Samsung's Galaxy Tab 8.9 troubled by screen issues, chubbier version the result?

Everyone 'round here knows that Samsung has a lusty 10.1- and premature 7-inch version of its Galaxy Tab tablet. But we've heard nary a peep from Samsung about that $469 8.9-incher announced alongside its bigger, just-as-thin sibling back in March. We might know why. According to Korean news siteEtnews, Samsung is having trouble getting it to market due to low yields of the 8.9's G1F touch-panel which uses one less film layer than conventional GFF (glass fiber filter) panels. This G1F architecture is behind Samsung's Super Clear LCD which you'll find on Sammy's own Galaxy Player, (Russian) Nexus S, and Wave II handsets. Etnews claims that Samsung will offset the G1F shortfall with GFF-type touch panels that are 30 - 40 percent thicker and dimmer, thanks to the extra layer. If true then we have one question: which regions will get the chunkier Galaxy Tab 8.9 when if finally does launch this summer?

Tablet Crazed? You’re Not Alone, Says Samsung

If you have a tablet, or an unstoppable urge to go and buy one, you’re one of many. Samsung released findings of a survey conducted by Kelton Research revealing that 90 percent of U.S. consumers either have a tablet already, or would consider buying one.