Yesterday, Samsung officially announced their first tablet powered by Android 2.2, called Samsung Galaxy Tab (GT-P1000) featuring 7-inch touchscreen. The new tablet weighs less than a pound (0.837 pounds) and Samsung highlighted that it supports Adobe Flash Player 10.1.

"Samsung recognizes the tremendous growth potential in this newly created market and we believe that the Samsung GALAXY Tab brings a unique and open proposition to market. There is a new and emerging consumer demand that Samsung can satisfy since mobile is in our DNA. This demand continues to grow and develop as users tap its limitless potential," said Simon Stanford, Head of Mobile, Samsung UK and Ireland. "The Samsung GALAXY Tab has been designed to enable consumers to maximize their online experience wherever that may be. The Samsung GALAXY Tab is pushing the market in new directions and Samsung believes this is only the beginning of its innovations as pioneers in smart media devices."

Samsung Galaxy Tab comes with 1024 x 600 resolution screen, 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, 512MB RAM, 16GB or 32GB onboard storage, 1.3 megapixel webcam, 3-megapixel main camera with flash, WiFi n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, 3G HSPA (900/1900/2100MHz) and microSD card slot. Sensors present on the tablet include gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer and light sensor. It measures 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98 mm and comes with 4,000mAh battery for up to 7 hours of video playback. Galaxy Tab follows Apple iPad by using a 30-pin connector in place of USB or HDMI ports.

Samsung will launch the new tablet first in Europe by mid of this month. The company plans to ship it in US and Asia by end of this year. Rumors are that Galaxy S will be available in Europe for Euro 699 ($900) without carrier contract, making it relatively expense when compared to iPad 3G priced Euro 599. And with carrier contract for data service the price should drop by half.

Engadget and SlashGear have posted hands-on preview of the Galaxy Tab and both websites agree that it’s an impressive first attempt by Samsung in Android tablet market. Engadget’s conclusion puts it the best “The true usefulness of Android in this form factor will require more time with the Tab to really discern. A lot rests on the shoulders of developers, as usual, to make or break this quasi-new platform, but for Samsung's part we think the company has set the gold standard for Android tablets.”

Check out the video below showing Swype keyboard, augmented reality, e-reader and video calling on Samsung Galaxy Tab. And yes, you will need a specially big pocket to keep it in your jacket.