soukie

Just looking at the Galaxy Tab and wondered if anyone owns one. I like the fact that the Galaxy Tab is more portable than the Apple ipad but I am a bit confused about which model to go for (P1000 or P1010). Any advice appreciated

littlejimmy

I've got one, the P1010 model, which has wi-fi but no 3G connectivity. I like it. As you say, more portable than the iPad. I got it mainly as an e-reader for when I travel (download the Kindle App) but it does tons of other stuff as well.

soukie

Thanks LJ - is there a drawback not having 3G connectivity? I am a bit confused by it all really and don't really understand the difference. The P1010 is a lot cheaper than the P1000 so I presume that's because the P1000 has
3G included - seems strange that the newer model (P1010) has less features.

Millhouse

3G = GPS maps too doesn't it?

littlejimmy

No. 3G is just the ability to use the mobile phone signal to transmit/receive data. The P1010 still has GPS, but you can only connect to the internet if you are at home (through your wireless router) or if you can find a public wi-fi hotspot in a hotel or cafe.

Millhouse

yeh, sorry wasn't clear. The maps are stored in the sky though right? so you need 3G to read them when you are in the car. I'm not sure though it must be said.

I don't normally need GPS functionality to find my way from the living room to the kettle. The maid can do that for me.

littlejimmy

Yes. I can use my tab as a sat nav but only on the route it initially planned when I had a wi-fi connection. If I deviate from my route, there's no live update through 3G.

soukie

So do you think the one with 3G is a better option? Does it need a SIM? Sorry to ask such basics but all the terminology confuses me and the sales people are not very easy to understand! I will mainly be using the Tab when travelling around - don't think I will use it much whilst I am at home.

littlejimmy

If you get the 3G one you will need a SIM for it, and that obviously adds additional cost. It really depends how much you are going to use it for on-line stuff and whether constant connectivity is important enough to justify the extra cost of the 3G version plus the cost of the SIM.

soukie

Thanks for your help LJ - I will look into it further. The running cost of a SIM would probably be about the same as using the phone for internet so could be expensive. I am going to look at the UK networks like Vodafone as I will probably be back in UK a lot more from this September.

Welivehere

Soukie,

In addition to the SIM you will also incur additional cost for the actual data you download using 3G. One option if you might want to look into want to avoid a 3G Galaxy is using a 3G phone then linking that to the Galaxy. Most phones are 3G capable already, you use that for the data you require and then you just need to get the 2 devices talking to each other.

3G is really on beneficial if you need ongoing live updates, i.e. email / GPS, on a regular basis and are in location where a Wi-fi network is nor readily available. I used it a lot in Africa but now I am back in Dubai there are enough public access points around that 3G in not a necessity

nottmbantam

Yes, most 3G phones will allow you to turn them into a wifi hotspot, so therefore making it easier to connect the phone to your iPad, Galaxy Tab , generic non labelled internet tablet.

So, with connecting the phone to the tablet, you're always online so to speak, when you need to be - providing your phone gets a good 3G signal. In most built up cities in the ME, this shouldn't be a problem.

The Galaxy Tab seems to be gaining more and more popularity here in KSA.

rowell

Galaxy tab does look good and is very popular, I plumped for Motorola Xoom and so far so good very happy with it

auzdafluff

Steer clear of any Android device aside from the Xoom. They're all poor imitations of the iPad. Even the Xoom isn't great, but it's the best alternative to the iPad.

That said, I'd just go with an iPad. It's still light years ahead of the competition, and Apple just revealed a ton of features that will be going live this September.

http://www.apple.com/ios/ios5/gallery.html#video-ios

kittycat1

This thread has so many words in it that I just don't understand- Not a clue what you are all talking about!

Foe example;
Are we acually living in Star Wars now?

My version of buying a phone- I'd like a mobile phone please- which one would you like?- a pretty one that doesn't make calls when its in my pocket and doesn't break when I drop it in the toilet and doesn't need a youtube tutorial to tell you how to work it. This one madam- yep that'll do.