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Samsung's Galaxy Tab is so convenient that you'll wonder how you managed before
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (GT-P6200) is a new seven-inch tablet computer that provides several improvements over the original Galaxy Tab.
The Tab Plus runs on Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system that has been optimised for tablets while the original Galaxy Tab runs on Android 2.2 for smart phones.
Best of all, Tab Plus is now powered by dual-core 1.2GHz processor, which is much faster than single-core 1GHz of the original Tab.
Thanks to the much faster CPU, Tab Plus can now record 720p video smoothly, compared with 480p video of the old Galaxy Tab although both models have three-megapixel rear camera.
And Tab Plus supports much faster HSPA+ 3G technology with peak bandwidth of 21Mbps compared with 7.2Mbps of the Tab’s HSDPA system.
Another improvement is that the Tab Plus now has a speaker on the front for phone conversation so that you can use it as a giant phone without a headset or without having to turn the speak-on system like in the case the original Galaxy Tab.
But I am certain that your friends will smile seeing you hold the seven-inch screen giant phone next to your cheek, making phone call.
The faster dual-core processor also allows the Plus to play Full HD 1080p video smoothly so it can function as a portable video player.
The test found that the Tab Plus played HD video clips smoothly. Its menus were very responsive and scrolling of Web pages and screens of social updates were very fast thanks to its fast CPU power.
The Tab Plus is for you if you want a mobile phone with a big screen for reading and watching video clips, but you think the 8.9-inch or 10-inch tablets are too inconvenient to carry around. Compared to Galaxy 8.9-inch and Galaxy 10-inch models, the Plus has phone-call function, but the two others lack the voice call.
Before you buy one, ask at the shop which 3G mobile network is supported by the Plus you’re buying. This is because there are two sub-models (SKU). One is made for AIS’ 900MHz 3G network and the other for Dtac and True Move H’s 850MHz 3G. If you get the wrong one, you may have to switch your mobile-phone operator.
I am using True Move, but I’ve got the 900 model for testing so I need to try it mostly on Wi-Fi connection.
The Tab Plus also comes with improved user-interface of both Android 3.2 and Samsung TouchWiz interface. TouchWiz provides a Mini Apps bar to access the six most-used applications – Phone, Messaging, Task manager, Pen memo Calendar and Music player.
The Mini Apps design makes basic use convenient. You can access these applications from any screen by tapping an arrow at the bottom of the screen and the bar will slide up. Tap the arrow again, and you can hide the bar.
The Tab Plus also comes with Samsung Live Panel that you can customise widgets on five home screens. For example, you can view feeds of your social network friends live on the screen by placing the Social Hub widget on one of the home screens. You can also set a slideshow from your online Picasa web albums right on one of the home screens using Samsung Live Panel feature.
Another nice user-interface feature is the soft button for capturing the screen. You don’t need any key combination.
The Tap Plus also supports Kies Air, which you must download using Samsung App. Kies Air lets you download and upload music files, photos and other files without an USB cable.
The Plus is also a good portable music player. Its speakers can play the music loud and clear and it provides a 3.5mm stereo jack. I tried playing the music with my premium Sony in-ear earphones and was impressed in the quality.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus retails for Bt15,900.
Key specs
_ OS: Android 3.2 Honeycomb
_ CPU: Dual-core 1.2GHz
_ Display: Seven-inch 1024x600
_ 2G network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900
_ 3G network: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100 or 900/1900/2100
_ Memory: 8GB RAM, 16 GB storage, expandable with microSD card
_ Camera: 3MP Rear, 2MP Front
_ Audio: MP3, OGG, AAC, WMA, WAV, FLAC
_ Video: MPEG4, DivX, Xvid, H.263, H.264
_ Battery: 4,000 mAh
_ Dimension: 193.65 x 122.37 x 9.96mm
_ Weight: 345g
