The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a 7 inch tablet with a 1 GHz Hummingbird processor, a 1024 x 600 pixel display, and Google. The Barnes & Noble NOOKcolor is a 7 inch eBook reader with a TIM OMAP3621 processor, a 1024 x 600 pixel display, and Google Android operating system. Out of the box, the NOOKcolor runs custom software and lacks some of the features found in the Galaxy Tab, but as the folks at the Unlockr point out, with a little tweaking, the NOOKcolor can rival the $500 Galaxy Tab in many ways.
The NOOKcolor is a little wider than the Galaxy Tab thanks to the larger bezel. The Galaxy Tab also has cameras, Android buttons, and 3G, giving it an edge in terms of hardware. But both machines have Buetooth and WiFi and audio jacks.
Once you hack the NOOKcolor and install Android 2.2 or a newer operating system though, overall performance is quite similar. Both machines can handle the Google Android Market (with the proper hacks applied to the NOOKcolor). Both load web pages quite quickly. Both support multitouch gestures such as pinch to zoom. And both can handle 3D graphics.
Aside from the hardware advantages the Galaxy Tab has over the NOOKcolor, you also don’t have to hack your device, install unsupported software, and possibly void your warranty to get everything working — but I imagine there are some people out there just as excited about the prospect of hacking a tablet to add functionality as they are about saving $250.
via CNET
I like Samsung Galaxy Tab more but if you root it flash it with upgraded and stable version of android it will much cooler.
A loosely (very loosely) related comment: when people say Linux has trouble with the general public, they forget that the Kindle is a Linux machine. Admittedly, those who use Kindles don’t have to deal with Linux.
I have a Nook and thus comparison is bad because it can’t even play 720p videos whereas the TAB can. Also no GPS.
the omap processor should be 720p ready
I got mine for $199+tax directly from B&N. I wanted to do a bit of hacking, check out Honeycomb and CM7. Personally, I’d want a 7 incher with GSM built in. (Pixel Qi would be awesome. Looking to buy the ZTE Light 2 when it comes out.) The wide bezel bothers me a bit as it makes the difference between comfortable to hold or not. Otherwise it is great. The feature I am missing the most is the button control and microphone on headset. I am sure the tab has this. Some (EU) tabs can even be used as a phone. Wifi ones can do VOIP. Not so much the Nook Color. If you successfully hack bluetooth in, you might be able to use it with a bluetooth headset. But the range of the wifi was 13 inches last I checked. Not your keep in the bag and not worry about it during the call range.
I have rooted my B&N NC with gingerbread, and love it. I’m making my friend jealous everytime I bring it out. Best thing I love about it, is the battery… My phone dies out before the nook… And now you can get good deals for it… Last I heard it was around $190.
Slap Honeycomb on the Nook Color => much better experience.
I think B&N needs to release a redesigned Nook Color with Honeycomb on it, more stream lined, more of a full tablet and put their ebook store on it. If they could keep the same price they would sell a ton of them throughout the world and I bet they would see the users actually sticking with their ebook store.