By Kurt von Behrmann
Mobile devices are the focus in contemporary computing. Eclipsing the desktop as the primary source of interaction for many, the latest developments are towards more and more ways to literally take the internet with you. As mobile phones have morphed into smart phones, there are still aspects of mobile computing that a handset cannot handle, or more accurately cannot handle well.
Welcome the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.7.0
 The Galaxy Tab Three |
Measuring 4.37 inchse by 7.4 inches by 0.39 inches, the device is much larger than a mobile phone, but not as large as most similar types of devices. The size range is more in line with ereaders that feature internet access.
Occupying the space where a larger screen is more appropriate than a smart phone’s, but less than a laptop or some tablets, minus the ability to make standard phone calls or traditional text messaging, the device, built on the Android Platform, does just about everything a computer in this class can do.
Being that it is small enough to carry in a bag, but too large for a standard shirt pocket, it is designed to provide more screen real-estate and the ability to see images on a larger scale than a handset can muster.
One of the strong areas of this device are voice recognition. It is just about flawless. Providing a way to enter larger content, writing, is limited on this device . It does not ship with a keyboard.
Although the Galaxy ships with Polaris Office, an application that allows Microsoft documents to be open and edited, just how much you can do depends on what you are attempting to accomplish. It certainly provides enough screen real-estate to accomplish basic tasks. Beyond the basics, the limitations become clear.
Packed with software to get you started, Sprint has kept the bloat ware to a minum. Most of what is here are the kinds of applications you may want. What I have found curious is that so many good Google apps have to be downloaded. It would make sense to bake them into the O.S. It is not a huge deal, but it seems a curious that they are not built in.
Running Jelly Bean 4.2, the operation is smooth. Being that I am not in a Sprint 4G coverage area, it was impossible to see how fast connections can be. Running on 3G, the Galaxy runs efficiently enough.
The screen resolution is 1024 by 600. Good enough for reading and viewing pictures, there is not distortion making it ideal for reading. However, I would have wanted a slightly higher screen resolution.
As is expected, the Galaxy, like other products from Samsung, the colors are richly saturated. Blacks are indeed black. Color literally pops on the screen.
Summation
After using the Galaxy, it is easy to see it as an adjunct to a mobile phone. While it will not replace a phone, it is designed to be more than anything a way to view content on a larger screen while still maintaining a high level of portability.
Once one becomes accustomed to it, the Samsung Galaxy feels like it can remove the need for an ereader and provide added usability when partnered with a mobile phone.
Even though it is occupying the space between laptops and handsets, it should fill a void for those in need of portability and screen space.
Stats
The 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3 features Android™ 4.2, Jelly Bean, Sprint 4G LTE, where available, a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera with video capture and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat. Sprint customers can add a data plan for Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 to their account for as little as $5 per month (excluding taxes and surcharges). Customers can also take advantage of Sprint One UpSM, a new upgrade program that gives customers the ability to upgrade their smartphone every 12 months.
· Polaris® Office is preloaded, allowing users to edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files from anywhere.
· Group Play™ lets users share a game, photo album or presentation in real time with multiple friends on select Samsung devices using Wi-Fi®.
· Samsung for Enterprise (SAFE™) ensures that businesses have the security and control they require to protect the company.
· Quickly and easily access corporate email, meeting details, contact information and other critical information.
· Securely store sensitive proprietary documents, presentations and other corporate data on a mobile device.
· Wirelessly and securely access data from a corporate network while traveling or working in the field.
· Employees using their personal smartphones in a company’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program remain mobile, secure and compliant with remote management of applications and device features that meet company-specific security requirements.
· 3G/4G LTE mobile hotspot capability supporting up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.2
Specifications
· Dimensions: 4.37 inches x 7.4 inches x 0.39 inches (111.1mm x 188mm x 9.9mm)
· Weight: 10.9 ounces
· Display: 7-inch WSVGA 1024x600 resolution
· Battery: 4,000mAh Lithium-ion battery
· Memory: 1.5GB RAM, 16GB memory and microSD™ card slot supporting up to 64GB memory card (sold separately)
