Sony’s waterproof tablet is thinner, lighter this year

Tablets generally aren’t devices you’ll want to take with you to the pool, but the next generation of Sony’s Xperia Z tablet could see you using it there, with a new version rolling out and landing on water.

The next model of what has to be one of the best iPad competitors out there is heading to Australia, with Sony announcing an update to its Xperia Z tablet.

“The Xperia Z2 Tablet represents the best of Sony’s technologies coming together to create the slimmest lightweight tablet matched with a unique and premium user experience,” said Sony’s John Featherstone, Managing Director of Sony Mobile Communications for the Oceania region.

“Our new range of dedicated accessories lets you take your tablet experience where you choose, whether for work or play, at home or on the go.”

Built to survive the elements, the Z2 continues from where the Z1 left off, providing a 10.1 inch Full HD touchscreen that can take a dose of water and dust thanks to its resistance.

The tablet also comes with a quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor like the Xperia Z2 smartphone announced earlier on, Adreno 330 graphics, 3GB RAM, up to 16GB storage with room to move over a microSD slot, a rear 8 megapixel Exmor RS camera, a front facing 2.2 megapixel shooter, and a thickness of 6.4mm.

Depending on how much you want to spend, there will be two versions, with a WiFi ready one weighing 426 grams, and a slightly heavier (though you’re unlikely to notice) 439 gram 4G capable tablet, for those constantly roaming bodies of water.

As for availability, we haven’t been told quite what this is yet, though Sony is saying Telstra and Sony’s own stores will be the place to find this, with a time frame of later in the year.