BlogHer Update of Sorts: Verizon Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 Review

Last weekend at this time I was at BlogHer 2012 in NYC. It was a glorious four days of catching up with friends, catching up with my city, and catching up with the Blogosphere. I was already in my mind planning all of my fun recap posts. But then on the way to Newark, I got some really bad news about a good friend. The C-word. I was sobbing all the way to the airport, with nothing to wipe up my tears except a free bib I had snagged for E. Obviously when I got back, I felt like there was something very inappropriate about my shouting to the world about how much fun I had and what great insights, companies, and products I discovered when my friend and her family were going through something so difficult. I'm still conflicted as to whether I go on with my blog or if I should spend that time to pray and do things for my friend.

The photo I took and sent to Stewart when I won!

So today's post will be guest-written by my DH Stewart about the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 I won at the BlogHer 2012 Expo from Verizon. I decided to give it to Stewart for watching our 3 kids solo for 4 days (taking 2 days off work!). Without further ado, Stewart's review of the tablet:

I’m a proud owner of both an Apple iPad 1 and 2.  They are both excellent devices that “just work”, as Steve Jobs often used to say about his best selling creations.  I really never thought I’d need another portable device, since after all, the iPad pretty much filled every function that I’d need it for.  When I got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy 7.7, it quickly filled a niche that I never knew was even missing.  
 
First, let’s talk about portability, as these are “mobile” devices.  The Galaxy is just so much easier to tote around.  I can throw it in my pants pocket without that much of an issue.  With its small size, I’ve found myself carrying it around to many more places than I ever did with my iPad.  Its 12-ounce weight also makes it very easy to hold in one hand for extended periods of time.  I cannot say that same thing about the iPad.  I can hold it in one had for about 10 minutes before I start experiencing carpel tunnel like symptoms in my wrist.  Another bonus is that the small size actually makes the camera somewhat functional.  Taking pictures of video on my iPad2 is just ridiculous.  Perhaps that is why there are all these rumors swirling around about a potential iPad-mini.  The size truly does make a difference.  

Another big plus for the Galaxy is the amazing super-AMOLED screen which is amazingly clear and sharp.  It has wonderful HD resolution and makes webpages look vibrant. If there is one downside, it’s the lack of the latest operating system.  Alas, it comes with Android 3.2 Honeycomb and not 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.  Although Samsung and Verizon have both stated that it will come out, that’s about all they’ve said.   It’s been eight months now, and still, nothing. That said, the Galaxy is a wonderful device that fills needs that my iPad cannot.  Keep up the good work Samsung. THANK YOU VERIZON!

Specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 include the following:

7.7 inch Super AMOLED Plus display at 1280 x 800 pixels resolution

1.4GHz dual core processor

Android 3.2 Honeycomb

CDMA and LTE

16GB internal memory, microSD card expansion capability

1GB RAM

3.2 megapixel rear camera with LED flash and 1080p video recording capability

2 megapixel front facing camera

Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, and GPS

Dimensions: 7.74 x 5.24 x 0.31 inches and 12 ounces