The Evolution of Technology

Posts Tagged ‘Samsung’

While there’s been plenty of hype for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, it’s not the only Android tablet Samsung plans to release this year. In fact, they’ve recently released the follow-up to their 7-inch Galaxy Tab from last year. It’s a bit early, since it was supposed to hit shelves on November 13th, but right now you can grab the new Galaxy Tab 7-inch device. As with the 10.1, the 7-inch version ranks among the best Android tablets on the market. Even better, it doesn’t suffer from the same pricing pitfalls as its larger sibling.

While I absolutely love the Galaxy Tab 10.1, I do feel that the pricing is all wrong for it. The WiFi-only version is priced right in line with the iPad, while the 4G versions — available through both Verizon and T-Mobile — require two-year contracts that involve monthly payments of at least $ 30. Even moderately heavy tablet users will require the 5GB plan, which costs $ 50 per month through both Verizon and T-Mobile. Those are some heavy costs.

It’s smartphone contract time for me, so that means shopping around. The preference is to stay with my current carrier, Verizon, because 1) I’m grandfathered into unlimited data and 2) they get the best reception in my area. At the same time, my handset of choice is the Samsung Galaxy S II. While Verizon does have a few quality handsets — I have a few friends who swear by the Droid X2 — none of them made me want to plunk down $ 200 to $ 250. That is, until it became clear why Verizon was the only major carrier to not carry the Galaxy S II. Chances are by now you’ve seen that Verizon will get the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Now that’s a smartphone worth $ 300.

It’s impossible to look at the spec sheet and not drool. It has everything that that a modern smartphone should: 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a gig of RAM, 32GB of device storage, LTE. Sure, there are other little aspects, but those are the big ones. It means the device will run with blazing speed, and will store tons of music and video files, not to mention apps. For viewing those video files that will surely fill your internal memory — and your SD card — the Galaxy Nexus has an amazing screen, Super AMOLED HD at 1280 x 720 pixels. Seriously, find me a screen better than that. It’s big, too at 4.65 inches.

If that looks like a recycled image, it’s for good reason. About a month ago we learned that MetroPCS would launch the Samsung Admire, a mid-range Android handset. It checks in at $ 150, which is decent for an Android for prepaid. For someone looking at it in terms of bang for the buck, it could work out. As happens in many cases, Cricket will also offer the Vitality. Only it adds another level to the offering: Muve Music. Read on if you’re not yet familiar with Cricket’s music plan.

Muve Music is available only on select handsets. The Vitality is the first one that also runs Android. Each Muve-compatible handset comes with a special microSD card. Subscribers can download all the music they want right to that card, so they can listen to tunes at any times. This covers unlimited music from a library containing millions of songs.

The only downside is that it costs $ 10 more per month. That’s what Rhapsody, Napster, and Spotify premium charge, so it’s not as though the Muve plan adds a ton of value for Android users. Plus, those services offer streaming, which make free memory easier to handle.

Pictured above is the Samsung Admire, the latest Android handset from prepaid carrier MetroPCS. It’s not meant for the super Android geek, really. The 3.5-inch screen is on the small side, and the 800MHz processor is on the slow side, especially compared to the top tier devices that have hit the major carriers. But this is not a major carrier, nor is it a top-end device. In fact, MetroPCS is pushing it as a back-to-school item, meaning it’s targeted towards parents. If their kids want an Android phone, this might represent a compromise.

The Admire isn’t all bad, really. It does have run Android 2.3.3, which is more than you can say for many of the supposed best handsets on the market. That means it can run basically any big of Android software out there. The small size can be an advantage, too, as it’s easier to slip into a pocket or a purse.