Review updated: 14th September 2012
You'd be forgiven for confusing the Galaxy Note 10.1 with the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, reviewed, as both look extremely similar. Both are 10-inch Android tablets, and both come in grey or white.
What's unique about the Note, just as with the original 5.3in Galaxy Note, is its stylus. The screen responds to your fingers as usual, but also works like a Wacom tablet when you write with the pressure-sensitive stylus. Whether you need a stylus or not is debatable, but there's no doubt that if you need to annotate documents, draw or use a stylus for any other reason, it's something no other 10in tablet offers.
When you remove the stylus from the bottom of the Note 10.1, a shortcut bar appears where you can launch, among other apps, Samsung's own S Note app. This is probably the best of all the extra apps Samsung preloads and allows you to write notes, sketch and even write formulas. Text and equations can then be converted to editable text.
The pen is highly responsive and relatively comfortable to use. There will be other styluses available to buy, which are both longer and thicker. The standard pen, though, beats any capacitive stylus.
Inside the Note is a fast 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM - more than any other tablet we've seen. This version has 16GB of storage, but a 32GB model is also available. There's built-in GPS, Bluetooth and also Wi-Fi direct for sharing photos and other files with compatible devices. The equivalent 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G model costs £499.
The screen is a mixed bag. Despite having the same 1280 x 800 resolution as the Galaxy Tab 2, it's sharper and has more vivid colours. Viewing angles are good, too. Next to a new iPad, though, it looks inferior.
We like the front-firing stereo speakers which are surprisingly loud and are well positioned for holding the Note and watching videos. HD clips look great, too and motion is crisp. There's no USB in or HDMI out, but a micro SD slot lets you add up to 64GB of extra storage and, oddly, an infrared emitter means you can control your TV.
Samsung has heavily customised Android with mixed results. In general we like the changes, especially the keyboard with a dedicated number row - particularly handy for entering complex passwords. There's also the innovative Multiscreen, which allows you to have two (Samsung) apps on screen at once. Technically you can copy and paste between them, but this involves taking screenshots and is a fudge.
Next page: second opinion on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
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Comments
lllbenjolll said: Sorry wrong reply hahhhaha was trying to reply to jmwatson74
lllbenjolll said: Yes You should install an anti virus on it I have avast and trustgo anti viruses in my note They do not conflict with each other so better install both for extra protection
lllbenjolll said: Yes You should install an anti virus on it I have avast and trustgo anti viruses in my note They do not conflict with each other so better install both for extra protection
Lotus_john said: Can anyone advise me of an app suitable to use on my galaxy 101 note to use email from my bt internet ac so i can read and send emails and attachments if possible thanks
Jmwatson74 said: Hi Ive just got the galaxy note 101 and would just like to know if I should be getting extra internet protection or is it already protected if so by what as you dont get much if any info in the box thanks
Monkey220466 said: httpelectronicssimplyelectcygbpampcountryukampisortpricerev
mijj said: all reviews of tablets make a point of discussing screen output resolutionThey should also make a point of discussing screen input resolution Some people want to do more than just watch videos browse the net play games and send emails And those people who like to create would like to use a stylus and that means screen input resolution is very importantGalaxy Note 101 has the best screen input resolution of any tablet so far 1280x800x1024 By comparison the iPad3 screen input resolution is 320x240x2 which is only good for pushing buttons with fingers or finger painting which vastly restricts its potential
Pccare247 Reviews said: The gadget is cool but I am waiting for Google Nexus Lets see when I can get my gadget
Tony said: Was thinking about buying it if it was going to be 399 thats 100 more than the Tab 2 101 but Amazon uk have it listed for 1st Sep del for 499 yes thats the 16gb wifi for 1p short of 500 So I will stick with my 299 Tab 2 101 I got off Amazon uk in fact its now the white one is a little cheaper than that
Some said: To attach files other than from the Gallery simply download a file manager like Astro Youll be able to attach any type of file