The Samsung Galaxy Note is perfect for data centric consumers

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    The AT&T retail box looks unassuming enough, but wait until you open it up to check out the device inside. The Samsung Galaxy Note has reignited my passion for Android and as a data centric user I think it may just be the perfect device I have been looking for over the past few years. It is a big phone or maybe a small tablet, but whatever it is I am loving it.

    Please visit my ZDNet Mobile Gadgeteer blog article for a video walkthrough and many more details on the Samsung Galaxy Note.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The Galaxy Note is a rather unique device so it was great to see Samsung and AT&T include a full color Quick Start Guide that shows off some of the key new features.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The Galaxy Note Flip Case works by replacing the standard back of the Note and as you can see I am testing out the brown one.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The 8 megapixel camera and LED light are found centered at the top of the back.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The S Pen silo is found at the bottom left of the Note.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The S Pen is light and has a nice size for writing on the display. There is a single button that you can press to perform different functions, such as taking screenshots.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The entire back comes off the Galaxy Note and is reattached by snapping in several plastic clips.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    It is a bit unusual to still find microSD card slots on devices, but I was pleased to see it on the Note. As you can see a standard miniSIM is used here rather than the newer and smaller microSIM.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The 3.5mm headset jack is found on the top of the Note, which is my preferred placement for headphones.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    A microUSB port is on the bottom so you can charge up and connect your Note.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    I thought my Galaxy Nexus was a large device, until I set it next to the Galaxy Note.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The Galaxy Note is a wide device, but if you use it as a tablet then it is really not that bad.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The Flip Case from Samsung offers a way to protect the display.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The inside of the Flip Case has soft material to prevent scratching your display.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    It is tough to see in this photo, but the display is excellent. Samsung includes a lock screen image that shows off the pen capability.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The display is huge at 5.3 inches and lets you load it up with shortcuts and widgets.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    AT&T includes lots of bloatware on the Galaxy Note, but you can actually uninstall most of it.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The S Memo application is currently the primary app for using the S Pen.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    You can customize the pen color and width, as well as choosing from one of eight note backgrounds.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    Tap the pen icon to change pen tip settings.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    You can pull in various images to use with your notes in S Memo.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    Samsung includes a S Pen optimized game to try on the Note.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    I am not very good at the game, but you draw in lines and shapes to move the red ball to the star.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    Sketchbook Mobile Pro from AutoDesk is a high powered sketching application and this is just one of many screens where you can customize pen settings.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    OK, so my quick sketches need work here.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    Samsung includes a daily diary application on the Note.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    Kies Air is an easy way to move content wirelessly between your Note and computer.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    Here is a sample photo of my blossoming cherry tree.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    And another photo taken of the front of my house.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The rocks around our water feature show up well in the photo.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    I took this photo of a decoration inside the rec room.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    The cat wasn't very cooperative, but I captured this one of her playing around.

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    Samsung Galaxy Note gallery thumbnail 1

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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    Samsung Galaxy Note gallery thumbnail 2

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

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The Samsung Galaxy Note has reignited my passion for Android and as a data centric user I think it may just be the perfect device I have been looking for over the past few years. It is a big phone or maybe a small tablet, but whatever it is I am loving it.

Read More Read Less

The AT&T retail box looks unassuming enough, but wait until you open it up to check out the device inside. The Samsung Galaxy Note has reignited my passion for Android and as a data centric user I think it may just be the perfect device I have been looking for over the past few years. It is a big phone or maybe a small tablet, but whatever it is I am loving it.

Please visit my ZDNet Mobile Gadgeteer blog article for a video walkthrough and many more details on the Samsung Galaxy Note.

Caption by: Matthew Miller

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