Samsung Galaxy Tab (T-Mobile)

Pros: Beautiful, responsive screen; excellent form factor; Swype included, expandable memory slot, speakers are quite loud,

Cons: Sometimes chugs on Flash or content-heavy sites, screen is very conducive to fingerprints, highly sensitive accelerometer (could be a Pro for some people), NO VOICE DIALING (see summary)

Summary: The Galaxy Tab is a serious contender to the Apple iPad. It doesn't have the flash, name recognition, or Apple logo behind it, but it does have a LOT in it's favor that should make anything thinking about an iPad think twice. Overall, the Tab is a very well designed device that pretty effectively trounces any other small form-factor tablet.

Firstly, the form factor. Despite what Steve Jobs may think, 7" is an ideal tablet size. The iPad is wonderful if you're sitting at home or at a coffee shop, in a comfortable environment. However, for usage "on the go", the larger form factor can sometimes be a nuisance. It doesn't fit in anything smaller than a backpack, and digging it out when I can just slip my phone out of my pocket just doesn't "work".

However, the Tab fits easily into most of my coat and pants pockets. It doesn't cut a very trim outline, but it fits. It's easy to slip out, punch in a contact or an upcoming event, look up a quick Wikipedia reference, or take a picture, and slip back out of sight. It's to the point now where my smartphone is actually my backup device, and the Tab has become my "go-to" device for almost everything. The Tab is the first device that has made me consider going back to my MotoRazr, dropping my monthly payments by a hefty amount (Android phones on T-Mo are required to have a data plan).

The screen is amazing. Capacitive, first of all, which should be almost a requirement for any tablet device. It's bright and easy to read and resolves text amazingly well. Images are crisp, and 3D graphics are pretty smooth - the included game "Asphalt 5", hopefully, is just an indicator of things to come.

The dual cameras are great, but in my own personal use they don't come in as handy as I thought they would. The front facing camera is actually more useful than the rear camera, as the Tab comes with a Qik video chat. Though limited, the potential is there for other developers to step in and offer more functuionality, thanks to the hardware.

Apps are plentiful, as you have access to the entire Android Market. As with the iPad, many apps aren't optimzed for the Tab quite yet, but this has nothing to do with the device itself and everything to do with the developers. As more Tabs get out "in the wild", I would expect to see developers hopping on board. Many of the "staple" apps are already optimized, and with the next Android version I would expect to see an even further improvement.

As an eBook reader, the Tab excels. It's comfortable to hold, not very weighty, and the screen is easy on the eyes, comparatively. For testing purposes I downloaded both Aldiko and FBReader, both were optimized for the Tab's screen and text flowed perfectly on both.

My one MAJOR gripe with the Tab is despite being perfectly set up for Google Voice (it has a built in mic and an amazing set of speakers), Voice dialing is completely disabled, effectively gimping the device. I was hugely disappointed to discover this, and I'm not sure if the fault lies with Google, Samsung, T-mobile, or some combination of those. Whoever is at fault, this fact alone almost made me return the device. The hardware is phenomenal, however, this oversight or deliberate removal of functionality is just baffling.

On the whole, response is snappy and effecient. I haven't done an "official" test of battery life, but the Tab can get me through a full workday with WiFi and Bluetooth enabled, and screen at 50%. I have noticed that cranking the screen up to 100% cuts the battery dramatically, but that's to be expected.

Another slight negative is the lack of launch-day accessories. While the iPad has quickly garnered enough accessories to fill a small warehouse, all the Tab has so far are screen protectors and cases. Keyboard docks, or even a Netbook-type kit (similar to the iPad) would actually be welcome.

I would recommend that anyone thinking about a tablet PC give the Tab a look before moving on to the iPad. It's high points more than make up for the lows, and the added features give it a slight edge that Apple might not be able to replicate until the iPad 2 release.

Lastly, this has nothing to do with the Tab itself, but the Cubed music app is an AMAZING alternative to having an iPod. It's absolutely gorgeous on the larger Tab screen, and it's free.