Galaxy Tab Bargain!
The Samsung Galaxy Tab was released in Nov 2010 in Australia with a
retail price of $999 for which we got a 1GHz processor, full Flash
support thanks to Android 2.2, dual cameras, support for up to 32GB of
storage and WiFi / 3G connectivity. Spec wise, it seemed to be more
functional that the iPad and certainly more portable at roughly half the
size and weight of the Apple.
I was tempted but I could not bear parting with a grand when I could get
a netbook for $300-$400. Surely the cost of manufacturing the Tab must
be in the same ball park as a net book so I waited.
In April - May, there was buzz around forums that the Tab was reduced to
$299. Like many, this became my magic threshold that I was willing to
take a chance on what might end up in my techno cupboard with the Zaurus,
Newton and Cassiopia. Searching high and low, I was unable to find a
discounted Tab at the retailers mentioned in the forums.

Galaxy Tab replaces diary, phone, melways
Several months later, my interest in Tablets was renewed by an article
about legal battle between Apple and Samsung for new Galaxy Tab 10.1. In
fact, Samsung was forced to indefinitely delay the launch of the Galaxy
Tab 10.1 in Australia. This lead me to eBay to see if the problems at
Samsung had affected the price of existing products. After several days,
I managed to snipe a brand new unlocked Galaxy Tab GT-P1000T with
multimedia dock for a bargain price of $361 delivered!.
Steve Jobs tried to convince us that there is no demand for a 7" tablet
but after a few days of hands on with the Tab, I much prefer the
portability of the smaller for factor. I was in LOVE and the added bonus
of replacing my phone means a much smaller and lighter package for my
man-bag.
Setting up Andriod for data access over mobile networks
Initially, I had problems getting internet using my 3 service. The phone
would work perfectly but it would refuse a connection on 3G. I found
that you need to setup APN (Access Point Names) for you particular
provider. Here are some Galaxy
Tab APNs I have found.
After setting up the Tab for 3 services, the default network may still
show as 3Telstra but a Phono app confirmed that the network was 3 and
that the Tab was not roaming ($0.50 per MB... och!!)
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