Galaxy Tab?

I've actually been thinking about getting a Barnes & Noble Nook Color... an e-reader on the outside, but a full tablet lies within (after rooting and installing a custom ROM). The processor in the Nook isn't quite as quick as the Tab, but it's close and you can safely overclock it. Obviously, it's not for everyone, but it's why I prefer Android devices -- I can tinker to my heart's content. Plus, it's only $249.

One neat thing they just discovered about the Nook Color is the hidden bluetooth and FM radio. It was cheaper for B&N to use an all-in-one wireless chip that includes wifi, bluetooth and FM, they just didn't install drivers for the latter two. Of course, someone figured out they were there and got them working.

The screen on the NC is the same type as the iPads (IPS), so it is smooth, bright, colorful and crisp.

Anyway, the NC isn't quite on par with the Tab, but it's less than half the price.

For the record, I've only heard good things about the Tab. I don't think you could go wrong with it.

EDIT: WAIT. I TAKE THAT BACK. I recently heard people were upset because Samsung takes forever and a day to provide bug fixes and patches.

> EDIT: WAIT. I TAKE THAT BACK. I recently heard people were upset because Sony takes forever and a day to provide bug fixes and patches.

Samsung?

Whoops, I meant Samsung.

Thanks Wendell,
You are saying you have to 'install' a ROM? I am not sure exactly what you are saying, except perhaps you have to be somewhat of a computer expert to get everything you want on it? I also was thinking of using the GPS ability to do things like help search for corners, etc. I would like a GPS-capable software where, I can find a corner, and go a bearing and distance with a handheld from the found corner to search for the next. But I was also thinking of the ereader and other aps that come with a small tab/ipad.

Anyway, your thoughts are highly appreciated.
Tom

> Thanks Wendell,

No problem. 🙂

> You are saying you have to 'install' a ROM? I am not sure exactly what you are saying, except perhaps you have to be somewhat of a computer expert to get everything you want on it?

Yes and sorta yes. The path to a custom ROM for the Nook Color is pretty well spelled out, you just have to follow instructions. But yeah, it's probably better if you have a little techie know-how going in.

> I also was thinking of using the GPS ability to do things like help search for corners, etc. I would like a GPS-capable software where, I can find a corner, and go a bearing and distance with a handheld from the found corner to search for the next. But I was also thinking of the ereader and other aps that come with a small tab/ipad.

You would not have GPS with the Nook Color, although you can use it's bluetooth capability to hook up with a GPS-enabled device. That said, it seems pointless to do that when you could probably use the GPS-enabled device instead.

I did read recently where someone hooked up a third-party GPS antenna to the NC and had great success with it, however. But again, you'd probably need some techie know-how to make that all happen properly.

If you are not one to tinker and you just like things to work right out of the box, then an Apple device is probably your best bet. I've heard that many Verizon stores are selling the wifi iPad 1 for $299 (and in some cases $399) without 3G and no requirement or obligation otherwise. Seems like a screamin' deal. I can't say I didn't consider it, but it goes right back to the fact that I enjoy tinkering.

Case in point: My original Droid; I have rooted and hacked that thing to death and it's now running software it's not technically supposed to run, but it runs it quite nicely (Android Gingerbread 2.3.3, for those interested). I've also overclocked the CPU from 550mhz stock to 1ghz (on demand). I just can't leave it alone but I can assure you that I get my money's worth!