Googles Nexus 7 tablet discussion, reviews

[editor]

How are you all finding the battery life on this device with medium usage?

Pretty damn impressive. I've not timed it, but I don't feel like I have to worry about charging it up all the time.

 

[uk benzo]

I think I will get the 16gb version. Where is the cheapest place to get it?

 

[Firky]

I think it's the perfect size for a tablet. I don't think I'd ever want to buy a standalone tablet any bigger. I like the fact that you can use it in a cafe or pub without drawing too much attention to yourself, and the screen res is ample.

Here's how you can plug in USB devices (like a card reader):
http://www.androidcentral.com/how-use-your-usb-flash-drives-nexus-7-root

Yep, it is a far more practical size than the iPad. The N7 is small enough to be stuffed in a large pocket or compartment of a bag without being obtrusive. Where it really trumps the iPad though is build quality and Google Play, I am seriously impressed at just how well made it feels. Normally you only see that kind of quality on Apple, Sony and other premium priced products but this is better made than smartphones of the same price. Coupled with the excellent Google Play, which is more functional and better designed than the Apple store, this thing is onto a winner - and it is still early days. Give it a few months and there'll be more apps and more gadgets!

I am going to see if I can attach a Kingston 240GB SSD drive via USB at some point.

 

[Firky]

I think I will get the 16gb version. Where is the cheapest place to get it?

£199 is set in stone but with a bit of finger work you can find vouchers and discount codes for various online retailers.

 

[Firky]

Couldn't you plug some mini-speakers into the headphone jack?

https://play.google.com/store/devices/details/Nexus_Q?id=nexus_q

£300 though - Google are having a laugh.

 

[maldwyn]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monster-Spe...M/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url/278-3123832-5562440
Oops, sorry they're for iPads etc. though there must me something similar for the nexus other than monster bollock.

 

[editor]

Pleased to say that the Nexus works a treat with my Nokia Bluetooth receiver. It felt pretty immersive watching the (admittedly crap) HD Transformer movie with sounds thundering through my hi-fi

 

[Firky]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monster-Spe...M/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url/278-3123832-5562440
Oops, sorry they're for iPads etc. though there must me something similar for the nexus other than monster bollock.

Anything with a 3.5mm jack would work I reckon.

The volume is not a massive problem because if I am going to be wanting to listen to music out loud its not going to be from this device. Would just be nice if it was a wee bit beefier and in stereo.

Doesn't the Bluetooth link compress the sound horribly? I know that was a problem on old Bluetooth headsets.


Sent from my Nexus 7 naturally :-D

 

[uk benzo]

Just ordered my 16gig Nexus7 from tesco direct with a £10 voucher code. I can pick it up in store on Monday.

 

[editor]

Now this is genius.
The Google home panel has worked out where I live, so whenever I'm away, it automatically tells me how long it will take me to get back, and offers directions for driving or details of the nearest bus/tube/train station plus timetable info.
It's all opt-in and I'm loving it.

 

[editor]

Anything with a 3.5mm jack would work I reckon.

The volume is not a massive problem because if I am going to be wanting to listen to music out loud its not going to be from this device. Would just be nice if it was a wee bit beefier and in stereo.

Doesn't the Bluetooth link compress the sound horribly? I know that was a problem on old Bluetooth headsets.


Sent from my Nexus 7 naturally :-D

Sounds great via my Nokia Bluetooth gizmo.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

Now this is genius.
The Google home panel has worked out where I live, so whenever I'm away, it automatically tells me how long it will take me to get back, and offers directions for driving or details of the nearest bus/tube/train station plus timetable info.
It's all opt-in and I'm loving it.

Citymapper app does this, it's bloody brilliant at it too. I don't use any other app for travel planning now.

 

[Firky]

I figured out why my GPS goes dead in a certain part of Northumberland. If I go up to here and the surrounding area, everything cuts out. It is the army firing ranges, they're closed at the moment for the summer wildlife - and open to the public, but the army must have some sort of antenna that knocks everything out. Spoke to one of the farmers up there and he said the speed camera detector in his car is also fried when he's at home

Still, it looks pretty.

 

[editor]

Citymapper app does this, it's bloody brilliant at it too. I don't use any other app for travel planning now.

What's nice about this is that it's on the home screen and Google serves up all sorts of handy info like weather, sports updates, upcoming appoitments (and travel time), local shopping etc etc. It's superbly done.

More: http://www.google.com/landing/now/

 

[editor]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monster-Spe...M/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url/278-3123832-5562440
Oops, sorry they're for iPads etc. though there must me something similar for the nexus other than monster bollock.

They will work with the Nexus or any other device with a 3.5mm jack. I've got something similar and they're pretty damn good.

 

[editor]

It's clearly a chalk'n'cheese comparison but perhaps of use to someone who can't decide whether the iPad is worth the extra ton of cash over the Nexus 7 or not:

 

[Firky]

The Guardian seems to be intent on laying into the N7, I have yet to see a decent and fair article on the N7. Maybe they're protecting their IOS app?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2012/jul/23/tablet-computer-google

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/jul/22/nexus-7-glass-complaints-google

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2012/jul/23/technology-links-newsbucket?newsfeed=true

 

[editor]

The Guardian seems to be intent on laying into the N7, I have yet to see a decent and fair article on the N7. Maybe they're protecting their IOS app?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2012/jul/23/tablet-computer-google

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/jul/22/nexus-7-glass-complaints-google

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2012/jul/23/technology-links-newsbucket?newsfeed=true

They're notoriously and boringly loaded with bias for Apple and their main writer, Charles Arthur, is a frightful Apple fanboy bore.

As a user comment says:

Charles Arthurs' article concerning issues with the N7 is just ridiculous. There aren't any facts in it at all, as far as I can tell. To take a few comments from the internet and turn them into a leading article is so lazy it is beyond belief. The fact that the main article isn't open for comments tells a story in itself.

I smell rotten apples.

Call this journalism?

 

[Firky]

Ha!

I noticed he used a battered plain, brown box to illustrate the N7 in one of his lead articles on the N7. Rather than the nice, easy to open, clutter free box it came in.

 

[editor]

Ha!

I noticed he used a battered plain, brown box to illustrate the N7 in one of his lead articles on the N7. Rather than the nice, easy to open, clutter free box it came in.

Stupidest line from that article:

" is there a size/weight advantage is carrying a Nexus 7 compared to an iPad? I doubt it.

 

[maldwyn]

... Rather than the nice, easy to open, clutter free box it came in.

 

[Firky]

It's crap, he harps on about the iPad more than he does the N7.

You just cut the tape and push it out, it took me seconds. What is wrong with these people

 

[editor]

I saw that video and expected to have a nightmare trying to open the box. Instead I just cut the two plastic bits of tape and it opened just like any other box.

 

[Radar]

Got some of those cables winging their way to chez radar as we speak.

Works like a dream, the cheapo cable I bought is a bit on the tight side but apart from that it pretty much does what it says on the tin.

Next test is a usb hdd

 

[ivebeenhigh]

i got one of these during the week from Tesco Direct. Its brilliant. As mainly a desktop user having something so portable but so feature packed is wonderful

 

[ivebeenhigh]

oh and mine opened no problem at all

 

[ivebeenhigh]

just had my case come lose. clipped back in fine but it seems build quality is an issue.

 

[editor]

I'd take it back if you're not sure. So far, mine seems very well built.

 

[ivebeenhigh]

i've not much confidence that the next one will be any better though.

 

[editor]

i've not much confidence that the next one will be any better though.

Most of the reviews have said that the build quality is fine, but at this super cheapo price point, it's not surprising if you get one or two duds.