and the Samsung Galaxy Tab
. Both of them have almost the same feature set, but they are running different operating systems thus giving you two different approach in user experience. Fortunately, I was able to try both devices in order to determine the strong and weak points depending on your intended usage. The content of this article may change as early as January of next year, but this is my impression for both devices by far.
This device is the reason why tablet devices become as popular as they are now. The iPad became the benchmark on how the device should look and what feature set should the device have. Long before the iPad came along, several companies have attempted to develop a tablet product to make desktop computing more portable but none of them succeeded. The reason: clunky user interface. In a nutshell, the iPad has a purely simplistic hardware design, but has a robust and sensible user interface. The iOS (iPad's operating system) may not be as open as Google's Android, but this is a device where you can use whatever feature set is available and use it without hesitation (regardless of skill level in computing). The overall look and feel of the user interface and majority of available applications (commonly known as apps) from the App Store are gorgeous and creatively inspired. The only common complaints that I've been hearing from the vine are the lack of camera and its larger size (when compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab). For me, I don't mind not having the camera built into the device, but the slightly smaller size or lighter weight would always be a welcome feature.
The iPad comes in a WiFi and a WiFi + 3G version with several capacity variation in terms of storage. The iPad is intended for anybody who doesn't mind the size, who may or may not have used a computer, and who wants a device with a vast number of available apps ready to be downloaded and used.
Prior requirements: iTunes and iTunes account.
Check Apple iPad specifications.
The size and portability of this device made it attractive for gadget fanatics like me. It has all the bells and whistles you can dream of in terms of hardware design. It runs Google Android. This means that if you know what you're doing, it is possible to extend the functionality of this device beyond its intended purpose. Its limitation depends on what apps are currently available and the skill set of its user. And it displays Flash content on websites that have it (if that matters to you). My problem with it is that Samsung just repurposed a phone OS and slapped it into a 6" tablet device. The bright side is you can use whatever apps that are currently available in the Android Marketplace and work your way through it. The bad news is they're not intended for the tablet experience and often times they come with uninspired design. Anything magnified for me is meh! Take my impression with a grain of salt if you will, but when looking for a tablet device with a truly mobile form factor and you have the knack of tinkering around, then the Galaxy Tab would be perfect for you. Majority of the fun in using an Android device is the discovery of possibilities and how to do it. The Galaxy Tab only comes in 3G version with 16GB built-in and a variety of external storage options.
Prior requirement: Google account.
Check Samsung Galaxy Tab specifications.
WiFi, WiFi + 3G, or 3G?
Most common misconception of WiFi + 3G or 3G option is you would be able to make phone calls with it, thus you would be able to get rid of your phone. Yes and no. Believe me, I was dreaming about this concept before I got my iPad. Although you can install a Voice Over IP app (like Skype) on these devices, they were not designed to make and accept phone calls. The 3G feature is for mobile connectivity to the Internet (anytime anywhere depending on the coverage of your carrier). My recommendation is if you intend to use the device where WiFi will mostly be available, just go get the WiFi version and get yourself a coffee gift card at Starbucks. You can also send me a gift card if you're generous enough.
P.S. Both devices play Angry Birds pretty well (if it matters). The Samsung Galaxy Tab will have an edge, since Angry Birds is free on Android devices.
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