Samsung is starting to sell the Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Tab for S$538 tomorrow in Singapore, just weeks before Apple’s iPad 2 hits stores here and other newer Android 3.0 tablets reach these shores.
The followup to last year’s main iPad challenger comes with the same 7.0-inch LCD screen and 1GHz processor, as well as Android 2.2 (Froyo). This Wi-Fi version, however, does not come with 3G.
This means the Galaxy Tab WiFi can be used easily on the couch at home, but will have to rely on public hotspots or mobile phone tethering when users bring it outside.
How well will it do? The comparisons with upcoming tablets might deter many users from buying what is essentially a more affordable version of the original Galaxy Tab, which we really liked. The main selling point for this new followup is price – at S$538, it is cheaper than the US$499 (S$629) Wi-Fi-only iPad 2, though that’s got a 10-inch screen and a slimmer profile.
If you want an affordable tablet now, the Wi-Fi Tab may still be on your radar, since it’s still the best Android tablet out in Singapore, until Motorola ships the Xoom and Samsung brings its newer, slimmer 10.1-inch Tab and 8.9-inch Tab in the coming weeks as well. But we suspect a lot of people will be holding out for the new devices.
(the specs for the Galaxy Tab Wi-Fi)
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo) |
| Display | 7.0 inch TFT-LCD, WSVGA (1024 x 600) |
| Processor | Cortex A8 1.0GHz Application Processor with PowerVR SGX540 |
| Camera | 3 MP Camera with Auto-Focus and LED Flash 1.3MP front camera for Video Telephony |
| Value-added Features | Android Market™ and Samsung Apps for more applications and contents |
| Readers Hub, Social Hub | |
| Adobe Flash 10.1 player support 720p video playback, Thinkfree Office, Swype, Hybrid Widget | |
| Connectivity | 30 pin connector WiFi 802.11n / Bluetooth® 2.1 |
| Sensor | Gyroscope sensor, Geo-magnetic sensor, Accelerometer, Light sensor |
| Memory | 16G internal memory with microSD card slot (expandable up to 32G) RAM: 512 MB |
| Size | 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm, 380g |
| Battery | 4,000mAh (7 hour movie play) |
1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.1, announced today that several retail stores and Web sites will carry the WiFi-only Samsung Galaxy Tab™ by April 10, offering customers the opportunity to buy this powerful and compact mobile tablet for $349.99.
http://www.technews5.com/2011/04/samsung-wi-fi-only-galaxy-tab.html
Archos 70 Android 2.2 Froyo 7 inch tablet is cheaper $459, thinner and lighter