Samsung Galaxy Tab 7-inch (Sprint)

Design
Tablets are only as good as their screens, and the Tab's screen is a glossy beauty with the strength of a beast, thanks to a protective layer of Corning Gorilla glass. The LCD underneath it is a crisp 1,024x600-pixel resolution, which is on par with the iPad, but since the screen is about half the size, the pixel density is much tighter. The screen uses a capacitive, multitouch technology that can match the iPad in both response time and usefulness. Not once did we catch ourselves cursing at it--at least, not in the same threatening tone as we used with the Dell Streak or the Archos 7 Home Tablet.

Features
Before we get into the nitty gritty of what the Tab has to offer, let's state for the record that the two best features of the Tab are the least complicated to understand. First off, you have the size--which is smaller, lighter, and more convenient than the iPad. Second, there's the full, undiluted Android 2.2 experience, complete with third-party apps, and the official Android Market for all the latest and greatest apps. We've seen other Android tablets this same size, but none running Android 2.2 with Market support. Similarly, we've seen tablets like the Dell Streak that offer the Android Market, but the size is cramped and the OS isn't yet up to 2.2. Currently, only the Galaxy Tab hits this "just right" Goldilocks zone among Android tablets--and that's what makes it exciting.

Performance
Predictably, when you add up the Flash video playback, GPS, and 3G (not to mention Bluetooth and 720p video decoding), battery life can go downhill quickly. By pulling down on the home screen you can access a menu for quickly activating or killing off GPS, Bluetooth, and 3G, helping to squeeze the most from your battery life. Keeping yourself to core features such as Web browsing, music, and e-mail, Samsung expects you'll get around 7 hours of battery life with Wi-Fi active.

Product Features

• Android 2.2-powered mobile tablet with 7-inch touchscreen; 3G Mobile Hot Spot connectivity for up to 5 devices
• Rear 3-MP camera for photos and video; front-facing 1.3-MP camera for video chats; 2 GB internal memory plus included 16 GB microSD card
• Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi; Bluetoothe 3.0 connectivity; multi-format digital media player; access to Sprint TV and Sprint Music Plus
• Up to 13 hours of battery power from 4000 mAh battery; released in November, 2010
• What's in the Box: Galaxy Tab, rechargeable battery, charger, 16 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 7.48 inches, 0.47 inches, 4.74 inches
• Weight: 1 pounds

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