Samsung has unveiled its first tablet computer called Galaxy Tab (Model: GT-P1000), at the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) conference in Berlin. At 18cm (7in) and 380g (14oz) respectively, the portable device is smaller and lighter than Apple’s iPad and powered by Google’s Android operating system 2.2 , with a capacity of 16GB or 32GB, expandable by 32GB or more.
The Galaxy Tab uses Samsung’s “Reader’s Hub” for e-books and the “Media Hub” for music or videos and will be able to connect via 3G networks, as well as Wi-Fi and Blue-tooth. Furthermore, it supports Flash and can stream content to a TV. The organisation hopes that this device will provide users with an alternative way to experience multimedia content and enjoy Internet services on the go. While it may appear similar to the iPad at first glance, the Galaxy Tab can also make calls (including video calls) and there is an expectation that other models of the device will be released in future as Samsung describe the Galaxy Tab as “the first of the company’s tablet devices”.
Other features of the 7-inch device include, a Cortex A8 1.0GHz application processor, HD video support in various multimedia formats that include DivX, XviD, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 etc. and face-to-face video telephony over 3G with its front- and rear-facing cameras.
Talking Point
Do you see consumers benefiting with the increasing number of tablet computer manufacturers?