Thanks to a tipster, we’ve been handed the official press release for theGalaxy Note II, which is expected to be announced at IFA 2012 in just a few hours. The display of the Galaxy Note II will be 5.5″ and 1280×720 resolution (granting it a true 16:9 aspect ratio, but with lesser resolution than the original Galaxy Note which had 1280×800 pixels).
Like the original Note, the display will be an HD Super AMOLED panel. The device will feature a 1.6GHz quad-core CPU (the type is not specified, but we’ll put our money on the Exynos) with 2GB of RAM and an 8MP camera on the rear and a 1.9MP camera on the front. It’ll be powered by an even-larger 3,100mAh battery (the original Note was 2,500mAh). Despite the larger battery, the Note II will be slightly thinner than the original at 9.4mm versus 9.65mm, but it’ll be heavier by 2 grams. It’ll be available in 16, 32, and 64 GB configurations and will have microSD expansion.
The Galaxy Note took the smartphone and tablet market by storm. It redefined what consumers considered an acceptable if not necessary screen size for mobile use.
After testing one of these units, it has become apparent that this size is excellent for Augmentative Alternative Communications (AAC). It is impossible for those who are verbally challenged to manage a 10 inch tablet when mobile.
Imagine traveling from place to place having to pull out this huge tablet every time communication is desired.
The iPhone size screens are mobile, but so small that the communication efficiency of most AAC software is greatly reduced.
This is where the Galaxy Note provides great value. The Note has the power to run any type of AAC app the user might install, while providing a screen large and mobile enough for on the go use. In my view, more people need to begin looking at the Note as their on the go AAC device.
The problem with the Note is its price. As a smartphone it requires a data plan, which can be expensive, but with a share plan this machine can be made affordable.
My hope is more people will look beyond the Apple world, because of the new options being generated in the Android space. With the Galaxy Note II on the way prices on the original should drop, so now might be a great time to make the jump.
