iPad or Galaxy Tab or Tablet PC

Samsung recently released its Android-powered tablet, Galaxy Tab. In contrast to Apple iPad’s 10-inch screen, the Galaxy Tab has a 7-inch screen.

7-inch screen – good or bad? It could be a plus in terms of mobility; although, I’m sure some would prefer a larger screen, especially for games and movies. There is also another factor: Android Apps will look better on the Galaxy Tab than iPhone Apps look on the iPad. This is simply because of the distortion caused by the larger screen of the iPad; phone apps are designed for a much smaller screen and usually have to be designed specifically for the larger screen device to look decent.

Some may also find it harder to type on the smaller screen of the Galaxy Tab. However, I never found it easy to type on the iPad either. With the missing tactile feeling of key pressing, I’m not sure either device is really geared toward long hours of comfortable typing.

As expected, Flash is supported on the Galaxy Tab. iPad users can get around the fact that iPad does not support Flash by using a browser called “Skyfire.” Skyfire converts Flash content to HTML5. Still, it is a little annoying that a specific browser has to be used as a “middleman” just to view Flash content. But this will probably be the case as long as the ongoing feud between Apple and Adobe continues.

Personally, I have not bought an iPad or any other similar device as of yet. I just don’t see the benefit when I can get a tablet PC for about the same price. Sure, it may not be as portable, but, for me, a real built in keyboard and the extra power is worth it. And it is a laptop, so it is portable enough. Why pay roughly the same price for a stripped down version of a computer? When the iPad first came out, I initially took a look at the device but quickly decided against purchasing one simply because of the fact that it is not developed for writing on like a tablet PC is. I have a tablet PC, and I use Microsoft OneNote for almost all my note-taking. It is one of the most innovative productivity apps’ I have used. For me, the real benefit of a tablet device like iPad or Galaxy Tab would have been writing functionality on a much more portable device. I can’t convey the benefit of keeping all my notes electronically via use of a tablet PC. Without this functionality, I feel the tablets have missed a real opportunity. I don’t want to pay several hundred dollars for a device that I can check my e-mail with – I have a cell phone for that. For reading ebooks, I’ll stick to my Sony Reader, afterall, it was made specifically for reading.

It’s beyond me why the writing functionality was not a main goal for the tablets such as iPad or Galaxy Tab. Without this feature the devices just seem like an oversized iPod Touch. Sure you can find a way to obtain writing functionality on one of these devices, but the fact is the tablets are not built for that and it is very obvious. Similar to the iPhone and iPod Touch, the iPad’s screen requires capacitive input; a simple plastic stylus won’t work. You have to use a special stylus, such as the Pogo Sketch stylus; its tip mimics the touch of a finger, but with considerably less surface area.

Further, there are no writing apps that come close to the functionality offered by Microsoft OneNote. Until the functionality and the software to support writing are available on these devices, I’ll stick to my tablet PC. Sure if I have money to spare and want a new toy to play with, I may consider buying one.