We’ve seen load of wannabe iPad rivals come and go, but Samsung’s stunning Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 Android powered tablets are by far some of the slickest and more desirable we’ve ever seen.
Slimmest yet
Even thinner than the iPad2, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 weighs 595 grams and the Galaxy Tab 8.9 weighs 470 grams, with both running Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface on top of the the Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) platform.
That combination – according to Samsung – promises “superior multi-tasking and enhanced user interaction and navigation.”
Dual core goodness
Both tablets pack 1GHz dual core application processors, 1,280-by-800 displays, Adobe Flash 10.2 and come with support for HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps. There’s also Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity built in.
Temptress for the besuited
Samsung are also hoping to beguile corporate types too, with Sybase Afaria mobile management software and encryption for internal and external memory being included, as well a Cisco SSL VPN and Quick Office, Samsung.
A huddle of hubs
Bundled in with the tablets is Samsung’s bespoke ‘Readers Hub’ and ‘Music Hub’ apps, offering access to more than 2.2 million books, 2,000 newspapers (49 languages), 2,300 magazines (22 languages), and 13 million songs, while the ‘Social Hub’ aggregates email, instant messaging, contacts, calendar and social network connections into a single interface.
Twin snappers
There’s a 3 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front camera on both tablets (with LED flash on the rear), as well as 1080p HD video and Flash playback, plus microSD slots, 3.5mm headphone jacks, and SIM slots
The 8.9 will come with a 6000mAH battery, while the 10.1 will sport a 6860mAH cell, with both said to provide 10 hours of video playback.
And the price…
The all important pricing looks competitive too, with the 16GB Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Tab 10.1 set for a June 8th release at $499, while the larger 32GB model will retail for $599.
The Galaxy Tab 8.9 comes in slightly cheaper at $469 and $569 for 16GB and 32GB, respectively. 4G versions of the tablets are also set to follow, with pricing touted as being “very competitive,” by Samsung.
Early reaction on the web:
CNet: “The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 combines a big screen with a light body, making it a potential hit among weak-limbed Web surfers. It doesn’t have as many ports as the Motorola Xoom, but otherwise matches its Honeycomb rival punch for punch, and it’s more portable too.
Samsung made a solid start in the tablet world with the original Tab, and it has a history of whipping up great laptops, as well as smart phones. As such, it looks like the Tab 10.1 could well be the pick of the tablet pack.”
Engadget: “…if Samsung can rise above the rest and get competitive with the dollar signs, we’d say these rail thin tablets have a real shot of rising to the top of the Honeycomb tablet list.”
Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.9 full specs:
Network HSPA+ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100, EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
OS Android™ 3.0 (Honeycomb)
Display 8.9” WXGA 1280×800
Processor 1GHz Dual Core application processor
Camera Main(Rear) : 3.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash Front : 2.0-Mega Pixel Camera Video
Format : MPEG4/H263/H264, Divx/Xvid Playback : 1080p Full HD Video @ 30fps Recording : 720p HD Video
Audio MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, OGG, MIDI, AMR-NB/WB 3.5mm Ear Jack, Stereo Speaker
Enterprise Solutions
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync
Quickoffice HD Editor
Value-added Features
Android Market™
Google Mobile Services : Google™ Talk Video Chat, Google™ Maps, Books, etc
Samsung TouchWiz UX
Samsung Mini Apps Tray
Social Hub, Music Hub, Readers Hub *Availability differs by region
Adobe Flash Player 10.2
Connectivity Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 USB 2.0 WiFi 802.11 (a/b/g/n)
Sensor Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Ambient Light sensor
Memory 16G / 32G / 64G, microSD slot (up to 32GB)
*Size 230.9 x 157.8 x 8.6 mm, 470g
Battery 6000mAhSamsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 full specs
OS Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Band GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, UMTS 850/900/1900/2100MHz
Data GPRS/EDGE/HSPA
Size 256.6mm x 172.9mm x 8.6mm (10.1in x 6.8in x 0.3in)
Weight 595g (21oz)
Battery 6800mAh
Battery Life 10h usage time
Main Display 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 pixel capacitive touchscreen
Rear Camera 3 megapixel with LED flash and autofocus
Front Camera 2 megapixel
Video 720p HD|1280 x 720 pixel recording/1080p HD |1920 x 1080 pixel playback
Email IMAP/POP/Exchange/Gmail
Bluetooth 3.0
Processor 1GHz dual-core
Memory 16GB/32GB/64GB, microSD memory card slot (up to 32GB)]
Availability
Press release:
Samsung Unveils GALAXY Tab 10.1 and GALAXY Tab 8.9, World’s Thinnest Mobile Tablets
Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 and GALAXY Tab 8.9 to feature the first customized Android™ 3.0 experience
ORLANDO, March 22, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., the global leader in Android™ mobile devices, announced two new additions to its family of GALAXY Tabs, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 and GALAXY Tab 8.9, the world’s thinnest mobile tablets, measuring just 8.6 millimeters.The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 feature Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface implemented on the Android™ 3.0 (Honeycomb) platform, offering superior multi-tasking and enhanced user interaction and navigation.
“The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 are remarkable examples of Samsung’s constant innovation and show our dedication to designing premium tablets that fit the unique needs of consumers around the world”, said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business. “By combining Samsung’s innovations in design and display with
our exciting new user experience, we’ve created a new class of products that will lead the tablet market.”Thinner & Lighter
The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 are the thinnest mobile tablets available. The GALAXY Tab 10.1 weighs 595 grams and 8.9 weighs 470 grams. Combining the GALAXY Tabs’ ultra-thin form factor with a lightweight design adds to the outstanding mobility of these two products.Super Fast
The new GALAXY Tabs will support HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps as well as Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to deliver rapid mobile download speeds and reduce data transfer times. Also, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 include a 1GHz dual core application processor for a powerful multimedia and web browsing experience.Customized User Experience “Samsung TouchWiz UX”
Samsung’s TouchWiz user experience is designed with a Live Panel menu users can customize to display a variety of content on the home screen including digital pictures, favorite Web sites and social network feeds.
In addition, the interface includes an application tray of commonly used features such as task manager, calendar and music player which can be launched while other major applications are also in use, including large file downloads and document editing. This Mini Apps Tray provides a mixture of convenience and flexibility previously unheard of with tablet devices.The Ultimate Entertainment Hub
The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 are pre-loaded with Readers Hub and Music Hub giving consumers instant access to more than 2.2 million books, 2,000 newspaper (49 languages), 2,300 magazines (22 languages), and 13 million songs. The devices are also designed with Samsung’s Social Hub, which will aggregate email, instant messaging, contacts, calendar and social network connections into a single interface.
The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 feature a 3 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front camera, providing smooth transition and seamless 1080p HD video and Flash playback for a rich entertainment experience.Ready for Business
The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 will include an industry leading suite of solutions designed to give enterprise customers and IT managers more security. Developed in collaboration with industry-leading partners such as Cisco, Sybase, SAP and Citrix, Samsung’s enterprise mobility solutions will provide flexibility and connectivity for mobile workforces, ensuring that users are able to operate more efficiently on–the-move.GALAXY Tab 10.1
GALAXY Tab 10.1, with its WXGA TFT LCD display (1280 x 800) powered by 1GHz dual core AP, is 8.6mm thin and weighs only 595g. It is the perfect device for sharing and enjoying media content with family and friends. In addition, with its surround-sound stereo speakers and support for Flash 10.2, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 will deliver premium entertainment experience whether watching videos, movies or playing games.GALAXY Tab 8.9
At just 8.6mm thin and weighing only 470g, the GALAXY Tab 8.9 is the perfect device for today’s mobile professional. Whether writing emails on a trip or reading an eBook on the couch, the GALAXY Tab 8.9 provides the ultimate tablet experience without compromising mobility.The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 now join the original 7-inch GALAXY Tab to provide consumers with an unmatched array of choices to select the mobile tablet experience that fits their needs the best.
