Galaxy Tab 8.9

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timmmay

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#87892 9-Aug-2011 22:06

Is anyone else waiting for this? I want something just a little smaller and lighter than the 10.1, but something powerful that will last a few years.

I read it'll be about US$469 for the 16GB and US$569 for the 32GB, though not sure if that's 3G or WiFi. Is there any point getting the more expensive one given you can put an SD card in it? I'll probably get the 3G version, i'm a bit over carting around a MiFi device. Hopefully it get Android 3.2 quickly, I read it ships with 3.0. I'm hoping it comes out this month.

Anyone know a good place to get these Samsung Tabs? The only place I know is Expansys, but they ship from Hong Kong and you have to pay the GST/duty yourself, but that's the same as any overseas store. An NZ warranty would be a bonus.

MattEast

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#504094 9-Aug-2011 22:09

Should be available next month from Vodafone

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timmmay

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#504101 9-Aug-2011 22:19

Cool :) I don't want to buy on a contract though, I want to buy outright and have a choice of whether to have 3G or not.

NZtechfreak

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#504114 9-Aug-2011 22:52

I really like the idea of the 8.9, perfect size for me I think. If you're really after something powerful to last a few years Asus is already talking about their Transformer II with the Kal-el SoC coming out October...

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timmmay

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#504160 10-Aug-2011 09:00

The Transformer's a pretty cool product, like a combo tab/super lightweight laptop. If I needed a portable machine with a keyboard that was lightweight then that'd get that. I don't though, a general tab is fine, and they seem fast enough now.

sidkumar

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#504197 10-Aug-2011 09:38

I am waiting too.. perfect size, bigger than 7", smaller than 10". Don't want to be in a contract, and may not need 3G, will use tethering on my galaxy S or Wifi at home.

timmmay

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#504198 10-Aug-2011 09:40

That's a good point, I could get the WiFi model and use the MiFi for now, then tether it to an Android phone once I get one :)

ivanvdm

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#504255 10-Aug-2011 11:03

I'm also waiting for the 8.9
the 10.1 would be the second option.

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NZtechfreak

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#504275 10-Aug-2011 11:45

timmmay: The Transformer's a pretty cool product, like a combo tab/super lightweight laptop. If I needed a portable machine with a keyboard that was lightweight then that'd get that. I don't though, a general tab is fine, and they seem fast enough now.

I think you missed the point of my post. You mentioned in your post wanting something with enough power to last you well for quite a while, I was merely pointing out that much more powerful tablets are just on the horizon, thought that might be something for you to consider.

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timmmay

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#504283 10-Aug-2011 12:03

Ah yeah, I got you. Yes they'll be more powerful. maybe quad core with a better GPU. I just meant I didn't want one of the cheap underpowered units. Coming from an 2G iPod anything would be heaps faster.

I see the Galaxy was just banned from Sale in Europe... hope it makes it through here.

fahrenheit

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#504293 10-Aug-2011 12:36

timmmay:
I see the Galaxy was just banned from Sale in Europe... hope it makes it through here.

I wonder if they'll have to dump stock on the other markets where it isn't banned. Could make it a sharply priced little slab... The size is very appealing.

timmmay

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#504296 10-Aug-2011 12:40

From what little i've seen it could even be more expensive than the 10.1, but I guess we'll find out at launch.

According to this story it'll be released on August 12 in the UK, at a price of £605. Let's hope that's the list price, not the street price. It's not worth NZ$1200 to me, especially with the 10.1 at NZ$700.

fahrenheit

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#504299 10-Aug-2011 12:44

timmmay: From what little i've seen it could even be more expensive than the 10.1, but I guess we'll find out at launch.

I would have hoped Samsung would have abandoned their sky-high pricing after the original Tab lost its early mover advantage and became a bastard child. Too much choice in the market now (well perhaps not in the 8.9" size range), but no harm trying I guess.

timmmay

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#504301 10-Aug-2011 12:50

I edited my post, maybe after you posted.

Expansys has the 16GB WiFi listed at $949, and you'll be charged GST and customs fees when it comes into the country, making it about NZ$1120. Maybe that's an estimate though, none of the other models have a price.

The Galaxy 10.1 can be had for $750 or so, and the A500 from $670. I'd not pay more for a 9" than a 10".

timmmay

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#504944 11-Aug-2011 12:38

This article puts the 8.9 tab at $925. When you can get a larger tablet for less you have to wonder what they're doing, and how they think they're going to sell something smaller with otherwise identical specs for more money.

I'd pay a little more for having a brand new 8.9 tab, since the size suits me, but $200-$300 more? That's just crazy.