I came close to buying a Nexus 7 yesterday. In fact, I actually put it in my shopping cart at the Google Play store, but so far haven't been able to pull the trigger.
Why? Well it's not because I don't think it's a good device or that I don't like the 7-inch form factor (which believe me, I do). It's just that I've had trouble figuring out where it'd fit into my life. Between my Galaxy Nexus, HTC One X, Nook Simple Touch, and iPad I feel like I'm hitting all of my potential use cases for a Nexus 7 (i.e. I have phones for when I'm out, Nook for reading, iPad for general browsing, RSS feeds, and video).
If the Nexus 7 had a 4G option it might be a different matter. Since I know I can always get online with it, a tablet with 3G/4G is far more useful to me when I'm out of the office or when I'm on the road. Even though the iPad is larger, heavier, and less portable than the Nexus 7, the fact that it has LTE makes it very useful to me when I'm running around doing meetings. Having a tablet with 3G/4G connectivity is even more important to me given that I'm going to be traveling for most of August, and that means if I bought a Nexus 7 I'd almost certainly end up leaving it behind in favor of my iPad.
None of this means that I don't really really want one (I've been really impressed with Jelly Bean on the Galaxy Nexus and from what I've seen it runs even better on the Nexus 7). And I may post this and then buy one anyway. I do know that if Google sold an unlocked version of Nexus 7 that I could pop a SIM into I'm sure I would have already hit the buy button. Yes, I know it'd be complicated for them to sell a Nexus 7 with an LTE radio, and there's no way they could sell a 4G tablet for $199, but even an HSPA+ version would do the trick for me.
UPDATE: For those suggesting I use my phone as a hotspot, I think that's a fair suggestion, but I do find it to be a worse experience than just having wireless built-in. I also don't like how it tends to destroy my phone's battery, something which I care a lot about, especially when I'm running around town.
Anyway, my main point is that I can't specify a great enough need for buying a Nexus 7 given the stuff I already have on hand. Doesn't mean I won't cave and get one anyway, but that'd be just to have one, not because I feel like I need it.
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Why I'm (probably) not buying a Nexus 7
With all due respect Peter, you basically just told us your not buying a toy because you have to many other toys to play with. :)
Imagine all you had was a smartphone and no tablet (yet)... would you be tempted then?
That's what happened with me - held out till I found something for a reasonable price.. For the price; can't beat it. Loving it so far. And the G-Nex wireless (Edit: you can use bluetooth or WiFi; I've been using bluetooth with minimal battery impact on my G-Nex) tether eliminates my 4G/connectivity qualms.
That's what happened with me - held out till I found something for a reasonable price.. For the price; can't beat it. Loving it so far. And the G-Nex wireless (Edit: you can use bluetooth or WiFi; I've been using bluetooth with minimal battery impact on my G-Nex) tether eliminates my 4G/connectivity qualms.
Same here. I have a gaming desktop PC, a laptop for working on school work on the go, my android smartphone for making calls and navigation etc., but I really wanted a tab for when I'm lounging around the house and relaxing. Until now, they were either overpriced and well specced, or underpowered for budget purchase, or running some crippled version of android. The nexus 7 hit all the right notes at a killer price. I traded in my PS2 and games, sold some more games on ebay, and paid $60 out of pocket for the best tablet I've ever used at this price point.
Totally understand your point and I think it's one that many will struggle with: Does a small slate fit in with a smartphone and big tablet (not to mention e-book devices). It's a scenario-context thing for me: Phone is used everywhere, but if I have the right location to use a larger tablet, I do. So phone goes everywhere, 7-inch tablet goes most places and large tablet stays at home.
You know, you could always use the Galaxy Nexus as an occasional hotspot for the Nexus 7 to get around the lack of mobile broadband (and cost thereof). It's not ideal, but it works for occasional use. I tend to consume local content on the Nexus 7 when I don't have a hotspot nearby, but I use the GNex as a connection for it as needed. My $0.02. :)
You know, you could always use the Galaxy Nexus as an occasional hotspot for the Nexus 7 to get around the lack of mobile broadband (and cost thereof). It's not ideal, but it works for occasional use. I tend to consume local content on the Nexus 7 when I don't have a hotspot nearby, but I use the GNex as a connection for it as needed. My $0.02. :)
Peter, I don't think most people who have an iPad would be in the market for the 7. It's a better form factor for some things, but if you have an iPad already it's much more difficult to justify.
Also, I have absolutely ZERO problem with it being WiFi-only. I don't have to worry about the carriers mucking it up, and it's in complete control of Google, which is why I attempt to stick to the Nexus products in the first place (except when I get tricked into buying the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, which I don't consider a Nexus device). Besides, I much prefer using my phone's hotspot for the few times I need access on my tablet while on the go.
The Nexus 7 is a great product for the people who can justify it. Personally, I'm seriously tempted to ditch my Galaxy Tab 10.1 because it's chock full of awful TouchWiz CRAP! Ugh. I absolutely hate TouchWiz in every way. It offers nothing to me and actively makes the product worse.
...it's settled, thanks for making me think through my annoyance at Samsung and decide to pull the trigger on the 7. You may not buy one, but you've made up my mind :)
Also, I have absolutely ZERO problem with it being WiFi-only. I don't have to worry about the carriers mucking it up, and it's in complete control of Google, which is why I attempt to stick to the Nexus products in the first place (except when I get tricked into buying the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, which I don't consider a Nexus device). Besides, I much prefer using my phone's hotspot for the few times I need access on my tablet while on the go.
The Nexus 7 is a great product for the people who can justify it. Personally, I'm seriously tempted to ditch my Galaxy Tab 10.1 because it's chock full of awful TouchWiz CRAP! Ugh. I absolutely hate TouchWiz in every way. It offers nothing to me and actively makes the product worse.
...it's settled, thanks for making me think through my annoyance at Samsung and decide to pull the trigger on the 7. You may not buy one, but you've made up my mind :)
TouchWiz is super crap. I never appreciated the excellence of my Galaxy Nexus until I experienced a Samsung Skyrocket and Samsung S3; fine hardware, horrible interface. I won't let my family near another Samsung Android device unless it has Nexus in the name or until Samsung murders TouchWiz. It's so bad. Really bad.
Peter,
You make perfect sense, do we really need 3 cell phones, 4 laptops, and such? I do find the 7-8 tablets easier to use than the 10 inch tablets. They just fit better in your hand. No 3G/4G for you Nexus 7, no problem. You have a Galaxy Nexus, so go visit Google Play and get Foxfi app. I assume you will always have your phone on you, so you will always have connectivity for your wifi only Nexus 7. I was told that Foxfi, Galaxy Nexus, & Roku make wonderful netflix movie watching at a beach cottage that has no internet service.
You make perfect sense, do we really need 3 cell phones, 4 laptops, and such? I do find the 7-8 tablets easier to use than the 10 inch tablets. They just fit better in your hand. No 3G/4G for you Nexus 7, no problem. You have a Galaxy Nexus, so go visit Google Play and get Foxfi app. I assume you will always have your phone on you, so you will always have connectivity for your wifi only Nexus 7. I was told that Foxfi, Galaxy Nexus, & Roku make wonderful netflix movie watching at a beach cottage that has no internet service.
I understand what you're saying about liking the smaller tablets, but as most Android phones are already over 4" and some even at 5" doesn't it seem redundant to have a 4" phone and 7" tablet? Wouldn't you rather have at least some disparity with having a 9 or 10" tablet like iPad or the bigger Galaxy Tabs? I think the 10" tablet is a great form factor because it's about the same size as a sheet of paper. I do like the idea of a smaller tablet, but if phones are getting bigger I don't think there's much of a market for it.
I can make the argument like this:
I have the galaxy nexus because it can do so much. I've used it to fix production issues while at a play using VPN + RDC to connect to machines.
I have the Asus Transformer because it's my main machine. It's such an amazing tablet it has replaced everything else I own. It's my work machine, my play machine, my entertainment machine. It's the Ubermachine. However,
I can't just throw it in a jacket pocket and go. Having it means having a messenger bag with me if I'm oncall.
My Nexus 7 has become my "convenient" freedom machine. I'm almost always wearing a suit, so having it tucked into my suit jacket means I can do whatever I can do with my Transformer anywhere easily, without needing a messenger bag, but I don't have the benefit of the Transformer's outstanding keyboard dock, and I DO miss it. So it's a compromise over usability over the Prime, but while having a much easier to use screen for work than the Galaxy Nexus. If I'm out and about, I have the Nexy7 on me.
I'm happy with these three devices for everything. It means that I could replace my Galaxy Nexus with a feature phone that has tethering though. If a Nexus 7 with 4G existed, I could replace my phone with one since I use Google Voice to make phonecalls and texts anyway (Using GrooveIP which is awesome).
I have the galaxy nexus because it can do so much. I've used it to fix production issues while at a play using VPN + RDC to connect to machines.
I have the Asus Transformer because it's my main machine. It's such an amazing tablet it has replaced everything else I own. It's my work machine, my play machine, my entertainment machine. It's the Ubermachine. However,
I can't just throw it in a jacket pocket and go. Having it means having a messenger bag with me if I'm oncall.
My Nexus 7 has become my "convenient" freedom machine. I'm almost always wearing a suit, so having it tucked into my suit jacket means I can do whatever I can do with my Transformer anywhere easily, without needing a messenger bag, but I don't have the benefit of the Transformer's outstanding keyboard dock, and I DO miss it. So it's a compromise over usability over the Prime, but while having a much easier to use screen for work than the Galaxy Nexus. If I'm out and about, I have the Nexy7 on me.
I'm happy with these three devices for everything. It means that I could replace my Galaxy Nexus with a feature phone that has tethering though. If a Nexus 7 with 4G existed, I could replace my phone with one since I use Google Voice to make phonecalls and texts anyway (Using GrooveIP which is awesome).
Unless your phone is crap, leaving bluetooth on all the time will barely bother your battery. I use bluetooth tethering with my transformer prime and it might as well have 3G. I don't even have to think about it. It just works when I don't have wifi seamlessly. As long as I don't do something stupid like forget my phone like I do maybe once a month.
For me is quite simple, if someone asks me if they should get a Nexus 7, I tell them: If you already have a 10" tablet and you are happy with it, do not buy the Nexus 7. If you have an older 10" tablet or want a new tablet and 7" is good enough, buy the Nexus 7. For $249 (skip the 8 GB) you can't go wrong. The Nexus 7 is as smooth as the new iPad and performs flawlessly, it is a great device. If someone must have a 10" device and it is not a techie person, I still recommend the iPad, otherwise get the ASUS Infinity TF700, it is an awesome device. The Nexus 7 can't be topped for that price. Google finally has created an OS that can be compared to iOS. I use the Nexus 7 as my daily tablet now. Jellybean must be experienced in order to appreciate it.
The 3G/4G options for the iPad costs about $130 extra plus the service fees. You could afford an extra battery for your phone and save quite a bit of money...oh, and have a much lighter device.
One thing though, while the device is kind of poorly made the Archos 8" G9 is a pretty good tablet...and the 8" display really does "feel" better than a 7".
One thing though, while the device is kind of poorly made the Archos 8" G9 is a pretty good tablet...and the 8" display really does "feel" better than a 7".
I got my Nexus 7 yesterday; my first Android device since I tried out a Droid X. While Jelly Bean is nice, it does still have some rough edges compared to iOS, and some apps (notably HBO GO) are not yet compatible enough to run.
I mostly have Wifi coverage at work and at home, so the lack of 3/4G is not a deal breaker. I do very much like the size, and the 'one-handability' of the Nexus, but I miss the retina display.
I mostly have Wifi coverage at work and at home, so the lack of 3/4G is not a deal breaker. I do very much like the size, and the 'one-handability' of the Nexus, but I miss the retina display.
You are probably imagining missing it. The difference betwen 260ish ppi and 220ish ppi is negligible. I can barely tell the difference holding them side-by-side right now. Text looks just as sharp on either. You do notice that the color and saturation on the Nexy7 are better, but once again it's not by much. So it's a choice of whether a barely perceptible amount of sharpness is more important than a barely perceptible improvement in color saturation. Brightness is very different though. The Nexus gets a lot brighter. That's a huge deal to me because I work outside a lot.
Honestly? It's not hype but its not that big of a deal either. You pay for the pixels with a lack of brightness, and a sluggishness when compared to the ipad2 that reviewers seem to overlook for some reason. It's more gimmick than useful. Like Siri or Google Now or any other gimmick.
Woe to us poor Americans!!! Lol. I jest I jest I kid but seriously this is perfectly GOOD logic to use when buying ANY device. Today we have cash to burn and plenty of "gotta have it " devices to spend it on but rarely do we stop and ask ourselves "why is this useful to me" (at least I don't...). Good on you Peter for wrestling with this logically. It doesn't sound like you need one if your iPad has LTE. I however don't think a data plan on a tablet is reasonable (translation: I'm too broke/cheap to get one) so the N7 is the perfect companion to my Xoom! Every individuals wants/needs will be different.
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I'm trying to think of the Nexus 7 from the perspective of the customer who doesn't yet own some of the devices in spaces for similar use cases (iPad, e-reader, high-end smartphone with huge-ass screen, even iPod touch.)
I want to say that the level of performance at this price level makes this really compelling for people who would like an iPad, but don't want to drop half a grand on one. Yes, this is the least crappy Android tablet ever, and for an Android fan, it's quite excellent. But I just don't see serious market awareness of the 7 for most consumers (just like all the other Nexus products.)
I want to say that the level of performance at this price level makes this really compelling for people who would like an iPad, but don't want to drop half a grand on one. Yes, this is the least crappy Android tablet ever, and for an Android fan, it's quite excellent. But I just don't see serious market awareness of the 7 for most consumers (just like all the other Nexus products.)
I'm in the market for a 7" Tablet and had high hopes for the Nexus 7, but no. It has EVERYTHING I was looking for, everything but one. NO SD CARD! The internal storage is just not enough. That was the only thing that is an absolute must for me in a tablet. They never come with enough or in the iPad case they want too much for what a $20 chip will do.
That's my biggest complaint. It's not such a big deal at home. I have a TB of shows and movies I can mount from my win7 booksize using the free ES Filemanager, and they stream perfectly. But I did get pissy when I pushed a bunch of Damages to it in DVD format and only had room for two seasons. Thankfully I have the 201 for that. Boom, push 40G of stuff to the sdcard, pop it in and go. Just would be nice to have this on my Nexy. I dinged it VERY hard for this in my review here.
I'm giving it strong consideration for when I have the money. I currently have a Nexus one on ICS and it works quite well but the internal storage problem is getting critical and JB is going to be even worse. So the question is, do I get a new JB phone this fall for ~$600 (no more contracts for me. I'm done.) or do I save some money and get this for all of my in-WiFi Android needs, which is about 90% of the time anyway? I have an iPad at work and for the money it has failed to impress me all that much. All it has done is make me want a 4 or 5 inch iPod Touch, mostly for games.
Also the Android games selection has really blossomed in the last 8 months or so.
Also the Android games selection has really blossomed in the last 8 months or so.
Asus has another tablet that might be a better solution (although I'd wait for the next gen)...the Padfone. Make the phone small so it can be more portable and then allow it to plug into a tablet and then a tablet with keyboard.
If Microsoft could pull this off with Windows 8 it would be a killer.
If Microsoft could pull this off with Windows 8 it would be a killer.
Peter, the flipside of having no 3G/4G radio is quicker OS upgradability. It's pretty obvious Google intends this to be an Android showcase, and not having to work with carriers means they can push through updates as fast as they can write 'em. I think the trade-off's worth it and actually bought the Nexus 7 so that I could keep tabs on the latest releases.
P.S. If you wait a bit, Peter, you just may get your Nexus 74G. Pop the back off this little guy and you'll find an empty space big enough for a 3G/LTE radio (but alas, no provision for a future SD slot).
I agree with you Peter. With all of the devices you currently have, it really doesn't make sense to have a Nexus 7 as well (but honestly Peter as much of a gadget head as I know you are, do you really need a reason to own another cool gadget lol)
I for one purchase the Nexus 7, but all of the tablets I currently had I decided to offload in favor of the Nexus 7. I scooped up an HP Touchpad when it went fire sale, but found it size prevented me for truly giving it the love it deserved, so now that has been given to the misses. I also had the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7, but never really bonded with it. I sold that to sold one and now I'm all in with the Nexus. So far I love it and have used it much more than any other tablet I have reviewed or owned before.
So for me it made sense. For you, well you have too many gadgets anyway :oP
I for one purchase the Nexus 7, but all of the tablets I currently had I decided to offload in favor of the Nexus 7. I scooped up an HP Touchpad when it went fire sale, but found it size prevented me for truly giving it the love it deserved, so now that has been given to the misses. I also had the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7, but never really bonded with it. I sold that to sold one and now I'm all in with the Nexus. So far I love it and have used it much more than any other tablet I have reviewed or owned before.
So for me it made sense. For you, well you have too many gadgets anyway :oP
So, Peter, perhaps you have answered this already elsewhere, but — is there room in your life for the iPad Mini? Personally, I picked one up over the weekend, and I doubt I'll be using my Nexus 7 OR my grown-up iPad nearly as much anymore.
I'm a fan of the size, but I think I'm going to wait for the Retina version. I can see why the trade-off between resolution and size is attractive for a lot of people -- maybe even for most people -- but since I mainly use my iPad around the house, having a better reading experience is more important to me.
I will say it is kind of awesome how many good options we have for tablets these days!
I will say it is kind of awesome how many good options we have for tablets these days!
I'll start off by saying I think the Nexus 7 looks like a compelling device. But I'm actually thinking of simplifying my digital life. I have an iPod Touch, Galaxy Nexus, Kindle Fire, new iPad, and a laptop. Then there's all the servies, social networks, apps, etc. I feel like sticking to my phone and my laptop and that's it. I want to go back to physical media, like books, so I don't have to decide on reading on my Fire or iPad or using iBooks or Kindle. I'm sticking with Blu-Ray so I don't hook myself into iTunes (and things like the Apple TV) or Google Play or Netflix.
What I'm getting to is this: Nexus 7 looks great but like you, I don't have room to fit it into my life. And what's more, it's actually made me realize I don't need all of my other devices either.
What I'm getting to is this: Nexus 7 looks great but like you, I don't have room to fit it into my life. And what's more, it's actually made me realize I don't need all of my other devices either.
Here's what I carry...
If I need to do anything that requires some data input I carry my ThinkPad x220...and generally my Kindle reader (the basic model). It's very light and makes reading a pleasure. I use a TMobile G2 phone that has tethering so connecting either of the other two devices is easy.
If I'm not going to need to do input I carry the Archos G9 80 (which could easily be replaced by the Nexus 7) and my phone.
The devices that stay home because they're either to bulky and don't provide any benefit over their smaller/lighter equivalents (or the X220). are:
iPad 3G, HP TouchPad, Kindle Fire
If I need to do anything that requires some data input I carry my ThinkPad x220...and generally my Kindle reader (the basic model). It's very light and makes reading a pleasure. I use a TMobile G2 phone that has tethering so connecting either of the other two devices is easy.
If I'm not going to need to do input I carry the Archos G9 80 (which could easily be replaced by the Nexus 7) and my phone.
The devices that stay home because they're either to bulky and don't provide any benefit over their smaller/lighter equivalents (or the X220). are:
iPad 3G, HP TouchPad, Kindle Fire
I'm thoroughly embarrassed at the pile of devices I own. Just in my "dead phone drawer" I have two broken iphone4's, two dead DroidX's, a samsung fascinate, a nexus one, a nexus S, and an ancient nokia N70. This was after throwing a bunch of things away.
Main Phone: Jellybean Galaxy Nexus
For laptops I have a Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, Asus eeepad, a Sony Vaio P, and an old acer netbook running freebsd.
Main Laptop: Macbook Air when I use it.
For desktops I have a hackintosh running Tiger in the closet, and a foxconn NT3500 with windows 7 I'm using as an HTPC.
Desktop: I guess you could say the NT3500 but it's used to watch movies and tv shows. It could be running linux. It's hooked up to a cheap old 52" magnavox 60hz LCD.
Tablets, I have a hacked nook color, the Nexus 7, The New iPad (and an iPad2 on the way. Found a 150 dollar refurb)
I've replaced all of these machines with one Transformer Prime, and it was scary how easy it was. Because of that I have the new Infinity on the way from officedepot. Realistically my next "replace it all" machine will probably be an Asus Zenbook Prime UX21A. The combination of touchscreen + hardware keyboard + mouse is the absolute fastest workflow I've ever experienced. Swiping between ssh sessions is so fast.
Now, I *STILL* think you should get a Nexus 7. Because it's an absolutely amazing value in a great device that you will actually take with you for short trips. There's a saying that gun nuts use (I used to be a gun nut). The best gun is the gun you have. Simply put, that means it doesn't matter how great a gun is if you don't have it on you. The iPad is too big. You need to carry it or put it in a messenger bag, etc. Twice now I've gone out with the Nexus 7 in a brooks brothers suit jacket pocket and forgotten is was there. And it came in handy BOTH times. I got bored and watched that stupid transformers movie. I got stuck at a horrible play and had Riptide GP to keep me entertained. It was worth it and better because it was the tablet I had. I take it along because it's easy. It's a no brainer if I have a suit on.
Hope this helps.
Main Phone: Jellybean Galaxy Nexus
For laptops I have a Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, Asus eeepad, a Sony Vaio P, and an old acer netbook running freebsd.
Main Laptop: Macbook Air when I use it.
For desktops I have a hackintosh running Tiger in the closet, and a foxconn NT3500 with windows 7 I'm using as an HTPC.
Desktop: I guess you could say the NT3500 but it's used to watch movies and tv shows. It could be running linux. It's hooked up to a cheap old 52" magnavox 60hz LCD.
Tablets, I have a hacked nook color, the Nexus 7, The New iPad (and an iPad2 on the way. Found a 150 dollar refurb)
I've replaced all of these machines with one Transformer Prime, and it was scary how easy it was. Because of that I have the new Infinity on the way from officedepot. Realistically my next "replace it all" machine will probably be an Asus Zenbook Prime UX21A. The combination of touchscreen + hardware keyboard + mouse is the absolute fastest workflow I've ever experienced. Swiping between ssh sessions is so fast.
Now, I *STILL* think you should get a Nexus 7. Because it's an absolutely amazing value in a great device that you will actually take with you for short trips. There's a saying that gun nuts use (I used to be a gun nut). The best gun is the gun you have. Simply put, that means it doesn't matter how great a gun is if you don't have it on you. The iPad is too big. You need to carry it or put it in a messenger bag, etc. Twice now I've gone out with the Nexus 7 in a brooks brothers suit jacket pocket and forgotten is was there. And it came in handy BOTH times. I got bored and watched that stupid transformers movie. I got stuck at a horrible play and had Riptide GP to keep me entertained. It was worth it and better because it was the tablet I had. I take it along because it's easy. It's a no brainer if I have a suit on.
Hope this helps.
four letters....ebay.
About every 18 months I clean out all the stuff I have no interest in and list it. As long as it fits in USPS flat-rate box I'll sell it. I don't care what it sells for as I figure someone else will get some fun out of it and I end up with a few bucks in my Pay Pal account to buy something I want to play with.
About every 18 months I clean out all the stuff I have no interest in and list it. As long as it fits in USPS flat-rate box I'll sell it. I don't care what it sells for as I figure someone else will get some fun out of it and I end up with a few bucks in my Pay Pal account to buy something I want to play with.
I gave the ipad to my girlfriend when I fell out of love with it. I think I'll like the ipad2 better. No, it's not a particularly great tablet but the scroll stutter is less annoying on the 2, and Safari doesn't seem as unstable on it. I just have about 250 bucks worth of appstore apps, and nothing to use them on now. That's what kills me about people that think I'm a "google fanboy" or a "microsoft fanboy". I was using Macs before most of the "reviewers" on this site were out of kindergarten. I can still remember when they were better. When it was all American before they moved first to Mexico for assembly, then China for everything. I used to have an amazing protools rig for music. I can remember photoshop being only mac before Apple pissed off Adobe and they said "fine" and made their stuff work just as well on windows. Apple is their own worst enemy. I loved my quicksilver. I was still in love up until the G5. In fact, the G5 iMac I sold to a friend is STILL working. I can remember him asking me if I wanted it back when I was carting my 20" intel imac back to the applestore for the third time to get my third logic board replaced.
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