Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Wow that is quite a result if true. When I saw the price I thought they would struggle to sell even a 100,000 in 5 months. Certainly was not expecting 600,000 in 1 month. We are bound to see loads of Android tablet specific apps coming along now.

Also shows that even though Steve Jobs can tell Apple fans what they can and cannot like or want he cannot tell the world what size tablet they want.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is an incredible achievement indeed. Samsung does not strike me as a dumb company. From the outset, their Tab introductory presentation focused on the research that they did to determine the devices characteristics. No doubt, that the device was thoroughly scrutinized before entering the market, and its performance in the market would prove to be predictable. Put another way, Samsung seems to have paid very close attention to detail, a trait that VERY few companies show these days, and one that Apple is famous for.

The Tab will be a hot seller. There was never any question in my mind.

So many companies seem to enter the market with idealistic visions for their devices (see the Dell Duo as a perfect example of this), and gimmicks that they think will sell people (trick people, more like). Then companies like Apple come along, and with an unmatched degree of care in the development process, set the bar for other devices. It's this attention to detail that separates the men from the boys, and something that more companies would be well advised to look into. Too many products are shipped with glaring flaws (eg. see the entirety of the PC notebook space). Apple seems to get this right time and time again, and Samsung largely has as well. They deserve their success.

I wouldn't be surprised if they sold 50% more than their target by the end of the year, due to the insane shopping season that is upon us.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I should just add that it's encouraging that the only complaints people have once using this device is that the browser scrolling lags with flash, the camera is just alright, and the cost (for some only).

I suspect Samsung caught the majority of the flaws before production began in earnest, and knew precisely how people would feel about the device upon launch.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I just got my first Tab advert in the mail! Exciting.

The deal? $489CAD on a two-year plan via Rogers. This isn't bad at all. However, AFAICT the lowest Rogers postpaid plan costs $30/mo for 512MB. Yuck.

Bell seems the far better deal

EDIT: I just did the math, and after 2 years, the bell plan comes out to $100 less than the Rogers plan with the in-mail promotion that I got. Not to mention that with the Bell plan, you're not locked in -- though you have to pay a $35 activation fee, so onsy-offsy isn't recommended.

Of course, Bell also offers pre-paid plans for $15/250MB, $35/5GB, which eclipses anything that Rogers seems to offer for the Tab.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

More good news! The Unreal Development kit is coming to Android!

http://androidandme.com/wp-content/u...opment-kit.jpg
http://androidandme.com/2010/11/game...ndroid-phones/

This can only mean one thing. Lots and lots of games!
Here's a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeyQ-PC_cwc

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's an interesting take on a virtual keyboard that comes with high acclaim: ThickButtons
http://androidandme.com/wp-content/u...uttons_540.jpg
http://androidandme.com/2010/11/appl...tual-keyboard/

Worth a try!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Sounds like a great idea. Although probably much less useful on the Tab since it seems the bigger screen means the buttons are perfectly sized.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is a good point. But perhaps it will improve accuracy even on a larger screen. It seems that the Tab in portrait is roughly as wide as my N810, and larger keys would be outstanding for more accurate typing.

I guess it's a wait and see.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Concerning cases, if you have spare money after buying the Tab, consider Noreve. It's really very well done and unobtrusive for the Tab's functions.
I also wish to thank the Captain for advicing Protector: really needed something like that for wife's Tab, which she lends to colleagues for www browsing - this way her gmail remains protected. I tried some weeks ago some similar applications but they were clearly inferior.

The thing with android (maybe with ios, too) seems to me: too many apps. You need word of mouth to select the good ones in a sea of crap.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's a full-screen grab of Need For Speed Shift on the Galaxy Tab:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSMcGzGWvCA

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Damn, the Wifi only model had to get delayed by Samsung again. I was looking forward to this release - but again I can wait a bit longer till next year. Only thing is by next year we will start seeing other mfrs bring newer models with updated specs I am sure.

Unless, Samsung updates the Wifi only Tab with better specs (like that Amoled Screen they keep talking about).

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

It is a drag, for those that were looking for a little WiFi action.

I can only take a drunken guess as to why this happened: I bet that the falling prices of the Tab would seriously conflict with a WiFi only device on the market. Perhaps Samsung is waiting to find the proper price point. A WiFi Tab makes little sense and may actually hurt the brand if it's released for the same price or more than the 3G Tab.

Another guess is this: the Tab is marketed about mobility. A WiFi version seriously conflicts with that idea and presents a very challenging marketing problem.

If you're willing to wait, there are TONS of devices coming out that may be more attractive than the Tab for you specifically. I have my doubts that manufacturers will be able to strike the same 'quality' chord that Sammy has with the Tab, but it doesn't hurt to have a larger selection!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Thanks for the case recommendation, and in regards to the 'thanks': any time, my friend.

I agree that with thousands of apps, finding quality would be daunting at best. Here's hoping that a premium market opens up (by somebody) that better distills the quality from the crap. Perhaps Amazon's Android store will do well with this, as their current store works quite well in this regard if you know what category you're looking for.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I don't what Steve Jobs is saying about how 7 inches are tweener devices. First of all name me another device on that planet that is 9.7inches? The iPad is a tweener device too big to fit in a pocket too small to be a powerful laptop. He says 7inches doesn't fit in your pocket even though it does! 7 inches does fit in your pocket, it just takes up the entire length of your pocket so it doesn't fit as easy as 4-5inches would but it still fits in your pocket. (I tested with a device that is practically the same size as a Galaxy Tab, I used an Amazon Kindle)

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Exactly... I couldn't agree more. It's weird that he even made the announcement as if it wasn't a concern, it could have been ignored. The entire thing wreaked of fear, or a way to control the market by injecting it with doubt.

Don't get me wrong, a 10" seems like a really great size, but it's not portable in the same way. It almost demands that you're seated during usage because it's not easily held in one hand.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Remember the Sony Liveview? JKKmobile has an preview video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwSQCV6C1YE
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/file...one-remote.jpg

It seems like a nifty device, but I would have absolutely loved it if it had 3 things:
1) A mic
2) A small speaker (think BT handset)
3) A 3.5mm port for headphones.

Though it seems cool as a remote, I'm not sure I'd go through the hassle for the slight convenience of not needing to take out my device to control it, especially on that tiny, BT connected screen.

I'll pass.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's an interesting browser called Skyfire running on a 10" Viewsonic tablet (android):
http://images.androidcentral.com/sit...kyfire-3.0.PNG
http://www.androidcentral.com/skyfir...oid-3-hands-on

1) The rendering is BLAZING fast. I'm loving the optimized rendering using the browser
2) Scrolling is quite good, though choppy when the page is loading
3) The interface is quite nice.
4) Flash playback works very well.
5) It scrolls REALLY well with flash on the page -- unlike the stock browser

Looks very interesting as a browser alternative! It's time for Google to step its game up.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I don't think it will be a big problem. While some will use the Tab (or other tablets) as portables on the road, I think most will use them around the home/office. I think there is a significant group that won't want to pay for another data plan, and would rather buy a cheaper (wifi only) version. If you need data on the go, you can always tether to your phone.

Here's how I would market it (with a couple of the right apps):

You come in the door of your home, take out your android phone, tap a shortcut on the screen, then plug it in by the door. You walk into the living room and grab your Tab (or other tablet). Obviously, your email and contacts are in sync. But, while walking to the living room, your tab connected via bluetooth to act as a speakerphone/handset for your phone by the door. That interesting web article you were reading on your phone is open on the Tab. You finish that, and switch over to the ebook you were reading at lunch (or tech manual at work). The Tab opens up to the same spot you were on your phone. That new high score you got on your favorite game? It's right there on the Tab.

In the morning, you eat and read some sports news, not finished, you hit that same shortcut on the Tab homescreen, put it down, grab your phone and head out the door. In the train/cab/bus/etc you pull out your phone, and finish reading the news from where you stopped at breakfast.

In short your wifi-only Tab become an extension of your phone. One app to sync certain information to make a seemless transition from one to the other. Of course, this would work equally well on a 3G Tab.

That would make a nice little TV commercial, and I think a lot of people would love it. Of course, you still have to work out the price points. Make it an included Samsung app on their android phones and the Tab, and perhaps get multiple sales to the same person. At least until someone copies it or does it better.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN5W7oHlV0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB7AvNRxpXo
The Galaxy Tab seems to have a great screen and a great graphics chip on board. The games for this thing don't look bad especially compared to my PSP.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Dave From Geekanoids finds the experience of the Samsung Galaxy Tab to be wonderful and really well done despite the fact that he is himself a Apple fanboy (he said himslef that he is one)
First turn on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yasplktfEP0
Typing and Emailing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69eyqEOrhe4
Internet Browsing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk9TegcyBFM
Gaming http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB7AvNRxpXo
Camera http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPIcboXX_OQ
He does a very good and thorough review and is in fact having a hard time choosing between an iPad and Galaxy Tab

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is why I believe that attention to detail > specs. The Tab is raved about by anyone that actually uses it and not in an Apple distortion field.

It seems like a very good all around device, that you don't have to compromise for.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

More games come to Android! OpenFeint has released 8 more titles for Android:
http://an.droid-life.com/wp-content/...inoflogo_0.png
http://an.droid-life.com/2010/11/23/...rowth-numbers/

Here's the list:

• Jet Car Stunts
• Frogger
• Bomberman Dojo
• Must. Eat. Birds
• Solipskier
• aTilt 3D Labyrinth
• Word Mix
• Kilgamore Castle

Aparently, they have sold a whopping 8 million games, and are porting some 300 titles to the platform :eek:

Android gaming is here to stay. By the way: OpenFeint games work very well on the Tab ;)

Here's the Jet Car Stunts game on the iPhone. It looks fun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD3HezVwWIo

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

It seems that Acer just announced their 10" and 7" tablets. It seems that the release is April of next year. If other manufacturers follow the same schedule you can expect that tablets are going to be taking off sometime around the summer.

Interestingly they have at least one Win7 option, which should be good for loading Ubuntu or for 'real' productivity.

To keep this Tab related: The largest competitor will be the coming iPad refresh for some time. I suspect the Tab successor will be released in the fall -- with the reputed dual-core Orion, it may prove to be the tablet to beat.

Those that are willing to wait, strap yourselves in. You're going to be waiting for a while.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's a really neat howto on adding custom screen transitions to a ROM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=814072
http://www.droiddog.com/android-blog...ions-to-a-rom/

Here's a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d39RmIiO-w

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

And possible super-amoled screen.:)

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Drooool. A 7" SAMOLED would be a sight to see!

I'm also hoping that v2.3/v3.0 further extend battery life on these devices. I'd love to get 8-10hours of hard-core video usage on this device. That would make me ok with a non-replaceable battery.

I'll likely buy the next version that can handle desktop apps (eg. ubuntu running in Android), and if it is the Tab2 for next year, so be it.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Lots of great info in this thread thanks Capt'n, I lurk here regularly as a result. It's worthy of a dedicated Tab site or blog imo.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Thanks Andy! I just use this thread to kill time until I get my Tab, but I'm glad that others find it interesting/informative. I've honestly been wanting a 3G ultimate-convergence device for a LONG time. I *tried* to talk myself into getting a smartphone (first the N900, then the Galaxy S), but I couldn't see myself using it for long periods (the N810 that I own is tough enough already) and figured that I would eventually go back to the laptop. I'm too cheap to just throw $500 into just anything. When I heard that tablets were coming out, I knew it was time to dive in.

I'm rarely out and about, so a small smartphone screen around the home isn't terribly attractive. I have a laptop, but even that's not comfortable to use in a variety of lounging situations (eg. in bed or on the couch), as typing becomes very difficult unless sitting upright. But a tablet is perfect.

I still like to be connected when I'm out, which is something that I've been missing with my N810. This is where the 3G is a very positive feature. I suspect that people that already *have* smartphones will be less excited about this feature, but I suspect having to tether, charge and carry two devices can't be all that much fun. It's funny, but I've learned that it's the little inconveniences that can add up to make a poor user experience.

For example, I have a laptop which works well enough, but the battery life is so terrible, and the thing is so heavy that that it kills the user experience. I wish manufacturers really paid attention to the little touches and actually used their products at length before throwing them out into the market. Apple seems to do this, and Samsung seems to as well. Their devices are polished and a pleasure to use, rather than devices that you have to compromise to use at every turn.

Plus, I'm very impressed with the growth and design decisions that have gone into Android. There are plenty of applications, it runs well, and shows little signs of going obsolete. Plus, it's open, which is a nice touch, and has attracted quite a large hacking community. This is the reason I could never buy an Apple product. For as slick as their interface is, it's designed as a platform to keep you buying and once its time is up, it's quickly forgotten. In my experience, open systems tend to have longer lives.

The Tab is the best example of a convergence device to date (IMO) and it's executed very, very well. It combines so many devices into one that it's almost a steal at the price its being offered for. Sure it isn't the best in many things, but from the reviews it performs its tasks so well, as to provide a polished and fun user experience. Plus, I appreciate the high quality componentry that has gone into the unit. The touch-panel is very high quality, as is the screen, the build, the SoC, and the battery. This is well worth the extra money.

I'm really interested in other devices as well. I'd like to see what a MeeGo tablet looks like, and what Apple will continue to bring into this space. But it will be extremely hard (from my perspective anyhow) to beat what the Tab offers such a solid balance of design, features, and potential.

Forgive the sloppy writing. I'm actually going through a tough time in my relationship, so my emotions are all over the place. :p

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/23/a...480-screen-re/

Just another phone/tablet for people to keep in mind

4.8", 1024*480

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Woah! This is crazy! It seems that this guy is playing the old Arcade classic Virtua Cop on the Tab, using a Galaxy S as the light gun...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW2DiiSRyHw

Is this fake? I don't think that there's a Saturn emulator for Android, and I've not heard of Virtua Cop for PSX, or native Android.

It's probably fake!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I do enjoy watching the Tab play PSX games. There are so many old classics that are frankly amazing games that are available for modern mobile devices. Thankfully, they run well on the Tab.

This video of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (afaict) doesn't show a lot, but I thought I would post it anyway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvFvz6PpDL0

There are some great older titles for PSX that are worth playing over some newer modern games.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's an interesting picture of launch day for the Tab in Indonesia:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIzkWSRQF-...asaSenayan.jpg

Wowzah. That's quite a good launch over there.

Apparently, the Tab is sold out across Canada. I'm going to have to wait to get it, just when my finances are starting to look up!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Hope that does not mean you will stop providing us with all this great information when you get your Tab.:(

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I should hope not! I'd love to do some videos of cool stuff that I'm doing on the Tab, especially since the videos online can be somewhat lacking in this regard. :)

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is an EXCELLENT read about what Android *is*, from a Googler's mouth, Tim Bray:
http://www.tbray.org/ongoing/When/20...hat-Android-Is

This should help people understand plainly what Android is and isn't so we can stop fretting and get back to developing and enjoying our various devices.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

For those that don't remember, Tim Bray also was skeptical about the Tab and after some serious use, gave it a glowing review. You can read it here:
http://www.tbray.org/ongoing/When/20...b-in-my-Pocket

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

For those that like watching official 'how to' videos, your ship has arrived! Samsung product support has released a TON of videos on how to perform common tasks with the Tab:
http://www.youtube.com/user/samsungspstv#p/u

Nice for novice individuals, but perhaps this is the wrong crowd....

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I'm tired of all the Apple fanboys giving the Galaxy Tab an improper review. Mobile Tech review does a much better job of reviewing the Galaxy Tab and doesn't just spend her whole time comparing it to another product. In general mobile tech review is a lot less biased than other reviewers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08iBWAgjEvk
She does compare it to Archos, Dell, or Viewsonic device and says experience is a lot better.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

It's true. The fact is that these devices are quite different in their user interaction; so much so that the user base is rather polarized -- and it really shows in articles, comments, and often reviews. Apple users seem to like the simplicity and presentation of the iPad. Android users seem to like the freedom of configuration options for the Tab.

But both devices offer a solid user experience and should be a joy to use. I'm glad that there are reviewers out there that are less partial to playing sides, and give an honest account of their experiences for better or worse without constant comparisons to other devices; after all, conceptually something may work very well on one platform, but not fit quite right into another.

Having owned an iPod touch (my GFs, actually), I can attest to the Apple charm, and can see why people like it and champion it. But moments after the novelty of smooth scrolling windows, and slick interfaces wears off (which is really quick in my experience) you get bored, and the only way to sate that boredom is to buy apps. Not to mention that my iPod is already obsolete after 2 years meaning it has no official support meaning I'd have to buy a new device and new apps to continue enjoying the 'Apple Experience.'

I cannot speak for Android, as I've never used it at any great length. But I do like what little I've used, seen, researched, and read. The platform represents longevity and freedom without sacrifice in usability and experience. This works for me.

As you can see, I'm certainly on one side of the fence, though I don't subscribe to anti-Apple extremisms. Competition remains one of the driving forces of innovation, and it's good to have multiple competitors in this space, without which we certainly wouldn't be as far along as we are!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I just found out that the reason Skyfire 3.0 loads pages so rapidly is that it uses the Opera mini method of server resource-consolidation prior to transfer. In other words, far fewer files are transferred from the server and so the page loads much faster.
http://pocketnow.com/software-1/new-...cks-more-proof

I'm on the fence about this. If it does indeed lower bandwidth, and increases speed, and above all works well, then why not use this feature for public data. Of course, ssl encrypted data would be out of the question for this method of optimization.

I think I'd stick with the stock browser IFF it improved scrolling with flash objects and improved general performance. Other than that, I'd be willing to give Opera Mobile and Skyfire 3.0 a go, as they seem to offer quite a solid user experience.