Samsung Galaxy Tab Serie

The Samsung Galaxy Tab works great as an Android device. It has an excellent processor, good display, loud and clear speakers, and excellent battery life. The tablet can run virtually any app available for Android, even if some apps don’t scale properly to the display. In other words, the Tab is at least as good as the best Android phones on the market… except the US version doesn’t make phone calls.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab works great as an Android device. It has an excellent processor, good display, loud and clear speakers, and excellent battery life. The tablet can run virtually any app available for Android, even if some apps don’t scale properly to the display. In other words, the Tab is at least as good as the best Android phones on the market… except the US version doesn’t make phone calls.

With a good selection of tablet-optimized apps, access to the Android Market, and a brilliant high-res screen, the Galaxy Tab is the only real iPad competitor on the market right now. What we like about the Verizon version in particular is its textured back (which makes it easier to hold), strong 3G performance, and wallet-friendly 1GB data plan. The lack of video chat support gives us pause, but this feature hasn't worked very well on other Galaxy Tabs we've used, and Verizon will likely address this issue over time. Our only other complaint is that Verizon charges extra for text messaging, though the carrier lessens that sting by throwing in the mobile hotpsot feature for free. Overall, Verizon's version of the Galaxy Tab stands out because it offers you the flexibility to purchase broadband service only in the months when you need it and backs up that flexibility with reliable service.

With a good selection of tablet-optimized apps, access to the Android Market, and a brilliant high-res screen, the Galaxy Tab is the only real iPad competitor on the market right now. What we like about the Verizon version in particular is its textured back (which makes it easier to hold), strong 3G performance, and wallet-friendly 1GB data plan. The lack of video chat support gives us pause, but this feature hasn't worked very well on other Galaxy Tabs we've used, and Verizon will likely address this issue over time. Our only other complaint is that Verizon charges extra for text messaging, though the carrier lessens that sting by throwing in the mobile hotpsot feature for free. Overall, Verizon's version of the Galaxy Tab stands out because it offers you the flexibility to purchase broadband service only in the months when you need it and backs up that flexibility with reliable service.

It’s ironic but, for all Verizon’s work on custom apps, it’s the textured casing that makes the biggest difference to day to day use of their Galaxy Tab. A slightly more reassuring in-hand feel left us feeling far happier grabbing the Tab and using it for casual reading; of course, that’s something which a silicon case could address on other versions of the slate, or indeed some self-adhesive pads as we applied. The same Galaxy Tab frustrations still remain from the T-Mobile version, the lack of official voice support being top of our list. We’re a little less confident in hacks for the Verizon version opening that up, however, though VoIP support remains good. Verizon could score a significant win over its carrier rivals by allowing the Skype 3G app for use on the Tab; it seems, however, that the fear of users downsizing to a single device is too great for that to happen.

It’s ironic but, for all Verizon’s work on custom apps, it’s the textured casing that makes the biggest difference to day to day use of their Galaxy Tab. A slightly more reassuring in-hand feel left us feeling far happier grabbing the Tab and using it for casual reading; of course, that’s something which a silicon case could address on other versions of the slate, or indeed some self-adhesive pads as we applied. The same Galaxy Tab frustrations still remain from the T-Mobile version, the lack of official voice support being top of our list. We’re a little less confident in hacks for the Verizon version opening that up, however, though VoIP support remains good. Verizon could score a significant win over its carrier rivals by allowing the Skype 3G app for use on the Tab; it seems, however, that the fear of users downsizing to a single device is too great for that to happen.

For those making the jump to the Galaxy Tab, they’re getting a solid, well-built and flexible device that, while not perfect, is a compelling alternative to the iPad. Expensive, yes, and with limitations to be aware of, but they’re broadly the same criticisms leveled at Apple’s tablet when it launched. Apps like the Wall Street Journal’s show there’s a usability argument to be made for 7-inch slates, and it’s likely to be the first of many as Android tablet software development gains traction. This is a niche that looks unlikely to go away, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab is a solid starting point if you can look beyond its price tag.

For those making the jump to the Galaxy Tab, they’re getting a solid, well-built and flexible device that, while not perfect, is a compelling alternative to the iPad. Expensive, yes, and with limitations to be aware of, but they’re broadly the same criticisms leveled at Apple’s tablet when it launched. Apps like the Wall Street Journal’s show there’s a usability argument to be made for 7-inch slates, and it’s likely to be the first of many as Android tablet software development gains traction. This is a niche that looks unlikely to go away, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab is a solid starting point if you can look beyond its price tag.

Samsung deserves credit for being the first to company to truly challenge the iPad with a piece of hardware that's well designed and easier to take with you..The ability to make video calls and free GPS navigation also shouldn't be overlooked, as well as the apps Samsung bundles that are optimized for tablet use. Still, the Galaxy Tab isn't for everyone. Those who already own a smart phone with a larger screen may not like the idea of toting a device that's not much bigger, especially one that comes with its own data plan (should you decide to go the 3G route). We also think consumers would prefer one place to purchase music, TV shows, and videos--if not apps, too--similar to iTunes. Nevertheless, once Android developers get their tablet acts in gear, the Galaxy Tab will be an even more formidable iPad foe.

Samsung deserves credit for being the first to company to truly challenge the iPad with a piece of hardware that's well designed and easier to take with you..The ability to make video calls and free GPS navigation also shouldn't be overlooked, as well as the apps Samsung bundles that are optimized for tablet use. Still, the Galaxy Tab isn't for everyone. Those who already own a smart phone with a larger screen may not like the idea of toting a device that's not much bigger, especially one that comes with its own data plan (should you decide to go the 3G route). We also think consumers would prefer one place to purchase music, TV shows, and videos--if not apps, too--similar to iTunes. Nevertheless, once Android developers get their tablet acts in gear, the Galaxy Tab will be an even more formidable iPad foe.

Although the Galaxy Tab is a good device, it just didn’t live up to my expectations

Although the Galaxy Tab is a good device, it just didn’t live up to my expectations