Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
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With Apple currently trying its hardest to ensure that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 stays off store shelves, one might be tempted to assume that the Cupertino-based company is running scared at the prospect of a true rival to its best-selling iPad 2.

On paper, Samsung's tablet challenger is a fearsome beast. There's a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor beating at the heart of this mobile monster, backed up by 1GB of RAM. In terms of horsepower it's a mouth-watering prospect.

It's not just the raw tech that will get your pulse racing, however. Samsung is keen to point out that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is thinner and lighter than its Apple-manufactuered rival. At a super-svelte 8.6mm and with a weight of just 565g, it's hard to argue.

Star of the big screen

Then there's the screen resolution – an eyeball-popping 1280x800 pixels. Not only that, but the display itself is brilliantly bright and out-performs the iPad 2 when it comes to detail, brightness and viewing angles.

Whether it's hitting the web, looking at your snaps or watching HD movies, the Galaxy Tab 10.1's screen is tremendous. It's almost impossible to not come away feeling impressed, and this will no doubt win over many doubters the first time they see the product in the flesh.

There are a few technical shortcomings to note here. There's no way to expand the memory of the Galaxy Tab 10.1, so once the 32GB version is arguably the one to go for. The Motorola Xoom offered MicroSD expansion but when comparing Samsung's tablet with the iPad 2, this is a moot point, as that particular device doesn't offer memory augmentation either.

It's also a shame that no USB ports are included, especially when you consider that future versions of Honeycomb will be offering USB host support - which means you can plug in USB joypads for gaming (amongst other things).

Anything you can do, I can do better

As all these impressive specs pile up, it's obvious that Samsung's mission with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is to basically beat the iPad 2 in as many categories as humanly possible.

While it has undoubtably won the war of the hardware, that's actually only half the battle.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is running Android Honeycomb 3.1, which means it boasts a few nips and tucks over the version that shipped with Motorola's Xoom tablet earlier this year. To be honest, the difference is minimal, and it's not until Android 3.2 is available for the tablet that you'll see a real change.

Honeycomb remains a robust tablet operating system, and the ability to use scrolling widgets is a joy. Furthermore, the new multi-tasking capability makes a mockery of iOS's 'frozen state' equivalent.

It's possible to skip almost effortlessly between active programs, and the revised app selection interface is very welcome indeed.

You're my honey(comb)

In general, though, there's still some work to be done. Google has taken much of its Android mobile ethos and transferred it to the larger format of a tablet, and it works well enough, but there are still moments when things don't run as smoothly as we'd like.

For example, scrolling between homescreens is often a jerky affair, which takes away some of the lustre of using such a premium product. Still, Android lovers should be accustomed to rough edges by now.

When it comes to doing tablet-style activities, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is an unquestionable triumph. Surfing the web is a wondrous experience thanks to the large, bold screen and the inclusion of Adobe Flash support.

Bundled apps – such as Honeycomb's dedicated YouTube player – are similarly fantastic. Viewing content from the comfort of your armchair really has never been so appealing.

The app question

Branching out from there, issues start to arise. Although Honeycomb will gladly play ball with the vast majority of Android phone apps and games, there's a disappointing lack of tailor-made tablet downloads.

Compared to the vast reserves of support enjoyed by the iPad, this is a real shame. The situation is improving, but in terms of raw figures Apple's tablet has the lion's share of developer attention right now.

Gaming is another area where the Galaxy Tab 10.1 can't hope to compete with the iPad 2. Although some high-profile studios – such as Gameloft – are releasing special editions of their games for Android tablets, there's no where near as much support as there is for iPad gaming.

Conclusion

The problem of developers throwing their weight behind a rival product isn't something you can blame the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for – in fact, if the current hype is to be believed, this could be the Android tablet that finally catches the imagination of the general public.

Once that happens, you can expect a sharp increase in the number of dedicated Honeycomb apps and games that are available.

However, it's something you need to consider if you're undecided about which tablet to purchase. Should you be squarely in Google's camp then you'll probably be willing to overlook the small issues and appreciate the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for what it is – the best Android tablet yet.

Should you be an Apple fan who loves the diversity and choice available on the App Store, then it might be prudent to stick with iOS and pick up an iPad 2, despite the lesser technical specs.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

First things first – the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the best Android tablet yet. It fuses gorgeous looks with cutting-edge tech to create an experience that rivals the iPad 2 in terms of usability and power, but the lack of dedicated app support remains a thorny issue
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Damien  McFerran
Damien McFerran
Damien's mum hoped he would grow out of playing silly video games and gain respectable employment. Perhaps become a teacher or a scientist, that kind of thing. Needless to say she now weeps openly whenever anyone asks how her son's getting on these days.