Are they iPad killers, Technology, Mobiles ,

Last night,i attended a Techno savvy evening and one of the hottest topic discussed was some of the devices that could challenge Apple’s dominance of the tablet computing market. It may have unceremoniously canned Project Courier, but Microsoft has made no secret of its desire to go head-to-head with Apple’s iPad in the tablet space. Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s chief executive, said developing its own ‘slate’ was one of Microsoft’s top priorities, and the hardware division has been using its Twitter account to post pictures of a forthcoming product, which some have speculated could be a tablet computer. It’s surely only a matter of time before Microsoft unleashes its iPad killer on the world. Whether it can truly challenge Apple’s device remains to be seen .Research in Motion, the company behind the BlackBerry, is working on a tablet computer of its own, according to industry insiders. It will go on sale just before Christmas, and will cost roughly the same as Apple’s device. The "BlackPad" will apparently feature Wi-Fi, but not integrated 3G access – users will instead need to piggyback on their BlackBerrys to get online over the mobile phone network. But the big question, of course, will be whether or not it has a keyboard – BlackBerrys are famed for their Qwerty keyboards, and RIM’s previous attempts to do touch-screen only devices (original Storm, anyone?), were criticised by many users. Perhaps the Canadian company will opt for something like its new Torch – a touch-screen device with a slide-out keyboard?Robert Fraser a developer from Canberra mailed me yesterday bragging with how he have had a sneak preview of Samsung Galaxy S that could come the Galaxy Tab, a tablet-style computer from the Korean manufacturer that runs the Google Android operating system. Samsung is expected to reveal more details about the Tab at a special event on August 11 where Robert will be attending, and insiders say it takes many of its design cues and key features from the Galaxy S. Given Samsung’s computing pedigree, the Tab could turn out to be a real gem.Dell’s Android-based tablet is little bigger than a smartphone, but is designed for mobile data consumption rather than making calls on the move. It runs Android 2.2 and supports Adobe Flash, and thanks to its Snapdragon processor, is surprisingly fast. But it’s hard to see who this gadget is aimed at – it doesn’t offer the same sort of satisfying and immersive experience as a large-screen tablet, such as the iPad, but nor is it as capable and compact as a smartphone.I have been using one for the past few days courtesy of Dell employee who shipped for me a sample.

comparison Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4 / 4S in hands-on, review and spec !, Technology ,

Samsung's become one of the most interesting smartphone firms, and its Galaxy handsets have won deserved applause - not least our coveted Best mobile phone in the world award.

The Samsung Galaxy Note is its latest, and perhaps its greatest, handset. So how does it compare to Apple's iPhone 4? There's only one way to find out...

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: Operating system

The iPhone 4 has Apple's venerable iOS, which is weeks - possibly even days - away from being updated to iOS 5. The Samsung Galaxy Note hasAndroid 2.3 Gingerbread with Samsung's own TouchWiz user interface on top, and we wouldn't be entirely surprised if the Note gets Ice Cream Sandwich when that version of Android ships.

• Hands on: Samsung Galaxy Note review

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: processor

The Galaxy Note has a 1.4GHz dual core processor, while the iPhone has a single core 1GHz A4 processor.

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: touchscreen

Both devices have touchscreens, although the Galaxy Note also has a pressure sensitive stylus. The Samsung has a 5.3" WXGA delivering 1280x800 at a density of 285ppi, while the iPhone has a 3.5-inch screen offering 960x640 at 326ppi. The Samsung, then, is much bigger without being much blockier.

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: storage

Both devices are equally pitched here, offering a choice of 16GB or 32GB of flash storage.

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: memory

The iPhone 4 has 512MB of system memory and the Galaxy Note has 1GB, which should make tabbed browsing and other memory-hungry tasks less clunky.

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: camera

The iPhone's 5-megapixel camera has an LED flash and records 720p HD video, and there's a second VGA camera on the front for video chat. The Galaxy Note has an 8MP rear camera with LED flash capable of 1080p HD video and a 2MP front-facing camera.

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: connectivity

The iPhone has 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and 3G HSDPA/GPRS/EDGE connectivity, while the Galaxy Note offers faster HSPA+ (21Mbps compared to the iPhone's 7.2Mbps), 802.11a as well as b/g/n, and Bluetooth 3.0. The Galaxy Note also offers USB connectivity, and there will be a 4G/LTE version for US customers.

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: dimensions and weight

The iPhone 4 is 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3mm and weighs 137g. The Galaxy Note is 146.85 x 82.95 x 9.65mm and weighs 178g. The iPhone's clearly lighter, but it's a good bit smaller too.

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: talk and standby times

Samsung hasn't published talktime figures yet but the Galaxy Note's battery is a 2,500mAh job compared to the 1,420mAh battery in the iPhone 4, so we'd expect the bigger battery to compensate for the energy demands of that enormous screen. The iPhone 4 delivers up to 7 hours talktime on 3G and up to 300 hours standby.

Samsung Galaxy Note vs iPhone 4: which is best?

We have a clear winner, and it isn't an iPhone. The Samsung Galaxy Note has a faster processor, more system memory, a higher resolution screen with near-Retina pixel density, better cameras and better connectivity.

There are a few caveats, though. The first is real-world battery life - despite the bigger battery, that enormous screen could prove to be an energy-sapper - and the second is how comfortable the Note is to hold. Five inches isn't big in tablet terms, but it's awfully big for a smartphone.

by t@t...