Is the Galaxy 8.9 right for me?

[FrostByte1906]

I very much like the specs of the Galaxy 8.9 and have been planning to wait for one. The more I thinking about Android vs. iOS I am starting to second guess my choice of the 8.9 vs. the iPad2.

I'm moderately technical - not a programmer and I doubt I'd ever Flash a ROM on an Android tab. I value the customization of the interface in Android over the screens of icons on the iPad2.

So, what do you think? Would you still recommend the Galaxy 8.9 for someone who honestly won't do anything beyond customizing the interface and just plans to be a casual user with a tablet?

 

[Blueman101]

unfortunately no one can really answer that but you. Im assuming you have tried both the android ecosystem and the ios ecosystem, so the choice comes down to what YOU as the primary user prefers. Seeing as how both systems have been around long enough for them to steal features from one and integrate into theirs the choice between them (apart from minor things) is only slight.

However, I am wondering why you are comparing the 8.9 to the ipad2's 10.1? Why not compare 10.1 to 10.1? The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is only $30 more then the 8.9 version.

 

[DKYang]

As far as I know, the iPad 2 isn't even customizable unless you jailbreak it while you can still customize Android via using other apps (free or paid). Anyways, I say just wait. We only know the basic specs of the device. Who knows if anything is going to be changed from now till June.

If you need a tablet now, then get the iPad 2. Once the Galaxy Tab comes out, you can decide to sell the iPad 2 or keep it. The iPad 2 will holds its value for couple of months as long as nothing bad happens to it.

 

[FrostByte1906]

unfortunately no one can really answer that but you. Im assuming you have tried both the android ecosystem and the ios ecosystem, so the choice comes down to what YOU as the primary user prefers. Seeing as how both systems have been around long enough for them to steal features from one and integrate into theirs the choice between them (apart from minor things) is only slight.

However, I am wondering why you are comparing the 8.9 to the ipad2's 10.1? Why not compare 10.1 to 10.1? The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is only $30 more then the 8.9 version.

Thanks - I appreciate the insight. I agee. I feel they are pretty close and it boils down to what I will do / what each OS enables me to do. The iPad is 9.7 but after holding the Xoom, I've decided I don't want anything bigger than the iPad. My ideal scenario is the 7 inch tab running Honeycomb but I'm very certain I'd be one of those folks who brick the device while trying to Flash.

 

[Blueman101]

ok that makes sense, I have a few friends who prefer the smaller 8.9 to the 10.1. My advise would be to wait and feel the GalaxyTab, because the Xoom was heavy which may have accounted for you prefer a smaller size. The Galaxy tab is lighter then the iPad so it might be better.
Also, the iPad uses some made up aspect ratio making it look square almost. This could be why the size thing is another issue. Because a screen should have never been that aspect ratio, other devices that comfort to more traditional ratios (ie the Galaxy and Xoom) tend to look much larger in the X direction.
Me personally, I prefer something a bit heavier, but thats just me.

 

[htowngator]

ok that makes sense, I have a few friends who prefer the smaller 8.9 to the 10.1. My advise would be to wait and feel the GalaxyTab, because the Xoom was heavy which may have accounted for you prefer a smaller size. The Galaxy tab is lighter then the iPad so it might be better.
Also, the iPad uses some made up aspect ratio making it look square almost. This could be why the size thing is another issue. Because a screen should have never been that aspect ratio, other devices that comfort to more traditional ratios (ie the Galaxy and Xoom) tend to look much larger in the X direction.
Me personally, I prefer something a bit heavier, but thats just me.

4:3 isn't a made up aspect ratio

its basically what TV's were prior to HD widescreens and thus the "box" appearance... Some argue it's much better for web browsing and reading (which seems to be true) but movies always have to be letter boxed to fit.

 

[Magnesus]

4:3 is great for portrait mode. In landscape - not that much difference, you just have to put more things on the left or right, and less on the top and bottom of the screen. Movies look better on 16:10 though. Photos - depends what aspect ratio your camera has. A4 PDFs - should be OK on 16:10, maybe even better than on 4:3. I still prefer 4:3 because I love portrait mode (not so much to choose iPad though - 1024x768 is less than 1280x800 in landscape and in portrait).

 

[Chandelure]

I very much like the specs of the Galaxy 8.9 and have been planning to wait for one. The more I thinking about Android vs. iOS I am starting to second guess my choice of the 8.9 vs. the iPad2.

I'm moderately technical - not a programmer and I doubt I'd ever Flash a ROM on an Android tab. I value the customization of the interface in Android over the screens of icons on the iPad2.

So, what do you think? Would you still recommend the Galaxy 8.9 for someone who honestly won't do anything beyond customizing the interface and just plans to be a casual user with a tablet?

Well, if the amount of apps are important to you, I'd go with the iPad 2. If customization is more important the Galaxy Tab is the way to go.

But really, it's up to you.

 

[FrostByte1906]

Well, if the amount of apps are important to you, I'd go with the iPad 2. If customization is more important the Galaxy Tab is the way to go.

But really, it's up to you.

Yeah - I hate to admit it but I'm not a power user. I'm mostly going to watch movies (Netflix, iTurnes), checking email, browsing the net, etc. Few apps I'd install are banking and household related. 99% sure I'd never flash a ROM or mod. I'll satisfy my Android fix with the Galaxy SII and check back when it's time to upgrade my tablet.

 

[Chandelure]

Yeah - I hate to admit it but I'm not a power user. I'm mostly going to watch movies (Netflix, iTurnes), checking email, browsing the net, etc. Few apps I'd install are banking and household related. 99% sure I'd never flash a ROM or mod. I'll satisfy my Android fix with the Galaxy SII and check back when it's time to upgrade my tablet.

If your watching movies go with the 8.9. The screen will be sooooooo much nicer.