AC

Samsung's new Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 tablet isn't meant to take on the iPad head-on. Instead, it offers a more portable, more affordable alternative to the Apple juggernaut. If you're looking for a smaller tablet that won't break the bank, this latest 7-inch tablet from Samsung is certainly worth a look. The device is the successor to Samsung's Galaxy Tab 7.0 and Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus. It solves many of the problems plaguing those earlier 7-inch models. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (MSRP $249.99) brings better hardware and software to the table and ships with Android's latest operating system, Android 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich). While the 7-inch screen may not be popular with the older crowd, a common complaint about larger tablets is the unwieldy heft of a nearly-10-inch screen. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 has a smaller profile that's better to carry around — as long as you only plan to use your tablet for a few hours at a time. If you use the tablet for more than 5 hours in one sitting,...