#ThrowbackThursday: How it all began with the Samsung Galaxy Tab

The Samsung Galaxy Tab was actually my first ever Android device. Back then, for me at least, it was all about scanning documents and not having to print; having everything on demand. It was perfect for studying as all my important books were in one place.

I had bought an e-reader before this because it was significantly cheaper. But that didn't work so well because the display was too slow to show scanned PDFs. So I decided, in January of 2011, to take the plunge. I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Back when Android tablets were an 'adventure'

Although I had already used smartphones before this, Android was a very unique and new world to me. For example, there was the question of means: I had a Google account, so that was no problem. But at that time there was no Gmail app because Google did not have the rights necessary to trademark Gmail – at least not in Germany where I live.

So there was no Gmail app (or any updates for Google Mail, although I don't remember exactly). I was struggling a little at first to set up my email account. Unusual, for me at least, was that I ultimately had to experiment with multiple email clients until I found the perfect solution.

Initially, the Galaxy Tab inspired me. It was fast, it had a great display and was even UMTS capable with its 3G module. The display has a 1024 x 600 resolution which is laughable today, but for its time was very detailed. And 16 GB of internal memory! WTF? Even today, smartphones still come to market with this capacity. I find it really surprising that so little has changed.

For mobile (including making calls) I rarely needed the Galaxy Tab. On the one hand, this would require a second SIM card and, on the other hand, I didn't need to go beyond certain daily tasks with my BlackBerry on hand. But for Samsung the 3G module was crucial. That's because, at that time, Google tablets were refused access to the Android Market (known as the Play Store today). But the Galaxy Tab was actually just a little too big to be a smartphone...

During active service I used the Galaxy Tab primarily for sofa surfing, listening to music and reading in the library. There, I was often mentioned in conversations about my approach – "electronic study aids" were then mainly notebooks. Internet-connected tablets containing every text was uncommon.

Making calls with the Galaxy Tab

I recall a time when I was extremely happy with the phone function. I was out all day and, when my cell phone battery was almost at zero, my tablet became my second phone. I inserted a SIM card and already I could call my girlfriend in the middle of the park under great weather. Perfect.

The Galaxy Tab ran Android 2.2 Froyo from the factory. Samsung decided to offer an official update to Gingerbread sometime in March, 2012. Thanks to CyanogenMod, I wasn't on Android 2.3 for long – my Galaxy Tab runs today with Android 4.4 KitKat, although newer versions aren't available. They need more computing power and RAM. So, at some point, the processor was simply not good enough. Now the Galaxy Tab is another item on the scrap heap.

The Galaxy Tab was undoubtedly my gateway drug for Android

The Galaxy Tab was undoubtedly my gateway drug for Android. By this time the differences between BlackBerry and Android had become painfully clear: whether Maps or the rail travel planner, my tablet performed well, while my BlackBerry did not. Eventually, it was time for an Android phone – but that's another story.

Did you have something like a Samsung Galaxy Tab? How were your experiences with this early Android tablet? Tell me in the comments.

Every Thursday night we publish articles for #ThrowbackThursday. In this series, we look back at feature phones, smartphones and other gadgets that have been with us the longest. But what comes next week?