Tab 2 7.0 Winning!

[syntrix]

WOW! I just picked one up today. Just wanted to share a few thoughts.

Epic size. I don't want a 10.1" or near that size, they are usually heavier. Comments from work today....

OMG that is the perfect size and I've been on the fence about a tablet for a while! (he bought the last one in the city after work).

More about the size being excellent from the girls around the office.....

Wow, that fits my hands very nice!
...

I had it on wifitether on my maxx.

They were in stock this weekend and I was on the fence, too. No major retailer had them in stock today. Walmart said instock online.... nothing. Bestbuy.... nothing.

BB out of stock, didn't want to drive to the next city.

OFFICE DEPOT! Had two in stock, I grapped one at lunch. I have not put it down at all, except to put it on the charger now.

This is an excellent form factor, and the ICS overlay is really nice! I do have 2 kids and they suck up my tablet time playing annoying birds, drawing, etc... So I might use this one while they use the larger tablets.... or in reality, the other way around.

This thing is great, I'm sure battery life is good, but will determine that after the first full charge.

Most people at work today were like.... when did that come out, that's awesome! Any Q's? I'll most likely take it to work and just tether off my maxx for a few days.
'
This is a great surprise and a great price point from samsung! Love it!

 

[fillyo]

I settled on one today, should be here tomorrow, gotta love Amazon.

 

[BlackGravity]

I've had mine for about a week now,and it's not my first tablet,this is an upgrade from my Coby Mid 7022,the samsung tab 2 blows that coby away i also bought a Black Silicone Skin Case Cover,which i might add fits perfect even though its made for the galaxy tab plus 7inch Amazon.com: HappyZone - Black Silicone Skin Case Cover for Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus 16GB 32GB WiFi: Computers & Accessories

makes it feel even that much more premium i love ICS and its very smooth... glad i went with this rather then the KF.. i don't regret the choice at all.

 

[bk11222]

i've had it since it came out. i really like it. i primarily use it as a reader saving articles offline on pocket and to track boxscores while watching baseball. i also find it easier to read this with my morning coffee. easy to lug around. i can't wait to get my SD card and longer cord for when out at cafe's. i'm pleasantly surprised by the speed of the browser when on public wifi.

i'm surprised it's not generating more of a buzz on these forums. i guess it's too "basic" of a device. good job by samsung. between their larger screen phones to the tab 7 and larger tablets they really are offering a wide array of user options unlike other an other un-named OS

 

[bk11222]

hey syntrix...why do you feel there has been little conversation on this tablet? i see you're a senior member and curious about this.

 

[syntrix]

hey syntrix...why do you feel there has been little conversation on this tablet? i see you're a senior member and curious about this.

1. Not a cellular device
2. It's brand new
3. ?????
4. It IS sold out locally in my town
5. Give it some time, this is a gem of a find for the price!

 

[azlen]

Looked at one in the store yesterday. Loaded Android Assistant, which informed me that the 1024 x 600 screen was only 900 x 600, and the 1GB Ram was only 700 MB. Would be a really great tablet if it had built in GPS. Anybody else find out any of the info? (or am I misinterpreting something)

 

[syntrix]

Looked at one in the store yesterday. Loaded Android Assistant, which informed me that the 1024 x 600 screen was only 900 x 600, and the 1GB Ram was only 700 MB. Would be a really great tablet if it had built in GPS. Anybody else find out any of the info? (or am I misinterpreting something)

You might want to check that app, lol.

Also downloaded the app then turned of data....

This was inside the house.

 

[syntrix]

And there is this:

 

[azlen]

Thanks for feedback, Syntrix. Does the GPS operate outside of the range of wifi, such as in a car? And what app is that you're using to display the GPS? I'm ntly using a rooted color Nook running CM7, and I love it, but I'd like to get something with more bells and whistles.

 

[syntrix]

Thanks for feedback, Syntrix. Does the GPS operate outside of the range of wifi, such as in a car? And what app is that you're using to display the GPS? I'm ntly using a rooted color Nook running CM7, and I love it, but I'd like to get something with more bells and whistles.

There was no wifi the first time the app was launched, that's running off the gps chip with no wifi assist! App is "GPS Test".

 

[bk11222]

i have mine fully juiced now. have the 32 gig SD card and have downloaded a few books from kindle. i read several newspapers and magazines with my coffee every morning. i was really surprised at the internet speed on a public wifi in a cafe. downloaded kies air and have music and movies loaded.

has a good feel when you hold it. feels solid and easy to lug around.

in general i am very happy with samsung. i have the skyrocket and this tablet. might be getting a samsung TV next

 

[njd23]

None of you guys are having problems with wifi dropping when holding the tablet with your left hand? I just want to know if I should return my tablet for a replacement, or just return it go with something else.

 

[syntrix]

None of you guys are having problems with wifi dropping when holding the tablet with your left hand? I just want to know if I should return my tablet for a replacement, or just return it go with something else.

I've only notice it drop when walking away from the wifi router, but only when close to the wifi router (like 25 ft away max!). If I turn towards the router, it bounces right up.

If I'm on the back patio, I can face away, cup it, and there's no change in the signal. I get range past the patio where my maxx or other tablets don't.

 

[azlen]

Costco stores now have the Galaxy Tab 2 tablet for sale for $239 including a slipcase. This comes with a 90 day return policy and two-year warranty. I purchased one the other day and it is awesome. Compared to my rooted Color Nook, it is much faster, lighter, and slightly smaller.

The operating system is Android 4.0.3 ICS. This seems to have incorporated most of the features of the Cyanogenmod 7.1, such that I don't miss not having the unit rooted.

The front camera is 3 megapixels, the back camera is 0.3 megapixels. Would be nice if tear camera was higher resolution, but 640 x 480 is tolerable. System works well with Skype. The GPS works great, especially when used with Osmand off-line vector maps. IR emitter works well sending signals to TV and DVR; however the Smart Remote software that comes with the tablet is rather marginal.

Found that Swype Beta keyboard app works well but must be side loaded. I'm used to using Go Launcher and this installed with no problem.

Microphone and voice recognition works fantastic as this article was created with such.

Will provide further information as I learn more.

 

[wxman2003]

I got the tab 2 today. A few things bug me about it. So far it is not supported by MLB as a tablet. The First generation Tab is, but not the 2. So you can not watch the games on the Tab 2 as of yet, just listen to the games. Also the Kies software transfer via wifi is not supported. It works via usb, but you have to make sure wifi is turned off in order for it to work. Also adding music to sd card is not as simple as creating music folder on card and transferring the music like I can on my Razr Maxx. Nope, you have to find the media directory and add it there.

 

[syntrix]

I got the tab 2 today. A few things bug me about it. So far it is not supported by MLB as a tablet. The First generation Tab is, but not the 2. So you can not watch the games on the Tab 2 as of yet, just listen to the games. Also the Kies software transfer via wifi is not supported. It works via usb, but you have to make sure wifi is turned off in order for it to work. Also adding music to sd card is not as simple as creating music folder on card and transferring the music like I can on my Razr Maxx. Nope, you have to find the media directory and add it there.

You are using the stock samsung music player? It found my collection, or I had to maybe add it, can't remember.

MLB app? app problem? contact them! Good example was in this forum for HBO2GO, suggested they contact them and less then 5 days, new version and it works!

You should do that!

I have not used kies, the samsung software, and I really have no reason to.

 

[wxman2003]

You are using the stock samsung music player? It found my collection, or I had to maybe add it, can't remember.

MLB app? app problem? contact them! Good example was in this forum for HBO2GO, suggested they contact them and less then 5 days, new version and it works!

You should do that!

I have not used kies, the samsung software, and I really have no reason to.

I tried to use power amp and it never found my music. I have to use the kies app because my iMac will not show the Tab connected when I connect via USB. In order for my mac to find the Tab 2, I had to download the app to my computer. I can take the sd card out of the tab and using an sd adaptor put it in my mac and load the card up that way too. Just more inconvenient.

As far as MLB app goes, it says they are adding more tablets. I did email them

 

[azlen]

Checked wifi signal using wifi analyzer app. Sure enough, signal drops between 10 - 20 db when you hold it on the left vs other places.

 

[wxman2003]

Checked wifi signal using wifi analyzer app. Sure enough, signal drops between 10 - 20 db when you hold it on the left vs other places.

Does that whether I hold it in my right or left hand. Does it on my razor maxx. Did it on my iPhone. Does it on my iPad 2. With a case on, no problem with any of the devices.

 

[JDY]

Guys what are your opinions on the screen size? Have any of you used 9'' or 10'' and how does the Tab 2 compare, is 7" a good size?

 

[syntrix]

I tried to use power amp and it never found my music. I have to use the kies app because my iMac will not show the Tab connected when I connect via USB. In order for my mac to find the Tab 2, I had to download the app to my computer. I can take the sd card out of the tab and using an sd adaptor put it in my mac and load the card up that way too. Just more inconvenient.

As far as MLB app goes, it says they are adding more tablets. I did email them

Um, poweramp says it like 5 million times, you have to select your music folder.

Obvious cat is obvious, lol.

I've got a touchpad, and a transformer. Both are larger than 7".

The Tab 2 7.0 is smaller. :beerglass:

 

[wxman2003]

I wrote MLB yesterday asking when they would update their app for the tab 2. I linked their web site where it did not list the tablet as capable of running the app. Which is why I asked them when it would be available. Got an email back sending me to the link I sent them. Idiots running MLB.

 

[azlen]

Guys what are your opinions on the screen size? Have any of you used 9'' or 10'' and how does the Tab 2 compare, is 7" a good size?

I've used a 7" tablet for over a year and just bought my second one. For me it's perfect. Big enough to do most anything I would need and small enough to carry with me most anywhere without feeling overwhelmed... like carrying a paperback book. The only advantage I can think of for 10" is if you're using it for business where you have you do presentations to others.

 

[elgecko]

My wife wanted an ebook reader and bought her the Kindle Touch for Christmas. She did not like the KT and was thinking about the Kindle Fire. We waited till the weather was better to see how it KF would work in bright sunlight when outside. We both knew it would not be great.
So after doing research on the KF and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, finally got her SG2 about 2 weeks ago. Also looking at a Samsung Smart TV and the stream capabilities did not hurt either.
I have played with her tablet on and off and really like it.
I have had a generic 7" tablet for some time. Just picked up a SG2 for myself on Friday.

azlen,
Thanks for the info on side loading Swype, but a little late for me...I tried the installer and said incompatible with the screen size and did not try pulling the app from my phone. So I found Slideit Pro Keyboard which is on sale for .99. I like Swype a little better....
Stock launcher stinks.... unless the some settings somewhere I can not find. Why do they waste so much space with the huge margins....
How's your Go Launcher? Mine seemed like the dock especially was off. The icons where not centered and towards the bottom of the dock partially off the screen...
Playing with Nova Launcher right now.

Only thing I do not like about any of the launchers I've tried so far, I really like the s-calender widget month view. I have not been able to get this on any other launcher. Just a week view. Would prefer the month view.

Overall this is a really nice tablet.