Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1: A Second-Gen Android Tablet

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The iPad 2 enjoys the benefit of being one generation ahead of everyone else. But what happens when the competition catches up? Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the first second-gen Android-based tablet. Can it hold its own against the iPad 2 in our testing?

Synchronizing And USB Debugging

Windows 7: Samsung Kies 2.0

Getting data onto the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is slightly different from other Android-based tablets. Mainly, Samsung provides an iTunes-esque program called Kies that allows you to backup/restore, import/export information, and synchronize data within a single interface.

Portable Device in Windows 7

For those who prefer manually dragging and dropping files, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 still appears as a Portable Device under Windows 7. If you're only using Kies, it's possible to import files from Windows Explorer that way. Exporting from Kies only works if you use the "Save to PC" button, though.

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Enable Kies via Wi-Fi under Wireless and Network Settings
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Kies via Wi-Fi

The most interesting feature in Kies 2.0 is the ability to sync data over a local wireless network. Just bear in mind that performance is far less than what you'd expect from USB 2.0. In addition, it's not possible to perform a backup wirelessly, and you can't read ID3 metadata for MP3 files stored on the tablet.

Mac OS X: Samsung Kies 1.0, No Anroid File Transfer

The experience is more limited for Mac users. Wireless sync is only available through Kies 2.0, a Windows-only release so far. On a Mac, you're forced to use the older Kies 1.0, which is effectively the same, minus the ability to backup and restore data. Worse, there's no way to use Android File Transfer, so you really have to use Kies. The same dragging and dropping rules apply in Mac OS X with Kies 1.0 as they do with Kies 2.0 in Windows. You can import, but there's no way to export files unless you use the "Save to PC" button.

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It's easy to take screenshots now that TouchWiz adds a dedicated key. However, if you prefer the DDMS (Dalvik Debug Monitor Server) tool or need USB debugging to develop apps, there is a known issue to consider. For whatever reason, enabling USB debugging disables the MTP protocol required for the tablet to appear as a portable device under Windows 7. If you subsequently open Kies, you'll get an error stating, "Reconnect the device in Samsung Kies (PC Studio) mode. Current connection mode not supported by Kies." The situation is the same on a Mac.

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We've used other tablets that don't exhibit this problem. Undoubtedly, this quirk will frustrate a limited few because it's an undocumented problem that we stumbled upon.

Andrew Ku
25 Comments Comment from the forums
  • killerclick
    No surprises here, iPad 2 is still on top, being the engineering masterpiece that it is. Take a look at side-by-side comparisons of iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 on YouTube and you'll see how much smoother animations and video recording are on the iPad 2.
    Reply
  • Martell77
    I'm going to be in the market to buy about 150 tablets soon and from this article it appears that the ASUS 3.2 is the best all around for price/performance/recharge. While it doesn't win alot, it appears to be a consistant performer and has a relativly short recharge time.

    Or am I missing something here?
    Reply
  • dthx
    The reason why Samsung doesn't want to lower it's price is easy to understand: there are many (stupid) persons who are convinced that the iPad is superior to any other tablet just because it's priced higher... Samsung wants to make sure they capture that part of the market.
    But the author is right: if there is one reason Apple should sue Samsung, it's for copying the price structure of the iPad!
    Reply
  • Haserath
    Samsung Galaxy Tab needs a split keyboard feature in portrait mode; it isn't comfortable enough to have to stretch to hit the virtual keys.

    The 10.1 is still too slow for certain browsing. Flash is good as long as you don't want to rewind or fast forward through it. It sometimes slows down when I try typing also.

    Since Apple produces both hardware and software, they can optimize their OS for the exact hardware they put out.

    After trying the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, I would say it's just a little too immature still. A good year or two and tablets will be perfect for browsing, gaming, and some other tasks while also being lightweight and easy to use even compared to laptops.
    Reply
  • Hmmm, many talk about iPad dominance but don't know all the facts. Just looking at a device in the store doesn't cut it folks. Android tablets are going to start cutting into market share, like it or not. For an IT person or true techie, most would choose an Android tablet. 4 core coming soon and they are going to rock the scene. Example: my Acer Iconia costs quite a bit less than iPad2.
    -Full USB port for mouse, keyboard, portable hard disks/thumb drives, cameras
    -Overclocked and stable dual core CPU @ 1.504 Ghz (big change in performance)
    -Customizable and open operating system (and it's going to get better with ICS)
    -Honeycomb 3.2
    -Netflix and Hulu working
    -Mount drives from Linux, Windows, and OSX
    -Websites with Flash that look the same as on a PC browser (now theres a concept)
    -Wide screen 16:9
    -5MP rear camera + front facing camera.
    -HDMI out
    -Charges back up in 1hr
    Reply
  • dennisburke
    Price, proprietary cable management, and lack of expandable storage all lead me to want to wait to see what happens after Windows 8 becomes available.
    Reply
  • iceman1992
    PowerVR SGX545MP2 (dual-core)
    i think it's supposed to be SGX543MP2?
    Reply
  • tacoslave
    call me when Kal-el comes out
    Reply
  • damric
    I'll be getting this for $199 with my Sprint upgrade :D
    Reply
  • thrasher32
    Wake me up when someone does something innovative.
    Reply