Fi only counterpart, the 3G edition is now due to ship as a carrier-subsidized device. The difference could lead to the tablet costing less than both the Wi-Fi version and the 3G-capable iPad, albeit only after signing a contract.

The company founder also mentioned to the Inquirer that the 12-inch tablet will get support for USB-based removable storage within the next 30 days. Adding the feature will give it much more support for offline content than the 4GB of built-in memory allows today. It could simultaneously allow operating systems other than the custom design Fusion Garage is using, although Rathakrishnan cautioned that this would void the warranty. It won't be restricted by the company.

Expansion of the JooJoo has arrived just as its creator is opening international sales and trying to reposition the slate as something other than an iPad rival. Fusion Garage has often acknowledged the similarities but lately has sold its tablet only as a viable alternative from a small newcomer.

By Electronista Staff