Samsung Galaxy Note is a 5.3-inch Phone/Tablet Hybrid with Built-In Stylus
Rumors have been circulating of an upcoming Samsung handset with a massive 5-inch+ display. Now the manufacturer has launched a device fitting the description at the IFA trade show currently underway in Berlin. With a 5.3-inch (1280×800) Super AMOLED display, the Samsung Galaxy Note straddles the line between tablet and smartphone. With no official plans detailed for release, it’s hard to say where the device falls on that spectrum. It is powered by the same Samsung-made 1.4GHz processor found in the recently announced Galaxy Tab 7.7, rocks dual 8MP and 2MP cameras on the rear and front respectively, and features HSPA+ connectivity. A built-in stylus can be used for quick note taking, drawings and annotations, or to grab screen captures. Measuring in at a mer 9.65mm thick, the Galaxy Note manages to keep a relatively low profile for such a cumbersome device.
The phone/tablet runs on Gingerbread and gets Samsung’s TouchWiz interface on top. A special “S Pen” interface with a set of unique applications allows for input from the storable pen. Included are a to-do list, daily “S Planner,” and a stylus-optimized calendar, but the SDK will be released to developers to help expand the selection of available functions. Samsung is currently in discussion with carriers on the release of the Galaxy Note, so as you may guess there are few details to report on that front at this time.
