hyp4mhz.com

Category: Tablet

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2012 Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review. The Galaxy Tab 2 is the replacement for the original TAB which is we think was a pretty good tablet to begin with. You CAN NOT possibly mistake it for Apple's iPad unless you are just plain brainless - let's face it even a blind person can tell the difference. (Surely I don't need to explain!) We are not anti-Apple just tired of hype and monopoly style tactics and lack of any innovation for the past 2 years unless you call bouncing icons - just like what Microsoft used to do. Do something truly innovative like the original iPhone. The Android OS has been customized by Samsung and for tablet use, so its missing mobile phone functionality even in the 3G version. It also does not have infrared which is disappointing. The TAB2 10.1 construction is plastic with metal like panels but it feels solid in the hand. Until they can make plastic feel like metal this perception or at least educate us that plastic does not always mean cheap the iPad will have the upper hand in this area. Since almost everyone will purchase a cheap plastic cover for their tablet especially the iPad we DO NOT see the construction material as a disadvantage. The best part of the Android and the TAB 2 is the ability to expand its user memory by a microSD card AND the ability to play virtually any video file format DViX, MP4, FLV or whatever common format you want. No need to convert or understand just copy the file over and the play it. Sure you may need additional software but the Google Play store has everything you need just download the most popular player. The only thing missing is the phone functionality even if you have a 3G version. The interface is smooth although it depends on whether your running a cool animated wallpaper or have widgets accessing the internet for updates. In this situation there can be micro lags as they update but left alone and without these interactive widgets running the interface is pretty slick. The standard web browser is noticeably faster than Safari on the iPad left is standard settings too! There are plenty of customisation settings to play with and all are quite logical. However it will take a longer time to get used to all the available features but at least they are already there. Overall the Samsung Galaxy TAB 2 is a very good tablet and if the 10.1 inch size is what you're after then this is perfect. There is room for improvement in that a faster CPU and future software upgrades will no doubt address. It is a little expensive at this point in time if can still buy one... Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1
    • Network GSM 850/900/1,800/1,900MHz Quad-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 (dependent on country) HSDPA 21 Mbps data speed (download) HSUPA 5.76 Mbps (upload)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L257 x W175.5  x D9.7 mm
    • Weight 587 grams
    • Display/s 10.1 inch 1,280 x 800
    • Camera 3MP auto-focus 2nd video call camera 2MP Forward facing camera for video calls.
    • Video Camera 720p high definition 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3 3G networks
    • CPU 1.0 Ghz Dual Core Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 1Gig RAM 16 or 32 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS AndroidApp store Samsung App store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) Compass Accelerometer Proximity Ambient Light Dolby Digital Music and Media player MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 7,000 mAh battery Up to 2650 hours Standby Up to 8 hours
    • Price history Approx $500-800 AUD late 2012 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2012 Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 GT-P3110 review. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is the 2nd update to the original Tab 7 version, the 7 Plus being the 2nd update which was not available globally. The Tab 2 7.0 is a slight downgrade to the Plus version in some ways but many will not really notice any difference due the same up to date Android OS. Australia's version is called the GT-P3110 which includes the 850 Mhz Telstra 3G frequency but missing infrared so be careful which version you order. The Tab 2 7.0 construction is very good with a nice curved back, minimal gaps and great finish.  Sure plastic doesn't look 'expensive' as per the iPad but lets face it everyone hides their tablet with an often hideous case. In terms of hardware features the faster dual core CPU, more efficient electronics and updated OS does make the tablet work smoother with a flashier interface. The Tab 2 may not have as many features of say the Samsung Galaxy S3 but it is much cheaper and certainly a match than any of it's few competitors. The Tab 2 7.0 is easily a match for the current iPhone 4S in terms of functionality but obviously bigger and more useful than the Amazon Kindle or any other tablet without phone functionality at this point in time. We like the TAB 2 due to its smoother interface and speed but since our original TAB is still working perfectly I think we'd wait till the next version. If you have not got the TAB then the TAB 2 is a perfect starting point. Final words? The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is the new and  best 7 inch tablet and mobile phone you can get for a great price too. Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 GT-P3110
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Quad-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 HSDPA 21 Mbps data speed (download) HSUPA 5.8 Mbps (upload)
    • Design Touch screen tablet
    • L193.7 x W122.4 x D10.5 mm
    • Weight 341 grams
    • Display/s 7 inch 1,024 x 600
    • Camera 3 MP LED Flash 2nd video call camera 1.3MP Forward facing camera for video calls.
    • Video Camera 720P 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3 *Infraed on some models
    • CPU 1 Ghz Dual Core Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 8 - 32 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS AndroidApp store Samsung App store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) Compass Accelerometer Dolby Digital Proximity Ambient Light Music and Media player MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 4,000 mAh battery Up to 1000 hours Standby Up to 10 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $400 AUD mid 2012 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 GT-P1000 review. The Galaxy Tab 7 was released in late 2010 as one of the first phone/tablet to mount a challenge to the Apple iPad. We liked the Galaxy Tab from the start as it was a combination of a huge screen for tablet use and being able to use it as a regular mobile phone. In fact we liked it so much we bought one! However just because one of us uses it as a main phone doesn't mean that its perfect and there are a few things that can be improved. The construction of the Galaxy tab is solid and not too heavy compared to a regular mobile phone and it is quite light compared to other tablets like the iPad. It is made of plastic except for the screen which feels like glass. Down the side are the slots fro the SIM card and microSD while the top has the earphones and the bottom the stereo speakers and multipurpose connector. While the screen is huge and the thick bezel makes it bigger than it should - the latest 2011 HTC Flyer is probably what it should have been like from the start but then the Galaxy TAB is 12 months older. Overall not a bad effort for the first of its kind. In terms of size it is quite big but can easily be put in a satchel or hand bag. (We eventually did appreciate the large bezel because it allows for a place to put your thumbs.) Note that the screen does not use the latest technology like AMOLED and because it is huge and bright you don't really notice the difference. Sure the picture quality may not match the color reproduction of the N8 for example but the Galaxy TAB is still pretty good. The only issue you'll encounter is that the screen is quite reflective in daylight. In terms of OS our version runs Android OS 2.3 Gingerbread which is presumably upgradable with future Android OS for phones. There are rumors that it will be a 3.0 version for tablets, however considering that there isn't any phone functionally in 3.0 it is unlikely - but you never know. Regardless of OS the Galaxy is super responsive and works fast. The Samsung desktop software (KIES) is quite limited in functionality since Andriod is centered on online Google apps for data sync. In terms of every day use the Galaxy Tab is pretty cool, the large screen helps readability and the fully functioning phone software is excellent. The only issue is that you really need the wired headset or an optional bluetooth headset to make use of the phone functions - unless your at home and can use the hand free calling. Call quality is great and likewise signal reception. The integrated Goggle email, calendar and documents work brilliantly and no you don't need to sign up for Gmail to use the basic functions. The web browser works perfectly and quickly and can only improve in the future. The main problem is that if you use Outlook, which most do it is almost impossible to sync the two. The Galaxy Tab comes with a camera and flash for the odd occasion but the image quality is not impressive - it is just passable for a phone though. Strangely missing is a FM radio - we don't know why it's missing considering its size. The Galaxy's TAB battery life is OK but due to the large screen it sucks most of the power dry quite quickly. We estimate 3-4 hours if used on the middle setting. Standby time is 3-4 days since it is also a mobile phone and hence always on. Turn off all wireless and reduce the screen brightness and you could potentially get 6 hours continuous use. As we already said we liked the Galaxy TAB it so much one of us actually bought one and still uses it which speaks highly of the concept.  Unfortunately it relative size will put the masses off buying one - which is fine with us.  These days we carry so much gear that the combination of both tablet and phone works for us.  However for the average user it may just a bit too big to be used as a phone and a little too small for a tablet but to just as many its the perfect compromise. Final words? it is the best 7 inch mobile phone you can get and a pretty good tablet as well. (Much better than the Telstra and Optus offerings) Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Tab 7
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 (dependent on country) HSDPA 10.2 Mbps data speed (download) HSUPA 2 Mbps (upload)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L190.1 x W120.5 x D12 mm
    • Weight 385 grams
    • Display/s 7 inch 1,024 x 600
    • Camera 8MP LED Flash 2nd video call camera 1.3MP Forward facing camera for video calls.
    • Video Camera 720 x 480 pixel 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3
    • CPU 1 Ghz Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 16 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS AndroidApp store Samsung App store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) Compass Accelerometer Dolby Digital Proximity Ambient Light Music and Media player MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 4,000 mAh battery Up to 1000 hours Standby Up to 10 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $500 AUD late 2011 (Outright)

  • Telstra T-Touch Tab Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 Telstra T-Touch Tab review.  The Telstra T-Touch Tab is a tablet and mobile phone and is the cheapest Android OS based combination you can buy in Australia for November 2010.  The Telstra Tablet which sells for $299 as a pre-paid package is quite an amazing mobile phone in  Tablet format.  Yes this is literally a very BIG mobile phone and there is nothing else to compare it with at the moment because of the price. (Note that the T-Touch Tab is not made by ZTE.) Build quality of the T-Touch is very good.  It is solid and relatively heavy in comparison to anything bar an iPad. It may not look as good as an iPad but at least its construction quality appears to be just as well put together. Of course the design is old school and design for use without buying additional protective case.  The low tech screen also make it less prone to smudges and finger prints to other tablets. The web browser, widgets active backgrounds and everything else except for Flash of course works perfectly and speed only limited by the quality of your wireless connection.  There are some games to keep you happy at first and then you can explore the Android market.  There's also A-GPS if you need it. If there was anything wrong was that it required a GoogleID before even the calender (and other basic stuff) would work.  We weren't pleased with that. The Telstra T-Touch Tab's main problem is the old technology touch screen.  While the screen image quality was good but it was the touch screen that was slow to relay the input occasionally or it doesn't recognize that something has been pressed. Thankfully they have included a stylus and a kinetic scrolling button on the surface which when used as the primary navigation is just as fast as any mobile phone running Android and the Apple iPad. We where impressed at the 'hidden' touch sensitive button and when found realized that that the T-Touch is fast! The other problem is the short battery life.  It comes with a small replaceable battery which you will find too small to get you through the work day if you use the T-Touch for longer than an hour or so but then neither will the iPhone and most smartphones. Think of it as a around the home phone and or work lunch usage and there will be plenty of battery life.  Turn down the screen brightness etc.. to get longer life. The speaker is nice and loud but like and the forward facing camera means that you can also do video calls as per a mobile rather than other methods, like Skype.  Used as a mobile phone it is best as a speaker phone or bluetooth rather than the wired headset.  Regardless any method works really well.  Seriously there are not many phones with this level of functionality for the price. Overall any legitimate review of the Telstra Tablet must take into account its price.  In terms of functionality it easily beats the Apple iPad which it will inevitably be compared to. Due to the tablet format the Telstra T-Touch is huge by mobile phone standards but because it is a mobile phone as well with full Android functionality you just need a nice bag to put it in for your daily travels. However it is obviously designed for bed or lounge usage rather than out and about. It also comes with a 2GD microSD card! Our T-Touch sits on the bedside table as the alarm clock and morning paper and live TV streaming machine and of course the spare phone. Hence despite the flaws we love the T-Touch format and it can only get better over the next few years. Sure it does not have the easy of use of smaller phones caused soley by the finicky touch screen but other wise for price it is an amazing bargain. Just ask yourself what other mobile phone can you get for $299 that has a 7 inch screen and everything communication option you can think of? None except for this particular niche. We will certainly be getting further upgrades. Note we saw all the negative reviews and realized how so many so called product reviewers just don't get it! We do thankfully! Specifications
    • Telstra T-Touch Tab
    • Network Tri-band 3G/NextG 850/1900/2100 (Dependent on country) HSDPA 3.6 Mbits data speed (download)
    • Design Touchscreen
    • L103 x W49.9 x D15.3 mm Weight 500 grams
    • Display/s 7 inch External TFT 800 x 480
    • Camera 2MP
    • Video Camera Front camera - limited
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2
    • CPU 768 Mhz
    • Memory Up to 512MB MicroSD up to 16Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Accelerometer Android Apps Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 950mAh battery Up to 140 Hours Standby Up to 150Mins Talk Time
    • Price history Under $299 AUS November 2010 (Pre-paid)