Argos is set to take on Tesco in a battle of budget tablets in time for the Christmas shopping season.

The MyTablet Android device will cost approximately £100 and be aimed at the "tweenie" market of eight- to 13-year-olds. It will be available online from Wednesday.

John Walden, MD of Argos, commented: “Millions of people bought a tablet last year but there’s still around 75 per cent of the UK population who do not yet own one.  We know that tablets will feature heavily on Christmas lists again this year.”

Technology expert and TV presenter, David McClelland, said: “I’m in no doubt that Argos’ MyTablet will be snapped up this Christmas. It has great functionality, speed and memory with a good range of apps for the price.  I expect teenagers will love the social tools, while the pre-loaded parental controls fill a gap in the market for parents who want to know that their younger children are secure online.”