The Ultimate Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Buyers Guide

If you are looking for information on where and when to buy the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1″ Android Honeycomb tablet, you are not alone. Have a look at our Ultimate Buyers guide, and end your search today.

If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering how and when you can get your hands on the new and redesigned Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1″ Honeycomb tablet.

With the anticipated New York USA release date of June 8, 2011 quickly approaching, and the nationwide Galaxy Tab 10.1 release date being pushed back to June 17th, we find ourselves salivating in anticipation.

This guide is designed to help you on your hunt to secure your new Galaxy Tab 10.1, no matter where you live. Let’s have a look, and check back for consistent updates through launch!

New Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Release Date, Availability & Pricing:

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi edition will be available starting June 8 exclusively at the Best Buy Union Square location in New York City.

Starting June 17, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available at Best Buy online and in-store along with Fry’s Electronics, Amazon.com, Micro Center, Tiger Direct and Newegg.

These retail outlets will have the 32GB version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi edition available for $599, and the 16GB version of the device will be available for $499.

In addition, the WiFi version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available through Sprint starting mid-summer 2011.

See the latest Galaxy Tab 10.1 release announcement for further details.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Hunting Tips

Sign up for Samsung Updates

The first thing you can do for yourself is head over to the Samsung Galaxy Tab website and sign up for updates. This will ensure you receive “first word” from Samsung with regards to how and where to pre-order or purchase your tablet. This will be the best option for those on the hunt.

Look Outside The Box

Sometimes you find gems in the places you aren’t looking for them. If you are having a hard time finding your Galaxy Tab 10.1 in your country, then look internationally. For example, the older and bulkier Galaxy Tab 10.1 is already on sale in Australia, and some accessories are already popping up in Germany.

Just be cautious of the selling price and any potential carrier limitations in searching outside of your country. Also be aware of import taxes and things of that nature. It could cost you a little more to secure a tablet overseas, but if you’re in a pinch it’s always a viable option.

Update 5-24-11: The 16GB 3G Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 just popped in Germany, at amazon with the 10.1 also listed. While the 10.1 remains unavailable, this is a clear indication that Amazon will be carrying the new Galaxy Tabs.

Google Shopping Results

Try a Google Search under Google Shopping for “Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1“. Sure there aren’t that many great or reliable options yet, but come launch day, the flood gates will open and you’ll have a ton of off the beaten path options to secure your tablet. Just be sure you review and trust your source. There are tons of shady people out there so only buy if it looks legit.

Stay tuned to TabletMonsters.com for updates! Duh.

Lastly, of course, bookmark this page and keep checking back for updates. We’re all over this!

Where to Pre-Order Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

With the release of this tablet being so close, you would think you could at least pre-order it. As of today, there was a brief pre-order teaser on J&R’s website – though it has since been removed. None of the big box retailers are yet offering the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for pre-order or order. We will be sure to supply the pre-order details as soon as they become available.

Update 6-3-2011: BestBuy will offer Galaxy Tab 10.1 pre-orders both online and in store starting June 8th 2011, with the new Galaxy Tab 10.1 nationwide release date being pushed back to June 17th 2011.

Update 6-4-2011: Add Verizon Wireless to the list of folks offering the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for pre-order come June 8th. The plus with the Verizon Wireless Galaxy Tab 10.1 is that it will be the 4G version available in Black or White! The down side is that the Verizon 4G Galaxy Tab 10.1 will not be available until later this Summer, likely between late July and end of August.

Where to Buy Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Amazon.com

With the 16GB 3G Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 just popping up at amazon, I’m very confident that Amazon.com will be offering the 10.1 model soon. There would be no conceivable reason to list in one country and not another.

We’ll be on the look out for Amazon.com listings of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (or otherwise) and will post it right here.

Do yourself a favor and try searching Amazon right now:

Wireless Carriers

Samsung has ties with all of the major wireless carriers here in the US – your big players include Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T. You can look to these wireless carriers and expect them to offer Samsung Galaxy 10.1 as an option in-network with a data contract.

AT&T was expected to hold an event in New York with Samsung Mobile on May 24th. This has since been delayed. No one has any true idea of what Samsung Mobile was planning for this joint event with AT&T, but we can only hope it has something to do with the Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Sprint will be offering the WiFi only version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 starting mid-summer 2011. That should be sometime between July and August.

Verizon Wireless will be offering the 4G Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Black and White, available for pre-order starting June 8th. The Verizon Wireless 4G Galaxy Tab 10.1 will not ship until late Summer 2011.

Big Box Retailers

Samsung is well known for tapping into big box retailer distribution channels. Galaxy Tab is currently available in most big box retailers in the US. The largest player would be BestBuy, of course. You could expect the new Galaxy Tab 10.1 to be available at BestBuy soon. We’ll be on the lookout for you.

Update 5-31-2011: The official Galaxy Tab 10.1 page just went live at BestBuy. Pre-order is not yet available, but we know it’s coming soon. Stay tuned.

Update 6-3-2011: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi edition will be available exclusively starting June 8 at the Best Buy Union Square location in New York City.

Starting June 17, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available at Best Buy online and in-store along with Fry’s Electronics, Amazon.com, Micro Center, Tiger Direct and Newegg.

Online Auctions & Vendors

There’s no doubt about it. With every tablet release, especially the “big ones” like Galaxy Tab 10.1 that attract the most attention, you’re sure to find in vast supply, over-priced tablets in the online auction arena.

Limited Edition Google I/O Galaxy Tab 10.1‘s are already available on eBay for a hefty price tag. If you’re short on finding the right retailer or distributor, you can always cautiously approach eBay or even the Amazon market place for your shot at Galaxy Tab 10.1 – either the limited edition or the commercial available version come June 8th.

Where to Buy Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Accessories

Getting some sweet accessories for your new Galaxy Tab 10.1 would really seal the deal right? We’re actively seeking accessories for the upcoming tablet here in the US. Surprisingly, they’re popping up overseas first.

We’ve already spotted a good 10 or so at the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Germany website. Expect these accessories to be available everywhere soon. Overview pictures below, and a complete break down at Engadget.

Samsung VP Admits Galaxy Tab 10.1″ Inadequate Compared to iPad 2

Make no mistake about it, not only has Apple completely reshaped the tablet industry once, but they are doing it again with the iPad 2, and big companies like Samsung know it.

Software, design, and price lead the charge with the top benefits of iPad 2 over the immediate competition, and its imminent release certainly has big companies (like HP and RIM) sweating profusely as they struggle to get their first generation tablets to the market.

In fact, Samsung Mobile VP Lee Don-Joo has taken a look at the iPad 2, and decided for himself that his very own Galaxy Tab 10.1″ now feels inadequate when compared to the new iPad.

In a recent interview with the Yonhap News Agency, based in Seoul South Korea, Lee Don-Joo said “Samsung will have to improve the parts of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 that are inadequate”, and went on to admit there are new challenges being faced with Apple releasing a thinner, more powerful tablet, at the same price point as its predecessor.

Don-Joo went on to say “The 10-inch Galaxy Tab was to be priced higher than the 7-inch Galaxy Tab, but we will now have to think that over”.

With iPad 2 making such a big splash in 2011, the tablet market has quite literally been shaken up, and we think tablet manufacturer’s of all OS allegience need to take a step back, process the Apple announcement, and map out some new plans to put some better tabelts in our hands.

If we want choices above and beyond the iPad 2 that make sense, we need to be shown something that is truly extraordinary.

Our hope is that Samsung will re-evaluate their Galaxy Tab 10.1 strategy and bring a better product to the market. One that is a step ahead of iPad 2.

We hope some of this information will be unveiled in the March 22nd Samsung event in Orlando, where we anticipate paramount tablet announcements from Samsung, and possibly a new additions to the Galaxy Tab lineup.

We cant wait to see what 2011, and really at this point, 2012, is going to bring to the tablet market.

Redesigned Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Specifications, Release Date, and Pricing

It wasn’t too long ago that Samsung VP’s were saying their Galaxy Tab 10.1 was inadequate compared to the new iPad.

Well, that’s changed completely. Have a look at the specifications and details of the all new, beautifully redesigned Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Alert: If you are looking for Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 release date information you must see our Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Ultimate Buyers Guide.

Samsung took that brief amount of time in between the iPad 2 launch March 11th, and their own Galaxy Tab 10.1 unveiling at CTIA 2011 today, and made some big improvements.

In that short time they completely redesigned the Galaxy Tab 10.1, made it lighter than iPad, made it thinner than iPad, and also introduced its little brother, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9.

The Galaxy Tab family is now complete with the original and now seemingly clunky 7″ first generation Galaxy Tab, the new 8.9″ and 10.1″ models, in addition to the two upcoming 4″ and 5″ Galaxy Player tablets.

What a huge week for Samsung fans! With that said, let’s have a look at how the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 stacks up.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1″ Technical Specifications

Operating System: Android Honeycomb with Samsung TouchWiz 4.0
Screen Size: 10.1″ WXGA Display
Depth: .33-inches (8.6mm) ultra-thin profile
Weight: 595g
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Memory: 16GB or 32GB
Processor: 1 GHz Dual Core (likely NVIDIA Tegra 2)
Battery: 6000mAH
Cameras: 2MP front facing, 5MP rear facing

Inputs & Outputs:

1x microSD slot
1x 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Jack
1x SIM card slot
1x USB Input/Output

Connectivity:

• Dual WiFi antennas with 2.4 and 5GHz bands providing WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
• 4G HSPA+ up to 21 MBPS, with WiMax and LTE models to come

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1″ Release Date and Pricing

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available June 8th 2011 and will be starting at $499.00 for the 16GB WiFi-only version, and $599.00 for the 32GB WiFi only model. How’s that for competitive pricing?!? Details have yet to be released about the 4G Tabs, but we’ll find out soon enough.

Update 6-4-2011: Samsung pushed out the release date in North America to June 17th nation wide, although New York City will still see it drop in limited supply, WiFi only, on June 8th.

Video: Wi-Fi Only iPad 2 GPS Navigation

If you’re an iPhone owner, it appears that you don’t need to purchase a 3G model of the iPad if you want to use it on the go.

Not only can you share your iPhone’s data connection with the iPad via personal hotspot, but the phone will also pass GPS information to the iPad when needed.

The Video:

The Screenshot:

The Explanation:

I just wanted to post this up quickly, as I was so impressed with it. I’m writing this on the way to the airport in the car and I’ve been using my iPhone’s personal hotspot feature in order to surf on my iPad, despite it being the wifi only model.

As we got closer, I decided to get some directions to make sure we were on track. I launched the iPads maps app, expecting to navigate the old fashioned way without GPS assistance – knowing full well that GPS only comes in the 3G iPad models. Imagine my surprise when my iPad pinpointed exactly where we were on the road.

Apple’s Wi-Fi only iOS devices have had location awareness for years via Wi-Fi location service that rely on identifying MAC addresses of nearby hotspots, and comparing those against a database of where those routers are located.

The location I’m getting on my Wi-Fi only iPad is most certainly not this. It is clear I am being fed GPS information from the phone, at what appears to be an interval of once a minute or so between refreshes (likely they didn’t do real time updating so as to go easy on the phone’s battery).

So far the iPad 2 is making an excellent travel companion, it makes for a fun and easy way to do some reading and get some work done while riding in the car, and is excellent for video blogging and snapping a quick picture for Facebook too.

I plan on putting in some serious time with a few games on the flight tomorrow, so be on the lookout for more travel and gaming related iPad 2 coverage this week.

The Follow Up (3/16/11):

We wanted to take a further look at this feature today, and we can tell you it does work with the first generation iPad as well.

From what we can tell it does seem to react consistently with hotspot triangulation.

The real meat and potatoes of this story is the personal hotspot feature now available with iOS 4.3. It works great on the road and it passes the GPS data quite effectively despite not being in real time.

Try it for yourself and let us know what you think in the comments.

First Generation iPad Sale – 20 Percent Off While Supplies Last

Due to the iPad 2 being announced yesterday, and the unheard of speed by which it will be available, the first generation iPad is now 20% cheaper than before.

The iPad 2 will be available in Apple retail stores starting 5:00pm on March 11th, 2011.

With the iPad 2 release announcement just yesterday March 2nd, it was no surprise that we stumbled upon a nearly 20% price slash on the first generation iPad.

The first generation iPad is now available for as low as $399 at the Apple Store

Although for the Apple die-hard, even the bargain price of $399 for the first generation iPad will be a hard sell.

The truth is, by shelling out another $100 for the next generation iPad in less than week, you certainly get a lot more for your money.

No matter how you slice it, its a great bargain and will only be available while supplies last. You can get the first generation iPad today from the Apple Store, shipping internationally at just $399 – honestly, you cant go wrong with that.

Refund Available for First Generation iPad Purchases Within Last Two Weeks

If you just purchased your Apple iPad to be blind-sided by either the iPad 2 release announcement, or the current price slash on the first generation iPad, we have just what you need to settle that bubbling pot of water.

If you purchased a first generation iPad within the last 14 days, you are entitled to a refund of $100, which is equivalent to the price slash on the trendy tablet.

iPad purchases between 2/16/2011 and 3/2/2011 should be eligible.

If you meet this criteria and have your original sales receipt, head on down to your local Apple store and get your refund on. The Apple Sales team said it should be a simple and pain free process.

If you are outside of this 14-day period, then you’re out of luck in the sense that you can’t get that sweet Benjamin back.

However, you still have a great tablet and should continue to enjoy it just as you would have before you heard about iPad 2.

After all, the App Store is chalk full of great things for you to explore.

iPad 2 Arrives in Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore & China

Apple announced the availibility and release date for iPad 2 in Japan, China, Korea, and Singapore. Get the scoop.

Apple recently announced that iPad 2 will arrive in Japan on Thursday, April 28 and Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore on Friday, April 29th. Additionally, iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in China beginning Friday, May 6.

iPad 2 is available at Apple retail stores, select Apple Authorized Resellers, and online through the Apple Store.

How’s that for sweet news?

Oh and by the way, if you want to support relief efforts in Japan, check out the App Store below.

iPad 2 Release Date in Japan Delayed

This really should not come as a surprise to anyone considering the aftermath of recent natural disasters in Japan, but Apple is officially pumping the brakes on the iPad 2 release date.

[UPDATE April 29, 2011 — SEE THIS STORY FOR JAPAN RELEASE DATE]

According to a Reuters news report published today, Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris said “we are delaying the launch of iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster”.

iPad 2 was originally planned for a March 25th release in Japan, to go along with the rest of the countries on the global release schedule.

Unfortunately no one could have predicted an awful 8.9-magnitude earthquake followed by an even worse Tsunami. Japan is in a state of crisis, and is certainly in no position to welcome the new iPad.

Due to the nature of this disaster, the ongoing relief effort, and the heightened tension around the looming nuclear meltdown, it could be a while before the Japanese Apple faithful get their hands on iPad 2.

Apple has revealed no plans to put Japan back on the iPad 2 release road map either, and we wouldn’t expect them to until the relief effort is over.

Apple is also likely to focus on potential component supply shortages over the coming weeks, as a normally abundant supply from Japan is going to be increasingly scarce through the year.

Apple denies any supply concerns, of course, but we are sure they are spread out fairly evenly in terms of global supply chains.

Not everyone is going to have the reach that Apple does, though, so this could certainly have an impact on new tablet pricing and product availability from competitors.

We’ll see what happens. For now its all efforts on relief, recovery, and rebuilding in Japan.

We wish the best to all of our friends and their families in Japan. Find out how you can help.

Solar Powered iPad Case Loaded with Features Coming Soon

The tablet market is an explosive wonderland of innovation and opportunity, and aside from the very nature of the tablet form factor reducing your carbon footprint, there’s some cool new accessories coming out that will take going Green to the next level.

Wireless NRG is a company that is hitting it right on the nose. They are releasing a new iPad case which targets the environmentally friendly iOS user – and it offers so much more than just a healthy conscious.

The LilyPad uses new photovoltaic ink solar panel technology which converts indoor and outdoor light into clean and usable energy for the Apple iPad. Based on test results conducted with “average lighting conditions” and contingent upon “normal use”, the Lilypad is said to achieve as much as 12.5 days of power before requiring an old school charge.

Are you afraid of losing power on your other USB friendly electronics? No longer will this be a worry for you with Lilypad, as the build-in USB output allows you to connect and charge other USB devices simultaneously to your iPad.

In addition to the solar panel technology and power consumption features at its core, the LilyPad offers an HDMI output with 7.1 digital audio – allowing you to send iPad to the big screen without compromise. An SD card reader allows you to import your photos, videos, music, and files instantly so you are never without your goods.

Lilypad was consciously designed with key storage and usability benefits too. It’s clam shell design has a double-axle, allowing the entire flap to fold back and lay flat for simple e-reading. It can be tilted between 20 – 80 degrees, offering flexibility for difference usability scenarios.

And finally the Coup de Grace. Here’s the cherry on top. Lilypad has a Whistle Locator, which is a location device built into the LilyPad, doing exactly what you’re thinking! When you can’t find where you left your iPad, simply whistle and the LilyPad will beep back at you.

As if all of these environmentally friendly features aren’t enough to get the tree hugger’s drooling, Wireless NRG has committed to planting one tree for every single Lilypad unit sold. How sweet is that?

This is a sure fire indication the price point may be less than favorable to consumers, but hey, you could save the Earth with this 2,000 years from now. That’s priceless. Right?

Solar Powered iPad Case Now Available for Preorder

Since March when we discovered Lilypad, Dave Foster and Wireless NRG have made tremendous efforts to prepare the world’s most robust solar powered iPad case for its release.

We are pleased to announce that Lilypad is not only Apple certified, but currently available for pre-order.

When we last brought you details about Lilypad, the product was not yet finalized, or even optimized for the lighter, thinner, faster iPad 2.

Since then, Wireless NRG brought Lilypad through the Apple certification process, implementing key changes which now make Lilypad 2 an ideal companion for iPad 2.  The thinner and more flexible solar powered cover is the obvious winner in terms of design changes.

Lilypad is made from of 80% recycled materials, and aside from providing your iPad with clean and usable solar energy for an average of 12.5 days, it offers several features above and beyond that of typical iPad case:

• Protective Case
• Auto Sleep/ Wake
• HDMi Output
• Stylus Pen
• Keyboard Stand
• Backup Battery / USB Charger
• Whistle Locator (yes, really!)

Lilypad and Lilypad 2 are currently available in several variations. Black, Green, Grey and Pink colors are available for the following designs:

You can http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davefoster/lilypad-using-light-to-power-all-our-mobile-device pre-order your Lilypad or Lilypad 2 from Wireless NRG for just http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davefoster/lilypad-using-light-to-power-all-our-mobile-device 165.00 at Kickstarter. Manufacturing is currently in progress, and Lilypad’s are expected to begin shipping October 2011.

For more details about Lilypad, check out our previous article, or visit www.lilypadcase.com