Samsung News Geek

As a big fan of gadgets and technology, I was doing quite well with my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 but there were certain needs that were not being met. I like to read while on the subway or streetcar but I find the bigger tablet bulky. It also took up some valuable real estate in my work bag. The smaller Samsung Galaxy 8.0 is less obtrusive and lighter to carry on public transit. I can easily slip it out in a crowded train to read without needing much space.

Being a professional student, one of the features of this product that I really like is the S Note app using the S pen, which allows me to write in my own handwriting. With my new Galaxy tab 8.0, writing is a breeze. The handwriting recognition software is pretty intuitive when converting to text; it even works with complex mathematical formulas. Being a southpaw, I appreciate using this device even more because it means no more smearing of ink or graphite. Left-handed people know what I mean and can understand the inconvenience of a stained hand. The device allows me to rest my hand on the writing screen while writing without disrupting my work. The S pen, along with the graphics software, is reactive and traces my lines exactly as intended. When finished, the pen tucks away nicely in its internal slot on the device.

Operating on the Google Android platform, the software apps work seamlessly and quickly. The optional tutorials work as a helpful guide for those starting off and unfamiliar with the applications.

Regarding the overall design, I have read comments comparing the plastic back of this device with the better feel of the iPad mini's metal back. For me, it's not a big deal because I keep my device in a fitted after-market leather cover at all times. I use the cover to keep the screen and the rest of device from getting scratched while transporting it from one place to another. The design allows me to work on the device without removing it from the cover.

I play the occasional game once in a while. This tablet does well enough but I'm sure there are better devices out there for that. Similar to the Apple tablet, this particular Note 8 does not include a phone.

The kinds of people who would really appreciate the price are graphic artists and people who like using a tablet to take notes. Because it is more portable than a laptop, students may find it very useful in the classroom. The stylus performance and the software apps it was designed for are the main reason for the higher differential price compared to other devices available. It's one of the best gift ideas for the student returning to school in the fall.

• Samsung's WatchON works as a universal remote with the Note's IR blaster. It can also work in tandem with the newer 2013 Samsung smart TVs with respect to programming.



• The S Pen as previously mentioned is great for writing by hand or sketching. In conjunction with other software apps such as S Note, Air View and Awesome Note features, it's very responsive. Short-cut gestures add to its ease of use and quickness. Hand drawn shapes are accurately converted into graphic shapes and complex mathematical formulas are converted into text.



• The Multi Window can support up to 20 apps. You can also have two windows open at a time for those times when you're working on more than one thing on the device.



• Polaris Office is useful for working with Microsoft Office documents. This works with the S Pen functionality.



• Dropbox is included with 50GB of storage.



• For the business person, SAFE is an enterprise solution that provides security and feature enhancements.



• Cameras are included in both the front and back.



• Click here to get more product details.

Spec Description

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 N5110

Google Nexus 7

Apple iPad Mini WiFi

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9

Weight (lbs)

0.76

0.74

0.68

1.25

Dimensions (HxWxD inches)

8.2x5.3x0.31

7.8x4.7x0.4

7.8x5.3x0.28

9.45x6.46x0.35

OS

Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)

Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)

iOS 6

Android v4.0

CPU

Quad-Core 1.6GHz Cortex-A9

Quad-core 1.2GHz Cortex-A9

Dual-core 1GHz Cortex-A9

Dual-core 1.5GHz Cortex-A9

Chipset

Exynos 4412

NVIDIA Tegra 3

Apple A5

TI OMAP 4470

RAM

2 GB

1 GB

512 MB

1 GB

Internal Storage

16 GB

16 GB

16 GB

16 GB

Expandable Storage

microSD up to 64 GB

N/A

N/A

N/A

Battery life (hours)

8

10

10

10

Spec Description

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 N5110

Google Nexus 7

Apple iPad Mini WiFi

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9

Display Resolution

1280x800p 189ppi

1280x800p 216ppi

1024x768p 163ppi

1920x1200p 254 ppi

Display Size

8.0"

7"

7.9"

8.9"

Display Type

TFT capacitive touchscreen 16M colors

LED-backlit IPS LCD capacitive multitouch touchscreen 16M colors

LED-backlit IPS LCD capacitive multitouch touchscreen 16M colors

IPS LCD capacitive Multitouch touchscreen 16M colors

Sound

Stereo Speakers

Speakers

Speakers

Stereo Speakers

3.5mm Jack output

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Primary Camera

5 MP 2592x1944p

1.2 MP

5 MP 2592x1944p

1.3 MP 1280x1024p

Secondary Camera

1.3 MP

N/A

1.2 MP 720p HD

N/A

Video

1080p HD

720 p

1080p HD

N/A

Spec Description

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 N5110

Google Nexus 7

Apple iPad Mini WiFi

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9

Sensors

Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Accelerometer, gyro, magnetometer

Accelerometer, gyro, compass

Accelerometer, gyro

GPS

Yes

Yes

N/A

N/A

WLAN

Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual band

Wifi 802.11 b/g/n"

Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual band

Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual band

Bluetooth

4.0 with A2DP

Yes

4.0 with A2DP, EDR

Yes with A2DP

Input Port

MicroUSB v2.0

MicroUSB v2.0

Lightning Connector

MicroUSB v2.0

Stylus

5.5mm S Pen

N/A

N/A

N/A

Infrared Blaster

Yes

N/A

N/A

N/A

MSRP

$399

$199

$329

$269

Review

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The Note 8.0 may see more expensive then the other devices about at the MSRP of $399 but many users have commented that the functionality of the S-pen makes this item worthwhile for the cost and I agree. It would be unfair to compare this with other tablets such as the iPad mini because it would be like comparing apples to oranges. It's just a matter of your personal preference and how you intend to use this tool.