[Q] Which version of the Galaxy Tab should I get? - Galaxy Tab Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys,
I plan on buying a Galaxy Tab and plan on using it wi-fi only, so it doesn't matter to me which version I purchase but I'd like to know which version of the tab is easier to hack and get the best use out of?
If I get the wi-fi only version that just got released, can I still use some of the custom roms out there?
Thanks

I won't use the 3G part of it but if I decide to go with a 3G version, should I go with the GSM version or a CDMA version? I know if I go with a GSM Version, I can flash a european FW and use it for phone calls,etc but I have no intention of doing that. All I want to be able to do is have a good working custom rom to get better battery life,etc...

Well the wifi version is new and has no custom roms yet. CDMA version is mostly carrier restricted so rom development is hard. Finally GSM version is easiest one to install custom rom on although i advice you to read alot before flashing custom roms.

DarkPal said:
Well the wifi version is new and has no custom roms yet. CDMA version is mostly carrier restricted so rom development is hard. Finally GSM version is easiest one to install custom rom on although i advice you to read alot before flashing custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I am quite familiar with flashing ROMs, mainly for phones though. I read somewhere that T-Mobile has a lot of restrictions, is that true?

Mine is a GSM, Wi-Fi, Version the P1000.
I have had a GSM card in it to test it out, and since removed it.
Although i like to have the option of doing so.
For that reason alone, id suggest the GSM, wifi version.
Just my 2 cents.

I have the GSM 3G wifi Tab and is soooo happy!
I also have two friends who bought the wifi only version and later hoped they got the 3G one..

The WiFi version has BT 2.1 rather than BT 3.0 if you care much about that. Otherwise, the specs are almost the same as the AT&T version. I got the WiFi only, but found that there are at least three Samsung accessories that come up as "not guaranteed to work with your device". The HDMI dock, car charger, and car cradle are the main ones. I don't know if this is due to a lack of testing with the WiFi only, or if it is missing drivers/software/hardware that is needed to use those.
Regardless, I'm happy with mine until a version with a nicer screen comes out. I'm especially happy with the ability to dump just about any media file onto the MicroSD and it will play it.
.

WiFi Tab has a PowerVR SGX530 vs. GSM Tab's PowerVR SGX540

Wifi version also has different CPU.
With lower spec GPU, it can't play high-bit-rate 720p and 1080p which the 3G version can handle without problem.

thanks guys. I guess 3G version is a better choice.

I suggest a gsm [at&t/tmo] version. They have 16gb build in.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

Related

Carrier GT or WIFI only GT??

Hello,
after looking into the Nook Color then the Viewsonic Gtab, I have arrived at the Galaxy Tab. I have a rooted Fascinate, so I am savvy with flashing custom Rom's, using clockwork etc, Samsung Galaxy stuff...
My question is....
There are several Sprint GT on ebay.. there are a few wifi only model's for sale.
I don't need the data from sprint..I'll just tether to my phone..
I am definitely planning on rooting and installing a custom Rom/Kernel.. BUT
I have noticed there are more custom ROM's out for the carrier branded GT's versus the Wi-Fi only..
I have read through this forum a few times over, and have read once that you can buy a carrier GT and NOT activate. It will work fine, but will it work fine if I put a custom ROM on it with it not activated and use it for wifi only?
The real question:
Buy a carrier branded GT and NOT activate vs.. WIFI only GT ? Like I said, definitely planning on installing a custom ROM.
thanks in advance!
david
There is far more development for carrier tabs. And yes it woulda work fine with a custom rom.
Sent from my "better than an iPad" tab... Running Overcome GINGERBREAD!!!
I know spacemoose1 will be working on porting over his work shortly to the GT P1010 (wifi only) as soon as he has finished gsm and cdma. The port over should not be too long either so think looking at a short lead time (hopefully). But untill then we have to wait for either Spacemoose1 to work his magic or the gods of Sammy upgrading.
I know I prefer the wifi model as have I9000 and tether and its perfect for me, have it rooted and running few tweaks so its real quick and compares very well with some of the latest out there but if you really need to install custom roms right now then this device is not for you, but if you wait a bit more then hopefully we will have something to play with.
Regards
--
update and link to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1020167 Spacemoose1 work
Personally I like the option to either go through wifi or use 3G... Depends on how you want to use it, what country you're from, gsm vs. cdma, and if you want to spend a few $$ more on the carrier tab...
I tend to find the p1010 tabs are cheaper, but then so is the hardware....
ATM if you go to ebay australia, sprint tabs are being sold fairly cheaply (vs the gsm tabs we use here) and as wifi only, which they are in Oz as we no longer use any cdma networks... Saw one go for $170AUD...
Cheers...
Thanks everyone for the input!
Sounds like it's acceptable to purchase a carrier tab and not activate, custom Rom's will work even if it's not activated, and that there is not a lot of development for the wifi only version..
Here's my next set of questions:
Should I be concerned about using an aftermarket charger? See this :
http://cgi.ebay.com/SAMSUNG-GALAXY-TAB-SPRINT-WIFI-SPH-P100-16GB-MINT-/270745593659?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item3f09b1e73b
Good price, but doesn't include the stock cables, box etc.. should I be looking for the stock cables? I know the Samsung Fascinate is picky about what usb cable you use for it, and would assume that would apply to the GT as well.. if I should could I buy this one and get the stock cables somewhere else?
Is there one carrier that has more development done for it, or is Sprint a safe way to go for development (being able to use a custom rom/kernel etc?)
thanks again..
Don't bother with the wifi tab (P1010) it is nothing alike, outdated and underpowered.
ComponentP1000/SCH-i800P1010CPUSamsung Hummingbird S5PC110
1GHz, 596MB ram
TI OMAP3630
1GHz, 596MB ram
GPUSGX540SGX530
Weight380g385gAGPSYesNoBluetooth3.0+EDR with A2DP2.1+EDR with A2DP
Only thing there that's compelling aside from the phone part is Bluetooth but as don't use it for phone do not need this and have keyboard doc in office so not worried..
The performance (anecdotal ) is thy compare like for like as tab doesnt run phone so it has freed up resources.
Its really if you need it foe phone then coil
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Lttlwing16 said:
Thanks everyone for the input!
Sounds like it's acceptable to purchase a carrier tab and not activate, custom Rom's will work even if it's not activated, and that there is not a lot of development for the wifi only version..
Here's my next set of questions:
Should I be concerned about using an aftermarket charger? See this :
http://cgi.ebay.com/SAMSUNG-GALAXY-TAB-SPRINT-WIFI-SPH-P100-16GB-MINT-/270745593659?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item3f09b1e73b
Good price, but doesn't include the stock cables, box etc.. should I be looking for the stock cables? I know the Samsung Fascinate is picky about what usb cable you use for it, and would assume that would apply to the GT as well.. if I should could I buy this one and get the stock cables somewhere else?
Is there one carrier that has more development done for it, or is Sprint a safe way to go for development (being able to use a custom rom/kernel etc?)
thanks again..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PS: This eBay tab above is sold as used?
As for a tab with SIM or not, I think it's a matter of personal preference. Mine is the European unlocked model GT-P1000 but I never use the SIM/provider thing since I hook it to Google Voice which does it over wireless.
I flashed it to the latest OverCome RC1 and I am sure you can do the same with others.
I've heard nothing but moderate reviews on the wifi model. I decided to go with a Verizon tab. The price was attractive at $199.99. The downside of course is that it locked me in to a two year contract with Verizon.
I decided to get the 1gb a month plan for $20. After taxes it is about $23. I like having the ability to hop on 3g when needed, but I primarily use the tab in places that have WiFi. In addition, as others have posted, I have been able to use the tab on my Captivate's unlimited data plan via WiFi tethering. With this, even in places with no WiFi, I can use my phone's connection and not burn through the Verizon plan's allowance.
The only drawback I can really cite is that there is far more in the way of custom roms available to for the GSM tabs. Verizon is CDMA (as in Sprint.) But, as others have also mentioned, there are a few custom roms already available for CDMA, and there are a few new ones coming in the next few weeks that look very promising.
I can't really speak to the European, or other models outside of the US.
Ultimately, I really love my tab and have been very very happy with its capabilities. Having tinkered with both iPad1 and 2, I have to say that I heartily endorse the Galaxy Tablet over both.
Anyway, that is my $.02

[Q] Which Galaxy Tab?

I am considering purchasing a used/refurbed Galaxy Tab to use primarily as an e-reader. I won't be activating it on a carrier and will use it wifi-only. I have been browsing these forums for possible ROMs and OC kernels and find the organization very confusing versus the forums I'm used to (EVO, Nook Color, Thunderbolt) and I figure this is because there are so many different versions.
So, which is the best for OC and ROMs? It looks like the Sprint and Euro versions have 1.2-1.4Ghz overclock kernels available so should I look for a Sprint one? Do the Tmo,VZW, and ATT ones not have OC kernels?
Thanks!
Go for a GSM version. It has the most customizability at the moment.
Do all GSM ROMs work on all GSM tabs (Att, Tmo, Euro?). I liked the idea of putting a Sprint SGT on Boost Mobile and getting unlimited 3G for 11/mo but I probably will be using WiFi most of the time and 3G isn't a requirement as stated in OP.
Thats one of the resones I got the sprint version, I bought used one with bad esn on craigslist for $150.
Sent from my SPH-P100 using XDA App
ranchosteve said:
Thats one of the resones I got the sprint version, I bought used one with bad esn on craigslist for $150.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mmm, if your device has a bad ESN, I thought it would not be possible to put it on Boost since Boost *is* Sprint and use the same ESN DB. Cricket or PagePlus would be possible, though...
wy1d said:
Do all GSM ROMs work on all GSM tabs (Att, Tmo, Euro?). I liked the idea of putting a Sprint SGT on Boost Mobile and getting unlimited 3G for 11/mo but I probably will be using WiFi most of the time and 3G isn't a requirement as stated in OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Sprint tab has generally been the easiest to get for the lowest price, modulo the once-blue-moon $200 AT&T refurb deal. You can easily find a Sprint tab on ebay for $250 or so.
I decided to spent a little more and get an AT&T tab, since it is GSM and supports Euro 3G bands. But in retrospect, not sure it matters that much. I thought I would want to flash custom Roms, which are mostly all GSM. But now I'm thinking just to wait for the official 2.3 release, in which case, the Sprint tab is probably going to be first (in a few days). Who knows when the AT&T release will be... they seem to be the slowest in such things.
But it is cute that I have been able to unlock my tab, stick in a cheapo Tmo SIM and do SMS and maybe voice with a little more work. Not sure I'd ever really use it though... Skype works excellent with Wifi...
wy1d said:
I am considering purchasing a used/refurbed Galaxy Tab to use primarily as an e-reader. I won't be activating it on a carrier and will use it wifi-only. I have been browsing these forums for possible ROMs and OC kernels and find the organization very confusing versus the forums I'm used to (EVO, Nook Color, Thunderbolt) and I figure this is because there are so many different versions.
So, which is the best for OC and ROMs? It looks like the Sprint and Euro versions have 1.2-1.4Ghz overclock kernels available so should I look for a Sprint one? Do the Tmo,VZW, and ATT ones not have OC kernels?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash a T-Mobo or AT&T into an Euro GSM.
I think you need to figure out what you want out of the Tab exactly to be able to decide which Tab to get.
If you will use it as an ebook reader then you don't really need OC. As a matter of fact the 3G Tab runs quite smooth at standard voltage if you choose a good ROM/kernel
oh i want it as an ereader. but it's gotta be a BADASS ereader. Light browsing/apps/games occasionally but I have a Thunderbolt and an ultra portable laptop (Thinkpad x220) for emails/voice/text/etc.
sounds like it's still kind of a mixed bag on which carrier and i should probably just go for whichever is cheapest?
I ended up getting a Sprint tab for cheap off craigslist. Waiting for a rooted Gingerbread ROM with overclock!
I did notice that the wifi version was underpowered so the carrier versions are recommend.
Sent from my SPH-P100 using XDA App

Relatively Non-tech-savvy person needs help!

Hey everyone!
So I'm obviously in the market for a tablet, and the Galaxy Tab seems to be the best fit considering its price and functionality.
I have two main issues I need help with:
First, I know Skype recently announced that the Galaxy Tab supports video calling. This is VERY important - one of the reasons I'm getting a tablet is to easily skype my sister (really, my niece) and my long-distance boyfriend. Does video-calling work on both the WIFI and the 3G versions? Has anyone had any problems getting Skype to work?
Second, I'm trying to decide whether to purchase the WIFI-only version from Best Buy ($279 right now) or buying a used 3G version from CowBoom for the same basic price. I like the idea of having the option of getting a data-plan at some point, but don't want to be locked into a contract. Also, the idea of getting it used is a little scary (although I'd probably get CowBoom's 1 year protection plan). How much does the faster processor on the 3G version actually impact its functionality? Any other reason to get the 3G, even if I never end up getting a data plan?
Some more details about what I'm looking to do, since that is probably helpful ... I basically want to be able to surf the internet, answer emails, watch hulu plus at home, use the Kindle feature to read on the metro, and Skype video-call my loved ones. I start a job in early December where I will get some kind of smart phone(BB now, but they are thinking of switching to I-Phone), which is why I'm considering getting a WIFI-only version.
Thats all, I really appreciate any help!
I wouldn't be afraid to buy the 3G version, the gps works better with a 3g radio, and there are some alternative roms available with the 3g versions, but none I know of for the wifi only.
I also believe skype only works on gingerbread 2.3.4, which you won't be able to get with the wifi only tab.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using Tapatalk
Even though I have the Verizon Gtab, you might consider a gsm, because there are many more roms available for it than the cdma version.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using Tapatalk

Opinions on Verizon Galaxy Tab 7

Hey all,
Considering picking up a Verizon tab from someone. Great condition, nice leather case. What are the good and bad about this tablet as far as you guys know who have been using it for a while? I know, you dont know how I'd use it. I'll tell ya...
Browser, news reading, email, ereader apps, a few games, documents to go. Yup thats it. Oh and as far as size goes, 7 inches is fine for me.
Also, are Gingerbread and Honeycomb available at all via ROMs?
Thanks guys!
Sent from the XDA App
Gb is currently available, there are several different roms out now for the vzw tab, and cm7 is due soon, check out oldmacnuts threads he's the main cdma dev.
Sent from my HTC Desire CDMA using Tapatalk
Oh, I'll only ever be using wifi. So does it matter which Galaxy Tab I get? Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint? I would guess no, right?
Sent from the XDA App
I have a Verizon tab I only use on wifi, so no it doesn't matter
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab
Right, but I meant as far as ROMs, is there a certain model that for some reason has more ROMs or more custom options?
Sent from the XDA App
there are more ROM choices for the GSM Gtab (Tmo, AT&T) than the CDMA Gtab.
also, only the GSM Gtab can have working voice calling, and the GSM Gtab has more memory.
but the CDMA Gtab is certainly a decent choice, particularly for Wifi only. Not much reason to choose Verizon over Sprint (some folks claim to have the Sprint Gtab working on Boost for cheap 3G data rates).
(I have an AT&T, Verizon and Sprint Gtab. I spent more on the AT&T Gtab but feel it was worth it, per above, and for the simple access to Tmo's DayPass $1.49/day. They are all good, though).
neurocutie said:
also, only the GSM Gtab can have working voice calling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, are you saying that I won't be able to use any kind of voice or video calling with the Verizon tab even if I'm using WiFi?
By default the US Tabs (GSM and CDMA) do not have the dialer built in. That doesn't mean it's not possible to make calls from them with other software.
And he's right, the GSM Tabs do have more internal memory and currently a larger selection of custom roms/kernels. But for your listed uses, any of the Tabs will serve perfectly stock, let alone a nice custom rom/kernel combo.
Ok, cool. That's what I figured. Although the ability to quickly import pictures via usb/flash card is something I had forgotten about which I'll need.
---------- Post added at 02:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:15 PM ----------
Question: Is there any way to flash a European firmware to get the dialer?
you'll need to read up on the GSM custom roms available to see if they will work with AT&T or T-mobile Tabs.
tinpanalley said:
Wait, are you saying that I won't be able to use any kind of voice or video calling with the Verizon tab even if I'm using WiFi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use VOIP voice apps like Skype, but CDMA Gtabs dont come with the native dialer. I have the impression that that messes with certain apps that use the dialer to dial out based on numbers found on websites and the like.
OTOH, GSM Gtabs can have real native dialers and make real GSM phone calls and SMS. In fact they act 100% like big Android phones.
No you cant flash in any Euro firmware to give CDMA Gtabs a native dialer, at least not yet, AFAIK.
Also AFAIK it is not possible to directly mount a usb flash drive on a classic Gtab, no master mode available. I think the newer Gtabs might be able to do that though, eg Gtab 10.1. So you'll need a PC or similiar...
or, if you use micro SD cards, then you can of course directly mount those. Here the greater memory of the GSM Gtabs would help alot for a temp place to move stuff to and from the microSD cards.

Question about cdma verse gsm 7" tabs and firware/software

So I am newb to tabs but have been flashing custom roms on Galaxy S phones: ATT Galaxy S2, ATT Galaxy S Captivate so I know my ways around a little bit. So I have the Sprint Galaxy Tab P100 and have already rooted it, then flashed a couple of the roms made for P100's, then flashed JT'S Cm7( I think, maybe oldMcnuts if J have the name correctly.) Now I ONLY use it with wifi and do not plan on getting a sprint account. So i started reading alot of the rom threads over the past few days/week so I THINK I know what to flash and what not. But I am curious as to the differences between the cdma and gsm tablets. I looked at full specs to compare them and it looks like from what details I have found that the cdma P100, Tmobiles gsm tab, International? P1000 all bave the same hardware excluding the radio hardware. Same cpu, same camera bardware,etc. Is this correct or are there other differences?
So to my question here as long as I do not care about using the cdma/3g for calls can the tab be flashed with the gsm firmware or software? Or is the coding too different due the the radkos hardware? Again for use as ONLY a wifi tablet.
I have also read that the sprint and verizon 7.0 tab are similiar enough that some/most roms work for either. So I am just trying to get a more in depth view from those that have been usi VHF/around tabs for quite some time.
The links I checked out for specifications are:
P100 http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab/SPH-P100ZKASPR-features
P1000 http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_p1000_galaxy_tab-3370.php
SGH-T849 http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab/SGH-T849ZKATMB-specs
So hope I am not sounding too noobish here but just wanted some opinions/ideas from those that bave been dev'ing/modding/using the tabs longer than I. Thanks ahead of time.
Ps. I prefer asop roms and usually run CM7 or CM9 on my phones. So most likely will be using that route with my tabs also.
Sent From My KickAss ATT SGS2 SPORTING CM7

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