Samsung Galaxy Tab Review
The Samsung Galaxy Tab is the first in what we expect will be a long line of multimedia tablets that will try to steal some of iPad's thunder. It's a bit small, making it look and feel somewhere between a smartphone and a true multimedia tablet, but it performs almost as well as the iPad. The Galaxy Tab is no bargain: prices start at $399 if you agree to sign a two year wireless contract, or $599 and up if you don't.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab isn't an iPad killer, but we determined in our Galaxy Tab review that it can at least trade a few punches with the iPad. This sort of cheap tablet has the multimedia prowess to compete with the iPad's multimedia abilities, say expert Samsung Galaxy Tab reviews, and the Android 2.2 OS is a good one. Android's App Marketplace has a lot to offer Android users, even if the Marketplace isn't as huge as Apple's App Store. Really, though, are you going to check out all 300,000+ apps in the App Store? We aren't either. If you need an app to fill some particular function, you're about as likely to find it in the Android Marketplace as the App Store. Moving on... our Galaxy Tab review found the touch screen and button layout comfortable to use and easy to learn. The screen looks good, too.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab runs the Android 2.2 operating system and uses a 1GHz CPU. Unlike the iPad, which has built-in flash memory, the Galaxy Tab uses a microSD card. The Tab ships with a 16GB card installed, but you can replace it with a larger card if you like. The Galaxy Tab's 7-inch screen runs at a resolution of 600x1024 and can play high-definition video, always a plus. Like the iPad, the Samsung Galaxy Tab supports wireless connections of 802.11b/g/n, and can connect to Bluetooth devices. All Galaxy Tabs have 3G support, and you'll have to buy your Galaxy Tab from one of several wireless companies, such as Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile.
We like the Galaxy Tab. It runs smoothly for the most part, and we like using Android 2.2. Our Samsung Galaxy Tab review showed it can handle the usual tablet jobs with ease, such as Web surfing or playing games. Its smaller size makes it reasonably portable. You can pop it into a purse or perhaps even a jacket pocket, so it goes where you go. All well and good. The main thing about the Galaxy Tab that rubs us the wrong way is that you have to sign up for a two-year wireless contract to buy it for $399. Otherwise, you're going to pay as much for the Galaxy Tab as you would for an iPad. Dollar for dollar, we still prefer the iPad.
