Database Develop

Still worth it?

I've been thinking recently about getting a tablet, and I've decided that 7-inch would be the best option for me due to the portability of the form factor and really not needing anything larger.
Right now, the options are pretty slim since I'm looking for quality. I'm considering either the GT or the Nook Color at this point in time, but I'm not sure. I want the quality and 'out of the box' readiness of the GT, but at this point in the tablet game (admittedly, not much time has passed, but tech zooms), I'm not sure if it's worth it to shell out the extra money since it might be rendered essentially obsolete by something 'better' in just a few months.
My main concern here is dev & update support. Is the Tab expected to be getting 3.2 anytime soon? How active is the dev community? Also, games are a big consideration for me. How well does the Tab run some of the more recent games (I guess GameLoft games come to mind right now, since they seem to be some of the most graphically intensive).
Some help from Tab owners would be great. Thanks.

I just think that sometimes having faster specs and newer updates doesnt make the experience any better. i have had mine for 2 months and i use it all day and all night. It keeps me from firing up my laptop most of the time and the size makes it real handy.
Faster specs and new updates might make it faster but mine is fast enough rooted and running overcome. why fix if it is not broke
i would say well worth it still but wouldnt get with a contract.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App

The dev community is terrific. I got my tab about a month and a half ago and had some similar concerns before I got it. Just a heads up though, there is supposed to be a new 7" tab coming in the fall that is basically an updated version of our tab.
Some of the pros that I like about this is the size (can fit in almost any front pocket), price (didn't pay very much for it or the service), and that my wife doesn't like android.
As far as 3.2, there is a dev working on porting it over to a gingerbread base.
I use mine for games sometimes and haven't run into an issue yet.

EmilVee said:
I've been thinking recently about getting a tablet, and I've decided that 7-inch would be the best option for me due to the portability of the form factor and really not needing anything larger.
Right now, the options are pretty slim since I'm looking for quality. I'm considering either the GT or the Nook Color at this point in time, but I'm not sure. I want the quality and 'out of the box' readiness of the GT, but at this point in the tablet game (admittedly, not much time has passed, but tech zooms), I'm not sure if it's worth it to shell out the extra money since it might be rendered essentially obsolete by something 'better' in just a few months.
My main concern here is dev & update support. Is the Tab expected to be getting 3.2 anytime soon? How active is the dev community? Also, games are a big consideration for me. How well does the Tab run some of the more recent games (I guess GameLoft games come to mind right now, since they seem to be some of the most graphically intensive).
Some help from Tab owners would be great. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now is absolutely the "worth-it" time to get a Tab 7 because the prices are so good if you don't mind "used but mint condition". I scored my Verizon Tab 7 for $200 on CList and it was practically new and mint. The GSM ones are my preferred choice but those fetch a slightly higher premium, but i'm fine with the VZW one. I take it everywhere, use it for music, internet, email, basically a gateway to the world.
As for games, the Tab has the PowerVR SGX gpu, so it's dang potent. Runs all the games splendidly. Even has better video codecs/support than all these Tegra 2 devices.
I remember i almost slapped myself because i had spent $500 and tax on the HTC Flyer and compared to what i got the Tab for it was a no brainer, back the Flyer went.

I also heard there is a new version of our tab come out soon. You might wait for it.
Yes, this is the best tab ever. I love its portability and + its phone ability. You will never regret it. GO for it!!!
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

Thanks all. This info has really helped. The tab seems like it could the the right choice.

[Q] Is P1000 still worth buying TODAY?

I'm looking for a Tab, but Transformer seems to big for me. P1000 is the perfect size, but it is pretty old device. Is it still worth buying today?
Thanks.

If you think 7" tablet is a perfect size for you then why not, the Galaxy tab is only 1 year old and it still stands against any other alternatives out in the market today.
I would hardly say just because the tablet is "pretty old" that it isn't a good purchase. It's well supported by developers and the fact that people are still purchasing it... Its a solid working and built piece of kit.
You won't be disappointed.

I would say that they are definitely still worth it. The price point alone is a great reason. You can get a Galaxy tablet for less than half the price of many of the newest tabs.
It's already been shown that these models are capable of running the new firmwares. There are ports of Honeycomb out there already, and though there are still some issues to be ironed out, they work pretty well. Since installing a 2.3.4 rom on my vzw tab, I've been very impressed with how responsive and cleanly it runs.
Having handled some of the newer and larger tablets, I've found that the smaller size is really more ideal to me personally. I can fit my Galaxy tablet in my pocket. My folks for example both have iPads, and they are just much larger and bulkier devices. You can't drop one in your pocket real quick while you are out on the run.
Anyway, hope that helps!

Seamus1 said:
I would say that they are definitely still worth it. The price point alone is a great reason. You can get a Galaxy tablet for less than half the price of many of the newest tabs.
It's already been shown that these models are capable of running the new firmwares. There are ports of Honeycomb out there already, and though there are still some issues to be ironed out, they work pretty well. Since installing a 2.3.4 rom on my vzw tab, I've been very impressed with how responsive and cleanly it runs.
Having handled some of the newer and larger tablets, I've found that the smaller size is really more ideal to me personally. I can fit my Galaxy tablet in my pocket. My folks for example both have iPads, and they are just much larger and bulkier devices. You can't drop one in your pocket real quick while you are out on the run.
Anyway, hope that helps!
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Click to collapse
I live in eastern europe and here the tab's price is almost the same as Transformer's. And that one has Tegra 2 and a nice 10.1' IPS display. They are both here 540 USD / 380 EUR. I tried Iconia A500 Tab, but I was quite disappointed - it was very heavy, typing text while trying to hold with one hand was challenging. The OS and that big display sure looks great, but for now I can't see my self taking this out in the street while walking, or chatting (IM) while sitting in the bus on my way college. How much is the P1000 in the US? Or UK?

esthreel said:
I live in eastern europe and here the tab's price is almost the same as Transformer's. And that one has Tegra 2 and a nice 10.1' IPS display. They are both here 540 USD / 380 EUR. I tried Iconia A500 Tab, but I was quite disappointed - it was very heavy, typing text while trying to hold with one hand was challenging. The OS and that big display sure looks great, but for now I can't see my self taking this out in the street while walking, or chatting (IM) while sitting in the bus on my way college. How much is the P1000 in the US? Or UK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the UK, the P1000 (if you can find any in stock) still goes for around £399 and the P1010 is currently in bestbuy/currys for £299.
But search on ebay or other sites, you can find one for a lot cheaper. I got mine brand new from ebay for £250 (P1000).
Of course, these will probably fall in price when newer alternatives comes out but for now, they are holding its value as they are still popular and people are buying them.

I just bought one today. So far I am happy with it.

I have seen the US models selling new for between $150-200 when you buy from a mobile provider. For example, I know Verizon was selling them earlier this year for $200 when you agreed to a two year service agreement. I've also seen the WiFi only tablets for $350. Personally, I was willing to sign a contract, because having the 3g data access was something I desired.
But, I would do as one of the other posters suggested, and check ebay. As I understand it, you can buy a US model and put a European firmware on it. I would double check that though, as I don't want to tell you something I am not entirely sure of.

Got mine a month ago in aussie land, on a 12 month contract. 0 dollars for the tab and $39 a month for the plan with 8g of data and I get 3 months of the plan for free. Was really happy with that price.

Got mine in Italy for 300 Eur. Best purchase of the year: perfect balance between pocketability and readability, and with Gingerbread it is lag free and quick.
Rumours are that Samsung is going to present a revamped 7" tablet w/ upgraded cpu and amoled screen. I won't upgrade unless it has usb host or otg, which is the feature I miss much on my Tab.
Ernesto de Bernardis
N900 - Galaxy Tab 7"

Nothing wrong with the P1000. Good support is important. Even if it's a year old it still beats an ipad. Good resolution and speed, and very complete. Very sturdy, durable Gorilla glass.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

If 7" tablet is your preference, get a HTC Flyer or Huawei Ideos Slim?
Unless u want the voice call/sms capabilities

debernardis said:
Got mine in Italy for 300 Eur. Best purchase of the year: perfect balance between pocketability and readability, and with Gingerbread it is lag free and quick.
Rumours are that Samsung is going to present a revamped 7" tablet w/ upgraded cpu and amoled screen. I won't upgrade unless it has usb host or otg, which is the feature I miss much on my Tab.
Ernesto de Bernardis
N900 - Galaxy Tab 7"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any Samsung official reading this would love to put usb otg and make you upgrade
While for me, I ll try not to upgrade, but the amoled screen might tempt me.
esthreel said:
I'm looking for a Tab, but Transformer seems to big for me. P1000 is the perfect size, but it is pretty old device. Is it still worth buying today?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine last month, and I love it. My pocket is not that big to fit in the tab, so I bought a small bag to bring around. I was confused whether buying Galaxy S (for super amoled and small factor) or Galaxy Tab (for bigger screen to read ebooks). Well, its worth buying

I bought one a couple of weeks ago, and am very happy so far. Yes, it's a year old - but the screen is very good (much better than alternative 7" tablets'), it's relatively cheap & there's lots of development going on with it.
The next 7" from Samsung is set to have an AMOLED screen & will probably be dual-core, which will be awesome, but I wanted something now & wasn't prepared to 1) wait & 2) pay much more than I did...
Make sure you root & stick Overcome ROM on it! It becomes a different animal once you do!

Got an Asus Transformer for the home/travel, but day to day chucking in pocket (albeit large pockets), still love the Tab. Got it for 200bucks so can't complain.
If I had to pay full price? I think I'd skip, for that price a newer 7" tablet would still be preferred.
Main thing it comes down to though is where are you, and do you need voice? if so, Tab might still be perfect for you.
It's a good question to ask here, as the answer isn't obvious. Without a tablet, I would, if I had the cash, get the Tab again. It's portability still makes it a winner for me.
Waiting for the next model is ok, but... these things always seem to take 6months longer than initially planned it appears.

Thee galaxy pad still a good tab/phone. its fast, not to big and have a lot of apps/games that works so...

Galaxy tab worth to buy.why?
The best tablet for 7 inch tablet.
Equiped with microsd,simcard for mms,sms,3g and telephone
the best size to carry around even easily beat ipad
Development of Custom rom and stock rom are always up to date
unless samsung release new 7 inch tablet with dual core processor and amoled sceen
then it is not worthy anymore to purchase

When I got the P1000, my standard in speed and responsiveness on android began to change. I began to compare the Qualcomm chipset based androids vs. the Hummingbird of Samsung. The P1000 (and the original Galaxy S Plus which runs the same thing) is really good and even better can match the next gen Qualcomm. See how the original Galaxy S graphics even beats the Galaxy S Plus (newer release), is because of the same speedy setup done before.
The P1000 is a very good device. Really crazy why Samsung shortchanged many unknowing people as they downgraded the P1010 with an inferior chipset and graphics.
Is there already a dual core 7" as good as the P1000? The Dell Streak 7 besides abit more massive has a problem with batt life. Archos I didn't bother to consider. Is there anymore? The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is coming out better (dunno when), but it is not 7". Nothing compares that I know... for now.

I've only had mine for about a week, I bought it second hand for a great price and I love it so far. I use it more than my laptop and my Asus Transformer. I LOVE the size. The 10" tabs you pretty much need to use both hand to hold it all the time, the G.Tab easily in 1. Plus being able to type with both thumbs instead of finger pecking is a HUGE plus.
Yeah, the Galaxy Seven will probably be out in a couple months but if you need one now then it's a great little tab.

I was at the shop today again, played with XOOM and again with Galaxy Tab. Damn its size is just perfect and the screen so detailed and feels high quality. But then I tried to do what I do on My N900 (Maemo 5 OS), and WOW :O IT CAN NOT MULTITASK. I never noticed that! You can not have skype online and browse the web while listening to music. I asked the guy at the shop. He confirmed, just some can "run in the background" but there is no task switcher... Maybe you can make it multitask? On iOS i have backgrounder and Kirikae and it works like a charm, can you do the same on android?

Skype online while browsing the web and listening to music? won't the sound conflict?
Sent from my SK17i using Tapatalk

The Next 8.9 tablet ?

Like many others on this forum, I am deeply enamoured to the 8.9 form factor. For me it's the sweet spot between having enough screen space for lounging at home without being too bulky or heavy to throw into my messenger with other stuff and carry around. When LG first announced their first tablet would be 8.9 based on customer research, I knew I'd be drawn to it, having found the original iPad too bulky. But by the time it came state sides as t mobile spring board it was out of spec and unwieldy. So when Samsung announced the galaxy tab 8.9 with current specs and lighter and thinner than ipad2 dimensions, I knew I was going to get it. After playing around with the 10.1 while waiting for the 8.9, then getting the 8.9 soon after it's release, there was no turning back!
Now, I plan to stick with this 8.9 for at least through the year, but admittedly in a world where quad cores and 1080nd screens are coming out, I've been keenly waiting to see if a current successor to the 8.9 would be announced, either by Sammy or another vendor, and I have become anxious that this form factor might die out. I secretly hope that there will be a galaxy note 8.9 in addition to the galaxy note 10.1 set for Q3, but I'm not seeing anything.
Then today I read this news on the new kindle fire rumors, and lo and behold, a 8.9 size with 1080hd screen is there!
http://m.cnet.com/news/at-least-three-kindle-fire-2-tablets-one-with-4g-on-the-way/57467294
This kind of torments my heart. I'm glad to see a manufacturer come up with these specs and hope it prods others too. But I'm not really glad it's a Amazon kindle. I tried the kindle fire for about a month before selling it, and I was quite disappointed at the sluggishness, box like design, and I'm not sure I trust Amazon to build a quality tablet anymore. And I fear Amazon will be more restrictive in terms of root-and port-ability, not to mention lack even more developer support.
But then if this is the only 8.9 tablet on the market at the end of the year and foreseeable future, I might feel compelled. What are your thoughts on the next 8.9 tablet for you?
Sent from my GT-P7310 using xda premium

if we can hack it and use a real version of Android then i can NOT wait for an 8.9 update.
I hate the Amazon interface, i personally really prefer Google's Android and the variety of choice in Google Play.

bdfull3r said:
if we can hack it and use a real version of Android then i can NOT wait for an 8.9 update.
I hate the Amazon interface, i personally really prefer Google's Android and the variety of choice in Google Play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if the hardware is good enough(quad core and 1080p), and it is hackable, then I guess I'll consider the kindle too.
Though Amazon app store had a few good deals, I have to say, I much prefer the Google play too (as much as I dislike that name), if only to avoid update lags.
I so do wish we'll have more 8.9 inch options later this year!

Jnn1 said:
Yeah, if the hardware is good enough(quad core and 1080p), and it is hackable, then I guess I'll consider the kindle too.
Though Amazon app store had a few good deals, I have to say, I much prefer the Google play too (as much as I dislike that name), if only to avoid update lags.
I so do wish we'll have more 8.9 inch options later this year!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. All I wait is for an HD version with quad-core 8.9 and I will pounced on it.
Sent from my GT-P7300

I'm surprised the 8.9 size isn't more popular to be honest. I've always though that the iPad was a hell of a cumbersome thing, even the 2nd and 3rd generation versions, but that the Kindle Fire and other 7" devices tend to be almost like slightly overgrown smartphones, too small for web browsing and barely an investment in themselves unless you're a heavy eBook reader. 8.9 got it bang on but doesn't seem to have kicked off, to the point that Sammy haven't done an 8.9 Tab2.
Do remember though that the Tab2 range is almost the same product manufactured differently to get the price down (and redesigned to avoid further law suits from Apple) so other than waiting for OS updates there's not much of a disadvantage owning a Galaxy Tab 8.9.
But yeah, the 8.9 is the Goldie-Locks tablet, it's not too big, not too small, just right!

Personally, if we can get a Jelly Bean port after the official ICS release then I'm set.
I don't play intensive games so have no need for quad core anything. I'll be sticking with my GT8.9 for some time I think.

I do enjoy my 8.9 as well, but I think Samsung and other manufactures put out a bunch of different sizes the last couple years to feel out the market. Its looking like the 10inch and 7inch are prolly gonna become the normal going forward with most manufacturers if I were to guess.

Benknot said:
I do enjoy my 8.9 as well, but I think Samsung and other manufactures put out a bunch of different sizes the last couple years to feel out the market. Its looking like the 10inch and 7inch are prolly gonna become the normal going forward with most manufacturers if I were to guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is really tragic, considering he majority of consumers never had much of a chance to try out a 8.9. If anything, I hope a kindle fire does come out in 8.9, if only, so that it peaks consumer and manufacturer interest in the 8.9 form factor!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I think 8.9 could do well if one company focused on only 8.9...

I have the same feeling about me 8.9, it is just the perfect size, I really dont get why
We dont have a new Sammy 8.9, I think Xoom2 is a alternative.
Sent from my GT-P7300 using xda app-developers app

sbeddoesdesign said:
I think 8.9 could do well if one company focused on only 8.9...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, not that I'd wish to restrict the choice of others, but if you think about it, the tab 8.9 if the same height as the iPad, which speaks to it's optimal size, yet it's lighter and with 16:10 dimensions good for watching movies too ... so I do wish and think companies should show more love for 8.9s.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

8.9 is the right size but too many people dont know it :-(
I have tried the Ipad, the original thrive and galaxy, a trans prime, the fire and the Acer 7 inch, and my beloved touchpad and the galaxy tab 8.9 is just the perfect size and the screen is much prettier than ips displays. I love it. But the tegra 2 is just not enough. My poor tab just can't handle HD vids. So sadly my touchpad gets more use than my galaxy. Also I wish it had expandable memory. Come on Sammy why didn't you give this beauty an SD card slot? So while I agree that the 8.9 is just the right size it is due for an upgrade. Sadly it doesn't look as though one will be here soon enough. So for me its just waiting for someone to make a tab with a prettier screen and expandable memory. Unfortunaty for me none of the new tabs have a good screen. Ips displays have washed out colors when you compare them to an Ipad or a Samsung tablet. As for the 8.9 fire 2 it could be a decent machine. I put an aokp ics rom on my friends kindle and its a decent tablet now. Just a bit too small for me. Only time will tell but here's to my prayers for Sammy to make an 8.9 2 with a real processor and a SD card slot! That would be the best.

I've owned: Transformer w/dock., Iconia A500, Toshiba Thrive, Streak 7, Evo View, 8" china pad, Evo View, Archos 80 G9 and of course the 8.9. Left in the stable are the
Evo View: I'm on sprint so having the data plan is nice, but it sits on my nightstand on wifi and used once in a blue moon. Will probably sell it soon while it still has some value. 7" is just too small and not enough of a size difference over my 4" phone. I like the stylus, but haven't used it as much as I thought I would. The data plan is nice because some wifi at the hospitals I go to have a sign in, and for some odd reason webmail doesn't work while on it. Really odd. It was the same on the touchpad. Yet the Apple crowd had no issues. Haven't figured that one out.
Archos 80 G9: I paid $125 via Staples last month for it. Like the 4:3 8" size. Dual core OMAP, connectivity out the wazoo (full size usb, hdmi, microSD and microUSB), and I've been on official ICS since day one. The screen isn't bad. It has a little more heft and big side bezels, but it's comfy and more comfy to hold than any 10.1". Plus it has the built in kickstand. Another reason to ditch the Evo View. I have a dock for it, and I wouldn't need the dock to keep it upright on the nightstand. still not my ideal screen size as HD content is no better than a 7" tablet, or slightly less even. Not sure on that math.
And the 8.9: Tegra 2 is fine for me. No hi profile blu ray rips for me. I have the usb dongle for a card reader. Great screen even if it is PLS. The size and weight is the perfect trade off for carrying between the 10" and 7" while still having enough real estate to make media viewing and reading enjoyable. Best screen size out there if you ask me.
That being said, I want a 9 or 4:3. I think that's the best of both worlds. HD would still be a bit larger than a 7" tablet and everything else would be a nice 4:3 9" . And I want built in connectivity. microSD and HDMI are key. So until that comes, I have no need to buy another tablet unless the 8.9 and Archos become obsolete.

Yeah, I getcha... An 8.9 with Tegra 3 would be nice. For me, well, HD Movies on this little screen, personally I wouldn't notice/appreciate the difference, I watch some SD stuff and stream Netflix on there when I can't use my TV and it looks sharp as anything to be honest, heh... Tegra 3 would be nice for gaming though.

I know what you mean, I've been hoping to hear some rumors of a Galaxy Note 8.9 as well. Honestly the 10-inch form factor feels too big, and the 7-inch too small. The 8.9 felt just felt perfect and the S-Pen is now a big deal for me on a tablet. Stick in some internals like whats in the Galaxy SIII (quad-core, 2 GB ram, NFC/Android Beam, Jelly Bean, and 2MP FFC/5MP Rear Camera). Bring back the IR blaster from the original Tab 8.9, and a 1080p screen (to keep in competition with the Retina display). Then all they'd have to do is keep it thin and light (not plastic-like) and I'd probably camp out for that one, even if it costs $599

8.9 vs note 10.1

Forgive me if I do something really wrong...this is my first post here.
I got a Samsung Note 10.1 today and have been playing a few hours now. It is really sweet...except it is just too damn big. I grabbed a 32gb at Amazon. I have 30 days to decide. The pen is much improved over the phone version (which I have) but the sheer size of this tablet is just off putting.
I really wish Sammy would release this in the 8.9 size. Maybe after the lawsuits are concluded we will see it...somehow I doubt it, considering the support the 8.9 has gotten so far.
Don't know how to list the phones and tablets I have had so far...it's a bunch.
The 8.9 size is just too perfect.

You are complete right, 8.9 is just the perfect size, and GT NOTE 8.9 would be a dream, you are a lucky!, GTN10.1 should
be a great device.
Sent from my GT-P7300 using xda app-developers app

OP, what are your opinions of the build quality? Most reviews are tearing it up for being shoddily made. Android Police tore it a new one.
That said, I would like to stick the Exynos 4412 and 2GB of RAM into my Tab 8.9.

I don't understand the bad reviews on the build quality. I have read that it is so flimsy you can twist it easily and feel the "guts" through the thin back cover. Just not true. It is as stout as the 8.9. Also, some have complained about a light bleed on the screen. No problem there either.
My honest opinion?
Apple fan boys at Android Police getting REALLY nervous.
It's a real nice, very fast, device. Just wish it was a bit smaller. I have kept my HTC Evo view all this time because a 7 inch device with a working pen is just so handy. If Samsung would put the Note out in an 8.9 size, I would sell everything else in a heartbeat and be a very very happy little girl.

The 10.1 looks truly amazing. Yeah, Sammy's 10.1 inch tabs are a little bit (bigger than iPad even) but I imagine that can be handy for work stuff.
I wouldn't recommend switching it to the 8.9 for software reasons. The 10.1's software is much better. On the 8.9 we're still stuck here with Android 3.2, way way way out of date, and the processor, whilst better even than the iPad on paper, really struggles to play 3D games at a good framerate. The Note 10.1 has the same advantage of the Galaxy S3 in that it's way more powerful than it could ever possibly need to be so whatever you throw at it will run lovely and fast.
8.9 may be the perfect size but the software and performance are pretty bad and the service even worse (we still don't know even IF we're getting Ice Cream Sandwich, every month news sites say the next month but when people e-mail Sammy they say they have no official release date, and the unofficial ICS rom has bricked my tab by killing the battery).

Would you still buy the Galaxy Tab 8.9?

Hi,
I have been thinking about buying a Android tablet for some time. I don't really need a tablet, but would like to give it a try anyhow. I would probably use it mostly for surfing the web, reading new sites and watching movies when on the train. I might play some games from time to time. I would also like to use it for Skype voice and video chat. I'm also prepared to root the device and flash custom roms for better performance.
At the moment the Galaxy Tab 8.9 (Wifi) is on sale for about $ 220 here in Switzerland. It seems like a good deal for this tablet and within the amound of money I am prepared to spend for something "unnessecary", but would you still buy it given that the hardware is somewhat dated? How well does Skype work?
Any advice is greately appreciated!
Cheers
TiredHornet

To my opinion, the Galaxy Tab 8.9 has a unique form factor and weight (approx 420g), that make it still very desirable to my eyes. The screen is very good. ICS with an alternative launcher like 'Nova' or 'Apex' makes it lovely to use on a daily basis (I don't appreciate the Touchwiz one much).
I learned to live without any sd card expansion slot. I bought a 32gb model to compensate for the lack of memory extension, but finally I don't use the internal storage at all, except of course for apps. If I had to buy it again, I would simply stick with the 16Gb version...
The only complain I have is the outdated Tegra 2 processor, that's why I use to overclock a little bit (1.2Ghz). Works like a charm.
PS: I tested Skype a little bit and seemed good enough to me and to the people at the other end.

Yes, definitely. sgauge points out some great benefits of the 8.9, the form factor is just right. I'm still using 3.2 Overcome Rom also OC'd to 1.2 and really it runs super smooth. I also have the 16gb and that's plenty of space. I bought the usb dongle which can read off a usb stick so no need to carry movies on the tablet itself. It's really replaced my laptop for internet browsing, following live sports streams online and casual emailing. Just an extra aside, but I also invested in the official external keyboard and dock (amazon uk had them at rock bottom prices a few weeks back) and they are classy add-ons making the tablet a real smart package. And with ICS seemingly here, perhaps I'll think of upgrading my rom too!
Update: Skype works great, impressed with video/sound quality and stability!

Hmm, $220 for a 8.9 is practically a steal
It helps to know what you want it for, but I use it on train commute, and a lot of casual browsing on the couch. Basically, I could use my phone for that, but the tablet has more comfort and battery.
I find the 16gb not enough, if you take it on holiday and want some movies. I got the usb reader for $3 dollars shipped from China (ebay), much better value than €30 local shop.
I dislike the weight and size of a 10.1, to the point that I think 8.0 to 8.5 should be ideal size.
Good luck

Thx for all the advice! I think I'm going to go the shop right now and have a look at the tablet. I had it in my hands some month ago and found the size really good. And with the official ICS release starting to roll out, it is probably a even better deal at $220.

I bought it in Ch (living in Constance) and absolutely love it.
Had an Acer Iconia A500 before, the difference in weight and quality is huuuge.
After Installing JB it works like a charm!
If your local M.Electronics is out of stock, you can just place a reservation. I waited for 1 day

In fact, I did just buy a Tab 8.9 -- Cowboom had a bunch of preowned ones for sale. I snagged a Condition 7 (looks brand new, came with all accessories other than headphones) for $170 shipped. I love the size. Every 10" tablet I looked at was too big for comfortable reading, but the 7" tablets just felt...cramped.

Go for it
$220 is a real steal! And with ICS now it will be just awesome!

Idlekilla said:
$220 is a real steal! And with ICS now it will be just awesome!
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Agreed. Having seen the difference in how my 8.9 ran on Honeycomb and now on ICS, it's like a different tablet! If you can pick up one of these tablets for less than $200 then jump on it.

Next phone or tablet is a nexus for sure
im done with samsung

- Form factor is just perfect.
- the ics runs great so no tensions for some time to come.
- 10.1 is too big, 7 is too small.
- 7.7 is close but too pricey.
Sent from my GT-P7300 using xda premium

My tf101 just broke now using as a Google TV and my tab is galaxy 8.9 and I bought it for $150
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

TiredHornet said:
Thx for all the advice! I think I'm going to go the shop right now and have a look at the tablet. I had it in my hands some month ago and found the size really good. And with the official ICS release starting to roll out, it is probably a even better deal at $220.
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Have fun with it. I doubt you will regret.

I bought the 8.9 so that when my partner and I went camping we could watch movies that we had, ahem, aquired.
It was perfect for just that reason with the desktop dock and the SD / USB adapters.
Now that we are back from holidays, it's perfect for general surfing and stuff like solving arguments where powering up the PC would take too long to Google something and the phone screen would bee too small / fiddly.
8.9 was the best form facto for my needs and I do not see any need to change to a bigger screen, if I wanted a bigger screen - Netbook / Laptop yet I would have to wait for it to boot up, so, long story short, I love the 8.9 and would definately buy it.
Hope this helps!

I like the form factor, the screen and the build quality seems solid. I hate the proprietary plug in on the bottom. Afraid I'm going to lose the cord and be unable to charge the thing till I get another one from Samsung. It should be the mini USB everyone,minus Apple and Sammy, uses. Charge times are completely ridiculous, taking hours upon hours to get to full but the drain times are pretty good. Hopefull the ICS update fixes charge times, or at least makes it bearable. And no SD card slot sucks, plain and simple. Other than that it's pretty good....

Personally, I love it. I bought mine for about 400 dollars and didn't regret it ever since. For 220$, this is an absolute must. The size is optimal and the overall feel of the tablet is just...perfect. Go for it, champ!

Well I have to say out of all the tablets I have (most samsung ones, asus, nexus7, ipads etc) the galaxy tab 8.9 is probably the best feel for a semi-mobile tablet... However after looking at the samsung support and release cycle across the devices I have, I doubt I will ever buy samsung again tbh. Just an opinion...

I love the hardware, don't like the Samsung software. Waiting for the rom hackers to put the official ICS to use and build a full featured JB rom and then it'll probably beat the Nexus 7 as my favorite device.
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Looking to buy an 8.9. Anybody know where I can find one in the US?? Thanks

I just bought an 8.9 3G 32Gb for £250, which I think is a real bargain. Vodafone 3G SIM is very fast in my area, and I soon as I can work out how to get an official version of ICS or JB onto it, I will be laughing! 8.9" form factor is ideal for me, and Skype works great... and I find i'm using Skype alot more than I do on my laptop.... it's pretty sweet all around. Go for it! Touchwiz and all the Bloatware suck, so if you work out how to remove them, let me know!