Reference Auto

Like the iPad, the Galaxy Tab will connect to the internet for free through Wi-fi hot spots. The Galaxy Tab operates on the popular Android operating system software, which is posing a serious contender to Apple’s technology.

The two devices can also connect to the Net via a mobile phone network, the connection of which has to be purchased separately. Apple devices are generally snazzier looking than its competitors and allows easy download of eclectic applications either for a price or for free.

The Samsung device offers a Galaxy Tab 7” display compared to the 9.7 ” by iPad but not a SuperAmoled LCD with 1024×600 resolution. The heart of this object is a SoC Cortex A8 1 GHz from ARM and RAM capacity is 512 MB. The tablet has a GPS light sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope.

The device has two cameras: with 3-megapixel LED flash and autofocus, that can record HD movies at 720p and a 1.3- megapixel front that can aid in video conferencing. The Galaxy Tab comes with a 16 or 32 GB memory expandable with microSD slot memories up to 32 GB. Besides Wi-Fi connectivity, Samsung’s device will have Bluetooth, GSM / GPRS / EDGE 2.5 and 3G.

The weight of the Galaxy Tab is just 380 gms. But how much the launch will dent Apple’s market is to be seen as the American company has managed to notch a substantial market share in devices like the iPhone despite its no-compromise-on-price policy.

However, Apple faces stiff competition from other electronics majors which are gearing up to market their own touch screen gizmos prior to Christmas. The iPad has been a runaway success, selling three million units within the first three months of its launch this year, despite a steep starting price of pound 429.

But Samsung's Galaxy Tab could turn out to be hot in price-sensitive countries like India.