I was recently able to borrow one of these things from Kevin Honeycutt, a technology consultant at ESSDACK. He cited the experience as a chance for someone who is unbiased to evaluate its functionality, and that is hardly arguable as I do not have more than a few minutes experience on the iPad.

Now, this is supposedly priced around $600 - a fairly outlandish and high price considering its limitations and size (somewhere in between the Droid X and the iPad); so naturally, my first criticism is the size. It's too small for me to seriously consider it as a computer replacement and it feels highly unnatural in my hands. Kevin has said that they will be releasing a larger version, though, so this is a moot point - just something to consider/watch for.

Nextly, this tablet has a screaming browser. I found it to be highly accessible, functional, and efficient. Utilization of Google Instant searching and its predetermination of what you [might] be searching for make it user-friendly. There are many applications that make web browsing easier, however, like integrated framework for Facebook and Twitter. There is also an expansive array of every day applications like AIM, Skype, ooVoo, and numerous others. These messaging services make its use very convenient for conferencing of any type. This is an aspect that could very well displace the need for a computer (at least in the communication aspect).

On that note, though, there are glaring aspects of the Galaxy Tablet that will inhibit a complete replacement for computers/laptops. While the Swype/Speech-to-Text keyboard works it is in no way convenient. If you're into getting messages to people in a limited manner at glacial speeds then you're good to go. I would never trust this device to store important documents and I would never use it to create those documents (especially something involving a lot of text input). Another problem I have with the Android-Apple rivalry is the fact that Android is marketing products at the same price (or higher) with far less applications, and a very skewed procedure for initializing video conversations. The device is likable, no doubt, but there are some issues that will need cleaning up before it can truly compete with the iPad.

One thing that is impressive (but hardly susceptible to error) is Samsung's camera set-up. I have to say that recording video and taking pictures are a definite joy with this device, and that's always a perk.

With the knowledge of what Kevin uses his iPad for, another contention I have to make is that there is a severe lack of musical/instrumental applications. Yes, albeit, there are some. The problem is that they are so few and far between that you would be hard-pressed to assemble a comprehensive band. Additionally, they are dumbed down to the nth degree which makes any learning minimal.

I will, however, give kudos to the Android Market for hosting a veritable selection of educational applications ranging from elementary lesson plans and strategies to language translation (which is surprisingly interactive). Also, if you're looking for a good selection of entertaining games you would find yourself quite pleased with the selection - I know I was.

As a disclaimer, I was only able to test-drive this tablet for the entirety of two days which makes my knowledge limited. There may be many wonderfully hidden pleasures in this device, but I find that that may be the problem. It could take users quite some time to learn every out and in, which isn't necessarily something consumers are inclined to.