Why get a Tab over a Galaxy S?

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As far as I can tell, the Tab has almost exactly the same internal hardware as the Galaxy S line of phones, so the only real difference is a larger screen (and no SAMOLED screen). It's also more expensive and less portable.

Does the 7" screen really add all that much to the experience?

Is there any point in owning a Tab in addition to a smartphone?

Disclaimer: I have a Samsung Captivate and I'm trying to justify my lust for the Tab

Portability isn't really diminished as much as you might think. My Tab lives in my inner coat pocket when I'm not at home or at the office. During the day, I even have it in my jeans front pocket quite often. No problem whatsoever, even walking up stairs or sitting at a table it doesn't actually feel uncomfortable.

Originally Posted by Postal76

Is there any point in owning a Tab in addition to a smartphone?

In your case, you couldn't replace your phone with the Tab - the US versions will all have the ability to make and receive calls removed.
So you'd need some sort of phone to go with it, though not necessarily a smartphone.


It's all down to personal preference.
And I understand your angst, I'm in the same position - I really want the Tab but I can't work out how I would use it, it's a bit big to replace my phone with it but I can't see the point in carrying two such similar devices and having to pay for a second SIM for data access.

Whilst the Tab is much more portable than an iPad, I really don't see it as a daily carry device (which in my case is an HTC Desire).

I've been waiting for a decent Android tablet for ages now, and the main reasons that I wanted one are:

1. Surfing at home whilst on the sofa or in bed.
2. Personal Media Player
3. Holidays and business travelling (mostly for both the above functions - not for a commute though as the Desire is more than adequate for that)

If there had been a WiFi only version available in the UK, I'd probably have got that as I already have a mobile broadband contract and a MiFi, but since it wasn't I've just tucked the broadband SIM I was already paying for into the Tab and I can still use it as MiFi - albeit a much larger one. As an aside, I wonder if the WiFi only Tab will ship with the Google Apps, because I was under the impression that Google would not licence these to any device that wasn't a "phone" (i.e. have a cellular radio).

Having now got the Tab, I can see myself playing games on it far more frequently than I did on my phone. Also, for work purposes, it is much easier to use Logmein on my Tab than it is on the Desire so it becomes a very useful remote support tool.

It won't replace my Kindle 3, because an E-Ink device is infinitely superior when reading for an extended duration, and it won't replace my phone as my primary communication device, but it definitely serves other purposes far better (thus far) than either of the other two aforementioned devices.

To the OP - the larger screen and resolution makes a massive difference to the overall web experience. Laying on the sofa this morning browsing the web, I never felt the need to reach for my Macbook laying on the coffee table, which I would often do when using my phone.

Regards,

Dave

Originally Posted by foxmeister

It won't replace my Kindle 3, because an E-Ink device is infinitely superior when reading for an extended duration, and it won't replace my phone as my primary communication device, but it definitely serves other purposes far better (thus far) than either of the other two aforementioned devices.

To the OP - the larger screen and resolution makes a massive difference to the overall web experience. Laying on the sofa this morning browsing the web, I never felt the need to reach for my Macbook laying on the coffee table, which I would often do when using my phone.

I'm totally with you on that. I posted some feedback in this discussion thread:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...25#post9047925

I obtained the Galaxy Tab although I use a HTC Desire for some months.

I think, these two Android devices are a perfect combination and the Tab amends all the things I missed with the Desire regarding size.

The Tab is quite ideal for surfing when being aways from my PC (watching TV, traveling, sitting in an office, meeting or anywhere else). Its huge screen allows a real good usage. But it is still small enough to put it into the jacket or trouser pocket if necessary (eg. in case of bad weather). Also compared with the larger IPad, it can be grabed with one hand.

As o2 offers multicard (up to 3 sim cards sharing the same number, allowing user defined call and sms routing and sharing the same data plan with concurrent data use without additional costs except 25 euros for the sim card itself), I can use the Tab to its full extent.

As both use the same os, I can use all the apps I'm used to and which are already installed on my Desire. Moreover, even the paid variants can be installed on both devices. They can share the same information and have the same look&feel.

Yet I did not have any problems with an app not running properly on the Tab.

For surfing, playing a game, reading mails or pds, the Tab is much more suiteable.

And for occasions, where I cannot or will not carry the Tab with me as well as for make phone calls, the Desire is at hand. But due to the capability to dynamicly assign phone/sms calls to a certain sim, I can also leave the desire and do not have to carry two devices.

The battery life of the Tab is (as being used to the poor live of the Desire of 10-15 hours) excellent.

Moreover, when directly comparing Desire and Tab, the receiption of the Tab is significantly better than the Desire's, allowing to use the internet even in areas where the Desire has no signal anymore.

After I finally got OpenVPN also working, my overall assessment is: High price, but worth it's money and an excellent combination together with an Android 2.2 PDA.

Originally Posted by akxak

As o2 offers multicard (up to 3 sim cards sharing the same number, allowing user defined call and sms routing and sharing the same data plan with concurrent data use without additional costs except 25 euros for the sim card itself)

Sadly, such services are not available in the UK.
It would simplify things a lot for me if they did.


Out of interest, can you change the routing of calls and texts at any time?

Originally Posted by Step666

Out of interest, can you change the routing of calls and texts at any time?

Yes, at any time by a simple sequency entered in the phone independently for calls, sms, mms.

Beside this, a preferred device can be defined which receives calls/sms when connected to the network automatically.

The GSM technology easily allows this as sim card and phone number are connected via HLR and the rights of a single sim card are also defined in the HLR. There can be sim cards booked into the network without having an active phone number.

Thanks for elaborating for me.

I'm really annoyed now that services like that aren't offered here.

I'm actually in the exact same situation as foxmeister/Dave above...

I have a HTC Desire.
I have a laptop (mine being Sony Vaio TZ).
I have an e-ink device (mine being Sony Reader PRS-505).

And also worth noting is that I just put together a grunty desktop PC for my software development.

I thought long and hard as to whether the Galaxy Tab would fit a use-case but for me the most important factor was the recent desktop PC build, which kind of phases the laptop (which is getting a bit old and run-down now). I see my Galaxy Tab as being mainly for couch surfing/emailing, controlling my desktop, and for my travels abroad. My HTC Desire serves the phone/calls, light surfing/emailing on the go, and the Galaxy Tab handles those duties while at home (apart from the calls).

I don't want a heavier 10" device as I find them clumsy for casual couch use (not to mention too heavy for extended sessions). Galaxy tab fits the bill and makes the games like Castle Warriers, Angry Birds, etc that much nicer. It will never replace my Sony Reader though, as that is fine since they are both approx 7" in size they travel well together anyway.