Well I thought I would write about one of my favorite hobbies right now, and that is to use my tablet for much of the things I use my computer for. Before I go into this device I want to qualify a couple things. One, I have never owned an iPad or iPhone so I don't know enough about those devices to compare them to my Galaxy Tab 7 inch. Also, my experience with tablets is limited to the GT-P1010, which is a rock solid device so I'm not sure if I am spoiled or not, chances are I am.
I am considering purchasing an iPad now that the displays are so much better but I am worried that all my hard earned money I've spent on apps in the Google Market (now Google Play) will go to waste, and I have found a number of good ones. The problem is I have learned how to use the tablet well and I'm not sure what the learning gap is between the iPad and the android devices. I have also always been happy with the more open model of applications and since everything on Apple's market has to be vetted by them I find that perhaps I may be missing out on some decent if controversial aspects of online life should I choose to go with iPad.
The Galaxy Tab 7 inch is a 16GB model with a microSDHC slot capable of taking up to 32 gigabytes of external storage. The model number is the GT-P1010, and I am thoroughly enjoying it as my daily driver. I wish I could recommend this device to people but the technology has moved on and the 1Ghz processor is adequate but no longer in the mid range of processing power needed to fuel certain programs such as games or running a lot of the newer apps together in one setting. It does have 512Mb of RAM but much of this gets used by services for apps that are installed, making me need to clear memory and uninstall certain apps I would rather have installed but are memory hogs or processor intensive.
A few things about the GT-P1010 I have not seen mentioned in other places.
1) This is thee only model to not receive an upgrade to 2.3 . While many sites mention that an upgrade is not available for this unit, it has somehow been singled out as a device not worthy of 2.3 . I highly recommend buying a Galaxy Tab Note 10.1 if you are in the market for a tablet instead.
2) You need to root the device and modify the settings on the tablet to get streaming videos to work. For some reason Samsung disabled the Stagefright video player that came with the Galaxy Tab GT-P1010's Android 2.2 Froyo operating system in favor of the vanilla player from previous versions. If anyone reads this and is having trouble with their unit post a comment here and I will try to walk you through the process.
3) The stock keyboard leaves a lot to be desired. I am sure most people download third party keyboards for these devices, but I have yet to find one that does not block most of the screen when entering text. This is the main reason I suggest anyone interested in a tablet go for a 10 inch version. It just isn't fun to type a long article or email on a 7 inch device.
These are minor complaints on an overall excellent device. I use it to supplement my computer for short posts, Facebook and Google+ browsing, twitter and short emails. But the best use of the device I feel is for "enjoyment" browsing and catching up on emails and social networking while laying down in bed or at a coffee shop. Unlike a laptop it is truly portable, I have no trouble finding space and the time to simple pick up the device in 1 minute whereas my laptop is laborious and I have to keep it oriented in a certain position to use. You don't know how good tablets are until you find out you can lay down in bed and compute.
This was an early generation device and i look forward to buying a Galaxy Note 10.1 to truly join the modern aspect of tablet computing. Be warned if you decide to get a tablet, you will want to avoid your desktop computer, and you will find yourself in withdrawals when it comes time to plug the device in to charge...
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