We've got our hands on a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. Before we tear it open to reveal its secrets, let's note some of its notable specs:

• 1.4 GHz quad-core processor
• Android 4.0
• 1280 x 800 pixels, 149 ppi, dual-digitizer multitouch display
• 2 GB RAM
• 16/32 GB internal and up to 64 GB external storage
• 5 MP rear camera and 1.9 MP front camera

The bottom edge of the Galaxy Note 10.1 features only the proprietary 30-pin dock connector and microphone.

The top edge of the Note 10.1 features a plethora of plugs and doodads, including the power and volume buttons, MicroSD slot, IR transceiver, and audio jack.

At first glance, it appears as though the stylus is just another button on the exterior of the plastic bezel.

• But no! Just like stashing a pencil in the spiral binding of a notepad, the S Pen is sneakily stored inside the tablet.

Designed in conjunction with Wacom, the industry leader in desktop tablets, the S Pen and digitizer are designed to optimize note writing.

The Note 10.1, with a thickness of 8.9 mm, is actually thinner than the third generation iPad, and almost the same thickness as the iPad 2.

• As a reminder, a standard pencil measures in at 6.4 mm. So, if you're looking for the ultimate slimness in note taking, paper and pencil is still the way to go.

The 10.1" screen on the Note 10.1 is also larger than the 9.7" screen on the iPad.

• But paper and pencil win again. The Note 10.1 and the iPad fall a few inches short of the 13.9" diagonal length of a standard piece of paper.

A few Phillips screws, a few clips, and we're in!

We like the combination of screws and clips. The screws are enough of a hassle to keep out meddling kids, but will by no means deter anyone who needs to fix something inside.

We take our first look inside the Note 10.1, and we're greeted with a cornucopia of connectors. By our count, there are 16!

• Having a lot of connectors is a huge boon for repairability. When components can be easily accessed and removed, repairs are much easier.

The first component out of the Note 10.1 is the MicroSD card and vibration motor.

While there is also onboard storage, the Note 10.1 can support MicroSD cards up to 64 GB.

The front-facing camera, the LED flash, and the rear-facing camera come out one right after the other.

Neither the 5 MP rear camera nor the 2 MP front camera are notable in and of themselves, but the fact that they are independent components—as opposed to sharing a single cable—is pretty cool.