Samsung Galaxy Note
One of the coolest items in the Samsung Hall 20 was the Galaxy Note. Situated somewhere between a smart phone and a tablet, this 5.3″ device with it’s HD Super AMOLED screen definitely stood out from the crowd. The screen is everything you expect from the Super AMOLED technology – the display is very bright, and vivid, – packing in a whopping 285 PPI with it’s resolution of 1280×800. The viewing angles on it border on 180 degrees, meaning you can still see the screen no matter how you are looking at it!
Galaxy Note with Stylus
I had been a little skeptical about the stylus or “S-Pen” when I first heard about it, but after having a good hands-on session, I was sold.
The screen is very responsive with the S-Pen, which makes using it, and drawing with it a dream rather than a chore. Of course, it’s not going to turn you into Picasso overnight – but it is ideal for jotting down notes, scribbles or just passing the time when you’re bored. I did experience a little bit of lag here and there, but that is to be expected as this is a very early pre-release model (the Note isn’t due for release till sometime in Q4)
The S-Pen (which is pressure sensitive) enhances the overall experience of the Note, you can use the pen to easily re-arrange your schedule in the S-Planner; grab screen shots which you can then annotate and send on to friends or colleagues. Use the S-Memo to doodle, or create something personalised, throw in a clipping from google maps to invite your friends out to some cool little café you’ve discovered off the beaten track. You can definitely do so much more with the Note, and with such ease.
Worried about losing the S-Pen? Fear not, it fits snuggly into the bottom of the device, and there will be a range of accessories available to alter it’s thickness etc to make writing and drawing with it suit your own personal preference!
My drawing on the Galaxy Note
So what about what is under the hood? Well the Galaxy Note is powered by a 1.4GHz dual core processor and is running the latest version of Android – Gingerbread (although I am reliably informed that it will be upgraded to Icecream Sandwich once that OS has been released). Under the thin plastic textured back you’ll find a 2,500mAh battery, your sim card holder and a micro-SD memory card slot so that you can upgrade the 16GB that comes with the phone as standard.
The Note boasts a 8MP rear facing camera with LED flash, and a 2MP front facing camera which is useful for video calling or self portraits!
You’d think something packing these specifications would be a little thicker and heavier, but the truth of the matter is, the Galaxy Note is just a fraction thicker than it’s older brother the Galaxy S2 at 9.65mm thick and weighs in at 178g. Meaning that it doesn’t feel overly large, thick or heavy in your hand – this device is still definitely a comfort to use one handed, and will fit inside your jeans pocket without a struggle.
Galaxy S2 vs Galaxy Note
The large screen makes the Note well suited for all kinds of media on the go, and will play pretty much anything you throw at it. If you enjoy watching movies, television, or youtube while out and about you will not be disappointed. The video is crisp, playback is fluid and enjoyable, and the display just needs to be seen for itself!
The Note is definitely one to watch out for when it’s released later on in the year.
