Samsung Galaxy Review (Preview) - iPad-killer or dud?

Initial testing shows that the Samsung Galaxy tablet PC may be the first significant competitor to the iPad.

The latest high-tech kid on the tablet PC block is the Samsung Galaxy Tab, a cross between a smart phone and a tablet PC, and it’s launching on T-Mobile (November 10), Verizon (November 11), and Sprint (November 14). The Samsung Galaxy Tab is running Android software and has several features that will gain it an enthusiastic following.

One of the most exciting features is that this new tablet PC has two cameras which can be used for video conferencing and video chat. It has both a 3 megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash, and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera. In contrast, the iPad does not feature a camera. The 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab screen (measured diagonally) is smaller than the 9.7-inch iPad, but about twice the size of most smart phone screens.

It is lightweight, easy to hold, and the WSVGA display makes it excellent for e-reading, surfing the net, or photo viewing. Consumers can choose from 16 or 32 gigabytes of storage, and there’s an expansion slot to add another 32 GB if desired.  The Samsung Galaxy Tab's battery life is reported at 7 hours of video playback time, falling short of reports of over 10 hours video playback time for the iPad.

Longing to follow a favorite TV show or video while on the run? The Samsung Galaxy Tab features full HD Video Playback, and some carrier plans, such as T-Mobile’s, have the tablet PC pre-loaded with videos as well as a live and on-demand TV plan from a third party provider.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab will help organize life with a calendar application, a messaging application, an e-reader application, and an email application that displays landscape-style with side-by-side dual views. The Samsung Galaxy Tab can even stand up on a desktop to be utilized as a speaker phone. Some experts have questioned whether Google's Android operating system is robust enough to handle tablet PC apps, since it was designed for smart phones, but Samsung developers appear to have taken Android up to a new level with the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

With features such as 3 Gigabytes of HSUPA connectivity, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 3.0, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is definitely a new tech kid to watch. Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint all offer different programs and features, with prices varying depending upon whether an annual contract is chosen. Consumers would do well to compare the options at each provider’s site, or to visit a physical storefront to try out the new Samsung Galaxy tablet PC in person.