The Samsung Galaxy Tab is definitely more than just an eBook reader. It is a true tablet and the first to rival Apple’s iPad, at least that’s what other experts on the Internet are saying. As much as I would love to write about this device on all of its multimedia functionalities (for instance that I ended up playing a rigorous game of Angry Birds and caught up on some shows watching Hulu), I will only be focusing on how it pertains to reading eBooks for this review.
The particular Galaxy we have is for Verizon. However, you are able to find it on other carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular with prices varying on each. Samsung decided to have the Galaxy run Android 2.2 Froyo OS instead of waiting for the next release of Android. However it doesn’t appear to slow down the responsiveness of the device.
Since the device is running Android it was easy to install the updated OverDrive Media Console for Android. The new release allows direct downloads of EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks. Once an eBook has been downloaded to the app, it’s easy to open a title and start reading.
The Galaxy, at 13.58 ounces, feels substantial in your hands but not overly heavy. It’s roughly the size of a paperback so holding it for long periods of time is easy even if you have small hands. The dimensions are 7.48” x 4.74”, definitely small enough to fit in a medium sized purse, if you are a woman. Sorry gentlemen, it’s a little big to fit in your back pocket.
One thing I have been impressed with is the screen quality. I read Barack Obama’s Of Thee I Sing and the colors looked amazing (might I add that they also were great on Angry Birds). Besides the screen quality, the device responds quickly to your touch. Pages turn easily by tapping screen and do not require the need to swipe your finger, which is something that I find as a positive.
A few things about the device that I noticed are that it does not have a vast amount storage capacity. I would recommend using the additional memory for apps, photos, and videos to ensure enough room for your library eBooks.
Another big item to mention is that the Galaxy will take a pretty big chunk out of your wallet. Most of the cell phone carriers will push you into a two year contract for a break on the device itself. However, it is possible to purchase it and use its Wi-Fi capabilities but it will cost you even more. If you’re curious just how expensive we’re talking, I saw it listed for $350 (with a two year contract for a cell phone carrier) all the way up to $700.
The bottom line for the Samsung Galaxy is to not purchase this device for only reading eBooks. If you do that you won’t be getting your money’s worth. You really need to want a tablet and a gadget that does more. If you keep this in mind, you’ll probably be fairly happy, especially if you are a fan of Android. And just in case you are curious, I haven’t beaten Angry Birds yet.
Megan Greer is a project manager for OverDrive.
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I have started reading epub books with my Galaxy Tab, it’s fantastic. Size is just nice for reading.
If you’re having fun with Angry Birds, just do yourself a favor and do NOT get involved in Plants vs. Zombies. Just sayin’…
Is it possible to load WMA files onto the Galaxy? How about video?
I am having a problem downloading ePub files using Overdrive. I get an error message “Expired ACSM file. Please refresh the web page you downloaded this title from and try again. (error code 1069).” I do not have any problems downloading MP3 files with Overdrive. Do you know how to fix this?
Hi Barbara, please email me at bcarlon@overdrive.com and I will pass this on to our support team, who should be able to help you out. Sorry for the difficulties! Best, Brianne
Hi – I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 wifi and have the exact same problem as Barbara – I am able to download mp3 audio books via the local library’s website but when I try to download an ePub book from my local library, I receive the same error message as Barbara. Would you kindly respond and let me know if there is a fix, and, if so, how to fix the problem?
Thanks!
Hi Karen, I have sent your comment to our support team. They should reach out with a solution. Sorry for any inconvenience. -Brianne
Barbara and Karen-
We recommend that you clear the browser’s Internet cache and then attempt to download this title from your library account again.
If the problems persist, we suggest that you download and install the SkyFire or Dolphin browser. Both of these browsers can be downloaded from the Android Market. Once you have done this, try to download the title again using one of these browsers.
Please let us know if we can provide further assistance.
Brianne
Brianne – Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I tried all your suggestions and nothing worked. I just sent you an e-mail describing what happened.
In advance, thank you for any assistance you may offer.
Karen
Hi Karen, I am working with the Support Team to work this out. Thank you for your patience. Brianne
Thank you for your suggestion to install the Opera Mobile browser-that solved my problem!
I had read that Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 would support .wma audio book files, but when I tried to download, the tablet indicated that it did not support such file. Is there a way to download wma files?
Hi Meg-The Samsung Galaxy Tab will support MP3 audiobooks. You can see a full list of devices and the formats they support at http://overdrive.com/Resources/DRC/Default.aspx. Thanks, Brianne
Hi. I have loaded Overdrive on my original Galaxy Tab. I can download books from my local library without problem. HOwever, when I open the books, they are formatted with pages too wide for the screen on my Tab, and the books are there, but not readable because they extend past the edge of the screen by about 10-15 letters. I have the latest Overdrive for Android, and have tried all the different options for setup. HELP
Hi Mark, I apologize for the inconvenience. I have sent your query to our support team; they will reach out to your shortly. -Brianne
When using Overdrive to read my library books the text extends 6-8 characters beyond the edge of the screen on my Pandigital Star. Landscape or portrait. As this is the only reader my library uses i cannot read any downloaded books.
Has been a fix for this issue yet?
Hi Jeff, I have sent your comment to our support team and they will reach out to you with a solution. Best, Brianne
i may be missing something but i have the e-reader and moon-reader on my galaxytab 10.1 but cannot find on android market or the readers library any novels I want, a lot are classic’s but no chart/best sellers or non fiction like cook books etc. I’ve gone on amazon, samsung & android website but just get more info about e-readers saying thousands of books to choose from but none lead me to new chart books, i assumed it would be like the kindle, go on a website & pay to download (i’m not using my tab just for books) I know new books out will need paying for but please can anyone tell me what i’m missing.
Thank you
Hi Polly, you can checkout and download ebooks to your galaxy tab if you go to the Android Marketplace, install the OverDrive Media Console app, then tap “Get Books” to find your library. From there, simply follow the prompts to browse, checkout and download! Good luck.
Hi david, thank you so much for your help, i’ve followed your instructions and its fab, just what i was looking for, i really appreciate it.:-) just one other quick question i have the e-reader which i’ve used to down load pdf files, forms etc so do you think i should uninstall the moon reader app. It may not matter but as you can tell i don’t really want to confuse things (well myself really)lol. Thank you again.
I am having a problem downloading ePub files using Overdrive. I get an error message “Expired ACSM file. Please refresh the web page you downloaded this title from and try again. (error code 3004).” I do not have any problems downloading MP3 files with Overdrive. Do you know how to fix this?
Hi Jim-
Thanks for your question. Have you contacted your local library for help downloading EPUB files?
-Mike
I also get the expired acsm file. I can check out the books but they will not download. Please help.
Hi Mary- Check out this Help article, and if that doesn’t do the trick, try contacting support via your library’s “Help” link. -Mike