Samsung releases iPad competitor.

[DeadLocked]

Samsung has become the latest challenger to enter the tablet computer battle, unveiling its Galaxy Tab at the IFA conference in Berlin.

The device connects via 3G, wi-fi or Bluetooth

The device will run on Google's Android operating system, with a capacity of 16 or 32Gb, expandable by 32Gb more.
It weighs 380g (14oz), and has an 18cm (7in) screen - smaller and lighter than its principal rival the iPad.
Vodafone has announced that it will distribute the device in European markets including the UK in October.
The tablet can connect via 3G networks, as well as wi-fi and Bluetooth.
It will employ Samsung's "Reader's Hub" for e-books and the "Media Hub" for music and videos. It supports Flash video and will be able to stream content to a TV.
Samsung called it "the first of the company's tablet devices", suggesting further models will be forthcoming.
"Samsung recognises the tremendous growth potential in this newly-created market and we believe that the Samsung Galaxy Tab brings a unique and open proposition to market," said Samsung's head of mobile communications JK Shin.
"There is a new and emerging consumer demand that Samsung can satisfy since mobile is in our DNA."
Vodafone's Patrick Chomet said that the firm is "pleased to be introducing" the Galaxy Tab.
"Adding tablets as part of our device range is a natural next step that gives customers an alternative way to enjoy great content and internet services," he said.
Technology analysts CCS Insight said that Samsung had joined the tablet melee with an "attractive device and strong service offer", calling the 7-inch size an "appealing form factor".
However they note that in a market with an increasing number of tablet competitors, pricing will become the crucial issue.

QUOTE

Analysis

Rory Cellan-Jones
Technology correspondent, BBC News
At first sight, Samsung's Galaxy Tab looks to have more to it than the iPad.

Samsung says its research shows people want this device to be useable on the move and they need to be able to communicate with it.

So the Tab can make calls - and video calls, as well as all the video, music and book content that you get on an iPad.

You'll be able to access millions of books, plus newspapers and magazines - Samsung even says that "we expect the Tab to play an important role in the digitalization of printed material".

Source.

Seems like a pretty nice alternative considering it's Android, so it should offer you more freedom than the iOS.
Looks like the market is headed in the way of tablets now as actual netbook alternatives. May pick one up sometime

I'm still waiting for them to remove that fugly black border around the screen though.

 

[Elritha]

Oooh, now this looks interesting. I wonder if it runs Android 2.2 and supports flash. I'm going to wait until they drop in price more before I consider getting any kind of tablet.

 

[Hadrian]

Shame its Samsung, never liked their mobile stuff.

 

[Bladexdsl]

fuck that's nice if it doesn't have dead pixel and overheating problems and needs to be charged every hour i might get one!

 

[Overlord Nadrian]

Shame its Samsung, never liked their mobile stuff.

Their computers are good.

Phones are utter shit though.

 

[Satangel]

Oooh, now this looks interesting. I wonder if it runs Android 2.2 and supports flash. I'm going to wait until they drop in price more before I consider getting any kind of tablet.

It runs Android 2.2 Froyo. It also has a USB port, really handy!
Wonder how expensive it's going to be though....

 

[Scott-105]

I might get this, if it's not too expensive...

 

[Inunah]

Does it support the Robot Unicorn Attack iPod Touch / iPhone / iPad app?

 

[pitman]

Shame its Samsung, never liked their mobile stuff.

Agreed, every samsung electronic I ever owned had something wrong with it.

 

[alidsl]

Does it support the Robot Unicorn Attack iPod Touch / iPhone / iPad app?

no it doesn't

 

[_Chaz_]

Thing looks DAMN sexy. It could be a bit wider though.

 

[Slyakin]

What I really hate is how all the new tablets are being compared to the iPad.

Everything is being compared to Apple products, as if they have some supernatural universal standard.

Tablet? Nope, not as good as the iPad.

Phone? Nope, not as good as the iPhone.

MP3? Not as good as the iPod.

PC? Hah. They can't compare to Macs...

AUGH, why won't it stop?! The stupid thing is how companies even come out and say "This the new iPad/iPhone/iPiece of shit.

 

[DeadLocked]

What I really hate is how all the new tablets are being compared to the iPad.

Everything is being compared to Apple products, as if they have some supernatural universal standard.

Tablet? Nope, not as good as the iPad.

Phone? Nope, not as good as the iPhone.

MP3? Not as good as the iPod.

PC? Hah. They can't compare to Macs...

AUGH, why won't it stop?! The stupid thing is how companies even come out and say "This the new iPad/iPhone/iPiece of shit.

I say that any tablet that can run a 'real' OS like windows, linux or OSX beats the iPad or any tablet that runs android or mobile OSes
because while I would primarily use it as a multimedia and communication device it would be nice to be connected to the my main PC and to be able to run fully fledged programs like MS office if the need is there.

IMO.
IMO apple aren't targetting people who want the most powerful products, but sleek and 'polished'.

 

[alidsl]

so literally a touchscreen laptop?

 

[Cermage]

competitors have been running around since a bit after ipad was annnounced. Hanvon released a line of full fledged win7 touchpads

 

[DeadLocked]

so literally a touchscreen laptop?

Yes.
To me this samsung looks no better than the chinese clones of the iPad such as Apad and iPed, the only thing I would favour this on is it's made by samsung, a name I can trust not some out of the blue company.
In fact if Apad or iPed were made by samsung and named something a little less 'knock-offy' I would go for that over this any day.