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Walmart and T-Mobile to offer tablets with free data plans

The self-proclaimed 'un-carrier' is expanding its tablet presence with a rollout of its "free data for life" offer at Walmart stores.

Xiomara Blanco Associate Editor / Reviews - Tablets and monitors
Xiomara Blanco is an associate editor for CNET Reviews. She's a Bay Area native with a knack for tech that makes life easier and more enjoyable. So, don't expect her to review printers anytime soon.
Xiomara Blanco

HP Slate 7 HD
Walmart will soon carry the HP Slate 7 HD. James Martin/CNET

T-Mobile is rolling out a pair of affordable tablets at Walmart stores nationwide with " free data for life." Each slate comes with 200MB of data per month for the lifespan of the tablet, and if that's not enough, additional data plans start at $10.

Walmart will offer the modestly spec'ed Trio AXS 4G budget tablet and the HP Slate 7 HD, starting at $179 and $229, respectively. Though the self-proclaimed "un-carrier" isn't supplying the controversial megachain with any of our picks for best tablets, the two models are affordable options that should appeal to bargain hunters.

The Trio AXS 4G, now available in Walmart stores nationwide, is a 7.8-inch Android slate that houses a quad-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage, with microSD card expansion slot. The HP Slate 7 HD , available in June, is another modest small slate, with similar specs and audiophile-geared Beats Audio sound.

T-Mobile offers the same free data deal in its stores, but partnering up with Walmart significantly increases its presence as an affordable cellular option for tablet shoppers. Walmart customers also get to choose from special high-speed data plans, including 3.5GB for $35 and 5GB for $50 a month.

Check out our hands-on look at the HP Slate 7HD , but if these two budget models don't suit your fancy, here are our top picks for tablets with cell service.

Editor's note: The original article incorrectly listed specs for the Trio AXS tablet.