Read our hands-on of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Connectivity & Features
Design is not the only area where Samsung has taken an Apple-like approach in the past, as the connectivity on most of its Galaxy Tab range isn’t exactly stellar – and this approach has been maintained with the Galaxy Note 10.1.

As such, you won’t find a digital video output or USB port here. These can, of course, be added through adapters using the tablet’s proprietary docking connector, but since Samsung doesn’t include them in the box, these need to be purchased separately. Apple-tastic.

Where the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 does hold a major advantage over the iPad and some Android tablets like the Motorola Xoom 2, is that it has a microSD card slot to expand its storage. So you can add a 64GB card to the tablet’s native 16/32/64GB if you want enough space for you massive music collection.  

The microSD card slot is protected by a hinged flap, and is found next to the power button and volume rocker. Both of these are well positioned and responsive. On the slot’s right side, we have an IR transceiver and headphone jack. The Galaxy Note 10.1’s sides are left clear, while at the bottom you’ll find the Samsung docking connector in the middle and the S Pen slot to the right.

Another advantage the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 has over most of the premium competition is that there’s actually a 3G version available to buy. This compares favourably to the likes of the Asus Transformer range, which still doesn’t offer a model with mobile broadband.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Smart Remote with IR
As mentioned, the Note 10.1 has an IR (infrared) emitter, which is a rare but very handy feature that allows you to use your tablet as a remote control for your television – and not just Samsung-branded ones, either. There are very few mainstream tabs on the market that offer this, so far comprising Samsung’s own Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and the Sony Tablet S.

Paired with the pre-installed Smart Remote app, it makes for a great all-in-one solution that worked almost perfectly with the Panasonic TV we tried it with (we say almost because it wouldn’t turn it on, but every other function was flawless). A nice rival to the Logitech Harmony 1100, in other words.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Cameras
As with most tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 has front and rear cameras. The front one is an HD, 1.9MP affair which gives decent quality that’s more than adequate for video chatting/conferencing, while the rear shooter sports 5MP and an LED flash. While this doesn’t produce the best pics we’ve seen from a tablet – that honour remains with the Asus Transformer Prime – it’s again good enough for general use. HD video, meanwhile, gets shot at up to 720p.