The Boston Globe

Business

Boston.com

Tech Lab

A mini-tablet that is also a smart phone

By Hiawatha Bray

 |  Globe Staff  

  February 23, 2012

With Apple Inc.’s iPad firmly established as the biggest thing in tablet computing, rival companies are competing by thinking small, delivering less-expensive mini-tablets. Which brings us to the new Galaxy Note from Samsung Corp., a mini-tablet computer that doubles as a high-end smartphone, and features a stylus-based handwriting recognition system. It’s a capable hybrid device, but its unusual design and unreliable handwriting feature suggest that the Note’s future is as limited as its screen size.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help