Two New Samsung Galaxy Player Models Offer Alternatives to Smartphones

Samsung has just launched the Samsung Galaxy Player 3.6, an Android-based handheld computer created for those who want all the features of a smartphone except the phone. This is the latest in a growing series of similar devices.

This model has a 3.6-inch, HVGA (480 x 320) touchscreen. A slightly larger version with a 4.2-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display will come out next month. Samsung debuted the first model in this series last year: the Galaxy Player 5.0 has, obviously enough, a 5-inch touchscreen.

Like their top competitor, the Apple iPod touch, these products are focused on games and video playback. They appeal most to those who don't want to pay a monthly cellphone bill, and are content to connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi.

Specs and Details
Aside from the size and resolution of their displays, the two new Galaxy Players have almost the same specs. They run Android OS 2.3 (Gingerbread), have 8GB of internal storage, and a microSD memory card slot. Each has a pair of cameras:a 2MP rear-facing one and a VGA front-facing one. These handhelds have Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, an FM radio, and support for USB 2.0 host.

There is one addition difference: the larger version as a pair of stereo speakers, while its smaller sister model has a single speaker.

The Samsung Galaxy Player 3.6 is available now for $150. It is currently exclusively at Best Buy stores, but will soon be sold by other retailers.

Pre-orders for the Galaxy Player 4.2 will start on May 4, and it is going to debut on May 13. This handheld is going to sell for $200.