14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung's Galaxy Tab adapter is already known around the world, but its maker wanted to grant it extra functionality without marring its build, so it came up with an USB adapter.
When it comes to media tablets, they all have to stick to certain unspoken guidelines in regards to size, shape and performance.
As such, they can't really integrate all the features one might dream for and, in the case of the Samsung Galaxy Tab, this means no USB.
The Galaxy Tab does have a number of connectivity options, including a 30-pin Apple-like connector.
Needless to say, the lack of Universal Serial Bus support could be a turnoff for some prospective buyers, particularly those that would like to be able to plug in peripherals or storage units, like flash drives.
Of course, since the product is already in its final state, Samsung's can't just suddenly revise the design in order to accommodate the technology.
Fortunately, there are other way, compromises of sorts, like the release of an USB adapter.
Essentially, the item plugs into the aforementioned 30-pin connector and enables it to work like a full USB port.
Thus, users will be able to use flash drives (thumb drives, NAND Flash cufflinks etc.), keyboards, mice and anything else USB-connected, as long as said devices have support for the Android operating system.
The company actually already has the official product page of this accessory up and running and is asking for roughly $20 in exchange for it.
Unfortunately, said amount of money may come across as a bit large for something so small, and for a feature that most people would like (and expect) to see as part of the default tablet feature set.
As such, sales might not have a chance to go too high before Android slates with native support for USB start to serious sell around the world.