CES 2011: Wi-Fi only versions of Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab coming

Both the Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab will soon see Wi-Fi-only models. Adopting such a strategy could help both manufacturers reach customers interested in these tablets but not in paying for a cellular connection to go with them.

According to Latin America manager Maurizio Angelone, Motorola will release a Wi-Fi only version of its just announced Xoom tablet would be hitting Argentina in April, a month before the 3G version is expected there. It’s not clear whether this Wi-Fi only version will also be available in North America.

Samsung will similarly soon offer a Wi-Fi only version of its Samsung Galaxy Tab. It will be available in the US in the first quarter of 2011 and in Canada in late Q1 or early Q2 (according to MobileSyrup.com). Aside from the lack of cellular connectivity, it will be identical to the 3G-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab.

The moves would mimic those of Apple which already offers both 3G/Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi-only models.