Samsung is one of very few companies that have the full range of up-to-date Internet tablets. The first Samsung Galaxy Tab 7″ model was released in the fall of 2010, and it is still very popular at different markets, regardless of its high price. This winter the company introduced bigger 10″ tablet that has not reached the market, as the manufacturer’s plans were changed after they saw Apple iPad 2. Samsung decided to make something like that and took the time out for a few months. Finally the company prepared two, seriously improved tablets – Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9. The bigger one is described here.
Design
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was significantly redesigned before coming to stores. The designers refused from stylish textured cover in favour of calmer, more elegant finishing. That helped to reduce the body thickness up to 8,6 mm. With such thinness the tablet surpasses even ultra-thin Apple iPad 2, being thinner at 0.2 mm. Tab 10.1 weight is 40 g less than iPad 2, it is only 595 g. This is the lightest and the thinnest device in its class.
The design features plain front cover with wide touchscreen and black frame around it, the body has rounded edges, narrow sides and slightly salient back cover with camera and loudspeakers outs. There is a Samsung logo in the center of it. Back panel of Tab 10.1 body is textured that provides better stability of device when it is in hands or lies on a surface. A textured cover helps to keep the tablet motionless when using on the move, in some transport.
The top edge features On button, volume control, SIM and microSD slots and audio jack.
The design is ultra-modern, doesn’t have any extras that makes the gadget look very laconic and stylish, in a high-end manner. The quality of body is flawless.
There is no case in the package. It seems Samsung will offer maximum of add-ons for additional price.
Functionality
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 runs on NVIDIA Tegra 2, features 1 GB RAM, capacitive touchscreen with 1280×800 px resolution. The tablet uses Android 3.1 Honeycomb OS with approved update to 3.1 version. There are both Wi-Fi and 3G versions available, as well as modifications with 16 and 32 GB flash memory support.
The gadget has no high-end IPS or AMOLED touchscreen matrix, however its screen provides good colour rendering and wide viewing angles. The brightness resource is up to 300 cd/sq.m.
There are two cameras – 2 and 3 MP. The first one is a front camera used for video calls, the second one is intended for photo and video shooting. Regardless of comparatively low resolution, the main 3 MP camera provides high quality of photos and video clips.
Brand shell TouchWiz UX is installed above the standard Honeycomb interface. It has different icons for applications and controls, the slide-out panel is significantly extended in functionality. One of the best novelties is ability to change the widget sizes. Now a user is able to arrange its desktop area much more comfortably that it was with standard sized widgets. TouchWiz UX shell will be optional due to strict Google’s limitations for Android 3.X Honeycomb customization.
Usability
It is very convenient to use Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. It is easy in both physical and intellectual sides. The gadget comfortably lies in hands, doesn’t slide out, comfortable in touch and durable to damages from the outside.
The data exchange and battery charging is made with the help of proprietary jack. There are no standard micro-USB or micro-HDMI slots in the gadget. The manufacturer promises a wide range of additional accessories that will be available at additional price. Besides docking stations, cases and keyboards you may find USB, HDMI adapters and even SD card reader. Most likely by limiting the connectivity of basic gadget Samsung just decided to earn more profits offering the missing facilities separately.
The gadget supports simple drag and drop feature for data transfer with PC or laptop. The machine just recognizes Galaxy Tab tablet as a portable drive and gives ability to fill its memory with content in a standard way.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is not oriented for one-hand controlling due to its big size. However, working on it with both hands is rather comfortable, there are no any problems to reach all screen areas with fingers.
The capacity of Tab 10.1 built in battery is 6800 mAh. Practical testing showed that the gadget is able to work without recharge for about two days in usual calm regime of use (web-browsing, games, music). The continuous video playback recharges the batter in approximately 7 hours.
Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is a potential leader among Honeycomb based tablets that have all chances to become a big iPad 2 competitive. It has excellent design, hardware facilities, high-end touchscreen control, rich functional OS and lots of opportunities for extending standard functionality. The shortcomings that were found during practical use is the lack of standard slots for memory cards. The body makes an impression of insufficient rigidity, but this is only an impression due to its thinness. The advantages are stylish look, the best weight-dimensions characteristics among today’s Internet-tablets, brand shell TouchWiz UX.
The manufacturer offers to choose between 10.1 and 8.9 in screen models that are similar in functionality and design. The price for them will be different. The fans of big screens may choose the bigger model, while those who prefer more compact gadgets or smaller price will make their choice in favour of 8.9 model.
In the USA Samsung offers the same pricing level as its main competitor, Apple iPad 2 has – $499 for the basic 10 in version and $469 for the basic 8.9 one. The modifications with extended functionality pack will have bigger prices. In Europe the gadget will cost more, in some areas the price can reach $850. For this region it is cheaper than iPad 2. This makes think that Samsung’s target was European market mostly, as here iPad 2 is much more expensive.
