Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 Review | Galaxy Tab Review

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab finally shows that Android powered tablets are ready to start competing with, and beat the iPad. It makes up for the absence of the top-down integration of Apple’s products by providing a feature-laden product that provides a lot of utility that the iPad cannot currently match.

Much like the iPad, the Galaxy Tab resembles a super-sized version of its parent company’s smartphones. It runs a version of the popular Android 2.2 operating system, and has the ability to run existing Android phone apps. Unlike many other Android based tablets, it can connect and download apps from the Android Marketplace. As the largest and most comprehensive source for apps, any Android device without this ability is seriously disadvantaged.

It is the freedom that comes with the open-source Android platform that really sets the Galaxy apart as a viable alternative to the iPad. Instead of tightly regimented control from Apple regarding all aspects of what the device can do, Android users are relatively free to do what they want. The Galaxy offers quite a few hardware advantages to take advantage of this freedom. There are front and rear-facing cameras to enable photo taking and video conferencing. It has a removable micro SD card slot to enable expanded storage capabilities. Finally, the Galaxy supports Adobe’s Flash protocol, which means many streaming-video sites not available to iPad users can be accessed on the Galaxy.

Adding to it’s freedom is the fact that users are not beholden to a single 3G carrier. All three major US cellular companies feature a version of the Galaxy. Unlike the iPad, which is at the mercy of AT&T. That being said, there is one glaring omission, and that is a WiFi only version for those who don’t need 3G connectivity and don’t want to pay higher costs or be beholden to a long-term contract. Right now users can expect to pay around $400 for the Galaxy with a two year contract, and around $600 with no commitment.

Samsung’s choice of a seven inch screen is also a double edged sword. On the positive side, it’s lighter and more compact. This makes one-handed use feasible, and reduces strain when holding the unit for long periods of time. Visually, it’s a fantastic screen, and is covered in a hardened proprietary glass from Corning. It is very difficult to put a scratch on. Conversely, the smaller screen means less space for viewing images and movies. It also means less viewing space is available when doing an input task such as typing.

There is also some doubt about Google’s willingness to extensively develop the Android operating system for tablets. Right now, there aren’t nearly as many apps optimized for tablets on the Android Marketplace as the massive amount available on Apple’s App Store. However, if Samsung and other manufacturers start making headway against Apple, it’s very likely that Google will make a harder push.

For people out there that are looking for a viable alternative to the iPad, and Apple, the Galaxy is the obvious choice. While it doesn’t enjoy the streamlined experience that is provided by Apple’s top down management of both software and hardware, the Galaxy is very promising in that it has more usable features than the iPad.

Fast 3G connectivity via T-Mobile's HSDPA/UMTS network. (1700/2100 MHz bands, UMTS/HSDPA; see more about T-Mobile's 3G service below)
Integrated GPS for navigation and location-based services
7-inch multi-touch interface (1024 x 600-pixel resolution)
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.
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
Multi-format media player compatible with MP3 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.
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.
Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.

Vital Statistics
The Samsung Galaxy Tab weighs 13.4 ounces and measures 7.48 x 4.74 x 0.47 inches. Its 4000 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of battery life. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as T-Mobile's 3G network (1700/2100 MHz).

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. Upgrade to Slacker Radio Plus for unlimited skips, ad-free listening, complete song lyrics and more for only $3.99/month. T-Mobile subscribers receive a 20% discount off of the regular $4.99/month price when Slacker Radio Plus is added to your T-Mobile bill.
Asphalt 5 HD (Gameloft): Get in, start up and punch it in the fastest cars ever created by some of the most prestigious manufacturers. Everything you've ever dreamed of doing behind the wheel is here in stunning HD graphics that put you right in the driver's seat. Take a ride in over 30 of the fastest, most prestigious cars you've ever dreamed of, from manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi and Ducati. Challenge yourself to 8 different racing events including Drift Contest, Cop Chase, Time Attack, Duel Mode, Last Man Standing and Escape

Swype Keyboard

An alternative to the Android virtual keyboard, the Swype virtual keyboard 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.

T-Mobile Services

See T-Mobile's coverage map.

T-Mobile Pay As You Go Prepaid Service

T-Mobile prepaid plans give you wireless access with less commitment, so you can pay as you go. With no annual contract, no credit check, and no monthly bill, prepaid plans are a simple, direct way to go mobile. There are many ways to conveniently refill your T-Mobile Prepaid Plan so that you can stay continually connected with the people who matter most, including via the T-Mobile Web site or using refill cards available at over 90,000 locations nationwide. You can choose from either a monthly postpaid plan (which includes convenient Wi-Fi Hotspot access) or prepaid plans that provide smaller set amounts of data usage.

Postpaid Plans		Prepaid Plans
$25	200 MB (10¢/MB overage)	$10	100 MB (7 days)
$40	5 GB (no overage)	$30	300 MB (30 days)
		$50	1 GB (30 days)

High-Speed Data Connectivity via T-Mobile's 3G Network

In addition to its quad-band GSM connectivity, this mobile device is also compatible with T-Mobile's UMTS/HSDPA 3G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. This mobile device is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the via T-Mobile's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and e-mail on the go.