
Experts say the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet computer is definitely near the top of the class when it comes to Android Honeycomb OS-based slates. It's marginally slimmer and lighter than the iPad (*Est. $500 and up) , and roughly equal in performance to the highly regarded Apple's iPad 2 (*Est. $400 and up) . However, while the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the iPad 2 were once the cream of the tablet crop -- and are still very solid purchases -- the current iPad (*Est. $500 and up) and the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime (*Est. $500 and up) sport newer processors that make them more powerful and responsive, experts report. Nevertheless, most will find little to complain about in the Galaxy Tab 10.1's performance.
Reviewers are uniformly complimentary about the Galaxy Tab 10.1's hardware, its sleek lines, high-quality display and overall feel -- despite some gripes about its abundant use of plastic. Other minor complaints about the hardware mostly center on the lack of expandable storage and external ports for other devices. Samsung offers a 1 year warranty for the tablet, and users can reach technical support in a variety of ways, including phone, live chat, social media and email. How-to help articles and a frequently asked questions listing are also provided.
Though the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers good features -- multitasking ability and support for Flash video to name two -- it does have an Achilles heel. When it comes to apps, the Apple iPad and iPad 2 have far more of them, though experts say that Google's Play Store covers most of the important -- and lots of the less important -- tablet app categories fairly well. Still, that app shortfall is enough for most reviewers to give the crown for the best tablet overall to the iPad.
Almost every major review site tests the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Top reviews can be found at PCMag.com, CNET, Engadget.com and elsewhere. Shoppers who want tons of technical details will not want to miss reports from AnandTech.com and HotHardware.com. User reviews are accumulating at Amazon.com

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Our Sources
PCMag.com's review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet computer is one of the most reserved, praising the screen, multitasking abilities, Flash video support and slim form. But Samsung's commitment to customizing the Android 3.1 Honeycomb OS may slow future updates, the review cautions, and it may mean owners won't know what they're getting until Samsung's vision is clear. App selection is weak, the editors note, and even with a strong wireless signal, online video playback stuttered. The site awards 3.5 of 5 stars.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Wi-Fi), Tim Gideon, David Pierce, Sept. 15, 2011
2. Engadget.com
Darren Murph calls the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1's build quality fantastic. Other pluses include the Android Honeycomb operating system and the fact that it's slimmer than the iPad 2. Drawbacks include its lackluster camera, lack of a microSD slot and dislike for syncing with Apple computers. "It's a tremendous thing to hold, and it truly oozes quality from corner to corner," Murph writes.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Review, Darren Murph, June 8, 2011
3. CNET
Eric Franklin of CNET gives the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 high marks for design and performance, but he downgrades it to a 3.5 out of 5 rating for lack of features. He writes that it is "the sexiest Honeycomb tablet we've seen," complimenting the cameras, speakers and ultrasleek design. The lack of ports will be a problem for some, he notes, and the plastic back makes the tablet feel cheaper than the iPad 2.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (32 GB), Eric Franklin, June 16, 2011
4. ZDNet.com
James Kendrick says that Apple's introduction of the iPad 2 sent Samsung back to the drawing board to produce "the thinnest and lightest 10.1-inch tablet on the market, one that is a joy to use." Kendrick points out that battery life issues in some reviewers' tests may be the result of an app that doesn't play well with the Honeycomb 3.1 operating system, as he routinely gets 10 to 12 hours of usage. App selection is generous enough, he adds.
Review: Hands-on Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, James Kendrick, June 17, 2011
Anand Lal Shimpi includes a comparison grid that shows how the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 compares with its tablet PC competitors: the Apple iPad 2, Asus Eee Pad Transformer and Motorola Xoom. He says the iPad 2 has better materials but the Galaxy Tab feels better than the iPad 2 in many ways. He also says he likes its "incredible" screen and competitive features.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Review: The Sleekest Honeycomb Tablet, Anand Lal Shimpi, June 13, 2011
Britain's TrustedReviews.com gives the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet PC a Recommended rating and an 8 of 10 score. Pros are the "fab" screen, ultra-slim design and video compatibility. Cons are poor connectivity (lack of ports), nonexpandable memory and the smaller number of Android apps. "The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 proves that Android tablets don't have to be iOS's ugly sisters," Andrew Williams writes.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Review, Andrew Williams, Aug. 2, 2011
Ray Willington gives the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 a HotHardware.com Recommended rating. He writes that while the iPad 2 has the edge because of its superior app selection, the Galaxy is an excellent tablet and a strong competitor in the marketplace.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Review: Android 3.1 Tablet, Ray Willington, June 10, 2011
8. TheVerge.com
In this review, which was originally published on the now-defunct ThisIsMyNext.com before it switched over to TheVerge.com, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet is compared in detail to Apple's iPad 2. It is a very strong competitor in hardware, beating the iPad 2 in many ways, Joanna Stern writes, but the lack of Honeycomb-specific apps is a major drawback. Multitasking is smooth and video "purred along," she notes. Stern says to expect about eight hours of battery life while browsing and using apps.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Review, Joanna Stern, June 15, 2011
9. TechSpot.com
Michael Oryl praises the solid hardware, cameras, light weight and high-class feel in this detailed review. However, he says there is no USB support for mass storage, and Apple's iOS operating system has more available apps than Honeycomb tablets.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Review, Michael Oryl, June 13, 2011
10. TechRadar.com
"Welcome to the top spot, Samsung," says John Brandon in his review of the Samsung Galaxy 10.1 tablet, adding that it is a "major contender." The screen is bright, the build is light and portable, the battery life and usability are excellent, and the motion sensor works well, he writes. Cons include some minor bugs, including no 1080p video recording, and few first-party apps. "The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is without a doubt one of the best tablets yet to hit the shelves," he says, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Review, John Brandon, Updated Aug. 5, 2011
11. Amazon.com
More than 500 users rate the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 on Amazon.com, giving a combined 4 out of 5-star rating overall. More than half of all contributors award it 5 stars. Users like its customizability, performance, cameras, Flash video and high-resolution screen. Downsides are battery life and the relative imbalance of apps compared to what's available for Apple's tablets.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab (10.1-inch, 16GB, Wi-Fi), Contributors to Amazon.com
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