The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a new, much-publicised, Android-based tablet that draws heavily on Samsung’s popular Galaxy S handset. Details leaked online well before today's official launch turned out to be largely true.
What the leaks failed to convey, however, was quite how slick this new device is. Get hands-on time with it, and it’s clear that the Galaxy Tab presents a genuine rival to Apple’s iPad. At almost exactly the same size as the highly praised Amazon Kindle, it’s light, thin and industrial in its design. With a 7in touch-screen, it provides plenty of space for films, in full high definition, but is not too big to get out discretely on a train.
The screen is not AMOLED, but that is not painfully noticeable. Used as an ereader, the bundled software is intuitive, easy to use and integrates impressively with newspapers and magazines.
Indeed, the software is what makes the Tab a genuinely compelling device. Android FroYo 2.2 has not been significantly adjusted, which means that there are few of the problems associated with other operators who have done more harm than good in their bids to improve on Google’s operating system. So if you don’t like using Samsung’s ereader, you can download the Kindle App. With full access to the Android Market, the Tab offers a decent number of downloads – there are around 100,000 apps to choose from – which should fulfil the needs of most consumers.
The Market is also growing at a speed that indicates it will soon have everything Apple’s App Store offers, and more. But when it comes to the Tab itself, it’s hard to fault Samsung’s first foray into the tablet market. The cameras, at 1.3 megapixels and three megapixels, may not be up to the standards of those found on most smartphones. But the Tab isn't really designed to be used as a camera, although it, like the iPhone, seems to be making a serious stab at taking video calling into the mainstream. The success of that remains to be seen.
Indeed, if there are any true niggles about the Tab, they’re most likely to come from operators: cost, availability and data tariffs will be big hurdles, and details will be revealed in due course.
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the Samsung P1000 Galaxy Tab for £529.99 from Amazon.co.uk
