Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi)

Product Features :

• Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS
• 10.1-inch Multitouch 720p HD Screen (1280 x 800)
• 16GB Internal Memory; microSD expansion up to 32GB
• Wireless N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n); Bluetooth 3.0,GPS Enabled with Latitude, Google Maps
• 1GHz Dual-Core Processor; 1GB RAM

See more Technical Details and  Product Details from amazon.com at Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is the rather wordy successor to the popular  Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi) , an Android tablet which managed to challenge the iPad in almost every department, which are some pretty big shoes to fill.

Unveiled by Samsung in February at MWC 2012, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 was confusingly launched alongside the Galaxy Note 10.1 which sported a similar, if slightly more premium, look and a S-Pen stylus, something the former does not have.

a two-toned black and grey tablet with what can only be described as ears – which are actually two speakers either side of the 1280 x 800 LCD display.

The large black bezel around the screen is further increased by the additional grey plastic chassis wrapping round from the back, providing some unnecessary bulk and little design flair, something other tablets like the uniquely shaped Sony Tablet S manage to bring to the table.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 isn't huge, with its 9.7mm deep body meaning it's actually a shade slimmer than the Transformer Pad 300 and Iconia Tab A200, although it does feel porkier than the iPad 2 (8.8mm) and super-slim AT200, which clocks in at a mere 7.7mm.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Comparison : 

Comparison - Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) vs Asus Transformer Pad 300

Apple iPad 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Customer Review :

The other tablet that really caught my eye was the Asus Transformer TF300. You can do an easy google search to see where the transformer shines where the galaxy doesn't and vice versa. Ultimately storage space wasn't a huge deal for me and I really have no need for an hdmi out. What won me over the transformer is the display of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and it is night and day difference for me. Since browsing the internet is 90% of what I'll use a tablet for a great display, where samsung truly shines, was worth more to me then a better speced out transformer. For anyone looking to buy a new 10.1" tablet definitely give the transformer a look. I also would suggest looking at the Motorola Xoom.

Pros:
- size, probably one of the smaller 10.1" mid level tablets
- display is bright and crisp, text is very easy to read even when I have screen brightness all the way turned down
- infrared sensor that can be used to control your home entertainment center (a very nice option if you don't have a cool awesome logitech harmony remote)
- battery life has been great also among the top of the midlevel tablets(do a google search)

Cons:
- long battery charge time, not a big deal as I'm mostly going to recharge at night
- no stock hdmi out
- the wtf so tiny charging cord, I mean really who wants a short charging cord? Makes no sense to me
- no standard usb port, instead they have an applelike proprietary port
- feels like for the price there should be some kind of hdmi out and 32 gb of hard drive space instead of 16

Part of my job is to evaluate media streaming hardware for an entertainment company. In the last few weeks I've acquired an iPad 2, Kindle Fire and this  Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1  to test and evaluate. I also own the original Droid Incredible, which is where my android experience comes from. These are the devices I'll be comparing this device to.

Let me start off by saying I really wanted to love this thing. I've been an android user for a couple years and thought that it would translate well to the tablet environment. While there are some nice things, it really lacks is most departments. After a week of using the device, this is what I found. 

See more customer review and buy the best price  Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi) from amazon.com

Toshiba Excite LE AT205T32I 10.1-Inch LED 32 GB Tablet

Toshiba Excite LE AT205T32I 10.1-Inch LED 32 GB Tablet 

Product Features : Texas Instruments xscale_pxa270 Processor 1.2GHz (1MB Cache) 1 GB DRAM RAM 32GB 5400rpm Hard Drive 10.1-Inch Screen Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

See more Technical Details and  Product Details from amazon.com at Toshiba Excite LE AT205T32I 10.1-Inch LED 32 GB Tablet Computer - Wi-Fi

Toshiba Excite LE AT205T32I 10.1-Inch is the slimmest, lightest 10.1-inch tablet we've seen yet. At only 7.7mm (0.3 inches) thick and 1.2 pounds, it's even comfortable held in one hand, as long as that's a pretty strong hand. You'll pay a premium for the slimmest tablet on the block, though, both in money and in power, and even better slim tablets are coming from Toshiba soon.

PROSSlimmest tablet on the market. Ships with Android 4.0.

CONSPrice/performance doesn't match the competition. Some media playback issues.

BOTTOM LINEThe thinnest you can buy right now, the Toshiba Excite 10 LE is a fine midrange Android tablet, but you're paying a premium for its slim design.

Toshiba Excite LE Unboxing

Toshiba Excite LE AT205T32I 10.1-Inch Comparison :

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs Toshiba Exite

Customer Review : 

I've been a 1st generation iPad user for the past couple of years now and have been fairly content with it. With the new releases of iPad 2 and the new iPad, I haven't found anything exciting enough about it to warrant the upgrade. In fact, I've been using my iPad less and less as it basically fuctions exactly the same way as my iPhone. I've been pleased with my Toshiba laptop so I decided to give their tablet a try. This tablet is super thin, and I am very pleased with its sleek design. It's incredibly fast and easy to navigate. With the graphics and processing speed, I am able to use this tablet just as I would a laptop for browsing the web, checking email, etc. whereas I was limited to these things with the iPad. The only downside for me so far is the learning curve involved of learning a new OS in the Android system. The more I use it, the more I am starting to buy into it. In fact, I am finding that it allows for more personalization and more options in general.

I love this tablet...Toshiba Excite LE AT205T32I 10.1-Inch my first tablet purchase and has been waiting and hesitant for quite a while. This tablet is super thin and sleek. The system is fast and simple enough to navigate. I've had the system for several days now, using it mainly for internet, emails, and pic/videos and has been very pleased. The camera did come below my expectations, the pictures did come out grainy. However, the speed and graphics are excellent, which are primarily my purpose for purchasing this tablet... for its portability to browse the internet, play games, and view pictures and videos. I've loaded several games that I have in my phone and been enjoying the bigger screen and the better graphics. Excite did it for me, it has the size, speed, graphics and portability.

See more customer review and buy the best price  Toshiba Excite LE AT205T32I 10.1-Inch LED 32 GB Tablet Computer - Wi-Fi  from amazon.com

Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet (16GB, WiFi, Black)

Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet (16GB, WiFi, Black)

Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet

Product Features :

Apple iOS 4, Apple A5 1 GHz. It has 16 GB integrated. 9.7" IPS TFT , LED backlight and Multi-Touch. 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR , 21.2 oz.

See more Product  Technical Details  from amazon.com at  Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet (16GB, WiFi, Black) 2nd Generation

iPad 2 Comparison :

iPad vs iPad 2 comparison: RAM performance 

New iPad 3 VS iPad 2 Comparison

Customer Review :

For anyone out there who is considering whether or not to make the leap and purchase the    Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A , this review is for you. If you're still debating between the iPad 1 and the iPad 2 check out my review of the first generation iPad right here on Amazon to see a discussion of its strengths and weaknesses with a number of people commenting (both positively and negatively) over the past 11 months.

Let me begin by saying this upfront, I don't work for Apple, I don't own Apple Stock, and whether you buy an iPad, Xoom, a laptop or a pad of paper and pencil I don't get anything for writing this. I'm not an Apple "fanboy" although I can give credit where credit is due and lately Apple has deserved a lot of credit for some of their products.

Physical Characteristics  

Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A  is absurdly thin. More importantly than it's thinness is its tapered edge which feels more natural in your hand. One of the biggest complaints about the original iPad was it really wasn't tremendously comfortable to hold for long periods at a time. For a tablet device designed to be held, that's a pretty big deal. Apple really has done an amazing job of cramming everything into an even smaller space than before and the difference is really noticeable when you're holding the device. In addition to the tapered edge, Apple managed to reduce the overall weight of the iPad 2. That might not seem like a huge deal to most, especially when you consider the weight difference isn't tremendous when you're already under 2 pounds, but I spend a good part of my day holding the iPad in my hands and the weight difference is surprising by the end of the day. The first generation isn't heavy by any means, but the  Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A  outshines it. 

Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A still doesn't support Adobe Flash. Some websites are adapting to this and adding HTML 5 video. Many aren't. Keep that in mind if you're a heavy web video user. I love to watch web shows like the Nostalgia Critic and the Angry Video Game Nerd, and most web show hosting sites are still in Flash. Also, some sites have flash menus, making them completely unusable to you if they don't have a mobile version. It's this that prevents the iPad from being a true laptop replacement, regardless of how much you spend on apps. I still end up having to fire up the laptop to use several websites I enjoy.

See more customer review and buy the best price  Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet (16GB, WiFi, Black) 2nd Generation from amazon.com

Sony VAIO T Series SVT13116FXS 13.3-Inch Ultrabook

Sony VAIO T Series SVT13116FXS 13.3-Inch Ultrabook

Sony VAIO T Series SVT13116FXS 13.3-Inch Ultrabook

Sony VAIO T Series SVT13116FXS 13.3-Inch Ultrabook Technical Details :

• Intel 1.9 GHz Core i7-3517U Processor
• 6 GB DRAM RAM
• 500 GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive; 32 GB Solid-State Drive
• 13.3-Inch Screen; Intel HD Graphics 4000
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit; 7.5 Hours of Battery Life

See more Technical Details from amazon.com at 

Sony VAIO T Series SVT13116FXS 13.3-Inch Ultrabook

Sony VAIO T Series 13.3-Inch Ultrabook Video Review

Sony VAIO T Series Ultrabook Comparision :

you can see all differences between Sony VAIO T Series Ultrabook in the following table.

	SVT131190X	SVT131190X	SVT13112FXS	SVT13116FXS
Customizable	Yes	Yes	No	No
Processor	3rd gen Intel® Core™ i5-3317U 1.70GHz / 2.60GHz Dual Core	3rd gen Intel® Core™ i7-3517U 1.90GHz / 3.00GHz Dual Core	3rd gen Intel® Core™ i5-3317U 1.70GHz / 2.60GHz Dual Core	3rd gen Intel® Core™ i7-3517U 1.90GHz / 3.00GHz Dual Core
Hard Drive / Solid State Drive	320GB (5400) + 32GB MLC HHD	500GB (5400) + 32GB MLC HHD	500GB (5400) + 32GB MLC HHD	500GB (5400) + 32GB MLC HHD
Memory	4GB DDR3-1333MHz	6GB DDR3-1333MHz	4GB DDR3-1333MHz	6GB DDR3-1333MHz

Customer Reviews :

PROS:

Build quality
Size/thin crust pizza design
Keyboard comfort and ease of positioning hands-fingers
Weight
Cost-Value
Speed-Blazing fast (with i7 Intel)
Multi Tasking Loads Are A Breeze
No crashing-ever. Even with AVCHD video files.

CONS:

No backlit keyboard option
Sub-par mirror-like screen/too glossy/reflective/indoor use only
No color choices. Do you like Silver or Silver flat?
X-Loud speakers. You aren't really serious Sony are you?
Only two USB ports.

Sony VAIO T Series SVT13116FXS 13.3-Inch Ultrabook is a well-designed and well built Ultra laptop. Near perfection and even more so when you factor in the price.

We tested Sony VAIO T Series SVT13116FXS 13.3-Inch Ultrabook
 while burning a 1080i AVCHD video, played YOU TUBE at the same time and had AOL on as well while my wife surfed the internet. Not a glitch for a second.

Weight is great. So thin. Beat out any of the HP models in its class.

Sony is sub-par at customer service/support so be advised. That's past experience in fairness. All outsourced and a challenge as the reps just read script. They have a minimal knowledge base.

The T13 arrived a couple of hours ago -- one day ahead of Fed-Ex's promised arrival date. First impressions are positive. It is blazingly fast (I ordered the i7 Ivy Bridge processor and upgraded to 8GB of RAM, with a 500GB + 32MLC hybrid hard drive) when compared to my "old" Sony Vaio VPCY2 (with a first generation i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GD hard drive).

First of all, given one of the reviews below, let me address battery life. According to 'BatteryBar' (a useful free download), at 100% charge, the Sony T13, at idle, with full screen brightness but using the power saver option, will last 8 hours and 24 minutes. So in use, I'd expect at least six hours -- which is in line with the PC World magazine test. 

See more customer review and buy the best price

Sony VAIO T Series SVT13116FXS 13.3-Inch Ultrabook
from amazon.com

Tablets Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Tablet

Tablets Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Tablets

For work or play?

The first question you should really ask: Do you need a tablet? As a device that falls between a full-fledged notebook and a smartphone, it's only natural for some consumers to believe that they can substitute a laptop with a tablet. Now, this could be true for some that mainly use their slates for browsing the Web or playing games, but it's not always the case. 

Tablets may be used for business reasons - checking e-mail, browsing the web, video calling, video conferencing, note-taking, presentations, creating, viewing, or editing documents or basic spreadsheets – or for personal reasons - reading, watching movies, listening to music, viewing photos, or playing games. 

Whether you need a tablet or you just want one, you should consider these 6 topics:

1 – The Operating System

At the moment it’s really about Apple iOS versus Android.  But don’t forget RIM’s QNX for the Blackberry Playbook and later this year Microsoft’s Windows 8 OS.

---

OS/Brand Apple/iOS Android Blackberry QNX Windows 8

Pros Intuitive Compatible with iPhone/iPad Multiple choices for device New 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS merges phone OS with tablet OS for all devices Tight integration with Blackberry smartphones TBD

Cons 1 size only Multiple versions of OS 1 size, 1 device TBD

2 - The Apps

Apps for tablets are optimized for the larger size of the screen from smartphone apps.  Apple’s walled garden has the most apps for tablets with Android falling way behind even Blackberry. 

OS/Brand Apple/iOS Android Blackberry

Apps 350,000 +   3rd party apps low 1,000 +  3rd party apps (for tablets - look for 3.0 Honeycomb or 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) 2,000 +  3rd party apps

3 - Screen Size, Resolution, Weight and Storage

These four factors vary by device for both Apple iOS and Android

A - Screen Size

Screen Size is measured diagonally

*Android tablets have multiple manufacturers with many different sizes.  Samsung is used as an example.

OS/Brand iOS/Apple iPad Android/Samsung* Blackberry Playbook

Size 9.7" 10.1" 7.0"

Size 8.9"

Size 7.0"

Size 5.0"

B - Resolution

Resolution matters when viewing videos, photos, e-book reading and web surfing

*Android has multiple manufacturers with a variety of specs.  Samsung is used as an example of what you should look for in other Android devices.

OS/Brand Apple Android* Blackberry

Tablet iPad iPad2 iPad Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook

Resolution 1,024 x 768 pixels 1,024 x 768 pixels 2,048 x 1536 pixels w/Retina display 1,280 x 800 pixels 1.024 x 600 pixels 1,024 x 600 pixels

C - Weight

Weight is a consideration because even though tablets are thin and weigh around 1 pound, they are heavy and awkward to hold for any length of time.  They are even awkward if laid flat on your lap or other surface. 

*Android has multiple manufacturers with a variety of weights.  Samsung is used as an example.

iOS/Brand Apple Android* Blackberry

Tablet iPad iPad2 iPad Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook

Wi-Fi Weight 1.5 pounds 1.33 pounds 1.44 pounds 1.3 pounds 12/2 ounces 0.9 pounds

Wi-Fi + Cell Weight 1.6 pounds 1.35 pounds 1.46 pounds 1.39 pounds 13.58 ounces

D - Storage

Storage requirements will vary depending on how the tablet is used.  E-mail, word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations don’t take much room, but if you intend to have lots of games, music, videos or photos the more the better. 

*Android tablets have multiple manufacturers with various specs.  Samsung is used as an example.

** Micro - SIM card tray on the iPad, iPad2 and iPad is available only on the Wi-Fi + 3G or 4G devices.

Keep in mind the more storage you buy the more expensive it can get.  For example, 64GB iPad with Verizon or AT&T 4G = $830 + monthly fees.  Ouch!

iOS/Brand Apple Android* Blackberry

Tablet iPad, iPad2, iPad Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook

Storage Options 16GB/32GB/64GB 16GB/32GB/64GB 8GB/16GB 16GB/32GB/64GB

Add'l Storage Options Micro - SIM card tray** Micro SD card slot Micro SD card slot Micro USB port

4 - Connectivity and Ports

Connecting to the Internet on a tablet is either by Wi-Fi or Mobile Broadband.  Wi-Fi is free, Mobile Broadband can be very expensive depending on the service provider and their data plans.

Connecting to peripherals can be by Bluetooth, USB port, or HDMI port.  Almost all tablets have Bluetooth capabilities; few tablets have USB ports or HDMI ports.

** Always on cell service available with AT&T Pantech Element or Verizon Motorola Droid Xyboard – this service adds to the cost of the device and the monthly fees.

Data plans can be purchased on a month to month basis, usually, but not always, without a contract.

Use your smartphone as a Hotspot – this doesn’t work with every phone/tablet combination; this runs down the battery on your smartphone faster.

*Android tablets have multiple manufacturers with various specs.  Samsung is used as an example.

OS/Brand Apple Android* Blackberry

Tablet iPad iPad2 iPad Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook

Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n 802.11a/b/g/n 802.11a/b/g/n 802.11a/b/g/n 802.11b/g/n 802.11a/b/g/n

Mobile Broadband** 3G 3G 4G LTE 3G 3G N/A

Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 2.1 + EDR 4.0 4.0 3.0 2.1 + EDR

OS/Brand Apple Android* Blackberry

Tablet iPad iPad2 iPad Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook

USB Port N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Micro USB Port

HDMI Port N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Micro HDMI Port

5 - Keyboard, Mouse, Stylus & Digital Pens

Sometimes peripherals make using a tablet easier and more efficient.  Using any of these may make you wonder why you don’t just use your laptop, but when not using the peripherals you go back to the advantages of the tablet.

A – Keyboard, Mouse

Usually, Bluetooth is used as the peripheral connection.  Some keyboards are connected via a dock or USB port.

B – Stylus

This is a special stylus that works with the capacitive touchscreens on tablets.  Some find it easier moving around or tapping on small icons on the screen.

C – Digital Pens

These are special pens designed for serious drawing or note-taking.  Many Android tablets have active digitizer technology that uses an electronic pen.  These pen and tablet combos allow you to rest your hand on the screen without interfering with the pen’s input.  These tablets come with specialized software.  Electronic pens are often proprietary to the tablet.

6 - Security

Data encryption and security on mobile devices are big issues for companies today.  Companies are mainly concerned about data that can be accessed should a mobile device be stolen or lost.  A discussion about mobile data security is beyond this article, but each OS has basic specs. 

OS/Brand Apple Android Blackberry

Security Encryption on everything stored on device System encryption on 3.0 (Honeycomb) and later Tight encryption

VPN Available, but limited data access Available, but limited data access

Other Lenovo Idea Tablet - secure email, encryption on removable storage, IT control over remote Windows desktop ships w/32 page security manual

Once you have considered what your tablet basics are - Operating System, Apps, size, weight, screen resolution, storage, type of connection and ports, peripherals, and security, you’ll be able to choose a tablet that best fits your specific requirements.

The specs shown in the tables above are as of May 2012. 

Tablet technology is changing very rapidly and the options available today will be old technology in the near future. 

Unless you can’t envision needing or wanting anything different from what you buy today, take the rapidity of change into consideration when looking at a tablet that requires a 2 year contract.