Galaxy Tab 10.1 Unboxing

Samsung have been kind enough to send me through a brand spanking new Galaxy Tab 10.1 for keeps. Over the next few days I shall be reviewing the tab and you will be able to see it all here on my blog. It must be said that Royal Mail have been shockingly bad this morning – telling me its been delivered (its Special Delivery recorded) and making me wonder round asking all the neighbours before finally being told its actually still on it’s way. This has now been over shadowed by getting the device itself. A massive thanks goes out to Alex from JAM for getting this too me and for the handwritten note. Hopefully over the next few days I shall be recording a “day in the life” esque style video to show the uses of the tab on the move but for now let’s focus on the unboxing.

Above: Inside the parcel

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 arrived in a nice compact box. I have received the black 32GB one but there is also the white variant and the option of 16GB and 64GB models. Mine is the WIFI version but you can also get a 3G version. This is not too much of an issue if you have a smartphone with tethering (like the Samsung Galaxy S II) but you’re probably going to have to make sure you are on 3′s One Plan or have Giff Gaff’s Goodie Bags with unlimited data if you are going to be a heavy tethering user. The packaging itself is nice – very simple and modern. It makes for a rather exciting gift!

Above: Back of the box

Above: Side view of the box

When you actually open the box you are instantly face to face with the tab itself. For some reason I had this mental image that 10.1″ would be a bit on the big side but it is actually quite a good size. The thinness and lightness of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 makes it even easier to hold. You’re not going to find anything else other than a USB charger, seperate USB cable, quick start guide and warranty card in the box. There is not much else you would really need as all of the apps are available through the device itself. You’re going to have to shell out for a nice case to keep your device safe. Realistically you’re looking at £15 – £20 for a semi-decent case. Samsung’s leather Tab 10.1 sleve is available at around £16 from Amazon whereas a case looking not too dissimilar to a fruity brand’s smart cover is available in different colours priced at £20. The latter is what I opted for a long with a keyboard doc so the tab will replace my aging laptop.

Above: Lid comes off

Above: Only the essentials are supplied

Above: It’s very thin and light

One little gripe I have about the packaging is the protective plastic Samsung have placed around the charger and UK adaptor. It’s unnecessary. Nobody looks at a charger and thinks… oh no it’s scratched – have to buy a new one. As long as it doesn’t look hideous the odd scratch doesn’t matter. Why they have decided to waste plastic by putting this protective film on them can probably only be answered by themselves. Hopefully they read this blog post and think about not doing this again in the future as it really is wasteful. Plus it is more faffing around for us when unpacking the device.

Above: Unnecessary protective film on the UK adaptor

Above: Protective film on the USB charger

So that’s that. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is finally in my grubby little hands. As I have already mentioned I will review and comment on the device over the next week or so. Keep checking my blog for the latest updates. For now I leave you with one last image of the device. I have now impatently decided to switch it on despite initially being determined to let it charge fully first. Well… I am a bit of a mobile gadget geek after all!!

Above: Galaxy Tab 10.1 with my reflection in the photo!