Top

Samsung Galaxy Note

February 14, 2012 by · Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy Note 

Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung’s newest smartphone, the Galaxy Note launches in Canada today with Rogers, Bell and Telus, and its big 5.3-inch screen and S-Pen stylus are the most noticeable features, making it sometimes hard to distinguish what the device is supposed to be.

Perhaps, it’s not surprising that the Note looks like a phone-tablet hybrid at first glance. The Note’s screen is huge compared to other smartphones, most notably the iPhone. And it’s just 1.7-inches smaller than 7-inch tablets, making it only moderately smaller.

The screen sports a resolution of 1280 x 800, so viewing HD content is easy enough, and browsing the Web makes just about everything easier to read with that much real estate. But the existence of the overgrown display is the only reason Samsung would even consider attempting to make the stylus ‘cool’ again.

Remember the stylus – that pen-like accessory from back in the day that was required to tap icons and menus on Palm Pilots and Pocket PCs? Well, Samsung’s S-Pen is a more modern take on that old idea. Jotting down notes on the Note is actually better than you might think.

Hold down the grey button on the S-Pen, press it on the screen for a full second, and it takes a screenshot of whatever is displayed. From there, you can write on it and share it via e-mail or multimedia messaging.

While Samsung may tout the S-Pen as the Note’s most alluring feature, like with the recent Super Bowl commercial, it’s really the screen that is the biggest draw. It’s the make or break on whether a consumer would actually consider buying it or not. Of course, holding it to your ear and looking in the mirror might conjure up images of holding a brick phone like Zack Morris of Saved By the Bell fame.

But the screen is gorgeous, and with the Note getting an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, it’s going to be supported in the near-term. And it’s that same screen that pushes the device to straddling the line between a smartphone and tab-let. It also helps that the device is LTE-enabled for the fastest browsing, streaming and download speeds.

The Galaxy Note is available starting today from Telus, Bell and Rogers for $199.99 on a three-year contract or $779.99 with no term.

Samsung Galaxy Note

November 15, 2011 by · Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy Note 

Samsung Galaxy Note, Is it a phone or tablet or both? Well, there is not a definite yes-or-no answer to that question. The Galaxy Note, with its huge, 5.3-inch touch screen and stylus, resembles a tablet. But its producer, Samsung, introduced the device as an all-in-one smartphone.

So what gives? While technically a smartphone, its physical appearance and android-powered technology promise fun features commonly found in tablets. However, some may find it awkward to hold the device up to their ears due to its size, as it measures almost 150milimeters tall and 83milimeters wide.

In fact, the average hand may not be big enough to hold it like a phone, but there is one good thing about the size: You don’t have to squint when reading the front page of an online newspaper. Rave reviews regarding this device, which is surprisingly lightweight, revolves around its screen — the largest screen on any smartphone available today.

The screen, with its 1,280-by-800-pixel resolution, is equipped with AMOLED technology that allows for strikingly rich colors and near-bottomless black levels. Thus, this device is brilliant for web browsing, games and video.

Not sounding earth shattering yet? Well, the Galaxy Note’s stylus, aptly called the “S Pen”, offers a unique user experience. The S Pen can be used for accurate sketching and artwork, and if that’s not enough you can also use the S Pen to write ideas, as the device is equipped with superior handwriting indicator that allows for accurate handwriting conversion into digital characters.

But let’s be frank here. This device may come in handier for those working in the creative world because chances are bankers aren’t doodling on electronic pads in their free time. Nonetheless, the ability to actually scribble down ideas or shopping lists is a valuable asset.

Bottom