Review: Hudl is realistic alternative to established tablets Apple and Samsung have yet to start selling bananas and chicken breasts, but that has not stopped Tesco taking on the tech giants at their own game by launching a tablet computer. On Monday the Hudl (pronounced "huddle") will go on sale in Tesco stores across the UK for £119. If you pay with Clubcard vouchers, the seven-inch tablet costs just £60. Picking it up, the Hudl has everything you would expect from a modern tablet. It is reasonably light and comfortable to hold; its screen is crisp, vivid, and responds accurately to touch. But what immediately jumps out about the Hudl is Tesco's own content. Its online shop, Clubcard TV and Blinkbox movie and music services are placed front and centre of the device, with easy access through a special "T" button. But you are not obliged to use Tesco's services. Running on Google's Android operating system, the Hudl offers all the functionality that can be found on other generic tablets, including access to thousands of apps from the Google Play online store. If you wanted, you could easily use the Hudl to do your shopping with Ocado or buy music from Amazon. Loading up Rihanna's Diamonds on YouTube, the Hudl's stereo speakers produced loud, clear audio - essential for a device designed to lure people to Tesco's digital media offerings. However, other aspects of the device were less impressive. Taking photos of the FT newsroom, cameras on the front and back of the device produced images that were dull and grainy. If you had an unlimited budget, you would not buy the Hudl, which is made by Taiwan's Wistron. Many of its rivals - not least the slim and sleek iPad mini - boast better technical specifications and are more attractive. But that is hardly the point. Even at the full price of £119, the Hudl is £80 cheaper than Google's Nexus 7 and £150 less expensive than Apple's iPad mini. For as little as £60, the Hudl represents decent value for money. With Christmas fast approaching, Tesco could have a hit on its hands.