What is a Tablet ot Tablet PC?
A Tablet Computer is a type of computer, but designed unlike a laptop or a Normal computer. A tablet is just like a mobile phone but bigger in size and with a touchscreen equipped with or without a stylus. A stylus is like a pen without ink which can be used instead of a finger which comes with some of the tablets or mobiles. Though not every tablet comes with a stylus. Tablets were designed to
enhance the compatibility and portability of a computer which resulted in the invention of a Tablet PC or Tablet. The invention of Tablet computers is a revolution in the generation of computers and the latest type of computers in the market for consumers. The trend of tablet PC's started with the Ipad and became more prominent with the Apple IPads and known to people. Tablets; now-a-days; are manufactured by almost all the mobile manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Asus, Blackberry, and so on. Most of the tablets use Android as the Operating System including the one i'm writing a review on Samsung GT-P1010. Other Operating
systems include Apple iOS, Blackberry OS, webOS (yet unknown to some), Microsoft Windows 7 and 8.
Samsung GT-P1010
(Overall Score : 9.5/10)
ABOUT
Now that you have a fair idea about what a Tablet computer is, I'll share some facts about Samsung GT-P1010 which is a successor of Samsung GT-P1000, one of the tablets i use. All of you may be well versed with the Samsung Galaxy series of
mobiles. This is a tablet that's falls under the same category. I dint actually buy this, just took it out from the stock from my store, which i usually do. LOL. This tablet I carry sometimes with me as its synchronized with my same Google Account that i use for my other Android devices. Hence its centralized way of saving your stuff and thats why i love androids when its comes to mobiles and tablets. The display is similar to a TRU bright one which can be used in the sunlight easily without any issues. Moreover, An android Market open-source market increases the utility of this tablet. This tablet is like a BIG mobile phone but doesn't let you make and receive calls as this doesn't support 3G networks. This model, i think was designed by Samsung to let the customers buy without getting into a contract.
DESIGN
(Score 9/10)
The compact and solid design of Samsung GT-P1010 just leaps out. Tablet has a virtual keyboard rather than an actual keyboard so needs less space alike other tablets however i prefer an actual keyboard. The screen is big enough sized 7" diagonally. The tablet comes is available in two colours; Grey and black. However both look rich. This is very compact and fits in the palm easily however, i found it just a bit bigger than Samsung Galaxy Note. The camera is placed at the top and also another integrated camera at the back which is better in resolution. The weight is less than 1/2 a kilogram and that makes it more better in portability and the
small size makes it better in comparability. I think that's what one should expect from a computer, so do I. The Glass of the screen is a Gorilla glass which is scratch proof.
ANDROID
(Score 9/10)
Android system is the best operating system when it comes to mobile phones and tablets. Hence, Samsung GT-P1010 comes with android 2.2 (froyo), which is not a great operating system however work with no issues whatsoever in this tablet but also upgradable to upgradable to v2.3 gingerbread. May be the result of the 1Ghz ARM Cortex A8 processor and 512 Mb of RAM memory make it work so efficiently. So froyo 2.2 version will be good on this one. However, I personally, have been able to upgrade it to 2.3 gingerbread version of Android system. However, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS FOR ANYONE WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHAT
IAM TALKING ABOUT. "DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME" IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO. because this may result in loss of the complete operating system and may incurr charges to get it resolved. For non technical people, android 2.2 will be great and will live up to your needs. But you can take some professional help to upgrade the system which is better.
Android 2.2 froyo, gives you complete android freedom of downloading innumerable applications from the Android Market FREE of cost. The best thing i like is the experience i had playing games and even HD games on this one was absolutely awesome. It kind of gets addicting. but the screen is good and big enough for one to enjoy their favourite games on this tablet. A pure entertainer
and utilitarian gadget. Apart from the numerous downloads available, the tablet comes with Google services integration as a part of the android. Hence, i can easily keep myself updated with all the information on my Google account. Apart from that Amazon Kindle e-Reader to read, to open word documents or Office documents rather Think-free Office software is integrated. Also a brilliant device to check your mails and watch YouTube videos. I wont elaborate much about android here, because this would be a different topic altogether. Anybody interested to read more about Android, can read the Android review in the list of my reviews. Any more questions are welcome anytime.
COMPATIBILITY & PORTABILITY
(Score 10/10)
Compatibility discussed here is The tablet is around 12 cms in height and around 20 cms in width makes it just bigger than some of the smartphones in the market today. I easily can hold it in my palm. Considering the size of this tablet, one can easily carry it in a bag. I personally carry it in my handbag though only sometimes. This compatibility makes it more user friendly and also makes it easy for me to keep myself updated with the news and latest updates.
When I talk about portability, I take in to consideration, the size and the weight. The size as discussed above is very small. Hence this compatability adds to its portability. Besides that, the weight is just around 400 gms less than half a kilogram which again adds to its portability. Almost all the tablets weigh around the same and hence Samsung GT-P1010 is not an exception to the fact. But this model weighs less as compared to other tabs i work with.
PERFORMANCE
(Score 9/10)
The 1GHz ARM cortex processor in this device makes the device to work without freezing. Moreover, a 512 Mb of RAM memory is an addon to this efficiency. This makes the performance better. Apart from this, the internal memory to save data is 16 Giga Byte is just alot. Now I'll explain how it adds to it performance. I download an applcation and it gets saved in this 16 GB and hence would be more than expected for a tablet computer to perform good. But if i have a memory card in there, i can move the supported apps to the memory card and use the 16Gb less which will enhance its performance.
CONNECTIVITY
(Score 9/10)
Samsung GT-1010 is only Wi-Fi enabled. Hence you get a Wi-Fi connectivity of 802.11b/g/n. Apart from that you can also connect devices and exchange data using Bluetooth 2.1. However, unlike some other tablet computers, this model does not support 3G networks. As in you cannot insert your SIM card and use internet on it. But if you're at home or any wifi hotspot, you can use the device to its fullest. I switch on the Mobile Acces Point on my phone and use the internet on this device which is better than accessing the internet on the small screen of my mobile. Besides, this has a USB 2.0 port as well to copy and edit the data. This makes it a wonderful gadget with brilliant connectivity.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
1) Model: Samsung Galaxy GT-P1010 (WI-Fi only)
2) RAM : 512 Mb
3) Hard Drive : 16 GB
4) Operating system : Android 2.2 Froyo (Upgradable to 2.3 Gingerbread)
5) Camera : Front Camera of 1.3 Mp, Rear camera of 3 Mp with LED flash and auto focus.
6) Adobe Flash pre-installed
7) Card slot : Micro SD (up to 32GB)
8) Memory: Internal 16 GB storage, 512 MB RAM
9) Processor: 1GHz ARM Cortex A-8
10) Wireless Connectivity : 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1
11) Preloaded software's: World clock, RSS reader, Think-Free Mobile, Google Talk, Gmail, YouTube, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Samsung Apps, Swype.
What do I like and dislike about the device?
- Likes: I personally liked the camera feature. There are two camera. One at the top in the front which is a 1.3 MP camera and the one at the back side is a 3MP with a FLASH, the resolution for which are OKAY, though not great. The other feature i would like to discuss is the size. The size is just enough for it to fit in your hand, without being afraid of it dropping down and falling into pieces. Because this is a delicate device and the screen might crack easily if so happens. Android as the OS, just makes it what I want it to be.
- Dislike/s: I do not like Operating system as Android 2.2 Froyo. However some of you may be contented with its operation. This model does not support 3G networks as in your service provider service. You can only access internet through Wi-fi which makes it boring. But i have a way around to this. I can switch on the mobile AP and access Wi-fi from my phone to the tablet. But if my phone is not Wi-fi AP enabled, its a problem to simply carry this and search for a Wi-fi hotspot.
FAQ's
How much does Samsung GT-P1010 cost?
This tablet PC costs anything around £180-£200 which is a fair price for a tablet computer. If compared, the cost is less than some of the Smartphones. But considering the lack in 3G connectivity, i personally think the price is just more for this device. But anyone interested, this will not be a bad deal for you.
Where can i buy this from
You can buy this from the Amazon online, Ebay. Also do check the computer stores in your vicinity to check for any deals that they can provide. You can probably take the advantage of the deals available there. I doubt if this tablet comes with a contract as the 3G service is not available.
Are there any substitute/s i may consider?
Well the best competitor should be the Apple Ipad 1 and 2 but costs more than the price range of £200, actually double. But the features on Ipad are better and one who doesn't prefer Android will choose that. There are quite a few other cheap options like the Acer Iconia, Archos Tabs, ViewSonic tabs, Lenovo Ideapad K1(another tab i use), HTC flyer tabs and HP pavillion tablets.
Do i recommend this to? If "yes" then to whom?
Yes, i recommend this tablet for anyone who want to buy a cheap tablet PC but may also consider all the other options above before taking a decision. This is also suitable for someone who has Wi-Fi at home and Office and has a Smartphone with Android so that the data can be synchronized between android devices. Age Group of 40-50 who just need a tablet and cannot afford to buy an Ipad can go for this model.
