Catch this: an ARM Cortex A9 dual core 1.4GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a super AMOLED HD screen that runs at a whopping resolution of 1280 by 800, 10 hours of rock solid battery life, 16 GB of flash memory, an 8 megapixel rear camera, and a lot of class.That’s exactly what’s behind the latest and greatest Samsung right now. Yes, I’m talking about the Galaxy Note.
You’ve heard about this one, right? It’s the one Samsung claims “sets you free” — in the sense that it can be both a phone and a tablet… except it never quite manages to set standards in either. The 5.3 inch screen is both a boon and a curse, and may ultimately be its undoing. The device runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) using Samsung’s “tweaked” TouchWiz UI (at this point, let’s face it, Samsung -TouchWiz was never a good idea).
While it works well for the most part, it never quite manages to cast an impression of awe on the user, which is sad considering the money you’d be spending on it.
The USP of the Note, though, is its stylus, which has unimaginatively been dubbed the S-Pen.
The USP of the Note, though, is its stylus, which has unimaginatively been dubbed the S-Pen.
It latches onto the device and can be used for taking notes, sketching, and as a precision pointing device for one of the four customised apps that are designed specifically to be used with it. It also has buttons that turn it essentially into a multifunctional accessory. This is the single reason you’d want the Note over any other hybrid, and you’ll be glad to know that it’s a delight to use.
All in all, this device has a lot going for it — it’s crazy fast, it’s Android (though an Ice Cream Sandwich announcement is still in the works), and it’s got a delightful HD screen that might have you drooling. But then there’s the form factor. Would you want something that’s way bigger than your average huge smartphone, but miniscule when you put it head to head with your tablet?
If you ask me, I’d be rather uncomfortable using this this as a phone (and trust me, anyone will be) and I can’t imagine doing any actual note-taking on these dimensions — it’s just too small. Like I said, it’s both a boon and a curse. Whether you want a Rs 34,000 double-edged sword is entirely your decision. May the Force be with you.
-Akshit Goyal
-Akshit Goyal
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