Thanks Andy! I just use this thread to kill time until I get my Tab, but I'm glad that others find it interesting/informative. I've honestly been wanting a 3G ultimate-convergence device for a LONG time. I *tried* to talk myself into getting a smartphone (first the N900, then the Galaxy S), but I couldn't see myself using it for long periods (the N810 that I own is tough enough already) and figured that I would eventually go back to the laptop. I'm too cheap to just throw $500 into just anything. When I heard that tablets were coming out, I knew it was time to dive in.

I'm rarely out and about, so a small smartphone screen around the home isn't terribly attractive. I have a laptop, but even that's not comfortable to use in a variety of lounging situations (eg. in bed or on the couch), as typing becomes very difficult unless sitting upright. But a tablet is perfect.

I still like to be connected when I'm out, which is something that I've been missing with my N810. This is where the 3G is a very positive feature. I suspect that people that already *have* smartphones will be less excited about this feature, but I suspect having to tether, charge and carry two devices can't be all that much fun. It's funny, but I've learned that it's the little inconveniences that can add up to make a poor user experience.

For example, I have a laptop which works well enough, but the battery life is so terrible, and the thing is so heavy that that it kills the user experience. I wish manufacturers really paid attention to the little touches and actually used their products at length before throwing them out into the market. Apple seems to do this, and Samsung seems to as well. Their devices are polished and a pleasure to use, rather than devices that you have to compromise to use at every turn.

Plus, I'm very impressed with the growth and design decisions that have gone into Android. There are plenty of applications, it runs well, and shows little signs of going obsolete. Plus, it's open, which is a nice touch, and has attracted quite a large hacking community. This is the reason I could never buy an Apple product. For as slick as their interface is, it's designed as a platform to keep you buying and once its time is up, it's quickly forgotten. In my experience, open systems tend to have longer lives.

The Tab is the best example of a convergence device to date (IMO) and it's executed very, very well. It combines so many devices into one that it's almost a steal at the price its being offered for. Sure it isn't the best in many things, but from the reviews it performs its tasks so well, as to provide a polished and fun user experience. Plus, I appreciate the high quality componentry that has gone into the unit. The touch-panel is very high quality, as is the screen, the build, the SoC, and the battery. This is well worth the extra money.

I'm really interested in other devices as well. I'd like to see what a MeeGo tablet looks like, and what Apple will continue to bring into this space. But it will be extremely hard (from my perspective anyhow) to beat what the Tab offers such a solid balance of design, features, and potential.

Forgive the sloppy writing. I'm actually going through a tough time in my relationship, so my emotions are all over the place.