Although the Apple iPad may have started the tablet computer phenomena but other manufacturers are not taking it lying down. Perhaps one of the most anticipated computer tablets is the Samsung Galaxy Tab. So why is everyone so interested in this machine?
People have been trying to make tablet computers for a decade. The problem with many tablets before was that it ran with a desktop operating system, such as Windows. Windows requires lots of processing power and requires a sophisticated but power hungry X86 processor. These older tablets also weighed more than 4 pounds. Apple’s innovation was that, as the internet became the main reason for having a computer, you didn’t need the full operating system. All you needed was a slim, fast platform that could run a web browser and have limited support for apps. Thus the iPad is based on the same operating system as the iPhone. Like the iPad, the Galaxy Tab is based on a phone operating system. But it further refines the concept of what a tablet should be.
At 7 inches, the Galaxy tab is a bit shorter. Although most people want bigger in terms of screen, this can be a good thing. Although the iPad has a wonderful, vivid screen, the Galaxy Tab is much more portable. The device is also half the weight of the iPad. This lighter weight means that you can actually hold the Tab in one hand, unlike the iPad. Its battery life is comparable to the iPad, meaning that Samsung Galaxy Tab chargers need not be taken everywhere. The screen of is also made of something called Gorilla Glass, which is super strong. Samsung Galaxy Tab cases won’t be as important as they are with the iPad. Another great feature that the Galaxy Tab has that the iPad lacks is a camera. And not just one camera, but two. There is one facing the rear for taking photos and one facing the user for video conferencing. The processor in the Tab is actually very similar to the processor found in the iPad. The microprocessor design company that Apple bought based their core on the same one that Samsung’s Hummingbird processor is based on. So graphical performance is roughly comparable. But the Tab has 512 MB of ram, twice the iPad. Of course, on Android true multitasking is supported, so that extra memory is useful.
Samsung has removed all the stops for the Galaxy Tab. They are planning a full line of Samsung Galaxy Tab accessories to compliment it. In addition to the standard car dock, there will also be a keyboard dock and HDMI dock. Samsung is releasing it on every major carrier in the United States and quite a few other worldwide. They have called it their most researched product ever, and are expecting it to be a huge success.
It seems like Samsun’s Galaxy Tab can actually compete against the iPad. And in most ways it truly stomps the competition. Given the rate of Android innovation, this device could be a harbinger of great things to come.
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