December 17, 2010 By

Samsung Galaxy Tab–Advice Please

imageThe Samsung Galaxy Tab has been on the market about 6 weeks now and I have been quietly watching with interest.

I do not know really what I will use it for but my need for new tech is too great so, as a little Christmas present to myself I have picked one up.  I know in six months, something better will be out, but that is 6 months away.

I have my Android HTC Desire and will continue to use this.  I think the tab will follow me round for general web browsing, social media and as a general toy.

I know Android and what I can do, but I want your help and advice to provide, tips, tweaks and more so that I can get the most out of my tab.

At the moment, I have pretty much the standard apps on it, and will add more and customise it over the Christmas and New Year period.

I have however picked up a desk dock and TV cable, as I think these are important.  When available I will no doubt get the brodit holder for the Galaxy Tab too.

I have never before rooted a device or done tweaks to the code, but I am open to it if there is a detailed guide.  I would prefer not to though.

So what would you recommend?

Is there a must have app on the tab, that I might not have come across?  An essential accessory? A cool trick?  A website full of Galaxy Tab users?

I want to know, leave your comments below.

I will update this post as and when I can with developments and some of the best content that you bring forward.

Update 04/01/2011:

A couple of weeks on I have now had time to get used to the Galaxy Tab and get it setup the way I wish.

So what have I done.

  • Set up two home screens with shortcuts and the most important info- I do not need any more as the Tab is in the middle device of my smartphone and my PC,
  • Installed a few games including Angry Birds, Paper toss etc.
  • Installed doubletwist along with AirSync, their new wireless sync service for all my music
  • Got a executive case for it to protect it when moving the device about
  • Picked up a keyboard for the tab, for when replying to longer emails etc.  I can not stress how good the keyboard is.

Update 17/03/2011:

  • Using the tab more and more now – literally carry it around in the pocket or the car most of the time.
  • Installed and converted to Evernote as I can access this from anywhere and I now take the tab with keyboard and evernote running to meetings for all my notes.
  • Gone down to just one home screen now to be even more efficient.
  • Battery life is incredible on the tab, it lasts for ages or at least seems too.
  • Going off the exec case a bit as I have to keep taking it out to use the keyboard – Think I may change to a barely there case for the tab.
  • Installed an app that converts the flash of the camera into a flashlight
  • Never do I use the phone functionality of the device, always WiFi only.
  • Occasionally use an app iDisplay to provide the 4th screen to my desk setup

 

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About Jon

Constantly challenging opinions and looking for new opportunities, Jon develops the product ranges and business activities and very much strives to maintaining growth and taking Clove in to the future.

Never knowing when to stop, he spends too much time in the office! He's very organised; writes lists, reports, spreadsheets, you name it, he's on to it!! When he does relax, however, he can be found driving his pride and joy (his Range Rover Sport), walking his Dog, down the pub or at a local restaurant. He does too like the finer things in life and often lives beyond his means, only the best hotels will do.

Comments

  1. Tim Cooper says:
    December 17, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    As i’m a bit of a Viewranger fanboi, i’d suggest the idea of being able to navigate outdoors with a pocketable 7″ screen. Yes, it’ll work on the Desire too, but the extra screen would be nice to have.

  2. Mike Paterson says:
    December 17, 2010 at 9:09 pm

    Hello Jon,
    Welcome to the world of the Tab.
    First I strongly recommend you pop on over to the xda-devs forum and go straight to the Galaxy Tab section.
    There you will find 4 sections ~ General,Accessories, Development, Apps/Themes.
    The link is available here:-
    http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=752

    As to Hardware ~ Well, you are in the best place for said stock but I strongly recommend a spare charge cable and a USB 2A Mains Plug. Ensure it’s a 2A otherwise it won’t be sufficient power to charge and use the Tab. You should be able to pick one of these up. I have seen them knocking around on ebay mostly advertised for the i-Pad.
    If not get Chris to get some in stock and advertise them as none of the online stores are advertising them I note.

    If you are thinking of getting a case I wouldn’t touch the Samsung Executive Tab case. It’s too tight to get the Tab in/out, I don’t like the way it hangs on the screen edges, the back fastening plate has already come off mine and if you prop it up using it’s stand it simply falls over.
    The Noreve case although expensive is very nice.

    As to software ~ The first thing you need to do is get hold of Dolphine HD browser.
    The main reason is the stock browser is not coded correctly on the Tab and when you try to scroll through a page it’s not responsive at all.
    Dolphin on the other hand is super smooth and quick.
    Pages load much faster and tab browing is more in line with a desktop browser.
    Also check the Samsung App Store which you will find amongst your App list.
    There’s something like 13 Samsung Apps currently available with a couple of jem’s in there too.

    To much to print here right now… Your best bet is to go read a few online reviews and see what the forums are recommending.

    Enjoy your Tab
    Mike

  3. Jon says:
    December 21, 2010 at 8:35 am

    Mike,

    I will take a look at XDA developers over the xmas break, where I will have more time to take on board nd digest everything there.

    Interesting comments on the case, I am edgine towards a case-mate barely there type case, I use this on my Desire and really like it.

    Dolphin HD browser = DONE! I acknowledge what you state, dolphin HD is much better.

    I appreciate your comments, there is a wealth of info and options out there!