Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

All articles on this site are by Harry Skevington unless otherwise noted with another byline

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 for AT&T
Even though my Galaxy Tab 8.9 test period was limited to a week or so I am glad I had the opportunity to test it. AT&T provided the unit. I usually field test tablets, phones, and other multi-use products for three weeks or more. It was an interesting and busy time.

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 that AT&T shipped for my test period was a Wi-Fi only configuration with 16GB of internal memory. There is also a version with 32GB for a slight additional cost. The overall number, with a two year AT&T contract, is $479.99. Purchase one without a contract for $629.99. Don’t forget the need for at least a minimum Data plan of $35.00 per month. The service provider, in this case AT&T, will give you an approximate estimate of your monthly costs.

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is just slightly smaller and lighter than an iPad 2 at 9.1 x 6.2 x .34 inches and just under a pound. The smaller size does not reduce the capability in anyway. It actually seemed to make it more comfortable to work with. Below is the Galaxy Tab 8.9 stacked on top of my iPad 2 to give an idea of size.

TabiPad2 sizecompare

The sample, like most products with a display picked up all my finger/thumb prints and was not easily cleaned. At least it shows I did test it. I used a cleaning cloth and some cleaner to remove the mess prior to returning the sample unit.

Some specs of interest:
Operating System - Android 3.1, Honeycomb
Camera Front Camera: 2.0 Megapixel
Rear Camera: 3.0 Megapixel Auto Focus with Flash
Dimensions (W x H x D) 9.1 x 6.2 x .34 inches
Usage Time: Up to 9 hours Standby Time: Up to 850 hours (Wi-Fi on), Up to 2500 hours (Wi-Fi off)
Memory 16GB Internal Memory (32 GB available)

To see complete specifications CLICK HERE

The battery lasted without a charge much longer than I expected and came close to matching the spec time period of up to nine hours. The display is clear and quit easy to read. Viewing photos is a pleasure.

Applications:
I found the Galaxy Tab 8.9 had more than enough built-in applications to make many of us happy. If not, you can add tons more from the Android App market place.

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The cameras, with 3 MP in the back facing one and 2 MP in the front facing camera are quite adequate. CLICK HERE TO SEE a FEW MORE PHOTOS on my Flicker site.

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The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 Is a good example of a product made to do a job well. It has most of the bells and whistles and its retail price is within the normal range for similar tablets. If you are only looking for an eReader and don’t need much high tech performance you can get away with one of the Kindle or Nook tablets. The savings are big. I know many folks who are quite happy with a reader with some search/internet capability. On the other hand those who are looking for a reasonably priced tablet with many good features and functions should put the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 on their list of possible buys.


	Harry Skevington has been involved with electronics since 1981. He has taught, written for, and provided support to, computer users since 1985. Information that will help consumers with buying decisions is more important than ever due to the current convergence of computers and other consumer products . Harry attends CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas on assignment as a working press writer each year to find and write about emerging technology that seems to fit the needs of his readers. Contact Harry

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