Tablet smackdown: Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs. iPad 2

Tablet smackdown: Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs. iPad 2 20 August, 2011 Before launching into this review, which pits Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 against Apple’s iPad 2, I took a few days to familiarize myself with the Galaxy Tab’s Android 3.1 (“Honeycomb”) OS. The thing is, I’d already used iOS on an iPod Touch for two years, but was a rank newbie when it came to Android. Unfortunately, after configuring the Galaxy Tab 10.1 to my liking, installing apps from the Android Market, and becoming accustomed to its operation, the realization came to me that I’d allowed myself to slide down a slippery slope into an Android Abyss from which there would be no escape. Apple’s obsession with tightly controlling everything in and around its products imposes a high level of rigidity in the look, feel, and functionality of the iPad 2. Consequently, all iPads are essentially identical, beyond the wallpapers and apps their owners install on them. In contrast, thanks to Android’s greater empowerment of its apps, I was easily able to mold the Galaxy Tab 2.1 into a highly personalized tablet experience, and do things on it that I haven’t a clue how to accomplish on an iOS device. Samsung’s thin, lightweight, Galaxy Tab 10.1 rivals the iPad 2 Now, that’s not necessarily best for everyone. In fact, Apple’s more tightly constrained systems are generally credited with being more stable and less prone to hardware/software and OS/app incompatibilities and mishaps, than less restricted systems. But if you value flexibility, configurability, and the ability to control many characteristics of your device — like I do — Android may be a preferred platform. In that case, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is well worth considering as an alternative to the iPad 2. At this point, I only turn to the iPad when in need of a specific app that’s not available on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 — and that’s not very often. Netflix video streaming and Skype video calling come to mind, although I’m sure there will be others. However, since I watch Netflix on a Boxee Box and don’t particularly care about video calling, the lack of those capabilities is of no great consequence. Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2 similarities Overall, both 10-inch tablets have a similar look and feel, and they implement comparable features. These include: Convenient access to Facebook, Twitter, discussion forums, and other social networks Excellent web browsers, email, and calendar apps Tons of free and paid games Great apps for leveraging online resources such as maps, shopping, news sites, dictionaries, language translators, Wikipedia, etc. A choice of free e-book readers, with easy downloads of both free and paid books Ability to watch movies and shows streamed from both free and fee-based online video aggregation services (e.g. YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, Hulu, Crackle, etc.) Peripherals and apps for taking photos and videos, making voice and video calls, recording audio, and playing music Deciding between the two tablets In light of their price parity — the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2 each cost $500 at the moment — and the fact that the iPad 2 is more mature and commands substantially more marketshare than all 10-inch Android tablets combined, most consumers will likely select the iPad 2 over the Galaxy Tab 10.1. To be sure, the iPad 2 does everything most consumers want, and does so to near-perfection. On the other hand, if you want greater control over your tablet environment, more openness to non-Apple standards (such as Adobe Flash), or greater ability to adapt to new technologies and standards as they emerge, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 could be the better option. But don’t decide yet! Below you’ll find… A comparison of Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2 features and specs General observations regarding Galaxy Tab 10.1 features/functions An extensive Galaxy Tab 10.1 screenshot tour, with over 200 screenshots A list of the top-10 Galaxy Tab 10.1 pros and cons Some parting comments Comparison of features and specs The table below compares the key features and specs of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2. The models tabulated are both WiFi-only versions, equipped with 16GB flash.