Review Compilation of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

[dgstorm]

We thought it might be useful to you guys to create a review compilation for the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 version. Several sites have already put out reviews on the plucky-but-powerful new tab priced to compete with the Kindle Fire. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but will give you guys a good gamut of opinions to help educate your purchasing decision. In case you missed it, this is one of the first tablets from a big name manufacturer that comes with Ice Cream Sandwich and is priced aggressively at $249.99.

Our first review comes from ComputerWorld. In their review, they mainly covered the basics and didn't spend too much time overdoing things. Over-all they are of the perspective that the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is priced right but is underwhelming and more of a rehash. They like that it had plenty of supplemental storage options, and found the camera merely adequate. They were glad that TouchWiz didn't alter Ice Cream Sandwich that much. Here are their final thoughts,

In short, anyone in immediate need of a low-cost 7-in. tablet would do well with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0). But with tomorrow's technology almost upon us at budget-level prices, it's hard to recommend dropping that cash on yesterday's technology today.

Our next review is from AndroidPolice. These guys liked the tab quite a bit better than ComputerWorld did. In fact, they called it the "best cheap Android tablet around." That noted that it had a middle-of-the-road spec list, but were impressed at the cheap price point. Their review went into a bit more detail than the previous one. Here was their conclusion:

Samsung is certainly giving the other budget Android tablets a run for their money. At $250, the Nook Tablet and the Kindle Fire are both cheaper, but $50 is a small price to pay for the full Ice Cream Sandwich experience, an IR blaster that turns the tablet into the most advanced universal remote you've ever used, and 50GB of free Dropbox space for a year. It's not the best tablet on the market, but it's not supposed to be, either.

If you're looking to get an Android tablet on the cheap, but don't want a specialized device that's tied to a non-Google ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is the way to go. Just don't be surprised if you're waiting patiently for a few apps to make good use of your new tablet's extra space.

Our third review in this compilation list is from PC World. Their review was short, simple and concise. They basically thought the tablet was a fantastic value for people that wanted a powerful budget tablet right now. They did make sure to clarify that some other inexpensive tablets were just around the corner. Here was their wrap-up:

Even though the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 has some nifty features like the infrared port and Wi-Fi Direct, it is neither a premium tablet nor a pure-play budget tablet. The big question is whether full Android compatibility and those extras are worth paying $50--or 25 percent--more than what you’d pay for an Amazon Kindle Fire or a Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet. The answer: A resounding yes, with a catch.

The catch, of course, lies with what lies around the corner in tablets—namely, Asus’s upcoming $250 tablet that's expected to have 1200 by 800 resolution and a Tegra 3 processor. That model still doesn’t have an announcement date beyond “second-quarter,” so for the moment, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is safely in the lead among inexpensive 7-inch Android tablets. It has flaws, but it delivers the most full-featured set of options among its current competitive set.

The folks at TechSpot did the next review in our list. They did a very thorough and well-thought-out review, and ultimately gave the tab an 80% rating. They didn't have anything overly negative or overly glowing to say about the tab, but were content with its solidness and affordability. Here's a quote with their final thoughts,

Amazon, beware. The big boys are going to show you how to make an affordable Android tablet! This new Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is an absolute steal for $249.99 - and I say that as a Kindle Fire owner. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich might not be as simple to use as Amazon's own user interface, but it also doesn't restrict you in any way, shape, or form. If you want a do-everything tablet for under $300, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is it.

Our last review in the compilation is from the folks at SlashGear. They did their usual bang-up job on the review and shared many details and pictures. Their reviewers weren't impressed with this device if you compare it to other more powerful tablets, but they were extra impressed at the affordability of the tablet. Over-all they seemed to think it was an amazing value for folks that need an inexpensive tablet but don't want to feel like they are settling for a Kindle Fire or Nook. Here's their conclusion:

This device is one of Samsung’s undeniably vast number of tablets they’ve got on the market right this second. Compared to the Galaxy Tab 7.7, it’s not nearly as impressive, but also not nearly as costly. This tablet is made to be inexpensive enough for anyone to afford while it keeps many of the features and elements that make a Samsung tablet experience one to look forward to. And best of all, the price on this beast is one to look forward to: $249.99 with no contracts for data to speak of! All that on the 22nd of April – that’s coming up quick, get your wallets out!

(Obviously their review came out before it was just released yesterday.)

That's our wrap-up. Don't forget that you can now get this new affordable tablet from Samsung online for $249.99. In fact, here's a link to Amazon to grab one: Amazon.com: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7-Inch, Wi-Fi): Computers & Accessories.

Source: GalaxyTabForums.net

 

[tjk629]

Thank god they lowered the prices on these tablets. To think, last year this would have cost between $500-$600.