How much would spend on a tablet device? At a price tag of £679.99 the Galaxy Tab is hardly anything one would call budget friendly, but it certainly is a much better investment than the Apple iPad touch screen tablet.
The tablet industry is still small, in fact, without considering devices that are basically tablet computers, there are only two touch screen tablets available on the market: the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the much earlier released Apple iPad. In both cases, the devices have massive screens and custom user interfaces and operating systems. Though one makes use of the closed Apple iOS and the other is the open source Google Android.
There is no doubt that while the Apple is far more famous, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab is far more functional. Right off the bat, the Galaxy Tab is more portable than the iPad. While it may seem that the iPad’s large 9.7 inch touch screen display is an advantage over the Galaxy Tab, it is the opposite that is true.
The fact is that portable devices can only go so far with the screen. The Galaxy Tab emulates the size of a small paperback novel while the iPad seems more like a really thin almanac. eBook reading experiences aside, the fact is that portability is related to size.
Apps are a major factor when it comes to comparing the Apple iOS with the Google Android. As reported previously, the Android market is slowly growing, passing each benchmark count quickly in the past few weeks. The Apple iTunes store on the other hand, has a vast library of two years worth of apps and features. While the Android offers more practical tools and more free apps, the big value packs are more often in the iTunes store than anywhere else.
The bottom line here is that we would still recommend the Galaxy Tab over the iPad at any time. While Apple’s gadget is more famous, Samsung’s custom tablet is certainly a lot more functional and reliable.
Posts Tagged ‘Apple-iPad’
Samsung Galaxy Tab Price Tag: Budget Black Hole
Monday, September 6th, 2010Samsung’s Tablet Device Set to Change the Mobile Industry
Friday, June 18th, 2010
It was only a while ago that Dell launched the Streak –a smart phone that practically pushed the limits of what size was acceptable for a modern day mobile handset. With the trend over the past few years moving towards smaller and lighter mobile phones, companies have been threading the fine line between having a small handset and retaining a big touch screen display.
The past few weeks have seen success and acceptance for the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10, Samsung Galaxy S and several other handsets that have 4 inch touch screen displays. Bigger screens are indeed welcome –even at the cost of having a wider and taller mobile phone. The Dell Streak could already be called a non-conformist design, with the 5 inch touch screen display, but everyone still loved it.
Now, the possibility of a massive 7 inch screen has just been announced, and considering what Samsung has shown in their little teasers, the Galaxy Tape is definitely a mobile handset to look out for.
In many cases, calling the Tape a handset can be considered misleading as the most appropriate term for the device would be to call it as a tablet. With a large screen display, there is no doubt that the Tape has been designed to compete straight on with the Apple iPad.
Some fans might point out that the iPad’s screen is significantly larger at 9.7 inches. But that basic TFT display cannot hold a candle to the super AMOLED touch screen technology that the Galaxy Tape will bring to the table (the resolution will be 1024 x 600 pixels). Add in the planned 1.2 GHz CPU a front facing camera for video chat and the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system and you have the best possible combination for a touch screen tablet ever made.
And it handles voice calls too.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab: Weird Tablet or Oversized Smart Phone
Monday, June 7th, 2010
While the Apple iPad and the Apple iPhone represent two very different and separate devices –one is a media access tablet device and the other is a smart phone, Samsung’s recently leaked tablet device is something that borders beyond the hybrid idea of bringing mobile phone technology for a large sized tablet.
In fact, if we are just looking for hybrid devices, then the Dell Streak is a good fit. The device is a functional smart phone and still qualifies for a mini tablet thanks to its 5 inch touch screen. The Samsung Galaxy Tab however, is a completely different story. According to reports, the new tablet device from Samsung has a massive 7 inch screen –about 2.7 inches smaller than the iPad. At that size, this tablet device is definitely beyond the typical smart phone range.
At the same time however, it does a couple of things that the iPad cannot. First off, as a Google Android device (it is a Samsung Galaxy after all) it will be able to play Flash content. Second –and more importantly, the Galaxy Tab can make and receive phone calls.
Yep, the Galaxy Tab is indeed an oversized smart phone device and not a just a tablet as one might assume. Of course, there is the logical question –would you be putting the device up to your ear just to make a phone call? Experts believe that making calls on the Galaxy Tab will require the use of a Bluetooth headset or a similar accessory as it would be uncomfortable to bring the whole device up to hear the person you are talking too. Also, the device features a front facing camera –which means that it is possible that video chat options will also be available.
In any case, it looks like Samsung just might be the first manufacturer to bring the Android operating system to such as large screen.
Smokescreen Makes Flash Magic Happen on the iPhone
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
Since Apple slammed the door on Adobe, Flash fans all over the globe thought that it would be impossible to see anything remotely related to Flash on their iPhones. If you are one of them, you would be glad to know that a workaround has been found by a developer named Chris Smoak.
The solution is called “Smokescreen” and even though it is just in its preview release, it is able to play Flash content, specifically banners, on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
Just how does the 175 KB Smokescreen work its magic on the trio of Apple devices? It apparently translates the SWF code to Javascript and HTML5 as a substitute for the required Flash plug in. Simon Willison describes the process on his blog:
“It runs entirely in the browser, reads in SWF binaries, unzips them (in native JS), extracts images and embedded audio and turns them in to base64 encoded data:uris, then stitches the vector graphics back together as animated SVG.”
The JavaScript written technology is set to be open sourced and available for anyone who wants to give it a go. Thing is, it is still unable to match (meaning it is really, really slow) a proper Flash plug in when used for code heavy SWFs such as games and embedded Flash videos. At this point, it is only efficient in running simple animation because it even runs multi layered Flash banners in turtle speed.
Though it still has a long way to go, the important thing is that it has potential. Perhaps, it being open sourced and all, a few more talents can tweak and refine the technology to make Flash magic really happen on Apple devices. This may just be the shining ray of light a lot of Adobe Apple fans are waiting for.
Asus’ Eee Tablet Pegged Wrongly as iPad Rip-off
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
It seems that some folks have mistaken the new ASUS Eee Pad as a spoof of Apple’s iPad. The fact of the matter is that Asus’ Eee series of devices has been around for quite some time. The series has recently met a lot of success as the Eee PC net books found plenty of great reviews from people who tried out the new mini laptop that supposedly has a very long battery life.
To the delight of Asus’ customers, the batteries performed up to par, and the little 10 inch laptops easily made its mark in the industry. The Eee Pad is nothing like the iPad. In fact, aside from the fact that both gadgets can be called tablets, they really have nothing else in common. Apple’s touch screen tablet runs the iPhone operating system, and as such, serves more of a multimedia purpose than an actual computing device. The Eee Pad on the other hand, is running the Windows 7 Home Premium desktop software.
Asus’ Eee Pad is slightly larger than expected at the size of 12 inches, but the tradeoff is pretty obvious; for the slightly larger screen, the resolution looks better and it really feels like a mini monitor. In fact, Asus has a whole line of accessories that practically transforms the Eee Pad EP121 into an instant desktop computer complete with keyboard and slots. The only missing accessory from the pack is a mouse which really is not needed as the tablet itself is already a touch screen device.
Of course, since the EP121 is a tablet PC, it is a niche device. Those with existing netbooks and desktop computers have little need of this device; though some folks who live in tight space might appreciate that the EP121 is a desktop kit that you can fold up and store in a small shelf.
Apple iPad Available on Retail
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
The line at Regent leading all the way up to the Apple store was pretty long and such was the case for many other stores all over the UK. The international launch of the iPad has finally arrived and from the looks of things, Apple is doing well.
Right now, it is still hard to pin down the final figures as the actual sales statistics have yet to be revealed, though it would not be surprising if the iPad has managed to hit about two hundred thousand over the weekend in the UK alone. Vodafone’s re-launch of the Apple iPhone last January has already hit the 100k mark in the first week of sales, and that is after two years of the original release date.
Of course, there is much more to the sales of Apples touch screen tablet. More than just a popular brand, people are flocking to Apple stores nationwide in for the accessibility and ease of use of the Apple iPad touch screen tablet.
The genius behind the design of the tablet is the fact that it uses touch input –a form of user control that is far more intuitive and natural to use than a keyboard and mouse combination. In fact, if it were not for the limitations of technology, it actually makes more sense that touch screens would have been the first things to be invented over the keyboard, mouse and other input devices.
Lack of Flash is still a major issue –and is still a good source of a few laughs in store when surprised shoppers realize that they cannot attend to their virtual farms using the Apple iPad. Of course, there are also a few who are mistaken into thinking that the iPad is actually a mini-computer, when the device is simply made for viewing content and not actually developing or creating something.
Acer: Showing the Love for Android Devices
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
Acer has got two different Android devices heading our way and from the looks of it, they are not just trying to outdo Apple’s iPad and the iPhone; they actually have a good line of products that just might succeed at that attempt.
Acer will be once again use the Android operating system. Considered to be the iPhone OS’ biggest rival in the industry, the Android provides all of the features that the iPhone has and then some. While Apple’s OS fails to support Flash, multitasking and a whole host of many important features, the Android excels in being able to run almost anything, anytime.
Anyway, the first device from Acer is none other than the Liquid Stream. While the name suggests that this gadget is the successor to the Liquid A1 smart phone, the Stream is pretty much a device on its own, with its impressive 3.7 inch touch screen, 1 GHz CPU and of course, the Android OS (it will come packed with 1.6 Donut, but will have an update to version 2.2 Froyo to come soon).
Acer also announced that it has a tablet device on its way. Judging from what we have seen from images, the new 7 inch dedicated touch screen tablet will make not only browsing easy, but will also let you work on small documents and long emails thanks to a full QWERTY keyboard attached to the device. No word yet from Acer if the tablet’s keyboard will be a ‘slide out’ or removable part. But the keyboard will certainly get in the way if it stays on the bottom of the tablet.
Still, there are plenty of expectations for Acer’s upcoming tablet. Slated to be running the latest Android OS and compatible with the upcoming 2.2 Froyo, the new Acer device just might be the iPad rival the world has been waiting for.
Apple Surprises Pre-Order Customers with Good News
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
There has been plenty of disappointment for folks who pre-ordered the Apple iPad. According to previous reports, the device might not be shipped until much later –as in later this coming June 7, which is a full 2 weeks later than the expected May 28 release date.
Well, as it turns out, Apple had only been ‘managing customer expectations’. According to several iPad pre-order customers, they have already received their touch screen tablet device –in fact, some of the very first announcements were made over twitter and using the iPad itself.
This little piece of news is a great sigh of relief for the hundreds of UK residents who have opted to shell out money early for the Apple iPad as opposed to having to joining up the long queues at the Apple stores. While the device will also be available from major retailer Curry’s and PC World, there is no assurance that actually lining up for the iPad would ensure a customer of a device.
As expected, many of the new iPad owners are already seeing the benefits of having a tablet around the house. No more need to stay in front of the computer just to check the internet for minor bits of information, the iPad is an instant access, pick up and go gadget.
Of course, many users are peeved at the fact that Flash content is not supported. While this little problem is not much of an issue with the iPhone which delivers mobile browsing, this is a big snag for the iPad which emulates browsing in a desktop environment. On the large 1024 x 768 screen, it is easy to feel that one is in front of a computer, and the fact that Flash websites and Flash content is not accessible can prove to be quite annoying.
Why the iPad Needs Flash
Friday, May 28th, 2010
As most of you may have already heard, Google showed off the new Android tablet at the Web 2.0 Expo held a couple of weeks ago. While Google has yet to formally announce the device nor even set a date for a possible launch date, the presence of the Android tablet shows that Apple iPad is simply impressive for being the first of its kind –but in terms of actual innovative features, it lags behind its upcoming competition.
The main difference in between the two devices is that Apple’s iPad touch screen tablet lacks Flash. Now, this may not seem like a big deal –even compared to the fact that it also does not have multitasking, but for a device that has been designed specifically for accessing the internet, the lack of Flash is serious drawback.
Steve Jobs has defended Apple’s stance by stating that HTML5 is the new media for the internet and that Flash is old, unstable and obsolete. Since the release of that statement, Adobe and many Flash developers have gone on to show that Flash works well in even on mobile phones and that touch screen controls map well to Flash websites.
It is true that Flash is turning obsolete. In a few more years, more and more websites will be adopting HTML5. But as for purchasing the Apple iPad, a few more years is not exactly a good determining factor.
Simply put, the iPad is a device of today, once it launches this coming Friday, will be using it to access the internet immediately. No one is planning to keep the iPad sealed in the box until the day that Flash content is no longer used and this is the weakness of the iPad.
For now, the issue is not really felt since Apple’s tablet is the only device in the market. But once Google’s device launches –and offers support for both Flash and HTML5, people will easily see what the better choice is.
O2 Confirms Dell Streak for June
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
It may seem a little early, but the Dell Streak is already heading to the UK thanks to O2. The mobile network operator has gotten first dibs on Dell’s upcoming half-phone half-tablet gadget and we are all very excited to actually being able to test the large 5 inch screen on the Android handset.
Of course, the fact that it actually makes phone calls makes the Streak one of the most intriguing devices that are set to come out on June (and of course, there is always the possibility that the next gen iPhone will also be coming out that same month). The Apple iPad primarily lacks phone capabilities as it is a dedicated tablet, whereas the Streak aims to streamline the outdoors experience by eliminating the need to have a separate tablet and mobile phone –a situation that is hardly a problem when inside the office or in the comfort of one’s home.
The Streak is much more like a hybrid tablet than it is a mobile phone for its sheer size alone. At 5 inches, it is already breaking several rules of ergonomics, but it still manages to be easy to hold and handle. Though carrying around the device in the pocket is something that is not recommended. Still, the Streak fits easily into almost any small bag.
Running the Android OS, we can expect Dell’s little new gadget to be updated to the latest version of the Google mobile platform in the next few months. This will give the device native support for Flash and AIR –in addition to the already present Google Goggles, Google Maps (and voice guided sat nav), and integration of other Google based web services. The device has been confirmed to have a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, expandable memory and also comes with a 5 mega pixel snapper.