AirAsia X picks inflight Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Android tablets

AirAsia X is offering Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Android tablets for rental on all its Australian flights, with the iPad-sized devices replacing the existing ePlayer screens.

Budget-minded and seat-savvy Australian business travellers have been using AirAsia X's flatbed "Premium" business class seats to Kuala Lumpur and on throughout Asia to Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan.

You can prebook the Galaxy Tabs for the equivalent of A$11 or pick one up the day for A$14 in Malaysian ringgit. Already booked an ePlayer? You'll get a Galaxy Tab instead at no extra charge.

"The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be a great change to our previous portable e-player as it offers one of the best high definition screens, sound system, and a powerful processor all packed in a sleek yet lightweight tablet," CEO and avowed 'gadget junkie' Azran Osman-Rani enthused.

"On top of that, the tablet is also considerably lighter than our previous e-player," Osman-Rani admitted, which is good news for budget-minded business travellers with tired arms.

You'll find preloaded international content on board: perfect for discovering Malaysian, Chinese, Korean and Japanese movies as well as the usual international blockbusters.

Stellar Inflight -- the same company that outfits Jetstar's iPad system -- is behind the devices, though detailed system info has yet to be released.

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.