I have been anxiously watching the category of devices which have optimistically dubbed themselves “iPad killers.”  This is a new category of tablet devices, running operating systems which are typically associated with mobile devices, such as WebOS and Android.  This is a major shift from previous tablet devices, which relied heavily on mutations and adaptations of desktop-based operating systems like Windows7.  The first such device I have had the opportunity to check out is the Android-based Samsung Galaxy Tab, which the folks at Sprint were nice enough to loan me in order to test. 

As I mentioned, the Galaxy Tab relies on the Android operating system, which we have reviewed on numerous occasions here at JAMM.  As such, I am not going to spend too much time on the operating system itself.   I will say, however, that if you are a fan of Android, then this will feel extremely familiar and comfortable…in fact, it felt exactly the same as its mobile phone counterpart.  Even to the point in which the apps in the marketplace were the same…the exact same apps, without even offering any optimization for the larger screen.  The result was that many apps on this device failed to really make use of the larger real estate offered by the seven inch screen.  Otherwise, the device felt to me a lot like a larger version of the HTC EVO, without the HTC SenseUI.  I have to admit  that I have never really been a fan of Android without the extra features offered by HTC’s SenseUI.  It just feels a bit too plain to me, so I was disappointed that Samsung did not do more to dress up the interface on this device.

We have already hinted at it a bit, but let’s go ahead and take a look at the size of this device.  The Galaxy Tab sports a seven inch screen, which puts it nearly exactly in the middle of a large cell phone, like the EVO, and the iPad.   At first glance, I was a bit wary of this screen, which made the device feel too large to be portable, but too small to be effective.  In other words, the perfect compromise which no one was really seeking.  After using it for a bit, however, I found the size of the device worked well for many purposes.  I still felt it was too small to be effective for more than the most basic reading or writing tasks.  Any would be iPad competitor has to be able to accomplish similar tasks such as word processing, ebook reading, and even blog posting.  While some apps do exist for these tasks on Android, I simply did not find the size of this device was well suited for them.   On the other hand, I found myself reaching for the Galaxy Tab more and more often for basic tasks, such as checking email and even looking up websites (though it did tend to default to the mobile versions of most sites). 

The biggest advantage of this device over the iPad and other tablets, was that this one will fit in your pocket.  It is probably the largest device which could fit, and I would not recommend it in a tight pocket like jeans, though it slid right into my cargo pants.

Speaking of the hardware, let’s go ahead and take a quick look around this device.  As is common in many devices, the face is smooth and flat, with no lip between the screen and the surrounding bezel.  This is great in terms of usability, but combine it with the smooth back and you end up with one slippery device.  I never really understood why these devices cannot utilize a more textured or rubberized back in order to make it a bit grippier. 

Back to the face, there are four hardware buttons beneath the screen.  These are also simple touch sensors rather than raised buttons.  This means there is no tactile feedback when you push one of them.  Still, the buttons are well thought, with the menu button, home button, back button, and search button.

The right side of the device (as you are looking at it) has the power button, volume controls, and microSD card.  I was really excited to find the microSD card slot, allowing you to add external memory to the device.  This is one of the biggest failings of the iPad.  I was disappointed, however, not to find a hardware button for the camera.  Fumbling to find the camera icon on the onscreen menus can be a bit tricky at times, especially when you are trying to capture that priceless spontaneous moment.

There is nothing on the left except the microphone.  Likewise, the top contains only a standard 3.5 inch earphone jack.  On the bottom are the speakers, as well as the sync/charge plug.  I was a but disappointed to find a proprietary plug, rather than a standard mini or micro USB.  This means the Galaxy Tab will require yet another cable to be carried around when you travel.

Like the iPad, the back of the device will not open, meaning you cannot replace or change the battery.  That being said, I had no problems with this battery.  I subjected it to my regular daily use, and even a bit more than that, and it lasted more than long enough with a single overnight charge.  Also on the back of the device, you will find the 3.2 megapixel camera.

Speaking of the camera, I found it worked abut as well as any camera I have used in a mobile device.  It will never seriously contend with my Canon camera…or my DXG camcorder.  In a pinch, though, it can handle both still photos and video with relative ease (you can see the results, above).  As I mentioned, it can be a bit cumbersome to find the camera app within the onscreen menus, so you may want to consider adding the icon to your homescreen.  Once you are in the app, however, the controls are relatively easy.  Just point and shoot.  There are some nice large buttons on the screen, giving you full control over the app.  Still, I was surprised not to find a digital zoom here.  Additionally, I was shocked that this device did not have a front facing camera.  With all the emphasis which has been placed, lately, on mobile video conferencing, it was a real surprise to find a device like this without such capabilities.

I have to say though, despite the nice screen size and resolution, I was not terribly impressed by the video watching experience on this one.  First, loading video onto the device is a real chore.  It brings to mind something our own Chris Spera said once about the dominance of the iPad: it is all about the environment.  Apple features iTunes.  Love it or hate it, iTunes offers an easy way to transfer properly formatted videos to your device.  Google does not offer anything like that.  Likewise, I found streaming video online also did not work well.  First, many services, such as Hulu and Netflix are not available on this device.  I was able to test the screen with YouTube, but was fairly disappointed by the poor video playback quality I found there.  On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab does feature Samsung’s media hub (above), which allows you to purchase or rent TV shows and movies which you can download to your device for subsequent viewing.  The nice thing about this one is that the library of available videos is regularly updated, meaning there is a fantastic mix of both classic content and new releases.  I was impressed, for example, to find quite a bit of new content which was not even available on Netflix yet.

Finally, the Galaxy Tab is connected to the Sprint network.  I was a little surprised to find that it was not 4G enabled, but it did connect to Sprint’s 3G network with no problems.  I have to admit that I appreciated having a device which is connected to a dedicated network.  My iPad is the wifi only version, and while this works well enough with the Sprint Overdrive 4G modem, there are a few drawbacks.  First, the Overdrive requires you to carry extra accessories, which the dedicated Sprint device would not require.  More importantly is the ability to connect anywhere.  I do not have wifi at work, and I cannot use my Overdrive in my office.  This means my iPad cannot connect to the Internet during the day.  The Galaxy Tab can connect directly to Sprint’s network anytime…even from my office.

In the end, I have to say that I was a little confused by the market which the Galaxy Tab was targeting.  It is not quite a direct competitor of the iPad, though it does fill many of the same functions.  Ultimately, if you are an Android fan, then you are probably going to appreciate the familiar look and feel of the device and interface.  Still, there are too many missing features for it to seriously contend with many of the latest devices hitting the market today.  The HTC Evo, for example, offers nearly all of these missing features, and is still connected to the Sprint network.  The lack of a front facing camera and 4G connectivity, for example, are significant setbacks for the Galaxy Tab.   I was hoping for more, and was disappointed not to find it.  In the end, the Galaxy Tab is little more than a large-screen version of any other  Android phone, with few advanced features, and nothing which really took advantage of the larger screen size or resolution. 

The Samsung Galaxy Tab is available from Sprint for $299.99 with a two year contract.

We announced the upcoming game Pirates vs Ninjas vs Zombies vs Pandas a little while back.  Pan Vision is pleased to announce that its debut title for iPhone & iPod Touch, Pirates vs Ninjas vs Zombies vs Pandas (PvNvZvP for short), is now available to download from the App Store priced $0.99. PvNvZvP is a classically addictive physics-based demolition puzzler based around the epic conflict between these four armies as they fight for dominance across four campaigns.

Each campaign sees the player take control of three factions and, by forging an uneasy alliance, use their unique abilities to eliminate the fourth faction as they
shelter from your onslaught in a variety of ingeniously constructed fortifications. Load your cannon with your ammunition of choice, use the simple touch and drag interface to select your projectile’s trajectory and power and then open fire! Pirates, Ninjas, Zombies and Pandas all make effective missiles, but each faction also has something a little special to offer:

- Burn away bamboo and wood using an incendiary rum-soaked pirate.
- Obliterate reinforced roofs with a well-placed ninja chop.
- Devastate hideouts with explosive cluster-zombies.
- Seek out hard to reach foes with the guided fart panda (yep, that’s right…).

So far, from the couple levels that we have played, this game is indeed challenging and the authors have quite the sense of humor…we won’t go into this in detail here as we’ll be bringing you a full review over this (dare I say addictive?) game.

Last time, we took a good look at some computer hardware that might be a nice holiday gift for someone on your gift list.  While a tablet purchase is almost certainly on everyone’s radar, I know that standard desktop and laptop hardware is also a definite possibility, especially for graduating high school seniors going away to college next Fall. 

The big question that is on everyone’s mind is likely – What software do I purchase for my new laptop?  Do I have to stick with the OS that it came with, or can I upgrade it from Windows Vista to Windows 7?  I have a trial version of (pick a Microsoft Office 2007/2010 component) on my hard drive, and I want the whole thing.  What is the easiest way to get that without pirating it? I’m glad you asked, kids, because I’ve got a couple of suggestions that are certain to help you get rid of the bloatware and get to the GOOD software that everyone is craving.

Does this software make me look fat..??

Check out the rest of Part 2 of my 2010 Holiday Buyer’s Guide on iTechGear.org!

For two days only (December 8th and 9th) LogMeIn is putting its award-winning remote access app–Ignition for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch on sale for only $19.99 (30% off the regular price). LogMeIn Ignition provides fast, one-click access to your computers, directly from your Apple device. The mobile application extends added flexibility and freedom to users, enabling them to work or play from anywhere. Simply download and have access to everything back at work or at home right from the palm of your hand.

You can purchase LogMeIn Ignition from the Apples iTunes App Store at https://secure.logmein.com/r.asp?r=iPhone, or through the App Store directly on your Apple device.  Stay tuned, as we’ll soon be exploring the iPad version together – here on JAMM!

We all enjoy the distinctive ring features which allow our phones rings a certain way.  It allows us to know who the call is for, or who’s calling.  In the way of cell phones, I’ve seen some software for smartphones that enable this kind of functionality which allows you to know if it’s an uber-important call that you just HAVE TO take.  Or you can look at the flip side, getting a ring and knowing which calls NOT to take.  Why couldn’t we have done this with email?  Well, step right up to the plate Electric Pocket because MailTones is now on trial.  Join us in the JAMM labs as we find out whether this $3.99 app is worth its salt.

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