iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

I'm thinking of getting an iPad 2, but is it better to get one of the competitor products?:)

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

No

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Yes

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Save your money for the iPad 3.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

And when that comes out you might as well save and wait for the iPad4. :erm: :D

I'd go for iPad for the amount of apps there are. Nothing will come close for a long while yet.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

If you want the best for apps go Apple.

If you want the best display go Galaxy Tab.

If you're fed up with Apple's bully boy tactics re competition, never buy an Apple product again...

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/08...ab-10-1-sales/

Rectangle with rounded corners?

http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/09/s...-movies-music/

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Am saving for a Samsung galaxy Tab 10.1 for its features i like.......

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

IMO the only two competitors worth mentioning are the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the Motorola Xoom. EDIT: Oh, and maybe the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer.

The Tab 10.1 costs the same as the iPad 2 (e.g. £479 for the 32GB WiFi-only model).

The Xoom used to cost the same as the iPad 2, but recently had its price slashed (allegedly due to poor sales) - it's now (IIRC) £400 for the 32GB WiFi-only model and £479 for the 32GB WiFi+3G model.

The Tab 10.1, the Xoom, and the Eee Pad all use the Tegra 2 System-on-a-Chip (SoC). This has an ARM Cortex-A9 dual-core CPU and a GeForce ULP GPU. All three have 1GB of RAM.

The iPad 2 uses the Apple A5 SoC. This also has an ARM Cortex-A9 dual-core CPU, but has a superior GPU to the Tegra 2 - a PowerVR SGX543MP2 dual-core GPU. However, despite having a superior GPU, the iPad 2 has less RAM than the Tab 10.1 / Xoom / Eee Pad - 512MB rather than 1GB.

Of the Android tablets, I believe that the Tab 10.1 has had better reviews than the Xoom originally had.

Do you have a smartphone? If so, do you have an iPhone or an Android phone? If you already have an iPhone, that would make choosing the iPad 2 easier, and if you have an Android phone (e.g. Galaxy S etc.), that would make choosing an Android tablet easier. e.g. As I have an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2, I don't have to worry about having two different OS's to get used to or to download apps for - apps I already had for my iPhone 4 will also work on my iPad 2, whereas if I'd bought an Android tablet, I would have had to start up a separate app collection for that.

The iPad 2 wins when it comes to apps. It's also ridiculously easy to use, with an intuitive UI.

Android tablets win when it comes to customisation, and additional interfaces such as USB, HDMI, SD cards (if you want these for the iPad 2 you need to buy add-ons). I haven't used Android, but Honeycomb (the tablet version) is meant to be very good (although I think reviews of the initial release, at least, mentioned buggy-ness...). Do you really need a tablet with an SD slot, HDMI port, etc., or does it not really matter to you?

There is also Flash... the iPad 2 (and all other iOS devices) cannot run Flash. However... so what? I try and avoid Flash whenever possible anyway on my Win7 PC, and don't miss it at all on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 does not need Flash for the BBC iPlayer, or 4oD, or the ITV Player (all have apps) - EDIT - there's also a Demand Five app due later this year; the iPad 2 does not need Flash for YouTube (there's an app, plus it works via the browser); the iPad 2 does not need Flash to stream Freeview channels for free via TVCatchUp.com (works via the browser). What other uses are there for Flash? Adverts? I don't want to see those... Browser games? I don't play those anyway. Websites? I think websites built in Flash are an abomination.

Do you have an Apple Store nearby? If so, pop in and have a play with one of the display models, or try PC World / Currys etc. and play with theirs. Have a play with a Tab 10.1 etc. too if you can (PC World / Currys should have them on display I think).

AnandTech - iPad 2 preview & benchmarks

AnandTech - iPad 2 GPU benchmarks

AnandTech - iPad 2 review

AnandTech - Xoom review

AnandTech - Galaxy Tab 10.1 review

EDIT:

AnandTech - ASUS Eee Pad Transformer review

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

The ASUS Transformer is a very nice tablet.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Thanks a lot for that! Need to think carefully... at Home we have an iPhone 3GS (still brand new) and I have been using Android on my HTC Hero.

USB etc would be nice, but I have another laptop and computer and the iPad 2/Tablet would primarily be used for browsing and Skype (by mum). iPad 2 @ £479 is a bit steep, but that is the model I am currently thinking of getting... decisions decisions.......

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

With lack of Flash support and such a locked down o/s, the Ipad 2 is already ancient technology. Not from a hardware perspective, but on a software level. The heavy price tag is another fact from a long list of companies saying "we can make tablets as well... and a whole lot better"

While Android is far superior, it is worth noting that these so called Flash enabled tablets are not always (at least all the Android devices I have used) are what I like to call True Flash enabled. For example newgrounds.com refuses to work on many if not all Android devices. A site built from the ground up with Flash in mind should in my opinion work on a device (or o/s) which merits itself on being compatible with this technology thus making it stand out from iPad. Just now I have tried newgrounds.com on my HTC Desire using Firefox and it fails.

Bring on the Dell Inspiron Duo. Windows 7, fully Flash enabled (which was my reason for buying one) it really does stand out and is more worthy of the iPad like price tag. Even from personal use of an Android tablet and an iPad, they lack the ability to go to any website and download anything :|

If you like the idea of general browsing, email and the novelty of running "Apps" on a big screen they I would advise Android over iPad anyday. Personally I like the idea of a full Flash enabled device, ability to download files. (something with a bit more punch from my device) then I would choose a Duo or at least a Netbook.

Just my 2 cents

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

The one thing that renders my HTC Sensation totally useless when it comes to playing flash is the sound is always out of sync on everything from iPlayer to you tube. Because of this I won't even bother with any video files as it's too annoying. Not sure if it's an android thing or not. Only encoding a video file myself will the sound be in sync.

The iPad or iTouch has ever had this problem when it comes to playing any video files.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Re sync - don't have that problem on my Xoom.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

How is Android "far superior"? Just because it is not locked down like iOS, or for another reason? Being locked down doesn't seem to matter for the majority of people. But, yes, Android is better if you want to play around with it etc.

Why does being locked down, and lacking Flash, make the iPad 2 "ancient technology" on a "software level"? Isn't Flash the ancient technology? The iPad 2 supports HTML5, and as I mentioned earlier in the thread, the lack of Flash causes no problems at all unless you want to play Flash games... which obviously isn't such a big thing for the majority of people, given the success of the iPad 2 versus Flash-enabled tablets.

I can download things using the iCab or Atomic web browsers on my iPad 2, and transfer them to the PC via syncing with iTunes, or I can sync them with Dropbox.

Yes, it's not as fully featured as using a PC to browse or download, but that's not what these devices are aimed at. I could easily do all my browsing on the iPad, without problem. Something like newgrounds.com only matters to those who play Flash games etc. OK, fair enough, plenty do care for that....But also, plenty don't...

How does the iPad 2 have a "heavy price tag"? Unlike the iMac and iPhone, the iPad isn't stupidly expensive compared to the competition, given that the "quality end" of the competition costs the same as the iPad 2.

The Duo... Interesting design. From what I can find, though, it's heavier than the iPad 2, and has a far inferior battery life.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

I checked this out... looks good apart from the processor which looks a bit weak compared to the iPad 2 etc?

Also, how is the battery life on the Dell? (How many hours?)

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Like I said, try and have a play with one if you can, along with the Tab etc.

I would have also said to consider whether you want 3G or not, but you seem to have already decided against it? [Which, IMO, is probably the best decision - on the rare occasions I don't have WiFi I can simply tether my iPad to my phone... you should be able to do the same, AFAIK. I don't think 3G is worth the extra £100]

Do you definitely need 32GB, or do you think you'd get away with 16GB?

---------- Post added at 14:54 ---------- Previous post was at 14:47 ----------

https://www.dell.com/uk/p/inspiron-duo/pd


That's less than half the battery life of the iPad 2.


It's also bigger and heavier.

iPad 2:


Inspiron Duo:

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

An inch thick?

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

I'm just quoting the Dell site.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Hmm, battery life rules out Dell.

The tablet is really for my mum only... she won't use it for much apart from Browsing and Skype. I only need Wifi (no need for 3G) and I think I rather have the 32GB memory incase I have a lot of photos and music on it eventually.

It seems the Galaxy Tab is probably my only real option and even for that I have been reading about some problem with the screen (oil slick problem).

Seems it has to be iPad 2 then? I need to be sure what I want as I get 10% off at Comet so will order the Comet vouchers (£480 vouchers for £432) and will reserve through topcashback (getting another £12) so I will potentially be paying £420, otherwise it is £432 max!

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Thats because its not just a tablet, its a laptop too. Well a netbook/tablet really. Its not far off the same thickness an Ipad or Tab when stacked on top of their keyboards (If you buy one for them).
The big problem with it is it really cant decide what it wants to be and as such its pretty weak on both counts. As has been said above, too small a battery to make it a good tab etc.

---------- Post added at 15:30 ---------- Previous post was at 15:29 ----------

Actually the CPU is very similar speed to Ipad, Tab etc. Don't let the numbers fool you, as its a netbook grade CPU which are generally faster per MHz than a micro CPU designed for ultra mobile devices.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

The Duo is a a remarkable piece of kit and I wont deny I am an ealy adopter. Yes the battery is not on par with an iPad 2 and it is slightly heavier but the Duo does what no other tablet does on the market. Full Flash support, Full Silverlight support, I can even hook this upto my printer via USB and print, scan (all features we are all familiar with. I dont think this is possible with iPad 2 but it defintley wasnt with my Android tablet. There is no reason why these simple features were neglected when in the design process. That being said, as you have already pointed out - tablets at the moment are used for nothing more then browsing and email. Very simple devices in my opinion and has nothing extra then my Desire.

You can get a very nice netbook for the price of an iPad 2 so yes, the features an iPad gives, the price really is not worth the cost. Itunes is just horrid and the O/S is far to much locked down. Luckily some if not all the people who have asked me in recent months have took my advice and dodged a bullet by not opting for the iPad

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

So what would you suggest I buy?

The point is, I have a laptop and computer at home already, so I don't need to attach USB etc. But ofcourse, I don't want to be throwing money away at the same time! So confused :(

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

If its for your Mum to browse, I would personally go with an Android tablet. If your not familiar with iTunes, it can be a real pain to get to grips with and can be very intrusive. With an Android tablet your going to be able to hook it up directly with your computer, drag and drop your pictures or music to your hearts content without the need of installing rubbish like iTunes.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was gifted an iPod for my bday a few years ago and my parents were gifted an iPhone in June 2011, so iTunes is already on the system ;) ...

I think in a little while I will take my parents to Currys and show them the iPad and other tablets, and let them decide :) ... will let them know about the pro's and cons from this thread after so that they can make an informed decision :)

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Not a bad idea to be honest. If you havent already, check out some reviews on you tube as well. You have knowlegde on iTunes which will help, but I do think you will get an Android tablet for a better price.

let us know how you get on and which was one decided :)

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Personally, for ease of use (especially if your parents are not particularly IT-literate), the iPad whups most of the Android Tablets (I have an iPad2 and a Xoom, and my wife/daughter/mum-in-law find the iPad2 much easier to use).

I have a fair background in IT (I am an IT Director :D), and whilst I like playing with the Xoom, I prefer using the iPad2.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Size, weight, and battery life are IMO very important factors when it comes to a proper tablet. The Duo loses on all three. Bigger than the iPad 2, two and a half times the weight of the iPad 2, and an awful battery life of less than half that of the iPad 2.

Flash and Silverlight - The majority of tablet consumers obviously don't give a monkey's. They're not needed unless you like Flash games, or regularly visit websites which - for some god-awful reason - are built in Flash.

Scanning - I have a network printer/scanner, so if for some strange reason I want to scan something and have it on my iPad, then the printer can email it to me. I doubt most tablet users would be too bothered about scanning, though. But yes, you can't just plug the iPad into a scanner though.

Printing - My network printer supports AirPrint, so I can wirelessly print to it from my iPad. No need for a cable, no need for drivers. If I didn't have an AirPrint capable printer, though, I'd have to use one of the various Apps which enable printing to other network printers. But again, yes, you can't just plug the iPad into a printer though.

Tablets are not aimed at the same market as netbooks and laptops. They are not productivity devices (although that doesn't stop some people from using them as such - CF's own Chris uses his iPad to help run his business, plus plenty of productivity apps are available). They are primarily aimed at content consumption, not creation.

Web + Email + Games + Videos + Apps.

Netbooks may be good for web, email, and videos, but I doubt they're any good for games. Too underpowered, surely? Also not quite as portable as an iPad or other tablet, due to the weight at least, plus I doubt they have as good a battery life (my wife's Samsung netbook only lasts around half the time my iPad 2 does).

Locked down OS - so what? Again, most people simply do not care. For what it's aimed at, it does not matter and it does the job perfectly. I think most people just want to pick up and play, they don't care about tinkering. If someone wants more customisability, is more of a "power user" then yes they can buy an Android tablet instead. Most don't, though.

iOS is meant to be far easier and simpler to use than Android, and definitely the sort of thing "mums can use". I doubt "most mums" would care about iOS being locked down and less customisable than Android. If anything, that would be a plus point...It makes things simpler...

I do think that iTunes is crap, but it's not that bad. It only needs to be used when syncing. All apps etc. can be downloaded via the iPad itself. Also, once iOS 5 & iCloud launch in the "Fall", you'll be able to perform the initial activation without even using a computer, and will able to keep the iPad synced and up to date wirelessly.

Exactly - have a play with them all, and then decide :)

Better price - Unlikely, unless buying a budget tablet, or a reduced Xoom. The top-end tablets, the ones which are trying to compete directly with the iPad, cost the same price...

EDIT: (which is one reason why they'll fail)



---------- Post added at 16:38 ---------- Previous post was at 16:35 ----------

dcclanuk - Have a read of this thread too:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/19...e-pc-over.html

Some comments in there about the iPad and other tablets.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Indeed I do. But I am not CF's bitch. :p:

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Thanks for all your replies! I visited the links posted etc.

And the winner is............... iPad 2 :D

We went to Currys, mum had a play on a few, but as the iPad 2 is much easier to use and intuitive (as explained by the sales person), my mum wanted an iPad 2 only after that lol.

The most interesting thing is that the sales person had a Samsung Galaxy Tab (two of them) and he said that both were broken. He also said that it seems the Galaxy Tab seems to have been rushed as the back of the Galaxy Tab is cheap plastic and both display models they have been sent do not work (which considering they are meant to entice customers to buy it, it doesn't quite do the job!)

But thanks a lot for all your comments :)

Now going to buy a Smart Cover from Amazon for about £12 =)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-iPad-P.../dp/B004U4O31O

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

If you feel the need for flash on the iPad2, you can purchase the puffin browser for 69p from iTunes.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

My advice mate is go for the ipad 2 you'll love it , my only gripe is the lack of flash support but this is outweighed by how intuitive a device it is and the vast array of useful apps available.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

I purchased one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-iPad-P.../dp/B004U4O31O

(in grey) ... do I still need a clear screen protector such as this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clear-screen...648509&sr=1-14

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

You won't need a screen protector but maybe something to protect the rear of the iPad.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Good choice :)

What I have for my iPad2:

Apple iPad 2 Smart Cover (blue polyurethane) - covers the front, acts as a stand.

Cool Bananas SmartShell for iPad 2 (black) - covers the back (one problem with the Smart Cover is that - unlike folio cases etc - it leaves the back exposed)

Moshi iVisor AG for iPad 2 (black) - anti-glare screen protector. More expensive than some, but very easy to apply, as it only sticks to the border.


I also have a Belkin neoprene sleeve, bought from Amazon. It's actually meant for the iPad 1, but still fits my iPad 2 even with the Smart Cover and the back shell thing.


As to whether you need a screen protector... that depends. I'm a paranoid obsessive compulsive, and my iPad 2 *must* be kept safe and secure :erm: , but you may not really need a protector yourself. The Smart Cover already gives protection when the iPad is not in use, so do you need anything for when it's being used? Still, for the price of the one you linked to, why not?

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Ok I will get the protector screen. It's only £1.25 on ebay ;)

That cool Bananas thing is quite good, but I am not sure how much protection the back needs... I mean even if it gets dented, as long as it fully works I'm ok with it lol... (don't think I need the sleeve)

---------- Post added at 22:05 ---------- Previous post was at 22:04 ----------

As mentioned above, looking at the iPad in Currys today, the back seemed very strong! Not too fussed about a dent here or there to be honest.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Works fine for me, on both my HTC Desire and Samsung Galaxy S II both using their default built-in Android browsers. Last I checked, Firefox was not part of Android nor does it support Flash, so blaming it for Flash not working is hardly fair.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Ok, just got the iPad today... VERYYYYYY NICE!!!

Loving it :D

A couple of quick questions:

1. So they took my debit card details for itunes store. BUTTT, if someone else is using the iPad (especially naughty kids), then how does it work when it comes to paid apps? I haven't tried to download any paid apps yet incase it charges me without asking for a pw or anything. Is there a password that iTunes asks for a paid app? (surely it must?)

2. Which good (free) apps should I get? I can only think of Angry Birds at the moment

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

It will always ask for your password, even for a free app, so make sure the kids don't know it. ;)

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

No it won't so be wary of assuming it will. If you put the password in it wont ask again for a short while so make sure kids don't touch it at that point.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

aha ... thanks for the warning :tu:

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

I have a list somewhere which I'll try & remember to post up tomorrow.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Angry birds wasn't free on iOS last I checked. Only the Android version is free.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Theres a demo version though isn't there? the first 20 levels or something.

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Some of these are free, some are not (I know you said "free", but you shouldn't be put off paid apps - some are cheap and definitely worth it). You should also regularly check the App Store, as some apps get reduced or go completely free every now & then (e.g. iD Software's "Rage HD" was free a couple of weeks ago). I can't think of any decent free games myself - I have some which were free, but only as they were on offer.



Stream live Freeview TV to your iPad using TVCatchup.com (so long as you have a TV Licence of course):

Sign up for free at TV Catchup, and then simply visit http://ipad.tvcatchup.com/ using your iPad's browser.



BBC iPlayer official app (better than using the browser) [free]

4oD Catch Up [free]

ITV Player [free]

BBC News [free]

Engadget for iPad [free]

Skype for iPad [free]

Twitter [free]

Atomic Web Browser (alternative to Safari, has tabs & other features not found on mobile Safari, plus is better at remembering passwords) [£0.69]

Dropbox (access Dropbox cloud storage on the iPad) [free]

File Browser (access shared folders & NAS drives on the iPad) [£2.49]

iWork productivity suite (Pages, Keynote, Numbers) [£6.99 each]



Play iTunes-unfriendly videos, such as Xvids in the .avi container...

1) Sync on to the iPad with iTunes, and play with CineXPlayer [£1.99].

or

2) Stream to the iPad using Air Video [£1.99].


Some games...

Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP [£2.99] (retro adventure game, with an absolutely gorgeous soundtrack by Jim Guthrie)

Infinity Blade [£3.99] (hack 'n' slash action, optimised for the iPad 2...)

Real Racing 2 HD [£4.99] (optimised for the iPad 2...)

Rage HD [£1.49] (optimised for the iPad 2...)

Dead Space for iPad [£1.49] (optimised for the iPad 2...)

Real Racing 2 HD on an iPad 2

Real Racing 2 HD on an iPad 2, connected via HDMI to an HDTV

Infinity Blade on an iPad 2

Dead Space HD on an iPad 2

Rage HD on the iPad 2

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

I find the Filmon TV app (free) is much better for streaming live TV than TV Catchup. (No ads and better bitrate).

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

Ah, nice one. I didn't realise that there was an app that did the same thing :)

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

great, will go through that list and grab some more :D ... i had skype, bbc iplayer etc already (and ofcourse the free version of angry birds!)

Yes, I don't mind paying for the apps, but first I wanted to get the free ones before exploring the paid ones ;)

Re: iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab vs Other Tablets
 

If you don't mind paying then I'd highly recommend TuneIn Radio (must have), RealRacing2HD (as stated) and labyrinth 2 HD.

There are a lot of really bad apps/games that ain't worth the asking price, so best to do a lot of browsing to find the recommended apps. Saying that, jailbreaking an ipad2 really does make a massive difference to how you can get the best out of it.