When Apple came out with the Ipad, it set an entirely new standard for tablets. In fact, the tablet has never taken off with any meaningful drive – until the Ipad.
For some time, Apple enjoyed being the only real option out there if one wants a tablet. We knew that Android models were coming, but they were taking some time.
Well, now, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is coming out. Being dubbed the first “real” competitor to the Ipad. But, is it?
First, let me get a few disclaimers out of the way.
- I personally own an Ipad. And I do use Apple products.
- I have not personally used a Galaxy Tab (yet), so what I’m about to say is my OPINION based on the reading I’ve done about this device.
See, I have to get that out there, because I know a lot of people are going to think I’ve gone “fan boy” on this one. Ummm, no. I want there to be STRONG competition to the Ipad. I welcome it. I have already gotten rid of my Iphone and switched to Android, so I’m not tied to iOS. That said…
I don’t think the Galaxy Tab should worry Apple at all. It appears to be more hype than substance. Here’s my problems with it:
- I think the device is too small. With a 7-inch screen, it isn’t enough bigger than a phone to justify re-designs of any of the apps. See, on the Ipad, the apps aren’t just magnified, they are fundamentally re-designed to take advantage of the 9-inch screen. On the Tab’s smaller screen, the apps are just magnified so you’re running the same apps as you can already get on any Android phone. People often knock the Ipad because it is just an Iphone without the phone (a stupid argument by people who’ve never used one, mostly). With this device, that’s actually TRUE.
- Typing is going to be tougher due to the size. If you switch to portrait mode, its like thumb-typing on a really big phone. On the Ipad, you can actually touch-type pretty much like you would on a standard keyboard. Sure, it takes some getting used to, but you can do it with speed once you’ve mastered it. The Tab is just too small to ever do it.
- They tout Flash support as an advantage, and attempt to mock Apple for lack of Flash. But, the truth is that Flash on these devices is a mess. It slows down the browser considerably, and has resulted in phone crashes several times for me on my HTC Incredible. Expect it to do the same on the Tab.
- The price is too high. It is priced at $399 with a contract from Sprint, and $599 without a contract. The Ipad starts at $499, although the 3G version is $629. The thing is, there is no contract required with AT&T. You turn it on and off if you want to. Consider, too, that the Ipad has a bigger screen, with apps that are actually designed to use it.
- The Ipad’s battery life is MUCH better than the Tab.
The Galaxy Tab looks like an awkward first attempt. For one of these Android tablets to truly give iPad a run for the money, it is going to need a similar screen size. Also, the community is going to need to design apps specifically to take advantage of the larger size (rather than just blown up phone apps). Since the Android Marketplace is inherently disjointed and unstructured compared to Apple’s App Store, who knows if that will happen.
Here are some links to reviews for your enjoyment:
There are a lot of additional Android tablets coming on the heels of the Tab. Let’s see what those offer.
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Can’t speak for the usability of the Tab, as I have yet to try one, but I agree that the screen size is a bit too small. for me, for personal reasons, is a major consideration. I do own an iPad and have grown to like it…despite it’s shortcomings as well. Why do I tolerate the iPad shortcomings? Because of the larger screen.
Dell is coming out with a 7″ Android tablet later this year, or early next…am hoping to get my hands on one to test…but I suspect the same issues with the Tab will also apply.
For the record, I am also not an Apple fan boy… I have had an Android phone for nearly 2 years now and use Linux at home, Windows at work… A well rounded techie needs to play in all worlds.
Thanks for the article Dave
With all these pad devices, whats the best device is going to be determined by whats best for which user. Whats good is that competition forces all of the manufacturers to make cheaper and better devices.
It’s also pretty early in the game to start saying who is best when new devices are coming out and improving all the time.
True. But, as we sit now, the only two are the Ipad and this device. At least the only two worth talking about. And, between them, Ipad wins.
There will be many more, and you spelled out the exact reason why I want to see strong competition. Its always a good thing for consumers.
1st lolz. OMG if you can touch type on an Iphone pretty easy. why would you think a 7inch would be not? haha
7inch for my opinion is perfect. it’s like having a catleya notebook with you. (do you remember how we hate to bring a folder to school.. that’s how I hate Ipad for it’s size.) I rather bring a netbook than Ipad. and unfortunately for an ipad to have huge size I expect it also has better specs.. but no.. it’s not, they sucks.
2nd Flash can definitely slows your browser. not with Chrome and HD ready tablet like the tab. (it’s not just the browser.. it’s about the hardware too.) maybe you should try using Alienware and run 10 flash games. ^^
3rd yes .. the price is too much I guess for a gadget that never spent a penny for the license of android.
4th yes I think the battery life not that good. considering for a tablet that is 7 inch and totally portable than anything out there. this will be your friend along the way so 7hours is not enough specially if the bluetooth is always for bluetooth headset.