Samsung confirms U.S. release for new Galaxy Tab 2 Series tablets

Samsung has announced U.S. availability for new versions of its Galaxy Tab Android tablet computer and two new portable media players. Both Galaxy Tab 2 devices run on Google's Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating platform with full access to Google Play (formerly Android Market), are powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, have built-in GPS, and both front- and rear-facing cameras. The Galaxy Players also run on Android, but it's the Gingerbread (2.3) flavor instead of ICS.

The new Galaxy Tab 2 tablets unveiled by Samsung are available in two sizes. The larger 10.1 x 6.9 x 0.38-inch (256.7 x 175.3 x 9.7-mm), 1.28 pound (581 g) device features a 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 pixel (WXGA) resolution TFT multi-touch display, which supports video playback at up to 1080p HD quality at 30 frames per second. It comes with 16GB of solid state storage, but the unit's microSD media card slot caters for up to 32GB of expansion.

The tablet benefits from 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0, as well as USB 2.0 physical connectivity and sports a 30-pin docking connector. There's a 3.2-megapixel rear-facing camera and a VGA webcam at the front, stereo speakers for sharing sounds and a 3.5mm audio jack for private listening. Users can turn the device into a universal remote with the integrated IR unit and the Smart Remote app.

The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 edition will be available from May 13 for US$399.99. The slightly more portable 7.6 x 4.8 X 0.41-inch (193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5-mm), 0.76 pound (345 g) Galaxy Tab 2 has the same specs as the larger model apart from a 7-inch, 1024 x 600 pixel (WSVGA) resolution TFT display, 8GB of onboard solid state storage and a 1200 mAh Li-ion battery (as opposed to the Li-ion 7,000 mAh in the 10.1-inch tablet) which promises 30 hours of audio or five hours of video playback. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 model will be available from April 22 for $249.99. The Galaxy Player 4.2, as you might expect, features a 4.2-inch, 800 x 480 pixel resolution display and comes with 8GB onboard storage with microSD expansion. There's 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity, an FM radio, and a 2-megapixel camera at the back and VGA webcam to the front. This media player features dual stereo speakers and an embedded microphone, and will be available from May 13 for $199.99.

The Galaxy Player 3.6 has the same specs as the other new addition but with a 3.65-inch, 480 x 320 pixel resolution display and mono speaker. This model is available now for $149.99.