Most device news these days is of the tablet or smartphone sort, so the fact that Toshiba is adding to its current Excite line isn’t really a surprise. What is somewhat shocking is the direction that Toshiba has gone with the newest addition to the Excite tablet lineup. Instead of focusing on a tablet that is smaller than the iPad (10-inches) or competing with the Kindle Fire (7-inches), Toshiba has gone the “bigger is better” route by creating a 13-inch monster.

For the sake of a visual, consider the size of your current laptop. Most laptops are around 15-inches. Well, knock off two inches and you have the new Toshiba Excite 13 – not a small tablet by any stretch of the imagination. Toshiba is certainly taking a risk with this tablet, since many consumers want tablets that are smaller than laptops and are easily portable (not sure if this new tablet fits either description). But, Toshiba is banking on the fact that the new 13-inch tablet can double as a TV, gaming platform, and be used by multiple people at once.

Is Bigger Really Better In This Case?

It’s really interesting to note how tablet and smartphone trends change. At one point, smartphones were getting smaller and smaller. Still today, smartphones that are too thick or too large aren’t popular, and consumers are always looking for the thinnest phone offering. On the tablet side, tablets were once very small and some remain on the small side. For a while, the iPad was the only tablet that spilled over into the double-digit size category. Now that Toshiba is entering the scene with a 13-inch monster, it will be curious to see whether or not other manufacturers follow suit.

Possibly, tablets will be on the large side from now on. Or, Toshiba could have taken a bad gamble with the 13-inch tablet and consumer may shun this tablet altogether. The 13-inch tablet from Toshiba has gained positive reviews from those who have had a chance to spend some time with the tablet, and that’s always a good sign of big sales to come. If you aren’t happy with the size of the iPad or you want something in-between a tablet and a TV or small laptop, the new Toshiba Excite 13 might be just what you’re searching for.

When Can You Buy The New Toshiba Excite 13 Tablet?

First, let’s talk about price. As far as tablets go, the Toshiba Excite 13 will be on the high side. Toshiba has let the public know that the new tablet will retail for around $650 (32GB) to $750 (64GB). Consider the price of these 13-inch offerings before replacing a TV or laptop with a tablet (a friendly suggestion). As far as availability goes, you won’t have to wait too long to test out what Toshiba’s offering.

Toshiba has stated that the new tablets will be rolling out to North American markets in June. Dreaming of a larger tablet? Want something that the kids can all share? Looking forward to a tablet that doesn’t start with the letter “i?” June is just over a month and a half away – this reviewer is certainly looking forward to Toshiba’s tablet launch!