May 12, 2011

Posted by in Featured, News | 38 Comments

No microSD Card Slot on Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi?

There has been some confusion since the Google I/O Limited Edition Galaxy Tab 10.1 was handed out to developers at the conference about the microSD card slot. Clearly there is not a microSD card slot on the I/O version, but people still speculate the the Wi-Fi version of the Tab, launching June 8th, will indeed support microSD cards. Unfortunately, this probably will not be the case.

When Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab 10.1 (slim version) at CTIA, they listed in the specs that it would support microSD. On top of that the dummies on the showroom floor had a visible slot for the beloved cards. So why will it be missing from the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi version? Because it is the Wi-Fi version.

Allow me to elaborate. The component that houses the microSD card is the same as the one that houses the SIM card. Since there is no SIM card in the Wi-Fi version, Samsung took the liberty of removing the slot completely, thus removing the expandable storage capability.

It does not make much sense that the 10.1s given out at the conference would be any different than the ones going on sale early next month, save the white back of course. There still is a chance that Samsung will decide to include the microSD slot, but do not hold your breath.

Motorola had the same predicament with the Wi-Fi version of the Xoom, but they handled it much more gracefully. They included the same slot for the SIM and microSD card, and just put a dummy SIM card to fill the space. Since there are no cellular radios in the Wi-Fi Xoom, it did not raise the price.

I have never cared for microSD cards and have always been a fan of internal storage. Obviously having the option is always better than not though, so it is a little frustrating that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi will probably not support it.

How do you feel about the lack of microSD card support?

About Kyle Dornblaser

Kyle Dornblaser has written 616 posts.

My name is Kyle Dornblaser and I love technology. I am into gadgets as well as website development. Combining the two was obvious to me and that is why this website exists today!

  • klee2000

     I highly doubt that they can sell this device without a sd card slot. That will kill this product in sales, who the hell would want to buy it???? Honestly that wouldn’t make any sense!

  • Rizwankhanpk2003

    Hi i m not comment on this but i really want to  know that i have galaxy tab P1000 with froyo  2.2 . I am having problem to download skype apps from android market. As i lived in Pakistan  when i start download the for market the popup appears that this apps is not available in ur area. Plz u pplz help me to download skype video apps for my tab.
    If some one have solution for my problem then plz do email me on this address > rizwankhanpk2003@yahoo.com
    Thanx.

  • Architectindubai

    i agree with klee2000. the only convincing push for me to buy the tab 10.1 is if it has even just the mocroSD.acer a500 has mocroSD,USB and even microHDMI! ..so why should I buy the samsung tab if it makes no better than the ipad2? ipad 2 btw, has tons and tons of stable apps compared to the baby android on tablets =(

  • Anonymous

     No sd card slot is a deal breaker for me. I have been waiting seemingly forever for something to better the iPad. the 10.1 with a slot was gonna be it. Might as well buy the iPad2.

  • Mthom16

    without a sd card slot who not just call it i ipad2 with a differant os.

  • MTab

    They wonder why Android fans aren’t buying tablets.  It’s because they keep skimping on things.  My plan was to buy one, but without a SD card slot I’ll just wait.

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  • Upset

     I wanted an iPad2 but was going to wait for the 10.1 because I wanted an SD slot.  No slot…I’m going to iPad2.  Now I’m just pissed that I waited so long for nothing.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7OHK3GECVG4TGB7AE4LAFGPCAA jsuber

     I think you all got the special edition TABS because someone made a misfire at the old grinding stone and now you get a nice new free Special Edition Tab.  The rest of us wille be purchasing one with the SD card but what it is missing is a USB port.

  • Rick

    If the new Galaxy Tab 10.1 is missing the Micro SD slot, it’ll be a deal-breaker. Being able to expand the internal memory to accomodate larger HD video files and more complex applications is critical to a win over iPad 2. If this launches without it, Samsung is going to lose customers to other “No Micro SD” tablets that are very similar and less expensive. Also, why would you eliminate a feature of your current model to save a few pennies of margin? This will also put them at least 2 years away from being King Of The Hill since most customers won’t upgrade again for a few years. Having the Micro SD slot (and mini HDMI) makes the Tab the clear winner over other tablets (including iPad 2) and not including them is a clear blunder in design. Samsung – make sure the Micro SD slot is available in the Tab AT LAUNCH.

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  • jimbo888

     Agree with the others here. Samsung sit up and listen. No micro sd card?. This is only a handful of comments, and if this is what People are thinking, You are going to loose many thousands of sales. Don’t end up like apple, or we might as well buy an ipad.

  • Houshasen

    I would agree with everyone else here.  Personally, I like android better than Apple just for personal preference.  But we must admit market share is currently way to the Apple side.  If Samsung really wanted to compete with IPad2, which it had the best shot.  But to really capture the audience, they have to include everything that they can say WE ARE BETTER here.  One doesn’t do it, two doensn’t do it but may be three.  And microSD is one of those function that may not capture everyone but it will be deal breaker for some of us, and when combined with something else it would be for more people. 

    Galaxy 10.1 is lighter, slimmer, android os i.e. more customization, bigger screen, higher screen resolution, flash support etc.  But I wanted to have expandable memory. So I can store my video series into separate microSD and simply swap back and forth.

    Indeed, it is deal breaker for me.

    *HDMI output lack is also probably another thing Samsung could have said, we are better than IPAD2 

    • Adrian

      The Multi-media dock supports HDMI

      But alas for me the lack of micro-SD is a breaker.  

  • Houshasen

    I would agree with everyone else here.  Personally, I like android better than Apple just for personal preference.  But we must admit market share is currently way to the Apple side.  If Samsung really wanted to compete with IPad2, which it had the best shot.  But to really capture the audience, they have to include everything that they can say WE ARE BETTER here.  One doesn’t do it, two doensn’t do it but may be three.  And microSD is one of those function that may not capture everyone but it will be deal breaker for some of us, and when combined with something else it would be for more people. 

    Galaxy 10.1 is lighter, slimmer, android os i.e. more customization, bigger screen, higher screen resolution, flash support etc.  But I wanted to have expandable memory. So I can store my video series into separate microSD and simply swap back and forth.

    Indeed, it is deal breaker for me.

    *HDMI output lack is also probably another thing Samsung could have said, we are better than IPAD2 

  • Anonymous

     100% dealbreaker for me. I’m nearly out of space on my Xoom (20Gb of my pics, 4-5Gb of movies. A tablet is nearly perfect for showing pics to friends) and couldn’t imagine not having the option of expanding. I can get the SD slot working on the Xoom thanks to the XDA guys (or Moto when they decide to enable it…), but no slot = no purchase for me. Shame, as otherwise the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has some advantages over the Xoom. Touchwiz + no SD means I stick with the Xoom (I could still return it and wait for GT, wouldn’t consider switching otherwise…)

  • Guest

    I’ve been counting the days till June 8, and I was hoping that the I/O verison tablets given out in that conference did not reflect the regular retail version.  I hope someone in Samsung is reading this and will remember to put include a microSD slot because this picture above just made my heart sink.  I will sadly pass up on buying the Tab 10.1 if there is no slot.

  • Anonymous

    They better have a microSD slot… 

  • Sew_journer

    pretty dumb idea on anyone’s tablet.  This natural expansion option reaches a wider audience… like me for instance. I probably won’t buy until there is an 8.9 with one and I don’t need 3 or 4G. All I want is a WiFi ver and expandability.  If they take too long, I’ll probably go to the competition

  • Cool

    People need a gadget that have many means of back ups..so if galaxy tab 10.1 or 8.9 don’t have card slot it,s no edge in iPad2..may I suggest to Samsung put card slot on it,I pretty much sure that every one will love it.
    Thanx!!  

  • Adunb8

    gawd damn it stupid samsung they suck at introducing new products that will kill “ipad” and they say its better than ipad its same shiit without sdcard or AMOLED screen geez… what a waste…… 

  • Dtopdoug

    ive been waiting to buy the Tab because it was promised with an SD Slot.  I would like the option since the internal storage is not that great, my MP3 player has more storage.  I’m not an apple fan so i was depending on the Tab.

  • Corey

    the sd card slot was the reason why i wanted but since they might skimp out on putting it in i may wait to see what the New HTC tablet will have. its sad to see Samsung keep it’s self down on the totem pole, this could of been the one for me

  • Mattandtink

    I have to agree with EVERYONE here. Samsung listen up, no sd slot=deal breaker for me too. I have been counting the days for the release. Iv`e had an ipad and a samung 7″ tab. Can`t stand web surfing on the Ipad what a pain in the ass. Sold the 7″ tab  waiting for the 8.9  tab, but no sd slot and i`m going with the competition . Sucks cause i was really looking forward to this.

  • Mjtaryan

    Given the uses I have for Tab 10.1, even 32gb internal is insufficient.  I (and I suspect many others) not only want the micro SD slot, but want it to be both SDHC and SCXC compatible. Do you hear me Samsung??

  • Thsoft2009

    I select IPAD 2 if Galaxy Tab 10.1/8.9 not support Micro SD and Calling
    as it has no different. But IPAD 2 more pretty Font 

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  • Fishreck

    I was ready to purchase the Galaxy 10.1 wifi 32G until I found out about the lack of storage card capability.  Samsung if you are listening NO SD CARD, NO SALE and no I will not purchase one from a phone carrier ever for many of the reasons already posted.  If you really want this thing to surpass the Ipad take heed in what the masses are saying.

  • r2000

    I was looking at the Samsun tab, but no SD slot and micro hdmi, sorry Acer A500 wins.
    Samsung what’s up !!!!!!!!

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  • Jim

    all my time and excitement on buying the galaxy tab is wasted… just bcuz of lack of microSD slot. I think theyd hav been better off without announcing it in first place.back in dilemma thinkin about ipad2 but still configuration wise, galaxy tab wins hands down. havent wasted my hard earned money though… anyone else in same boat?

    • trinidad

      I agree the ppl at samsung that made the call to omit that key element should kick themselves in the butt….here u are on the verge of overpowering the high and mighty ipad and u let these little details slip…..so sad i was so excited to finally get a tablet that i could do all my work on store movies expand memory and of course use as a phone ….talk about scoring one for the other team ….samsung u have one more chance to get this right before everybody switches u OFF….

  • Mystrhi

    No SD card slot is the deal breaker for me. I so want to get one but i just cant see not having the cards to swap out when i need them. I like the Galaxy and i like the screen and everything about it accept no internal SD card slot. Not gonna buy it. Shame too, it would have been the hottest seller out there.

    • Learlington

      Same here my thoughts are if there is no SD card slot then there is no interestfrom me

  • http://twitter.com/Team_FCKA Team FCKA

    The other difference is that the 4G version has the power and volume on the left side, and the WIFI has it on the left top side.

  • Simcolala

    i was ready to buy one when galaxy tab 10.1 is in the market.
    but i am totally disappointed with no sd card slot.
    the adaptors are too clumsy for such a lately lauched device.
    i hold my budget and wait for another device.

    • litto

      get the motorola xoom

  • Kardall

    Even the one on Telus doesn’t have one. And it’s a 3G version so……. Failsauce.

  • Joecannes

    I walked out of Best Buy when I heard there was no SD card slot

  • Eric

    The reason I bought the Samsung Galaxy SII (very pleased with it), is because it has an internal SD card slot and a removable battery, winch the IPhone has not, Therefore I will not buy the present Galaxy tab 10.1 and will wait for the next model with SD card slot if not I will buy another brand perhaps an Asus like Jallen43 is suggesting, If Samsung wants to make a statement against Apple and other manufacturers they have to look in too why people should buy their product and will lose if they make unwise decisions to save a few bucks like this and not listen to their customers. Another thing is the limited availability off their accessories I want to buy a stereo Samsung Bluetooth headset HS3000 but it is still not for sale in the Netherlands this model came on the market in July and its now October, I know I can buy them on the Net but I want to try them first.And also check on the fiddly buttons I read about in the reviews. 

  • Rojjers

    I bought one today, googled if it had one, and am bringing it back to the store tomorrow