Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition Review

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Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition showcases several easy-to-use practical functions. It has a large display, considerable battery life, unique S Pen features, fast quad-core processor, and dual cameras. This tablet has 3GB of RAM and includes memory up to 32GB. Models include SM-p600 Wi-Fi; SM-P601 3G; SM-P605 3G+LTE and SM-P600 (no support for GSM voice communication, SMS, and MMS).

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition package include the tablet (obviously), the S Pen (in upper right holster inside the tablet), USB charging cable, pre-installed SIM card, travel adapter, and quick start guide. The operating system is Android 4.4.2 and the Wi-Fi is 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. Sensors include an accelerometer, proximity, and compass and the HTML 5 browser works well with minimal lag.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition Tablet Review

The speakers on the top left and top right side edges could be louder without headphones, but still have great Dolby Virtual 5.1 surround sound. The 3.5 mm headphone jack is on the top left side edge, with a microphone opening in the top middle.

TopLeftTablet

Users adjust the audio volume at the top left side edge and the power/lock button is on the far top left side edge. The power/lock button is easy to hit while carrying the tablet, which doesn’t really matter unless you hold down on it, which shuts it down.

IMG_0135

The menu/window (middle left) and back (middle right) buttons illuminate when touching them or navigating through device. The optional audio cue lets you know when you successfully pressed the button and it’s responsive enough to hit multiple times in quick succession.

RightSideTablet

The microSD slot and SIM card slot are on the bottom right edge; the charge/USB cord connects between the speaker and card slots on the right side.

The thin, light build weighs approximately 1.2 pounds (540 grams) and measures 9.6 inches (243.1 mm) long by 6.8 inches (171.4 mm) wide and only 0.3 inch (7.9 mm) thick. The back cover is made of faux leather-plastic that has decent grip plus you don’t have to worry about any fingerprints, It can be a bit awkward to carry. It’s a minor dilemma for all large tablets where you feel like you’re carrying picture frame or a clipboard.

Now for the very impressive multi-touch 2560 x 1600 pixel display. First, (if locked) unlock by pressing the power/lock button then swipe your finger across the screen in any direction. Users can swipe across two panels to the left and right of the home screen for additional menus and features. The visuals are amazingly sharp and vivid while the displayed keyboard works very well with vibration options so users know each keystroke registers. It makes any interaction a memorable experience, especially when manipulating pictures/videos and streaming videos.

The multifunction feature is a multitasker’s dream. It lets users use two applications at the same time. This tablet has responsive swipe/sweep capabilities as well as drag and drop motions to move content between app windows. Just press and hold the back button, press the menu/window button and select. Hide again by pressing and holding the back button.

The Galaxy Note 10.1’s Li-lon 8220 mAh battery has enough power for high activity throughout the entire day and doesn’t need charged until double-digit hours if using it actively the entire time.

SPenTablet

The S Pen enhances the overall experience in almost every way, especially when navigating websites. It’s a removable multi-function stylus located in the upper right. After a minimal learning curve, users find the right “touch” in their movements and the single button pressing. The S pens are not required for use (you can always touch), but help when doing drawings, handwriting, and capturing screenshots.

SPenFunction

A fan-shaped menu appears with the following functions (listed left to right): action memo, scrap booker, screen write, S finder (search device content) and pen window. The Air Command feature lets users make selections by holding the S pen near the screen and pressing the button. The handwriting-to-text engine automatically converts notes to text though the occasional rewrites were inevitable.

Press the S pen button and hold the pen against the screen to screen capture (audible click confirms capture) or use the scrap booker feature and press the S pen button and draw a line around an object then access the scrap-book content through the app. Users can easily share these creations.

CameraShot

The 8-megapixel 1080p@60fps main camera and 2-megapixel 1080p@30fps front camera are ideal for video chat and self-portrait pictures. The camera features auto-focus, LED flash, and HD recording and playback. The cameras work well except they need some stabilization features and quicker focusing adjustments. The Drama Shot feature catches motion video shots very well and the photo editing/alteration features (like the fisheye view above) are well varied and entertaining.

Here are some key specifications:

  • Processor:  Four 1.9 GHz Samsung Exynos 5420 Quad-Core Processors
  • Operating System: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS; Wi-Fi connected only
  • Memory: 32 GB Flash Memory, 3 GB RAM Memory / external – MicroSD card slot; up to 64 GB
  • Display: 10.1-inch 2560×1600 WQXGA display with 4 million pixels
  • Camera: 8MP rear camera and 2MP front includes LED flash and shoots video in full 1080p HD
  • Battery: 8,220mAh (up to nine hours)

Use this tablet as a universal remote control using the Samsung WatchON feature, which also gives you recommendations based on your location. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition also functions with the Samsung Galaxy Gear Smartwatch functions including a special scheduler that links to the S Planner.

The considerable pre-loaded content includes a free three-month membership to Hulu Plus, three-month access to audiobooks on Audible.com, three-month access to the New York Times’s digital newspaper plus 12 months of access to Bloomberg Businessweek+.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 version gives users great speed, convenience, and vivid experience. A bit awkward to carry, but that can be easily improved with an accessory like this cover. Available in black and white with 16 GB or 32 GB through Verizon Wireless and several other companies.

MSRP: starts at $599.99 with a two-year contract; plans vary according the activations, contracts, etc.

What I Like: amazingly sharp display, Dolby Virtual 5.1 surround sound, fast performance, two cameras, considerably long battery life, S Pen functions, and fast speed from quad-core processor,

What Needs Improvement:  optical image stabilization for cameras, expensive, quicker charge time, and better handwritten note recognition/transfer to text

Source: Verizon Wireless supplied review demo unit

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