SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE

Similarly to the discontinued Dell Streak 5 , the Samsung Galaxy Note seeks to appeal to users of both smartphones and tablet PCs with a 5.3” device combining features of both. Luckily, the Galaxy Note employs elements of the two quite well.

On the tablet side, the Samsung Galaxy Note has a decent 1.4GHz ARM dual-core microprocessor (more on this below) and the sharp Super AMOLED touchscreen with 1280 x 80 pixel resolution. Among other specs are the 1 GB RAM included, plus another 16 GB or 32 GB available; 802.11 b/g WiFi, HSPA and Bluetooth connectivity; an 8 MP video camera; and a 2 MP camera. Perhaps most noteworthy is the Android 2.3 operating system, a real plus in smaller-sized tablets.

The apps on the Galaxy Note are impressive as well and are particularly geared for those users on the run. S Planner and S Memo are excellent for social networking tasks and taking notes, respectively, while the impressive video player can handle virtually any major format, including among others MP4, WMV, DivX and Xvid.

While fans of hybrids are probably aware of the negatives of the dual-core processor in such devices, users unaccustomed to a bit of lag time might be slightly disappointed with the Galaxy Note, as browsing takes more time than on a full-fledged tablet. On the plus side, it would be a challenge for any user to find a better-looking screen on such a small device and the responsiveness when using the stylus is lightning quick. Additionally, perhaps only the Streak compares in quality in terms of phone calling clarity.