Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 price Malaysia - RM1,299

It was first announced to carry a price tag of RM2,199 in Malaysia.

Now, for as low as RM1,299 (DiGi) or RM1,388 (Celcom) you can get to own this distinctively different tablet. The full functional S-pen (a stylus) brings back memories of the old smart phones and electronic organisers, PDA.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 brings in a multitasking experience with its multi-screen feature where user can utilise two different applications side-by-side simultaneously on the expansive view of 10.1-inch screen. Main features of Samsung's new offering are:

Operating System    : Android 4.0 (Ice-cream Sandwich)
Screen size              : 10.1" WXGA (1280x800) LCD
Input                        : S Pen/S Note (apart from touch screen)
Processor                : 1.4GHz Exynos Quad-Core
Cameras                  : 5MP rear camera, 1.9MP front camera


Galaxy Note 10.1 Prices/Packages

The three main telcos - DiGi, Maxis and Celcom - have announced their packages for the new tablet. The recommended retail price is RM2,199 and as usual you can purchase this at much reduced cost in a couple of months.

1) DiGi

2) Maxis

Value Plan 50: Data quota - 1.5GB, monthly - RM50
Value Plan 75: Data quota - 3.5GB, monthly - RM75


3) Celcom

You may want to check out what's in store for you at U Mobile if your area is covered by this service provider.

I have used the services of all three telcos in the past for both my smart phones and tablet. My personal experience is that, Maxis is quite conservative (read stingy) in allocating data for the same amount of money you pay compared to the other telcos. But they offer the fastest surfing experience, for now.

Let's see if Celcom and DiGi buck up. I like Celcom in the sense that they provide the widest coverage and I can go practically everywhere and still get at least 1 or 2 bars of signal on my phone.

The new Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Samsung is currently marketing the Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) together with the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) - the improved versions of both variants.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 is basically designed based on Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) but comes with  S-Pen. It allows users to draw, annotate and write notes on the 10.1in screen. It has faster 1.4GHz processor, more RAM and better camera. Other than that they are practically the same slabs.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 - Image: techworld.

**UPDATE: Malaysia pricing and packages here. **

Key Features of the Galaxy Note 10.1

Price                        : TBA, but The Inquirer quoted £399 (16GB WiFi only)
                                : £499 (16GB WiFi + 3G)
Screen size              : 10.1-inch
Processor                 : 1.4GHz quad-Core processor, 2GB RAM
Operating system      : Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich
Storage capacity       : 16GB, but also possibly 32GB and 64GB
Mobile connectivity    : WiFi, 3G
Camera                    : 5 MP
Announced               : Feb 2012 at MWC 2012, then re-announce last week (August 2012)
Availability                : end-August 2012 (expected)

All specifications obtained from Techwold.

This 10.1" slab is said to be an attempt to match the iPad. Let's see how it fares, considering it has gone back to the drawing board for 6 months since its first announcement in February 2012.

Perhaps an interesting option (or rather more confusion to existing Galaxy Tab users), but I'm sticking to my snappy iPad 3 for now. Happy user.