Sprint on Tuesday announced that it releasing the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 16GB Wi-Fi version beginning on June 24.

The tablet computer will be available through direct sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Web sales (www.sprint.com), Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and Sprint Business Sales for $499.99, excluding taxes.

Sprint said it will begin selling the device in its retail stores on July 24.

Equipped with Android 3.1 Honeycomb, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the worlds thinnest mobile tablet, according to Sprint.

Earlier this month, Verizon Wireless announced that the sleek tablet would be available for online pre-orders on June 8 and would hit stores this summer. The nation’s largest wireless operator is selling two models for the following prices: $529.99 for the 16GB model; and $629.99 for the 32GB model.

The new Tab is being marketed to Joe Consumer, but also to businesses. Verizon Wireless says the tablet can be used for everything from video chat to business tools that allow for the opening and editing of documents, spreadsheets and presentations.