Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 review

Of course, HD content is no problem for the Tab 10.1’s Tegra 2 chipset. A dual-core 1GHz Cortex A9 chip and 1GB of RAM, along with a fast low-power GeForce graphics chip, means that the Tab 10.1 flies along, even with multiple apps open. Like all Android devices, however, there’s still a bit of lag in the interface, so it never feels quite as smooth as the iPad.

Despite Samsung’s success in making the Tab 10.1 thinner and lighter than the iPad 2, there’s still that lack of polish that other manufacturers seem unable to emulate, and as usual, the devil’s in the details. Waking the Tab 10.1 involves working out which way around it is, and then finding the tiny power button on the top-left corner, for example. In regards to Android 3 (Honeycomb), the lack of polish is more understandable, and as Google releases new versions we expect to see things improve.

Like the 7in Tab, the Tab 10.1 will have a range of optional accessories, such as a keyboard dock; although unlike Asus’ Transformer this dock probably won’t include a spare battery. On the other hand, the Tab 10.1 is far lighter than the Transformer – or any other 10in tablet, for that matter. With performance and software equal amongst the main Android contenders, the Tab 10.1 stands out with its low weight and slick design.

With weight an important consideration for travellers, the Tab 10.1’s 565g makes it an alternative to a 7in tablet. Choosing between the Tab 10.1 and the Apple iPad 2 depends on whether you want to be tied to iTunes or go with Android. If the latter is your choice, there isn’t a better 10in tablet out there, and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is a deserving Best Buy award winner.