The Galaxy Note 10.1 is right around the corner, and like I’ve said before, I don’t know what I’ll end up doing in regards to getting one. I’ve always said that I’ll have an iPad as long as it’s that far ahead of Android in proper note taking (and other document related) apps, and I stand by that. But the Note 10.1 actually seems to have the software I need, and it even has a proper digital pen. So why am I not jumping up and down?
The more I use tablets in the 7-inch range, the more I start to despise the size of my iPad 2. 7.7 inches is probably my favorite screen size right now, and it can be found on the Galaxy Tab 7.7 and Toshiba Excite 7.7. Rumors have it that there will be a similarly sized iPad out later this year as well, which could happen. Originally that had me excited, until I realized that an 8-inch iPad won’t be the same as a similarly sized Android device. For me, the iPad is much less capable when it comes to music and video, and certain automation features exclusive to Android (specifically Dropsync) would be nice to have on a true paper replacement tablet. It would also be mostly useless for what I use my iPad for the most – note taking – because the screen isn’t large enough to make normal stylus use very convenient.
It then occurred to me how powerful a Galaxy Note 7.7 would be. A tablet small enough to go where a 10.1-inch tablet is too big, with a digital pen to eliminate the stylus issue. Paired with the software we’re seeing for the Note 10.1, it could potentially replace my iPad completely for document handling. Add a camera that’s good enough to scan documents, and perhaps even an AMOLED screen, and you can basically name your price and I’ll pay it.
A 7.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 is enough for most types of reading, and at the same time large enough for fairly accurate handwriting and drawing when using Samsung’s S Pen. I’d rather then have the portability of a smaller tablet rather than the screen size of a larger one, for all the reasons why someone would like a small tablet. I think a comparison could be made to actual note pads, where the A5 (smaller) size is at least as popular as the A4 size.
With the Note 10.1 release right around the corner, and a Note 2 announcement expected any moment, it seems like Samsung is putting a lot of weight into the Note line of devices. Samsung traditionally fills the market with a wider range of sizes than many, and as such, I have my hopes up that what could potentially be my dream tablet is actually in the works.
If Samsung can make a 6″ Note with same size and weight, there is no need for a 7″. Portability.
Next a 12″ Note would make multimedia and office needs better.
But Samsung has to improve software strategy to Nexus like.
Actually there is a limit to how small you can make something, at least if you want to treat it as a paper replacement. To use the analogy I used in the article, if a 10.1″ device is A4 paper and a 7-8″ tablet is A5 paper, you can’t really make it much smaller than that before you loose the ability to use it as paper
HA, I have been thinking the same thing! My 7.7 is my go to tablet right now (I have many other tabs including the 1st two iPads and the new Nexus 7). A galaxy note 7.7 would be over the top for me. Hopefully we get one, with Samsung you never know!
The best feature of 7.7 is the same as the 7.0. A built in phone chip. Too bad they will probably disable it again. The reason it hasn’t been released here already is Apple. I think they won that battle in court. An extra .7 inches of screen would be nice on my PlayBook. With the 4G version about to be released there are a lot of choices. I’m a big fan of the Note and Galaxy versions. I just wish they would have used a different OS. Meaning something other than Android.
I know the s-pen and digitiser adds a lot to the price but it seems to me that Samsung could simplify their range and each model comes with four choices, basic with wifi, wifi plus pen, LTE/3G without pen, LTE/3g with pen.
the devices would otherwise be near identical, instead of trying to have differently sized devices with every conceivable combination of specifications!
That’s what I am waiting for too. How could we convince Samsung, that there would be a huge demand for that? Its just a perfect form factor.
What ar they waiting for?
Are they afraid of suit-maniac apple?
Are they waiting to see what apple mini looks like?
Are they planing a big surprise to rival the mini?
Are they waiting for the A15 to be ready?
I’d love to know!