Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (16GB)

Pros: Large screen
Quick
Competitive price

Cons: Lower specs than the high end models

Summary: This is my first tablet and I have not used one before so I can't compare to other products. However I wanted to write this review to convey a few points that aren't addressed in other reviews I have read.

After a rocky start (see below) I think this is a very good tablet for the price. I was in the market for a tablet at $300 or price range with a large screen. I just wasn't willing to spend $400 or more for the higher end tablets and I have an aversion to Apple products for some reason. The price was actually $350 at Best Buy but I used some rewards to get it down to $300. There really isn't many choices for a large screen tablet at $300 - $350 price range. I think Cnet's review is mostly accurate however they should reconsider their opinion based on what else is available for large screen tablets at this price point. I considered the Google Nexus 10 ($400) which had better specs and reviews, but currently it isn't available to purchase from Google or at any stores.

I am pleased with the performance, graphics, and features. It has a nice feel and is very smooth. I think typing on a large tablet is awkward but have noticed a quick learning curve. I have used the voice recognition to type an email and am impressed at how well it works (much better than on my Droid X2 phone). I am also impressed with the remote control app (peel Smart Remote) which lets you control your TV and Cable box using the built-in IR port. It is different than a normal remote because it looks up shows that are on based on categories. You can pick them, read info about it and if you want to watch it will change the channel for you. It even has some limited controls for my DVR. It doesn't seem to have volume control however. It defiantly won't replace my Harmony remote but it is a cool alternative to the guide on your cable or satellite box!

A word of caution, when setting it up the first thing it will have you do is create an account with Samsung for software updates and their own marketplace. When I did it, I left out one letter in my email address and thus couldn't get the authorization email to activate the account. I didn't realize until I had done about 5 hours of setup and customization. There is no way to delete the bad account or edit the email address if it isn't authorized. Samsung support said I had to reset to factory defaults and start over. It was my mistake but very frustrating to have to start over and lose everything. So, learn from my mistake and don't enter the wrong email address on the Samsung account setup!!

My tablet would randomly restart while I was using it. This happened about 3 or 4 times in 4 hours. Then when I did the factory reset it would boot up for 15 to 60 seconds then restart again. Nothing I could do would stop it. It stopped on its own for a bit so I got the software updated and did some setup but then started again. I promptly returned it to Best Buy and they exchanged it for me. The second tablet has been perfect and has not crashed one time. So, if you get a lemon like I did, take it back and give it a second try!!