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Galaxy Tab concernes ...

At this time, price vs option isn't much of an argument, because frankly, at this point, there are barely any choices.

$800.00 (local price) for a device when cheaper and more powerful ones are just around the corner and it'll be outdated in 3 months.

You're basically buying a prototype at premium prices. In six months when the next generation slates are out, the market finally stabilizes, enough slate designed apps are published, and both the OS and hardware are specifically designed to handle the new workload, that would be a good time to buy.

Until then, specs aren't gonna matter as much as the price just to get your foot in the door as an early adopter.

And at this point. Apps are still made for cellphone form factors, meaning they're barely pushing the hardware. Even with devs announcing 3D intensive games, it'll be months before they begin to saturate the app store. Which puts into question if you'll be able to make use of the $400.00 difference.

As an early adopter, i'm under no illusion of the state of the market and know that i'm gonna be ditching whatever i get now in six months. Do these things have an absolute, must have, feature? Or even do anything that can't be done in other devices? Buy a device for what it can do NOW. Not for a feature that isn't there yet.

PS: Galaxy Tab price in the philippines undetermined, but indicators go for between $800-$1,000. Archos 101 8Gig finalized at $410.
 
Yep. If I'm being a guinea pig I'm not locking myself into a contract and paying a premium for specs that will be surpassed in a few months. This isn't a phone, something I have to have. I can be more picky. I can wait. There's a reason I ditched my wsvga atom netbook for a 12" wxga su9100 dell e4200. And I don't 'need' a tablet like I need a phone and my laptop, so I won't invest until the specs are right. $250 isn't an investment, $760 is.
 
dbpaddler said:
Yep. If I'm being a guinea pig I'm not locking myself into a contract and paying a premium for specs that will be surpassed in a few months. This isn't a phone, something I have to have. I can be more picky. I can wait. There's a reason I ditched my wsvga atom netbook for a 12" wxga su9100 dell e4200. And I don't 'need' a tablet like I need a phone and my laptop, so I won't invest until the specs are right. $250 isn't an investment, $760 is.
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With that kind of thinking why ever buy a cell phone? They are also outdated in a few month and you are stuck as you say, on a data and voice plan...

Your logic makes no sense to me.... I don't mind paying for data.... Maybe I am crazy but i'm not about to spend $$$ for a wifi only version that needs to be attached to a wifi network to use all it's features...

Also, wifi only will be pretty worthless as a phone and you won't be able to SMS or MMS and you will only be able to get your email when attached to a wifi network... I know of no cities that are blanketed with open wifi...

No thanks... I will gladly spend the cash for a data plan....
 
raqball said:
Your logic makes no sense to me.... I don't mind paying for data.... Maybe I am crazy but i'm not about to spend $$$ for a wifi only version that needs to be attached to a wifi network to use all it's features...

Also, wifi only will be pretty worthless as a phone and you won't be able to SMS or MMS and you will only be able to get your email when attached to a wifi network... I know of no cities that are blanketed with open wifi...

No thanks... I will gladly spend the cash for a data plan....
Click to expand...

First of all, you're forgetting that many people have tethering capabilities on their smartphone. A wifi only version would be a cheaper alternative because many people feel no need pay for a second data plan. Secondly, if a 3G capable tablet has the ability to make phone calls, why should anyone need to carry two devices with them. GSM technology is used throughout the world and SIM cards are interchangeable between unlocked devices. Depending on an individuals mood or needs, one can easily switch between a tablet or smartphone by simply removing the SIM card from one device and sliding it into the other. This would benefit everyone with a GSM service provider and make it easy to take a tablet along when traveling internationally.
 
I won't speak for what others want because I have NO idea.... I made it clear that I do not want to carry 2 devices...

I also made it clear I sms and email mainly and rarely use phone functions... If you are down for carrying 2 device to save a few bucks, then more power to ya...

I will exclusively use the tab and I guess I will not have phone function until someone hacks it for the US version... In the mean time, I can use my home phone and Onstar minutes...

I speak for what I want in a device, not for what other want.... For me the purpose of a 7" Tab is mobility and portability... Makes no sense to limit what it was intended for just to save a few bucks a month...... If all you want is a Tab for home use, then the 10" wifi version would be a better option...

My .02
 
Just to clear this up a bit because statements were made that the Tab is a waste of money and paying for data is a waste on money... Also the statement made that this *new* technology makes one a guinea pig..

Lets compare 2 year contact prices for smart phone and Samsung Tab... Also, lets not forget that Smart phones are out of date just as quickly as the Tab will be, and also, that any new smart phone is just as likely to have growing pains and issues... The EVO, the X, the Galaxy S, all had issues... Does buying one of these smart phones also make one a test dummy as was inferred that buying the Tab makes one?

2 year contract pricing... I will use Sprint....

You buy an HTC EVO and enter a 2 year contract on unlimited everything plan

EVO Price $199
Data and Voice plan ($70 a month x24) = $1680
Sprint Premium Data add on ($10 a month x24) = $240

Total HTC EVO ownership cost at end of contract = $2,119

-----------------------------------------

You buy a Samsung Tab and enter a 2 year contract on 3g data plan with unlimited SMS/MMS and the possibility of VOIP phone feature

Samsung Tab Price $399
3g Data Plan ($30 a month x24) =$720
Total Samsung Tab ownership cost at end of contract = $1119

So....

EVO = $ 2119
TAB = $ 1119

Both are outdated equipment rater fast (within a few months time), both are new devices that WILL / HAVE had issues....

I don't get the logic that the Tab is a horrible decision....
 
It makes complete sense because phones are a necessity. A tablet is a luxury item. The market for a 7" tablet to be someone's only daily use phone is niche at best. And to use the tablet on sprint you're relegated to voip for voice service. And I'm still not buying you can do SMS over a sprint data plan. I can see it being feasible because data plans are still phone number based, but it takes me back to the point above that the number of people using this product for their everyday phone are slim, and those who will continue to have a phone are going to end up having two different numbers for text messages? Yeah, that makes sense.

I would imagine the majority of the people roaming these tablet forums already have an android phone that is plenty capable and a much easier daily carrier. Where the heck are you going to put the thing on a normal basis? It's not slipping in my jeans pocket or a majority of my pants pockets. It would be extremely uncomfortable. Having the Evo, that was an extreme limit for my front pocket. I'm not carrying it in a jacket because I don't always wear a jacket. I'm not throwing it in a cargo pocket because it feels awkward with something that big banging around me knees (save the jokes for your friends). I could carry it in my work bag, but how convenient is that when I'm not working or need immediate access. Women who don't always have big purses won't have a place to put the thing.

Bottom line, a 7" tablet as a daily phone is for a niche crowd only. For the rest, a tablet is "augmenting" something they are already have that's pretty functional or their more basic phone if they really don't need every day use of a smartphone. It is also a toy or luxury, something they don't need but want. Better specs (processor, screen size, screen res) can change that to a need if it can replace a laptop, but they're not there yet for many. It's not close to replacing my Dell e4200 yet, but it could be for the main reasons I carry it.

And don't get me wrong, for that niche crowd, it's not a bad thing by any means. But I still wouldn't rely on a voip app over 3g to be my only phone. And that also means you have a separate voip number and SMS number unless you use google voice in which that number could be everything and you don't use your data plan number for anything. And I still want to see some proof that you can use a data plan phone number for SMS. I just don't see Sprint giving that kind of functionality away for free. But I also can't see being locked into $30/mo for data on a solo device so maybe that is an added feature. But is there a stock SMS app on a non euro galaxy tab?
raqball said:
With that kind of thinking why ever buy a cell phone? They are also outdated in a few month and you are stuck as you say, on a data and voice plan...

Your logic makes no sense to me.... I don't mind paying for data.... Maybe I am crazy but i'm not about to spend $$$ for a wifi only version that needs to be attached to a wifi network to use all it's features...

Also, wifi only will be pretty worthless as a phone and you won't be able to SMS or MMS and you will only be able to get your email when attached to a wifi network... I know of no cities that are blanketed with open wifi...

No thanks... I will gladly spend the cash for a data plan....
Click to expand...
 
dbpaddler said:
It makes complete sense because phones are a necessity. A tablet is a luxury item. The market for a 7" tablet to be someone's only daily use phone is niche at best. And to use the tablet on sprint you're relegated to voip for voice service. And I'm still not buying you can do SMS over a sprint data plan. I can see it being feasible because data plans are still phone number based, but it takes me back to the point above that the number of people using this product for their everyday phone are slim, and those who will continue to have a phone are going to end up having two different numbers for text messages? Yeah, that makes sense.

I would imagine the majority of the people roaming these tablet forums already have an android phone that is plenty capable and a much easier daily carrier. Where the heck are you going to put the thing on a normal basis? It's not slipping in my jeans pocket or a majority of my pants pockets. It would be extremely uncomfortable. Having the Evo, that was an extreme limit for my front pocket. I'm not carrying it in a jacket because I don't always wear a jacket. I'm not throwing it in a cargo pocket because it feels awkward with something that big banging around me knees (save the jokes for your friends). I could carry it in my work bag, but how convenient is that when I'm not working or need immediate access. Women who don't always have big purses won't have a place to put the thing.

Bottom line, a 7" tablet as a daily phone is for a niche crowd only. For the rest, a tablet is "augmenting something they are already have that's pretty functional or their more basic phone if they really don't need every day use of a smartphone.

And don't get me wrong, for that niche crowd, it's not a bad thing by any means. But I still wouldn't rely on a voip app over 3g to be my only phone. And that also means you have a separate voip number and SMS number unless you use google voice in which that number could be everything and you don't use your data plan number for anything. And I still want to see some proof that you can use a data plan phone number for SMS. I just don't see Sprint giving that kind of functionality away for free. But I also can't see being locked into $30/mo for data on a solo device so maybe that is an added feature. But is there a stock SMS app on a non euro galaxy tab?
Click to expand...
I believe that you are the ONLY person who has done any research ( based on your responses I seriously doubt you have done any) whatsoever that does not know unlimited SMS/MMS IS included in all the carriers data plans for the Tab....

And to answer you snide comment about having 2 different numbers for text messages...... Ummmm... No.... I have a contract free EVO and that number will be moved to the Tab on the 14th... AND Yes I already checked with a Sprint regional rep....

My advise to you, would be to conduct some research before you continue to spew your Tab hate all over this forum.... Uneducated / non researched opinions are dangerous if people follow your advise...

My .02...

YAWN.... Please go to page 126 in the user guide..... YAWN...

http://support.sprint.com/global/pdf/user_guides/samsung/galaxy/samsung_galaxy_tab_ug.pdf

EDIT TO ADD:

Also see:

http://www.androidcentral.com/sprint-officially-announces-galaxy-tab-399-contract-data-starts-29

The Sprint Samsung Galaxy Tab will be available Nov. 14 for $399 with a two-year contract. Data plans start at $29.99 a month for 2GB, or $59.99 a month for 5GB and unlimited messaging.
Click to expand...
 
my point was not everyone is dropping their phone to strictly go with a tablet. Your whole post was just for the SMS comment? And what was snide about it? Nothing. I even said it's probable considering they have a phone number associated with it. Why would I research that one little thing when I have zero desire to use a tablet that way, and others do and would be able to tell me if it's true or not. Sorry, you just seem petty to base your whole attitude off that one comment.

And are you still going to have two numbers associated with the tablet? One number for phone calls via VOIP and one number for SMS, the data plan number.

Where's the hate? My real point is that the market for a 7" tablet to be someone's only phone, and one that can only be accomplished via VOIP to boot, is going to be niche at best. At least in Europe it's a true phone all around so I can see it a little more. Though a discussion I had with someone over there saying a 300 person sales force is ditching their blackberries for galaxy tablets just made me laugh. Sales people needing to jot out quick emails and texts having to break out a tablet and type like that just seems laughable. I can't see that kind of mass adoption and a complete change of how they function. And I'm sure many will be unhappy if they are forced to carry a 7" pad as a daily phone. At least there they can pop a SIM out and use whatever they want. That luxury isn't as easy on CDMA.

Many already struggle carrying around a 4-4.3" phone as it is. Most will be buying a tablet to augment a smartphone that already accomplishes 98% of the features of a tablet. So for many, buying a wifi only tablet would seem to make more sense. I'm sorry you're personally offended at those comments, and why you are, I just don't know.
 
dbpaddler said:
my point was not everyone is dropping their phone to strictly go with a tablet. Your whole post was just for the SMS comment? And what was snide about it? Nothing. I even said it's probable considering they have a phone number associated with it. Why would I research that one little thing when I have zero desire to use a tablet that way, and others do and would be able to tell me if it's true or not. Sorry, you just seem petty to base your whole attitude off that one comment.

And are you still going to have two numbers associated with the tablet? One number for phone calls via VOIP and one number for SMS, the data plan number.

Where's the hate? My real point is that the market for a 7" tablet to be someone's only phone, and one that can only be accomplished via VOIP to boot, is going to be niche at best. At least in Europe it's a true phone all around so I can see it a little more. Though a discussion I had with someone over there saying a 300 person sales force is ditching their blackberries for galaxy tablets just made me laugh. Sales people needing to jot out quick emails and texts having to break out a tablet and type like that just seems laughable. I can't see that kind of mass adoption and a complete change of how they function. And I'm sure many will be unhappy if they are forced to carry a 7" pad as a daily phone. At least there they can pop a SIM out and use whatever they want. That luxury isn't as easy on CDMA.

Many already struggle carrying around a 4-4.3" phone as it is. Most will be buying a tablet to augment a smartphone that already accomplishes 98% of the features of a tablet. So for many, buying a wifi only tablet would seem to make more sense. I'm sorry you're personally offended at those comments, and why you are, I just don't know.
Click to expand...

1st of all I am not offended... I have not tried to convince anyone that the Tab is for them... I have simply stated what it can do... Every time I state a fact you reply with a non fact and try to cram why people should not get the Tab down throats...

To each their own... I don't really care if someone gets it or not, but when people decide, they should have accurate information and you are providing none of that....

Again, as I stated several times in previous posts.... I rarely use phone function.... When I do I have plenty of other options... I have a home phone with voicemail, I have OnStar minutes to use and burn, and I will probably have GV and VOIP... Call forwarding????? Ya, it will work for me...

As far as portability goes, that what it was designed for.... I have no problem tucking it in my back pocket or cargo pocket... None whatsoever...

If people are not looking for the portability features it offers then a 10" wifi only pad would probably be the better choice...

I have NO interest whatsoever in carrying 2 devices... NONE... I will keep my EVO incase I grow weary of the Tab... And I will be purchasing the Tab at the full $599 no contract price... If a new, more exciting toy comes out then I will be all over it like a hobo on a ham sandwich.... My electronics love is fickle... Some new and shiny toy always catches my eye...
 
well that's why I added my last comment in the post you quoted that for that niche crowd it's worthwhile. You're fitting that niche where the phone aspect isn't as important and you're cool with carrying something that size.

And I do just see a concern with relying on VOIP for phone use. A data signal is less reliable than a typical phone signal. Will it handshake well from 3g to 1xrtt. Can it do voip over 1x? So the phone coverage might not be the same. That could pose an issue for some.

I'm not posting something negative to be a jerk. Just showing it might not be as seamless and reliable as a true phone. Just hold on to that Evo for awhile. God forbid you part with it and encounter bugs and have to roll back to an actual phone.

If I was picking up a galaxy tab, I'd probably be the first to test it all out just for the geek factor, but I'm not going that route.
 
A Tablet does not replace your smart-phone or your laptop/home computer, but acts/used as an extension of both. Any type of replacement of those devices by a Tablet will end up being a disappointment.

I do think the Tablet will replace both in the future, but for now that's not going to happen, so don't sell your smart-phone or Laptop just yet.

I believe the smart money will purchase the WiFi only Tablet, with so many hot spots available today, spending money for an additional data plan would be a waste, unless you have stupid money, or... a data plan is a necessity for your needs.

A Tablet may not be for everybody, that's for you to decide, just don't set yourself for disappointment.
 
For a limited bunch, they are expecting it to replace their phone. For those that are augmenting their current phone, I believe the galaxy tab is a waste unless you go for the wifi only version.
DroidPower said:
A Tablet does not replace your smart-phone or your laptop/home computer, but acts/used as an extension of both. Any type of replacement of those devices by a Tablet will end up being a disappointment.
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Actually there is one other advantage to having the 3G radio.

GPS, and specifically, seamless google maps.

I realise you can probably tether an external BT or USB gps but like tethering thats another device to carry around and muck around with. But you get what you pay for. As for google maps imagine the hassle of having to turn on your tethering, then your gps unit, before using google maps.

I'm going for a cheaper wifi archos myself, not paying 1k AUD unlocked for a first gen product that costs more than the market leader (won't mention it lol) with all of its tablet optimised software ready to roll. But 400AUD for a droid I can mess around with and stick memory cards into, totally sold as long as its at least 2.2, capacitive and has decent cpu (tick tick and tick again for archos). And yes I have a normal droid phone (N1) to tether off, can't justify paying more than double for slick gps.
 
For me, there really is no purpose in a tablet that doesn't have full telephone and SMS/MMS features. I don't see a tablet as a phone replacement but I also don't see the point of carrying two devices either. In my opinion the only benefit of a tablet over a smartphone is the larger screen size. When I'm at school or at a Starbucks, I would probably take a tablet with me because it'll make reading and surfing the net a more enjoyable experience. When I'm going out to the bars or clubs, the smaller form factor of my smartphone would be more appropriate. Having a tablet with full phone capabilities allows me to easily alternate between devices by simply transferring the SIM card from one device to the other.

A wifi only version could be useful if it allowed bluetooth pairing with the ability to remotely dial out, answer calls, and access my phones contact list. This way, I wouldn't have to pull my phone out my pocket to make a call. If a car's navigation/entertainment system has this feature, I don't see why my tablet shouldn't.
 
I've had my Galaxy Tab for a week now. When I'm at work, I have my HTC Desire smartphone for listening to music and checking text messages. When I get home I use the Galaxy Tab for web browsing, emails, ebooks, videos, gaming, social networking etc. My Tab has no SIM card so it's effectively WiFi only: the Desire remains my primary cell phone and text messaging device. But since I'm now not using the Desire for much else, the battery life on it is awesome :p

I no longer use my laptop, PSP or Kindle - the Galaxy Tab replaced all that. I still use my desktop PC for writing and long emails.
 
Just a quick update to some of the information in this thread....

There is now a hacked version of the Skype app available that allows Skype over either 3G or WiFi. It's available here....

MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service

For those interested in using their tablet as a phone, all you need to do is to install this version of Skype, obtain a Skype phone number and pay for a plan that meets your needs.

You pretty much use the Tablet like a speakerphone. I haven't been able to get it to recognize or pair with my bluetooth earpiece.

It does mean that you can use this as a phone....not perfect, but functional.

Ken
 
Guitar4him said:
There is now a hacked version of the Skype app available that allows Skype over either 3G or WiFi. It's available here....

MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service

For those interested in using their tablet as a phone, all you need to do is to install this version of Skype, obtain a Skype phone number and pay for a plan that meets your needs.
Click to expand...

I was looking to do this as well in order to completely replace my phone but I am just worried if I ever get into an area without 3g and need to make a call I'd be screwed :(

Maybe I'll do this and just sign up for some $10 prepaid card in case of emergencies...
 
ap3604 said:
I was looking to do this as well in order to completely replace my phone but I am just worried if I ever get into an area without 3g and need to make a call I'd be screwed :(

Maybe I'll do this and just sign up for some $10 prepaid card in case of emergencies...
Click to expand...

I have a T-Mobile Tab. Compared to Verizon, their 3G service sucks. At my home, I only get Edge. However, the Skype calling does work, even on an Edge connection.

Ken
 
Does anyone know the main differences on the galaxy tabs from these carries? Does any of the plans have better service than the other? I bought the sprint with a 30$ data plan per month but now I hear tmobile has a bigger hard drive. Is this true? Do any of them have better 3G service or better wifi reach. I am also having trouble with texting on mine. I can send a text with a picture but not without...Strange!!!!
 
hi all i live in the uk and have had the galaxy tab since the 1st of november when it was made available over here and can definately confirm it works exactly the same as any other mobile phone for voice calls i bought one sim free and just took the vodafone sim card out of my contract phone and started making calls on it the same way so yes the european version is a very capable phone as well as a multimedia tablet in fact it doe's everything very well sorry you guys didn't get the same spec's
 
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