my lil oyster: Samsung Galaxy Tab

Rebecca mentioned Samsung Galaxy Tab and I went "hmmmm". Can't remember when was the last time I actually played with anything from Samsung. But it hit me that there is no harm going to check it out during the Samsung and Maxis launch at Sungai Wang Plaza recently as I am in the midst of gadget shopping (Christmas and birthday round the corner):P

Have a look at the following Samsung Galaxy Tab ad:

And the ad does give me the impressions that the Samsung Galaxy Tab is designed for people who want a premium mobile entertainment experience on the go, but don’t want to be weighed down by a bulky device.

Undeniably, I am enjoying the iPad for surfing, games and ebooks but the weight is quite a bummer in my handbag or working bag. And when playing games on it, after 30 minutes, the arm complains:-(

So when I heard 7"that the Samsung Galaxy Tab is 7", I reckon it should be quite a good idea afterall to check it out. It weighs 380g versus the iPad 680g. That is almost half! But the size isn't half which means its had not totally compromised weight for size. The iPad is 18.97cm x 24.28cm versus the Samsung Galaxy Tab 12.04cm x 19cm.

Being Samsung's first attempt in the tablet game, I was pleasantly surprised by the specifications. It was definitely a good consideration for those whose ooking for a table and smartphone

• OS - Android 2.2 (Froyo) (Services like Google Maps™ Navigation (Beta) and Google Goggles are available on Google’s Android platform)
• supports 2.5G and 3G network (thus the tie up with Maxis)
• 12.04cm x 19cm TFT LCD screen
• A 1GHz Hummingbird processor
• A 3MP rear camera with auto focus
• A 1.3MP front-facing camera for video conferencing (on Wifi only)
• Is wifi and bluetooth ready
• Supports the current Adobe Flash Player 10.1
• Features Readers Hub (a consolidation of e-reading apps eg eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers)
• Earphone jack for those who like to wire up their handsfree kit
• 16GB internal memory with upto 32GB external memory slot (microSD)
• 4,000mAh battery (which is equivalent to approximately 7 hour movie play)

Movie and series buffs, the Samsung Galaxy Tab also supports DivX, XviD, MPEG4 and more ( I can now watch my Korean and Taiwanese series on the go...) So technically with the hour movie play battery lifespan, I can pretty much be self entertained on my drives up and down Singapore or Penang:D

All the above retailing at RM2,699 doesn't sound too bad. But you can always pick it up much cheaper with any Maxis Value Plans (Plans at RM50, RM80, RM150, RM250 or RM500) plus a data bundle (500MB, 1.5GB or 3GB) for the following prices:

• 12 month contract @ RM1,849
• 24 month contract @ RM1,749

Ah... overheard someone say that its kinda in your face if you wanna make a call as this photo of shows:P
but it has bluetooth and also an earphone jack. So no worries about the whole wide world listening to your conversation:P

And if you don't want to look like a preacher (I've been told that when one holds the iPad with a leather casing, it does look like a preacher holding his Bible), then check out the following pics that at 7" the Samsung Galaxy Tab does look practically good: