Guys:
Depending on which "techy" you talk to, there are pro's and cons to each tablet... I only have experience with the ipad, but here is what I have gathered over the past few weeks of research (my wife wants in on the fun, so trying to decide which way to go for her)
1. The ipad has a larger screen (something like 10" for ipad - 7 1/2" for Samsung) - Depends on what you are after, but unless you have meathooks like the guy that calls our bucket with the Rays, you can't hold the Ipad in one hand... However, if that does not bother you, the Ipad screen seems to perform better in higher light.
2. Obvioulsy they both have options for internal memory at different price points when you buy them...The big difference is that you can buy 16 gig's of the samsung and upgrade with an SD card to 64. Like most Apple gadgets, the only way to upgrade is by reaching into your back pocket and buying another model.
3. They both have options to say yes or no to 3G as an upgraded option. Personally, I think it is a waste of money - Wireless connectivity is pretty prevelant right now and "hot spots" are added what seems like every day. So if you go 3G, you do not need a wireless internet signal to connect, however you have to pay for a data plan...
4. The Samsung runs on the Droid operating system, Ipad on Apples OS (the same one as Iphone)... I will not pretend to REALLY know the difference...The basic thing I take from the difference is that you can not run Adobe Flash on the Ipad like you can on the Samsung....However, in my experience, most web-sites are fine in their "non flash" modes.
5. The samsung does have one thing (or two, depending on how you look at it) that the Ipad does not...and I can't believe they left this out. The Samsung tablet has both a front facing and rear facing digital camera....The Ipad does not have any. Now most will not use their tablet as a camera, but those that like skype, etc will probably want to either go with the Samsung, or wait until Apple releases their next version. I assume they will add the camera options then. As with the Iphone, I'm sure Apple held some things back from the 1st version of Ipad so they could create some buzz around version 2.
6. In my opinion, the biggest difference between the two is the APPS that are available for them.... As of right now, a majority of the most popular apps are built for the Ipad/Iphone....The Droid/Verizon apps are growing every day, but most believe that the Ipad will stay pretty dominant, which will keep the needle pointed in that direction on the apps side.
Overall, I am still a fan of the Ipad - It just seems to run smoother and the transitions between apps and functions are just a bit better. Please don't take this as gospel..There are plenty of other reviews on the net that lean the other way (I have been reading a bunch of them). I have more time with the ipad, but have had the opportunity to spend some time playing with the Samsung... Quite frankly, both are pretty damn cool....Looks like I'll another tablet to the Petros household this year....Not sure which one yet, but I do know this....My DD's bat had better make it through the winter, because Daddy's discretionary fund will take a hit at Christmas time :lmao: