GADGET WATCH: Telstra T-Hub

Telstra has been branching out over the past few years into new types of hardware, and the T-series gadgets have been at the forefront of a sizeable marketing campaign. The T-Hub, a cross between a tablet and a phone, has also been featured front and centre in the MasterChef series.

But is the Telstra T-Hub actually a product worth checking out? There are a number of tablets on the market now – can the T-Hub stand out from the pack?

Hardware and features

The T-Hub itself sits in a cradle, and is 18 centimetres across. It connects to a WiFi connection, with the main interface being a touch screen. The T-Hub can be detached and moved around, although the dock also acts as part of a speaker so sound can be affected while doing this.

The gadget also features a headphone jack, optional power plug adaptors, external speakers, an SD slot, a stylus and an external microphone. It also comes with a cordless handset.

The software allows users to make calls and text messages, but also provides a web browser, along with apps for keeping up with news, weather information, and access to social networks like Facebook. A YouTube player is also included, along with internet radio and a clock.

What’s the consensus?

While reviews have tended to be a mixed bag for the T-Hub, some analysts have praised a number of the T-Hub’s software features.

On ITWire, the T-Hub’s display is praised, with a number of different pieces of information given on call histories and battery life.

“A screen saver option allows you to display a clock or nominated photo after a period of inactivity. In addition, you can specify night mode between specific hours and the T-Hub will simply switch its display off during that time (until you tap it or a call comes in).”

A review in CRN notes the quick set-up time, along with the usefulness of the various applications.

“The T-Hub tablet fits right into the consumer electronics look with a black framed seven-inch touch display providing access to voice features, internet access and a range of useful Telstra applications.”

However, these reviews also point out some limitations. For one thing, the T-Hub isn’t a full blown tablet and is essentially an upgraded home phone, limiting any type of functionality seen on the iPad or Android tablets.

In fact, SmartHouse says the tablet should have been developed using Android.

“This would have allowed third party developers to design applications for inclusion on the Telstra/Android T Hub platform.”

“The single biggest issue with this phone is that it is a closed system. While the concept has legs you will only be able to access what Telstra want you to access.”

The price of the gadget has been cited by some reviewers as a downside, costing $299 for existing Telstra customers, or cheaper as part of a plan.

Reviewers also point out that while the T-Hub suffered from some buggy software issues when it was first released, those are mostly fixed now after a few different updates.

Who is it for?

Telstra admits outright that it is not trying to compete with tablets like the iPad, nor is the gadget actually constructed for such competition. It is a useful upgrade for the home phone, allowing access to a few handful features that owners might use on a casual basis.

The T-Hub would appeal to Telstra users who want to upgrade their home phone and don’t necessarily want to shell out more money for a dedicated tablet. But for those users who want something more, the T-Hub is only halfway between a handset and an actual tablet device.