I purchased my Samsung Galaxy Tab in an aim to replace my old Nokia E71, because I learned that Galaxy Tab GT P1000 is a Tablet+Phone gadget. So here is my review as well as my recommendation before buying this Tablet and an answer if I fulfill my purpose.
Speed and Internet Usability
The tablet is good for internet browsing specially if users want mobility. It can be use in any part of the house and can be use to reply to e-mail immediately. It could also be used for Facebook chatting though eBuddy, a program that could be downloaded from the Aptoide. One of the advantage of Galaxy Tab vs iPad is the ability to view adobe flash enabled site.
Applications and Downloads
The official Android market is blocked in Saudi Arabia, so the workaround is to get the application through Aptoide, Slide ME, Samsung Apps, GetJar Apps and other site where user could directly download the APK downloadable files ( File extension for Android Apps ).
Sound System
Sound is great and is loud enough for users in the room to hear. The sound could easily be controlled. It could also be used as sound system while working in the office. Sound is better than small mobile phones when it comes to sound system.
As a Mobile Phone
I do not suggest Galaxy Tab to be used as mobile phone. Due to the following reasons :
- I feel inconvenient to use the cabled headset
- Charging the Bluetooth headset give inconvenience.
- I don’t feel comfortable using the speaker phone.
The above mentioned reason lead me to use the tab as Tablet and not as a mobile phone.
As an E-Book Reader
It is perfect , the size the speed, the reading view option is perfect. Way way better than using my iPod to read a document.
As a Camera
Another great feature from the Tab, the picture is really clear but I think they missed to include the zoom option in the standard camera program that was built in with the tab. So another program needs to be downloaded to get the zooming feature.
As a Blogging Tool
The tab is not convenient for making a lengthy blog post since, it is hard to type through the built-in keyboard. I don’t know for those user with small fingers. But for me it does not really work. It is good to be used for research, since there are lots of apps that could be used. It is good for making short post with picture since users can immediately put pictures in the post with the help of WordPress Apps for Android,.
As a Calendar
Calendar could be easily synchronized to Google Calendar. Perfect for Google Calendar heavy users.
As A Data storage
I love it, My Dropbox is synchronized to my Tab. I will just download files that I want to be read in tab. I could also load PDF files where I could read from anywhere.
As an Office Tools
It works fine for me, the built-in ThinkFree Office Android Apps could read files made from Microsoft Office. In apple users need to pay for this kind of files. Interface for MEMO is also great. I am still having an issue for printing to my HP wireless printer and I need to resolve this soon. I am still in search for a descent program that could be used as an MP3 recorder. I have some free trial version where it could only record for 2 minutes.
Games and Application
There are also lots of games that can be seen through android, like Free full version Angry Bird and Slice. There are some games which is a paid application in apple that could be downloaded in the Android for free. But I must admit there are more application ready for download to apple products.
Size and Mobility
Perfect , when users is always on the go, it fits to the pocket at jeans back.
3G Service
The tablet is 3g enabled. A 3 G SIM card is needed to use this feature. I use STC broadband SIM card.
Battery Life
It could be used for the day. For me it is not really an issue since I am always at the office or home. So I am just connecting my tab to the power supply when it goes down. But I have tried to use the tab for 8 hours without any problem. Be careful when the battery reaches to 15% camera will not be enabled. There are ways to decrease the usage of battery which are readily available in the net. Just google it.
Movie player & Internet TV
It gives good view for movies, specially the size. it better compared viewing with iPod. There are also application where users could download US and UK free TV.
Conclusion
An Andorid phone is a perfect companion to those who uses Google products heavily. My aim to replace my mobile phone was not met, since I am not convenient is using Galaxy Tab as a phone. My Internet usage for Nokia E71 nows turns to 0% , since I am using the tab for mobile internet browsing. If you like the tablet for mobility purpose it is definitely better than iPad, but if you don’t mind carrying a bigger version you can opt to iPad. There are lots of new tablet that will come, Motorola Xoom, iPad 2 and others. If you are not in a hurry better to wait.