Samsung Galaxy Tab (Verizon Wireless) The Android Lovers' Tablet

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect balance between size and usability, 

Though I was hesitant to enter the tablet market on a first-gen device, I gave in for Christmas and decided to take the plunge. I have used an Android-based phone for over a year now and am very familiar with the Android OS. Thus, I was hard-pressed to switch to iOS just so I could have an iPad. Enter the Galaxy Tab - it uses my favorite mobile OS with all the up-and-coming apps that are constantly being developed; it is small enough that I can hold it in one hand; it does everything I want it to and more.
While Steve Jobs may think I need to file my fingers down with sandpaper to use a tablet smaller than his iPad, I have found that the Tab is far more easy to use than the iPads I've played with. I can hold it and type with ease while standing up (no lap required!); I can hold it with one hand and read my Kindle books while drinking a cup of hot tea in the morning; I can access my favorite websites that use Flash with no issues; I can slip the Tab into the inside pocket of my jacket for easy carry without a bag; I can plug it into my laptop for quick transfer of music, photos, docs, etc.


Also, somewhat surprising to me, I have noticed a decided decrease in the use of my laptop. I have ordered a keyboard for the Tab, and once it arrives, I will most likely do 80% of my work on it. I will still use my laptop for photos and some technical things that I do, but when it comes to writing and emailing, the Tab is quickly becoming my go-to device.


For those bothered that it only runs Froyo right now, I haven't noticed any issues. I'm sure things will be noticeably different when Gingerbread is released, but I'm quite happy with it now.

Amazon.com Product Description

Enjoy a rich, brilliant viewing experience wherever you roam with the Android-powered, 3G-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab mobile tablet for Verizon Wireless--a powerful, entertainment device ideal for home or on the go. Weighing just 1 pound, it features a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen display with 3D-like graphics, speedy 1 GHz processor, and the Android 2.2 operating system--all in a sleek and compact form factor.

The slim design makes it perfect for travel and one-handed grip (see larger image).

The Galaxy Tab includes a 3-megapixel rear camera as wellas a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats (see larger image).

Offering the fast speeds and reliability of the Verizon Wireless 3G network, you'll be able to connect to a wide range of streaming media choices and enjoy fast downloads of music, movies, and documents while on the go. Verizon Wireless customers can add a monthly access plan beginning at $20 a month for 1 GB. Additionally, you can share your 3G mobile broadband connectivity with up to five other devices--laptop, another phone, MP3 player, and more--using Wi-Fi.
With integrated Google technology, the Galaxy Tab brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, Gtalk, YouTube, Picasa, and contacts/calendar synchronization. It also includes popular mobile applications such as V CAST Music, V CAST Song ID, and VZ Navigator from Verizon Wireless as well as Slacker Radio, Kindle for Android, and BLOCKBUSTER On Demand presented by V CAST Video.
Through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy Tab will also feature V CAST Apps, Verizon Wireless' mobile storefront offering hundreds of applications for businesses and consumers.
The Galaxy Tab offers full support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for accessing Flash-enabled websites, watching video and playing games, and with built-in support for ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi, the Galaxy Tab's portable screen is ideal for watching the latest movies and entertainment.
Designed to fit in one hand, typing messages or notes is simple and easy with the Galaxy Tab's virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype technology, which allows you to input text faster and in a more intuitive way with one continuous finger motion across the screen keyboard. It's outfitted with a rear-facing camera for photo capture and sharing as well as a front-facing camera for video chat. Other features include Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, 2 GB internal memory, microSD memory expansion (with included 16 GB card), HDMI video output (via optional dock), and up to 13 hours of battery power.

Samsung Social Hub

Offering one-stop shopping for all your updates, the Samsung Social Hub all your social networking services, messages, personal and business e-mail, calendars and contacts. It's built around Messaging and Contacts, both of which initiate the sending and receiving of information--whether it is e-mail, instant messaging, social network updates or SMS messages. Additionally, calendar information from portal calendars, such as Google Calendar, and social networking services are displayed together in one calendar with two-way synchronization.
The familiar text messaging experience is enhanced with group messaging and "reply all" functionality for up to 10 contacts, a threaded conversations format, a consolidated inbox, and enhanced multi-media display.

Key Features

• Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network
• Powered by the Android operating system (version 2.2) with deep integration of Google services, access to thousands of apps via the Android Market, and support for Adobe Flash 10.1.
• 7-inch touchscreen display (1024 x 600 pixels, 16 million color depth) with 6-axis motion sensor and accelerometer.
• 1 GHz Samsung Hummingbird processor speeds up everything--from playing games to watching shows to opening files from work.
• Virtual keyboard
• Swype input system allows you to input text faster and easier by gliding your finger around the keyboard, moving from letter to letter in one continuous motion. The Swype technology then calculates what word you're intending to type (learn more below).
• Samsung Social Hub provides one stop for all your updates integrates all your social networking services, messages, personal and business e-mail, calendars and contacts.
• 3-megapixel rear-facing camera with flash captures still images and video that that can be edited, uploaded, and shared.
• 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat

  The exceptional 7-inch screen is designed for reading books and magazines, watching movies, playing games, editing documents, and more (see larger image).

• Multi-format media player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC music files plus DivX, XviD, MPEG4, H.263, and H.264 video files.
• Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
• 3G Mobile Hotspot capability allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot using your Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO connection, which can then be shared among up to five Wi-Fi-capable devices. Just open the 3G Mobile Hotspot app in the Applications tray and turn on the service. (Note that 3G Mobile Hotspot sharing uses the device's regular data plan and does not require a Mobile Broadband Connect plan.)
• Next-generation Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity provides faster throughput while minimizing on power requirements. It's compatible with new Bluetooth 3.0-enabled devices as well as backward compatible with older Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as headsets and printers. It includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
• 2 GB internal memory
• Included 16 GB microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
• Blockbuster movie rentals and purchases
• DLNA capabilities via AllShare
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Widgets including AccuWeather Clock, Daily Briefing, news and weather.
• Support for personal and corporate e-mail
• Text and picture messaging with threaded conversation messaging

Vital Statistics


The Samsung Galaxy Tab weighs 13.58 ounces and measures 7.48 x 4.74 x 0.47 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 13 hours of battery life, and up to 500 hours (20+ days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.
What's in the Box
Samsung Galaxy Tab, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide

Verizon Wireless Services

• Reliable 3G Network: With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.)
• VZ Navigator Capable: With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps.
• VZW Backup Assistant: Automatically back up your mobile contacts to your online address book. If your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, or you decide to upgrade, easily restore your saved address book to your new phone. You can also add, delete, edit, and print your contacts online and send the changes to your mobile phone.

Pre-loaded Apps on the Samsung Galaxy Tab

• Kindle for Android: Pre-installed on the Galaxy Tab, the Kindle for Android application lets you shop for hundreds of thousands of books in the Kindle Store, including New York Times Best Sellers and new releases from $9.99. Use Amazon's Whispersync technology to automatically synchronize your last page read, bookmarks, annotations, and more across your various devices --- including Kindle, Kindle DX, PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry and Android phones.
• Slacker Radio: With millions of songs from thousands of artists, Slacker is the best way to discover new artists and hear your favorite music. Listening to Slacker is as easy as selecting one of over 120 DJ-programmed genre stations or searching for your favorite artist or song. As you listen, you can tell Slacker what you like and don't like with the click of a button. Get the ultimate in music discovery while you listen with detailed artist biographies, in-depth album reviews and more.
• ThinkFree Office Mobile: The award-winning ThinkFree Office is a Microsoft Office compatible application suite comprised of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation graphics software--all usable online and offline. You'll be able to view, edit, and create Office documents (compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint) as well as view PDF documents.
• Let's Golf (Gameloft): Discover a fun atmosphere making golf accessible to anyone with 63 holes in 4 environments in 3D and 4 characters to customize. 63 holes in 4 distinct locations remodelled in 3D: Fiji Beach, the American Mountains, the English Countryside, and Scottish Lochs. 4 cool and animated characters customizable with your own style. Each player has unique strengths and weaknesses.

Swype Keyboard

An alternative to the Android virtual keyboard, the Swype virtual keyboard (seen at the right) allows you to input text by swiping the finger with one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard. Based on testing, speed and accuracy are equal to or better than the traditional keyboard-tapping method. You can activate the Swype keyboard by pressing and holding in a text field, wait for popup to appear, click Input Method, and then select Swype.
In the image to the left, the word "quick" was generated from tracing the path shown above in a fraction of a second, by roughly aiming to pass through the letters of the word. A key advantage to Swype is that there is no need to be very accurate, enabling very rapid text entry.

Product Description

Do more while on the move with the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Experience PC-like Web browsing and enjoy all forms of multimedia content on the perfectly sized 7-inch display including Adobe Flash. Continuously communicate via e-mail, voice and video call with the dual cameras, and through social networks with the optimized user interface. Works with a Wi-Fi connection and the Verizon Wireless 3G network. First month activation is required.

Technical Details

• Android 2.2-powered mobile tablet with 7-inch touchscreen; monthly data plans plus 3G Mobile Hotspot connectivity for up to 5 devices
• Rear 3-MP camera for photos and video; front-facing 1.3-MP camera for video chats; 2 GB internal memory plus included 16 GB microSD card
• Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity; multi-format digital media player;
• Pre-loaded apps including Amazon Kindle, Blockbuster Mobile, Slacker Radio, and more
• Up to 13 hours of battery power from 4000 mAh battery; released in November, 2010