IFA 2010 – Samsung Galaxy Tab hands-on
Samsung's Galaxy Tab is the iPad's greatest fear, a tablet that feels as solid, works almost as smoothly and delivers many things Apple's tablet can't. In many ways, it's also more desireable. Here's why...
It's not the Super AMOLED screen from the Galaxy S, a shame, but one we can forgive for accessible pricing. After all, it's not as though the iPad has a Retina Display. You won't find us complaining about the Galaxy Tab's screen though, which is eminently watchable. The skinned Touchwiz 3.0 Android will be familiar to Galaxy S users.
That's a front-facing camera. Take that, Apple. It's only VGA, but of all things that might make video calling plausible in future, it's tablets, not phones, that are the better medium for the message.
There's a proper cam round the back, this time packing a 3MP sensor and LED flash. Naturally enough you can upload and send the Tab's pics via Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth 3.0 and DLNA-certified devices such as TVs.
And there's the rest of the back. It's plastic, not aluminium, but unlike the Galaxy S's flimsy casing this feels solid and defined. It's flat as well, so there's no rocking chair effect when you type on a table top.
The usual Android button configuration is present and correct, while pleasantly subtle haptic feedback affirms your presses on the touch-sensitive icons. Let's hit the browser button...
Wow! That was fast. And let's face it, this is where you'll spend more time on your tablet than anywhere else in all probability. More good news – there's pinch to zoom and the Tab runs Android 2.2 (Froyo), so there's also Flash 10.1 support. Ace.
This is – for want of a better way of describing it – Samsung's iBooks. It's called Readers Hub, and sits alongside the company's new Music Hub (no prizes for guessing what that feels like). Accusations of copycat-ism aside, it's pretty nice. Let's take a look at what happens when we go into the magazine library...
Nice. And these, like the newspapers, can upload over the air. It's a really smart interface and while we didn't go into it in much depth, it seemed pretty much glitch-free, too. Remember, this is a 7in device, so it will go into your pocket (just). Don't believe us?
And don't forget the Galaxy Tab is a phone, too. Calling on the 5in Dell Streak felt weird, so don't expect not to get funny looks, but it's totally usable if your phone's lost its mojo or you just want to leave it at home. All in, this feels like a smart move by Samsung – it's taken the best cues from Apple's pack leader and made something that feels like it belongs in a slightly different category. Anyone who denies there isn't room in the tablet market for more devices hasn't used a Galaxy Tab.
Comments
mj1012
2 years ago
hi there are soo many posts on stuff about freebie jeebies. i want to clear u for you what it is. it is not a scam and actually a very solid system. im not going to force it down your throat like everyone else leaving THE SAME comment ALL the time, even on irrelevnt blogs. here is a website i made explaining it simply, honestly its worth a look. :) helpwithsiteslikefreebiejeebies.yolasite.com if the link isnt working copy and paste it into the search bar at the top of the page :)
mj1012
2 years ago
sorry guys my link wasnt working, kinda embarrasing after trying to convinve people it wasnt a scam hopefully this should work, fingers crossed. http://helpwithsiteslikefreebiejeebies.yolasite.com/
mightymike
2 years ago
OMG really!!! I must join freebieshitbee's... OH YES I MUST!!! (twats)
ifreephone.co.uk
2 years ago
Is the Galaxy Tab already available?
mj1012
2 years ago
shut up mighty mike, there are people out there that actually want free stuff, either your loaded, or an ignorant twat for not wanting to know more. but NORMAL people actually would like free stuff. its not hurting to check it out, but sceptics like you will never benefite from it
davejameson
2 years ago
MJ its bollocks, yes if u sign up for a load of services and get 20 other people to then after a few years it might work. The only reason ur posting here is u haven't received anything because u need more referals..now be a NORMAL person and stop spamming.
Sh88
2 years ago
AVOID the crook mj1012 this annoying runt posts his scams on every page possible. Nobody is interested you crook, so run along and post your scams elsewhere.
Rev Aardvark
2 years ago
mj1012, Will you please stop the spam. I am not interested and am very surprised that the moderator hasn't just deleted your repetitive garbage.
mobeyman
2 years ago
All this chain mail is a waste of time.. Don't you think if we could all get things for free that manufacturers would still be in business?? No.. Time to spend your hard earned cash or plastic on the goods of your desire.. Free stuff?? You only get 1 thing for free....!!! It's called ABUSE..
thx67
2 years ago
Mighty mike I'm with you. These tossers clog up websites everywhere and if you believe you can get a free apple product that is out of stock to people who are willing to pay £ 200 then you are very silly indeed. Why don't stuff just ban these spamming t***s