Samsung Galaxy Note
The curious case of the Samsung Galaxy Note, and it’s larger sibling, the Galaxy Tab 7.7, is one that we’ve been following closely. These two awesome devices were announced to great enthusiasm a few months back at IFA, but their official launch dates were left unspecified. Although I was put off by the Samsung Galaxy Note inititally, I must say that the idea of a pocketable device with accurate digital ink input is rather appealing, even if it wouldn’t work so well in one hand. The real issue, however, is how do we get our hands on one?
At the moment, the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Tab 7.7 go completely without mention on Samsung’s US site. Back during IFA, GottaBeMobile reported some dubious news from Samsung — that the company had “no plans” for a US launch of these devices. Some have interpreted this to mean that Samsung didn’t yet have specifics nailed down for the region, and others think Samsung is saying outright that they won’t be launching in the US. Whatever the case, it’s clear that they are taking a regional approach to distribution of the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Tab 7.7.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7
In the US, it doesn’t seem like the Samsung Galaxy Note, or the Galaxy Tab 7.7, will be launching — not immediately anyway. I’ve got a good feeling that Samsung knows that the Galaxy Tab 7.7 would be good in the US, after all, the original Galaxy Tab is considered to be one of the best selling Android tablets to date, and it was widely available in the US. As for the Galaxy Note, it would seem as though Samsung doesn’t want to push it into the region so soon after they made a big deal about the Galaxy S II which has recently become available across all major US carriers. There’s also the Apple patent cases to consider.
While we can’t be sure that it’s any indication of availability, a brief survey of some of Samsung’s regional sites shows that the device is at least sufficiently featured on their Germany, Finland, Netherlands, and Denmark sites.
For those of us in the US, we’ll need to rely on importers until Samsung decides that it’s time to bring the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Tab 7.7 to the US for an official launch.
Tech importer Expansys has both devices available for pre-order, but neither are likely to be cheap enough for anyone but extreme early-adopters and ultra-niche users. The Galaxy Note is currently listed by Expansys at a steep $945. Expansys has not yet announced a price for the Galaxy Tab 7.7, but is accepting pre-orders.
I’m hoping to see these prices come down some by the time they are actually shipping imported and unlocked units to US customers, but without official sales channels (and thus carrier subsidies), it’s going to be hard to push the prices down on these bits of top-end hardware.
A quick search for some other imports reveals cheaper prices, however, you should always do your research before buying an import!
I’ll be holding off until there’s more info about availability in Canada, and more actual day-to-day usage feedback…In the meantime, I hold on to the hope that the Note will provide a wbetter browsing and book reading experience than my current qHD Sensation
I have already ordered my Galaxy Note and they have confirmed shipment will be sent November 3rd. Can’t wait to get it. I paid about $785 Canadian for the device. I am very excited.
Hey Thomas, who did you order from?
Expansys are notorious for listing products as coming soon, pre-order etc and then going back on what they say. I personally wouldn’t trust it until they have them in stock.
I was between to buy Iphone 4s (or 5, it was not sure) or Galaxy note. Now I am pretty sure to buy Note..
This product is really cool…
I’ll buy the Note as soon as is available in the us.
I have been looking for a phone to replace my HTC Windows 6.5 Smartphone. It was between the iPhone 4S and Galaxy Note. I’m holding out for a Note as soon as I can get an unlocked one for around $699 or less.
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