Apple's iPad showed that tablet computers could be a huge part of users' lives--and the iPad 2 was an even bigger hit.
As a result of that success, many other manufacturers are releasing tablets. One of the most widely hyped and widely owned non-iPad tablets is the Samsung Galaxy Tab. After an earlier effort, Samsung released the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and is going to release the Galaxy Tab 8.9 soon. The question is, though, if you're thinking about buying a tablet, should you buy an iPad 2 or a Galaxy Tab?
The chart below compares the hardware features and prices of the devices to help you get a better sense of how they stack up and which might be best for you.
iPad 2 vs. Galaxy Tab
| iPad 2 | Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 | Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 | |
| Capacity | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 16GB, 32GB | 16GB, 32GB |
| Expandable Memory? | no | TBD | with microSD accessory |
| Screen size (in inches) |
9.7 | 8.9 | 10.1 |
| Resolution | 1024 x 768 | 1280 x 800 | 1280 x 800 |
| Operating System |
iOS 4.3 | Android 3.1 | Android 3.1 |
| Multitasking? | yes | yes | yes |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, optional 3G | Wi-Fi/3G/4G LTE (Verizon 4G only) | Wi-Fi/3G/4G LTE (Verizon 4G only) |
| Cellular Provider |
AT&T, Verizon | AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint | AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint |
| Required Contract |
no | no | no |
| Contract Price | $15 or $25/month | $30-$80/month | $30-$80/month |
| Assisted GPS? | iPad 3G only | yes | yes |
| Camera | 2, front & back | 2, front & back | 2, front & back |
| Camera Resolution | VGA/HD front, VGA back | 3 megapixel with flash back, 2 megapixel user-facing | 3 megapixel with flash back, 2 megapixel user-facing |
| Records Video? | yes, 720p HD | TBD | yes, 720p HD |
| Apps? | App Store | Android Market | Android Market |
| Sensors: Proximity, light, accelerometer | yes | yes | yes |
| Size (in inches; w x t x d) |
7.31 x 9.5 x 0.34 | 9.09 x 6.21 x 0.33 | 10.1 x 6.9 x 0.34 |
| Weight (in pounds) |
1.33-1.35 | 1.03 | 1.25 |
| Price | US$499 - $829 | $469 - $569 (subsidies may be available) | $499 - $799 (or subsidized at a $100+ discount) |
| Review | iPad 2 Review | tablet not yet released | Galaxy Tab 10.1 Review |
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