Samsung to ship Galaxy Note 10.1 with better processor than expected

IDG News Service - Samsung Electronics will start shipping the Galaxy Note 10.1 later this month, with a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and a software feature from the Galaxy S III.

When it revealed the Galaxy Note 10.1 at Mobile World Congress in February, Samsung said the device would have a 1.4GHz dual-core processor, but the company apparently felt that wasn't enough to compete with the latest iPad or the current crop of Android-based tablets.

Removing the S Pen stylus from its slot in the Galaxy Note 10.1 turns the screen on, while a software feature inherited from the Galaxy S III uses the front camera to see if someone is using the device, and while that is the case the screen isn't dimmed.

The 10.1-inch screen has a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels. Users can store their content on up to 64 GB memory (there are also models with 16 and 32 GB), which can be expanded using a microSD card. The device also has 2GB of RAM, and there are two cameras, with resolutions of 5 megapixels and 2 megapixels.

At 597 grams, the Galaxy Note 10.1 is slightly heavier than originally announced.

There are three connectivity options: a Wi-Fi-only version and a WiFi plus HSPA+ version that will be available at launch, and a Wi-Fi plus LTE version available later this year. The company didn't elaborate on what parts of the world the LTE version will be adapted for.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 will first become available in South Korea, Germany, the U.S. and the U.K., and then gradually roll out to other markets starting later this month.

In Sweden, the Note 10.1 will start shipping the week beginning Aug. 20, and cost 4,800 Swedish kronor (US$710) excluding tax.

Send news tips and comments to mikael_ricknas@idg.com