Samsung Galaxy Tab Review
Samsung Galaxy Tabs were among the first tablets to pose a serious challenge to the Apple iPad 2. They come in various sizes with various connectivity options, but the bigger, 3G versions are out of our price range, so we zeroed in on the 7-inch Wi-Fi-only model. Both users and experts generally seem satisfied with how this Samsung tablet performs, according to Samsung Galaxy Tab reviews compiled at TechSpot. Many Samsung Galaxy Tab reviews praise the tablet's touchscreen, which PCWorld calls bright and responsive. One common complaint in Galaxy Tab reviews, including this one from CNET, is that the Samsung tablet still runs Android 2.2, which feels outdated now that Android 3.0 has been out for a while.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab has a 1 GHz Texas Instruments ARM Cortex-A8 processor, a 7-inch capacitive screen, 16 GB of internal memory, and a microSD card slot for additional storage. It also offers support for 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1, as well as a USB 2.0 port. Users can download apps from the official Android Market. The Samsung tablet comes with a 3 mp camera, as well as a front-facing 1.3 mp camera for video chatting.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a good example of how fast the tablet market is moving. This device really isn't very old, but it feels old compared with the best new tablets. This Samsung tablet is due for a refresh (likely coming soon). If it's spruced up with Android 3 and perhaps a faster processor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab will compete with our top picks.
Other Recommended Cheap Tablets
Amazon Kindle Fire
The Kindle Fire may not quite be the iPad killer some people were hoping for, but it has a great chance to redefine the tablet market, because it's super affordable and still delivers most of what users hope to find in a tablet. Its performance is solid, apart from occasional hiccups, but its real strength is the ease with which users can access and enjoy Amazon's vast content library. Read more »
Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet
The Nook Tablet is the Kindle Fire's closest competition in terms of price and ability. Its Android operating system is heavily customized to tightly integrate with Barnes & Noble's online services, including apps, so it has a bit of a different look and feel than other Android devices. Reviewers praise its overall performance and responsive, fantastic-looking touchscreen. Read more »
Asus Eee Pad Transformer
TF101The hardware on the Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is about as good as it gets on an Android-based budget tablet. This model uses Google's Android 3.2 operating system and a Nvidia Tegra 2 processor. It also has a large, 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen that impresses reviewers. Read more »
Acer Iconia Tab
A500This Acer Iconia tablet is a solid Android 3.0 model with a large, 10.1-inch screen, a Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, an HDMI port, and Bluetooth support. Some reviewers note that it's a bit heavy compared with other tablets. Read more »
