WiFi Galaxy Tab price, release date reviewed

Samsung announced its WiFi-only Galaxy Tab will arrive in selected retail stores and websites in the United States from April 10. The 7in device will be sold for US$349.99, US$150 cheaper than Apple's least expensive iPad 2.

"The 7in Galaxy Tab is the first truly mobile Tablet on the market, allowing users to comfortably hold the device in one hand while typing or navigating the Web with the other," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile in an a statement announcing the Tablet's price.

The WiFi-only version of Samsung's Galaxy Tab arrives in a market that is fast filling with competing Android Tablets - devices that are mostly still trying to prove their worth against Apple's popular iPad 2.

While we are yet to see the start of cutthroat Tablet price wars, carriers in the United States are already reducing the price of Samsung's 7in (3G-enabled) Galaxy Tab by up to US$200; the Tablet can now be purchased for US$199.99 on a two-year contract.


Industry insiders are questioning if the price cuts signal that the 7in Galaxy Tab is reaching the end of its life.

"Carriers need to make way for newer Tablets like this summer's larger-screen Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9, and the Sprint Evo View (the Sprint 4G variant of the HTC Flyer)," explains PC World's Melissa Perenson.

WiFi Galaxy Tab price, release date reviewed

Samsung announced its WiFi-only Galaxy Tab will arrive in selected retail stores and websites in the United States from April 10. The 7in device will be sold for US$349.99, US$150 cheaper than Apple's least expensive iPad 2.

"The 7in Galaxy Tab is the first truly mobile Tablet on the market, allowing users to comfortably hold the device in one hand while typing or navigating the Web with the other," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile in an a statement announcing the Tablet's price.

The WiFi-only version of Samsung's Galaxy Tab arrives in a market that is fast filling with competing Android Tablets - devices that are mostly still trying to prove their worth against Apple's popular iPad 2.

While we are yet to see the start of cutthroat Tablet price wars, carriers in the United States are already reducing the price of Samsung's 7in (3G-enabled) Galaxy Tab by up to US$200; the Tablet can now be purchased for US$199.99 on a two-year contract.


Industry insiders are questioning if the price cuts signal that the 7in Galaxy Tab is reaching the end of its life.

"Carriers need to make way for newer Tablets like this summer's larger-screen Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9, and the Sprint Evo View (the Sprint 4G variant of the HTC Flyer)," explains PC World's Melissa Perenson.

WiFi Galaxy Tab price, release date reviewed

Samsung announced its WiFi-only Galaxy Tab will arrive in selected retail stores and websites in the United States from April 10. The 7in device will be sold for US$349.99, US$150 cheaper than Apple's least expensive iPad 2.

"The 7in Galaxy Tab is the first truly mobile Tablet on the market, allowing users to comfortably hold the device in one hand while typing or navigating the Web with the other," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile in an a statement announcing the Tablet's price.

The WiFi-only version of Samsung's Galaxy Tab arrives in a market that is fast filling with competing Android Tablets - devices that are mostly still trying to prove their worth against Apple's popular iPad 2.

While we are yet to see the start of cutthroat Tablet price wars, carriers in the United States are already reducing the price of Samsung's 7in (3G-enabled) Galaxy Tab by up to US$200; the Tablet can now be purchased for US$199.99 on a two-year contract.


Industry insiders are questioning if the price cuts signal that the 7in Galaxy Tab is reaching the end of its life.

"Carriers need to make way for newer Tablets like this summer's larger-screen Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9, and the Sprint Evo View (the Sprint 4G variant of the HTC Flyer)," explains PC World's Melissa Perenson.

Japan quake could cause iPad 2 shortage

SEATTLE: Market research group IHS iSuppli belives the earthquake in Japan could cause shortages of Apple Inc's iPad 2 Tablet computer.

The iSuppli analysts, who regularly do "teardown" analyses to determine what components are used inside consumer electronics, said they have identified at least five parts that come from Japan.
These parts are storage and memory from Toshiba Corp and Elpida Memory Inc, an electronic compass from AKM Semiconductor, touchscreen overlay glass that is likely from Asahi Glass Co, and a battery from Apple Japan Inc.

iSuppli noted that some of these suppliers have said their facilities were not damaged by the earthquake or tsunami. However, they will likely be affected in some way by the resulting logistical problems in Japan, including intermittent electricity and hurdles to transporting raw materials and shipping out products.


Aftershocks may also keep semiconductor facilities offline, iSuppli said.

The research group said Asahi Glass reported damage to several of its facilities.

Apple can order some of the components from alternate suppliers, the analysts said, including Samsung Electronics Co in South Korea and Micron Technology Inc in the United States.

But iSuppli said it would be harder to find substitutes for the glass - which it believes is a new type of glass called Dragontrail from Asahi - and the compass.

Apple is already facing more demand than expected for the iPad 2. Many stores sold out the first weekend it went on sale, and now people who order online will wait four or five weeks for the gadget to ship.

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, declined to comment. - AP

Japan quake could cause iPad 2 shortage

SEATTLE: Market research group IHS iSuppli belives the earthquake in Japan could cause shortages of Apple Inc's iPad 2 Tablet computer.

The iSuppli analysts, who regularly do "teardown" analyses to determine what components are used inside consumer electronics, said they have identified at least five parts that come from Japan.
These parts are storage and memory from Toshiba Corp and Elpida Memory Inc, an electronic compass from AKM Semiconductor, touchscreen overlay glass that is likely from Asahi Glass Co, and a battery from Apple Japan Inc.

iSuppli noted that some of these suppliers have said their facilities were not damaged by the earthquake or tsunami. However, they will likely be affected in some way by the resulting logistical problems in Japan, including intermittent electricity and hurdles to transporting raw materials and shipping out products.


Aftershocks may also keep semiconductor facilities offline, iSuppli said.

The research group said Asahi Glass reported damage to several of its facilities.

Apple can order some of the components from alternate suppliers, the analysts said, including Samsung Electronics Co in South Korea and Micron Technology Inc in the United States.

But iSuppli said it would be harder to find substitutes for the glass - which it believes is a new type of glass called Dragontrail from Asahi - and the compass.

Apple is already facing more demand than expected for the iPad 2. Many stores sold out the first weekend it went on sale, and now people who order online will wait four or five weeks for the gadget to ship.

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, declined to comment. - AP

Japan quake could cause iPad 2 shortage

SEATTLE: Market research group IHS iSuppli belives the earthquake in Japan could cause shortages of Apple Inc's iPad 2 Tablet computer.

The iSuppli analysts, who regularly do "teardown" analyses to determine what components are used inside consumer electronics, said they have identified at least five parts that come from Japan.
These parts are storage and memory from Toshiba Corp and Elpida Memory Inc, an electronic compass from AKM Semiconductor, touchscreen overlay glass that is likely from Asahi Glass Co, and a battery from Apple Japan Inc.

iSuppli noted that some of these suppliers have said their facilities were not damaged by the earthquake or tsunami. However, they will likely be affected in some way by the resulting logistical problems in Japan, including intermittent electricity and hurdles to transporting raw materials and shipping out products.


Aftershocks may also keep semiconductor facilities offline, iSuppli said.

The research group said Asahi Glass reported damage to several of its facilities.

Apple can order some of the components from alternate suppliers, the analysts said, including Samsung Electronics Co in South Korea and Micron Technology Inc in the United States.

But iSuppli said it would be harder to find substitutes for the glass - which it believes is a new type of glass called Dragontrail from Asahi - and the compass.

Apple is already facing more demand than expected for the iPad 2. Many stores sold out the first weekend it went on sale, and now people who order online will wait four or five weeks for the gadget to ship.

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, declined to comment. - AP

iPad2 HDMI video out to HDTV

Apple also detailed two accessories for the iPad 2. A $40 cable will offer mirrored HDMI video out to HDTVs for 1080p high-definition output and will also charge the device. There's also a $70 magnetic "smart cover," which covers the front of the device and locks it. Microfibers on the screen cover will reportedly clean the iPad 2 display, while magnets will automatically align the cover on the screen.

iPad2 HDMI video out to HDTV

Apple also detailed two accessories for the iPad 2. A $40 cable will offer mirrored HDMI video out to HDTVs for 1080p high-definition output and will also charge the device. There's also a $70 magnetic "smart cover," which covers the front of the device and locks it. Microfibers on the screen cover will reportedly clean the iPad 2 display, while magnets will automatically align the cover on the screen.

iPad2 HDMI video out to HDTV

Apple also detailed two accessories for the iPad 2. A $40 cable will offer mirrored HDMI video out to HDTVs for 1080p high-definition output and will also charge the device. There's also a $70 magnetic "smart cover," which covers the front of the device and locks it. Microfibers on the screen cover will reportedly clean the iPad 2 display, while magnets will automatically align the cover on the screen.

All about iPad2

The camera application on the iPad 2 demonstrated after its launch in San Francisco

Finally, all the speculation can stop. Apple Inc has just unveiled the iPad 2 - the follow-up to its highly successful iPad Tablet computer.

The new device is 33% thinner than the previous one (8.8mm vs.13.4mm), and it's 15% lighter.
It tips the scales at 601g to 607g depending on the model (vs. 680g to 730g previously), so you'll feel it less in your lap or knapsack. But it's still hefty for reading while standing up, like when you're in a bus.

It retains the 9.7in display and has the same resolution (1,024 x 768-pixel, at 132 pixels per inch) as the iPad, debunking those Retina Display rumours that were circulating.


But as predicted, the iPad 2 has front and rear facing cameras. The VGA camera on the front is meant for use with Apple's FaceTime video-chat application, allowing users to videoconference with iPad 2 users over a WiFi connection, as well as with users of the iPhone 4 and Macs.

The iPad 2's rear camera is capable of recording 720p High Definition videos, though it may seem odd to be recording videos with a slate-like device.

Another significant improvement in the iPad 2 is its dual-core Apple A5 processor. This processor, Apple claims, works 2x faster than the one in the original device, which will improve web surfing and multitasking on the iPad 2.

This is also a built-in gyroscope now a-la the iPhone 4, which more accurately measures movement and the orientation of the new Tablet. This should certainly come in useful for games.
And speaking of games, Apple said the iPad 2 will offer enhanced graphical performance that will make games like Infinity Blade run smoother.

Many are likely disappointed that the iPad 2 didn't get a built-in SD Card slot, which would have made it easy to transfer data to and from the device.

But it does have a brand new video-mirroring feature that allows users to output at a full 1080p on their High Definition TVs, via an Apple Digital AV adaptor cable (US$39).

The iPad 2 is 33% thinner than its predecessor

Movie maker

iMovie was introduced for mobile devices last year so people could do video-editing on the fly on their iPhone 4, in particular. Now Apple has opened up the opportunity to iPad users as well, with an iPad-specific iMovie application, that is priced at US$4.99 at its App Store.

This new version of iMovie will take advantage of the iPad 2's large screen, which makes it even easier for users to edit HD videos captured via the rear camera.

iMovie for iPad 2 will also offer new themes, a more precise editor, and multitrack audio recording.

For the musicians among us, GarageBand - Apple's premier music creation software - is on the iPad 2.

This opens up a world of virtual musical instruments, such as keyboards, guitar and drums, that can be played on the Tablet. An electric guitar can also be plugged in. And the sessions can be recorded and manipulated.

Will the iPad 2's battery life be affected by all these new features? No, said Apple. Users still get the up-to-10-hours battery life that is a capability with the original iPad.

Like with the previous model, the iPad 2 comes in two versions - a WiFi only device and one that has both WiFi and 3G connectivity.

Also important, especially to those with both an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2 is that the new Tablet can now use the iPhone 4 as a portable WiFi hotspot.

Some users may not need to opt for the higher priced 3G-capable iPad 2 because of this, and will save on 3G connectivity costs, too.

The iPhone 4 will get this functionality with the arrival of the iOS 4.3 update to its operating system that is scheduled for a March 11 release. Sorry, iPhone 3GS users won't enjoy this feature.

Those who insist on more colour can opt for Apple's range of iPad 2 Smart Covers. These come in 10 colours, including blue, green, orange, pink, beige and brown. In leather, it's US$69 each, and US$39 in vinyl.

Those who insist on more colour can opt for Apple's iPad 2 Smart Cover in 10 colours,
including blue, green, orange, pink, beige and brown

The smart thing about this magnetic cover is that when a user opens it, the iPad 2 will switch on. When you close it, the device goes into hibernation mode.

Aside from protecting the Tablet, the Smart Cover can be folded into a stand, when a user needs to type or watch a video or slideshow, for example.

The iPad 2 will go on sale in the United States on March 11, and from March 25, it will hit the shelves only in 26 other countries.

iPad 2 prices are between US$499 and US$829, same as with the original pricing for the iPad.
Apple has also dropped its prices for the iPad.

Apple sold 15 million iPads in nine months when the original device made its debut in April, last year.

All about iPad2

The camera application on the iPad 2 demonstrated after its launch in San Francisco

Finally, all the speculation can stop. Apple Inc has just unveiled the iPad 2 - the follow-up to its highly successful iPad Tablet computer.

The new device is 33% thinner than the previous one (8.8mm vs.13.4mm), and it's 15% lighter.
It tips the scales at 601g to 607g depending on the model (vs. 680g to 730g previously), so you'll feel it less in your lap or knapsack. But it's still hefty for reading while standing up, like when you're in a bus.

It retains the 9.7in display and has the same resolution (1,024 x 768-pixel, at 132 pixels per inch) as the iPad, debunking those Retina Display rumours that were circulating.


But as predicted, the iPad 2 has front and rear facing cameras. The VGA camera on the front is meant for use with Apple's FaceTime video-chat application, allowing users to videoconference with iPad 2 users over a WiFi connection, as well as with users of the iPhone 4 and Macs.

The iPad 2's rear camera is capable of recording 720p High Definition videos, though it may seem odd to be recording videos with a slate-like device.

Another significant improvement in the iPad 2 is its dual-core Apple A5 processor. This processor, Apple claims, works 2x faster than the one in the original device, which will improve web surfing and multitasking on the iPad 2.

This is also a built-in gyroscope now a-la the iPhone 4, which more accurately measures movement and the orientation of the new Tablet. This should certainly come in useful for games.
And speaking of games, Apple said the iPad 2 will offer enhanced graphical performance that will make games like Infinity Blade run smoother.

Many are likely disappointed that the iPad 2 didn't get a built-in SD Card slot, which would have made it easy to transfer data to and from the device.

But it does have a brand new video-mirroring feature that allows users to output at a full 1080p on their High Definition TVs, via an Apple Digital AV adaptor cable (US$39).

The iPad 2 is 33% thinner than its predecessor

Movie maker

iMovie was introduced for mobile devices last year so people could do video-editing on the fly on their iPhone 4, in particular. Now Apple has opened up the opportunity to iPad users as well, with an iPad-specific iMovie application, that is priced at US$4.99 at its App Store.

This new version of iMovie will take advantage of the iPad 2's large screen, which makes it even easier for users to edit HD videos captured via the rear camera.

iMovie for iPad 2 will also offer new themes, a more precise editor, and multitrack audio recording.

For the musicians among us, GarageBand - Apple's premier music creation software - is on the iPad 2.

This opens up a world of virtual musical instruments, such as keyboards, guitar and drums, that can be played on the Tablet. An electric guitar can also be plugged in. And the sessions can be recorded and manipulated.

Will the iPad 2's battery life be affected by all these new features? No, said Apple. Users still get the up-to-10-hours battery life that is a capability with the original iPad.

Like with the previous model, the iPad 2 comes in two versions - a WiFi only device and one that has both WiFi and 3G connectivity.

Also important, especially to those with both an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2 is that the new Tablet can now use the iPhone 4 as a portable WiFi hotspot.

Some users may not need to opt for the higher priced 3G-capable iPad 2 because of this, and will save on 3G connectivity costs, too.

The iPhone 4 will get this functionality with the arrival of the iOS 4.3 update to its operating system that is scheduled for a March 11 release. Sorry, iPhone 3GS users won't enjoy this feature.

Those who insist on more colour can opt for Apple's range of iPad 2 Smart Covers. These come in 10 colours, including blue, green, orange, pink, beige and brown. In leather, it's US$69 each, and US$39 in vinyl.

Those who insist on more colour can opt for Apple's iPad 2 Smart Cover in 10 colours,
including blue, green, orange, pink, beige and brown

The smart thing about this magnetic cover is that when a user opens it, the iPad 2 will switch on. When you close it, the device goes into hibernation mode.

Aside from protecting the Tablet, the Smart Cover can be folded into a stand, when a user needs to type or watch a video or slideshow, for example.

The iPad 2 will go on sale in the United States on March 11, and from March 25, it will hit the shelves only in 26 other countries.

iPad 2 prices are between US$499 and US$829, same as with the original pricing for the iPad.
Apple has also dropped its prices for the iPad.

Apple sold 15 million iPads in nine months when the original device made its debut in April, last year.

All about iPad2

The camera application on the iPad 2 demonstrated after its launch in San Francisco

Finally, all the speculation can stop. Apple Inc has just unveiled the iPad 2 - the follow-up to its highly successful iPad Tablet computer.

The new device is 33% thinner than the previous one (8.8mm vs.13.4mm), and it's 15% lighter.
It tips the scales at 601g to 607g depending on the model (vs. 680g to 730g previously), so you'll feel it less in your lap or knapsack. But it's still hefty for reading while standing up, like when you're in a bus.

It retains the 9.7in display and has the same resolution (1,024 x 768-pixel, at 132 pixels per inch) as the iPad, debunking those Retina Display rumours that were circulating.


But as predicted, the iPad 2 has front and rear facing cameras. The VGA camera on the front is meant for use with Apple's FaceTime video-chat application, allowing users to videoconference with iPad 2 users over a WiFi connection, as well as with users of the iPhone 4 and Macs.

The iPad 2's rear camera is capable of recording 720p High Definition videos, though it may seem odd to be recording videos with a slate-like device.

Another significant improvement in the iPad 2 is its dual-core Apple A5 processor. This processor, Apple claims, works 2x faster than the one in the original device, which will improve web surfing and multitasking on the iPad 2.

This is also a built-in gyroscope now a-la the iPhone 4, which more accurately measures movement and the orientation of the new Tablet. This should certainly come in useful for games.
And speaking of games, Apple said the iPad 2 will offer enhanced graphical performance that will make games like Infinity Blade run smoother.

Many are likely disappointed that the iPad 2 didn't get a built-in SD Card slot, which would have made it easy to transfer data to and from the device.

But it does have a brand new video-mirroring feature that allows users to output at a full 1080p on their High Definition TVs, via an Apple Digital AV adaptor cable (US$39).

The iPad 2 is 33% thinner than its predecessor

Movie maker

iMovie was introduced for mobile devices last year so people could do video-editing on the fly on their iPhone 4, in particular. Now Apple has opened up the opportunity to iPad users as well, with an iPad-specific iMovie application, that is priced at US$4.99 at its App Store.

This new version of iMovie will take advantage of the iPad 2's large screen, which makes it even easier for users to edit HD videos captured via the rear camera.

iMovie for iPad 2 will also offer new themes, a more precise editor, and multitrack audio recording.

For the musicians among us, GarageBand - Apple's premier music creation software - is on the iPad 2.

This opens up a world of virtual musical instruments, such as keyboards, guitar and drums, that can be played on the Tablet. An electric guitar can also be plugged in. And the sessions can be recorded and manipulated.

Will the iPad 2's battery life be affected by all these new features? No, said Apple. Users still get the up-to-10-hours battery life that is a capability with the original iPad.

Like with the previous model, the iPad 2 comes in two versions - a WiFi only device and one that has both WiFi and 3G connectivity.

Also important, especially to those with both an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2 is that the new Tablet can now use the iPhone 4 as a portable WiFi hotspot.

Some users may not need to opt for the higher priced 3G-capable iPad 2 because of this, and will save on 3G connectivity costs, too.

The iPhone 4 will get this functionality with the arrival of the iOS 4.3 update to its operating system that is scheduled for a March 11 release. Sorry, iPhone 3GS users won't enjoy this feature.

Those who insist on more colour can opt for Apple's range of iPad 2 Smart Covers. These come in 10 colours, including blue, green, orange, pink, beige and brown. In leather, it's US$69 each, and US$39 in vinyl.

Those who insist on more colour can opt for Apple's iPad 2 Smart Cover in 10 colours,
including blue, green, orange, pink, beige and brown

The smart thing about this magnetic cover is that when a user opens it, the iPad 2 will switch on. When you close it, the device goes into hibernation mode.

Aside from protecting the Tablet, the Smart Cover can be folded into a stand, when a user needs to type or watch a video or slideshow, for example.

The iPad 2 will go on sale in the United States on March 11, and from March 25, it will hit the shelves only in 26 other countries.

iPad 2 prices are between US$499 and US$829, same as with the original pricing for the iPad.
Apple has also dropped its prices for the iPad.

Apple sold 15 million iPads in nine months when the original device made its debut in April, last year.