The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is now up for grabs. Users in the U.S. can get ahead by pre-ordering the flagship device.

At the moment, the official Sony Store offers only the 32 GB version for pre-order in the U.S. The website has attached a $499.99 price tag to the brand-new device. By Nov. 2, Sony will commence shipping of the tablet (which comes in black and white) in line with the pre-orders.

Verizon is the first carrier to put the handheld on sale. Verizon customers can get the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact for $199.99 on contract starting Oct. 23.  T-Mobile is pegged to follow although the carrier is gearing up for the release of the tablet's sibling, Sony Xperia Z3 on Oct. 29. Sony has yet to announce the same offer in the U.K. but patrons in the country could only hope.

But what's in it for those who decide to buy the new Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact anyway?

"Good is a compact tablet. Great is a lightweight waterproof tablet."

There's the answer. The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is the right size, a considerable 8-inch Full HD Triluminos display complemented with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution. It is powered by a Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocking in at 2.5 GHz on top of 3 GB RAM. With generous internal makings, Sony topped it off with PS4 Remote Play support. After all, games are bound to load fast and look crisp and sharp.

It also features an 8.1 MP rear shooter and a 2.1 MP selfie snapper. Loaded with a 4500 mAh battery, users are in for an entire day of entertainment and more. Finally, it owes its ultimate selling point to its Premium Waterproof capability. For admittedly-clumsy users, this is something. Drop it or dip it down 1.5 meters of fresh water and it will only come out soaked and still awesome.

In a nutshell, Apple undoubtedly found a respectable foe.