[Q] What's my next tablet? - Acer Iconia A500

I am posting in here because this is the tablet I currently have. Loved it accept the screen colors rather sucked. But it is getting a bit old and I am tired of how heavy it is.
Besides it will continue its life with another family member,
So I am looking at above 8 inch but still on a budget (Under $300?). Would like a hd screen as this screen is getting a bit rough to look at next to my galaxy note 3.
I may just end up getting a nexus 7. The reviews say that's the one to get and I do not like the ugly design of the Nexus 10. Really like the look of the Kindle HDX. However no play store and a locked down device means not tinkering .
Anyways what do you guys suggest? Any experience with and 8 inch tab or help convince me about the Nexus 7.
PS: I am on a Verizon account so lte may be a bonus.
Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks.

A500 replacement
I have the nexus 7 and quite like it. You might also consider either the Nook HD+ or Kindle HDX. N2A (nook to android) has boot roms for both devices that unlock them and boot a current version of Android. The current version is 4.4 Worth looking at, especially with the low prices on the Nook HD+ with B&N rethinking its tablet offerings.
I've used the N2A on one the earlier Nook color and had no problems with it.
johnciaccio said:
I am posting in here because this is the tablet I currently have. Loved it accept the screen colors rather sucked. But it is getting a bit old and I am tired of how heavy it is.
Besides it will continue its life with another family member,
So I am looking at above 8 inch but still on a budget (Under $300?). Would like a hd screen as this screen is getting a bit rough to look at next to my galaxy note 3.
I may just end up getting a nexus 7. The reviews say that's the one to get and I do not like the ugly design of the Nexus 10. Really like the look of the Kindle HDX. However no play store and a locked down device means not tinkering .
Anyways what do you guys suggest? Any experience with and 8 inch tab or help convince me about the Nexus 7.
PS: I am on a Verizon account so lte may be a bonus.
Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Ok. After a lot of consideration I ended up getting a Asus Transformer TF701. You can not beat it at $299! Great screen, runs a fairly bloat free vanilla version of Android.
Really like this tablet. Almost a shame it does not get the attention it deserves.
I think Asus would do better with it if they advertise. Plus I can get the keyboard docks later.
Thanks for the suggestions though.

Related

[Q] Why get a 7 inch tablet if you have a super phone??

OK at £160 the incoming nexus is a lot of hardware for the money. A real contender and should sell like hot cakes to both the nerdy and normal markets.
But why should I get one?? I have a Samsung Galaxy Nexus that, shy of the CPU, has the same spec! Can anyone think why I need both? ATM I got:
- Reading books,
- Watching Family Guy,
- Its new and sparkles with play with me
I've heard from a few sources that it's hard to figure out where a tablet fits into your world until you actually have one to use. I guess at that point it's counterproductive, but it's something to consider.
For me personally, I've held off getting a tablet for forever because I couldn't justify it. I'll probably pick one of these up just because it's such a bargain, and see where things go from there.
dcheng11 said:
I've heard from a few sources that it's hard to figure out where a tablet fits into your world until you actually have one to use. I guess at that point it's counterproductive, but it's something to consider.
For me personally, I've held off getting a tablet for forever because I couldn't justify it. I'll probably pick one of these up just because it's such a bargain, and see where things go from there.
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Click to collapse
That's my current line of thinking, Im thinking that eBay "like new" will be very similar the play store price.
will save my eyes and battery on my phone big time.
Should have a great dev community and the price can't be beat.
Tablets are gold for traveling
Sent from my SGH-I727R running AOKP build 40
My Motorola Atrix has a 4" screen. Browsing the net is a huge pain. Also, the price.
A super tablet needs a super phone to tether to.
for your case it is not much of an upgrade from the note considering the not is a 5.3 inch screen however most phones are 4.3 or 4.7 so the bigger screeen is a lot more noticible
I have read that the nexus 7 has quad core cpu with 1gb of ram. and this is where it gets me....12 core gpu! i am gonna play soooo many games on this! but i will wait to get one.
I'd actually suggest that people with expensive flagship phones not get a 7" tablet because it will ruin you on smartphones. You'll have this nice 4.5"+ device that you'll only use for talk and text because the screen is suddenly too small to do anything on.
I have a One X, and an iPad 3 already. The only thing missing is something in the middle. Gotta fill the gap.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I just got a new job that's giving me a new razr maxx to have so this will become my personal device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
I have 4", 7", 10" android devices. 7" is my go to device around the house.
Have you tried a 7"? You won't know "why" until you hold one in your hand.
acegolfer said:
I have 4", 7", 10" android devices. 7" is my go to device around the house.
Have you tried a 7"? You won't know "why" until you hold one in your hand.
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That's what I'm hoping for, I have my Note at 5.3" which is nice for most things, but still feels small for browsing. I have my HP Touchpad at 10" which is good for browsing, but too large to carry around everywhere. I ordered the Nexus 7 to fill the gap. Hopefully this won't spoil my other devices lol.
acegolfer said:
I have 4", 7", 10" android devices. 7" is my go to device around the house.
Have you tried a 7"? You won't know "why" until you hold one in your hand.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I had the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 plus for about 4 hours. Loved the size, just hated the software that was on it. I returned it the same day I bought it in hopes that something better will come along in the 7" category. I'm really hoping this thing is going to be great. I have an iPad 3 and I love it, but I really want something a little more portable.
something else to drain my battery on before I waste my phone's battery.
Google should incorporate a cellular radio into the Nexus Tablet just like my Tab 7.7 does.
I could never go back to carrying two separate devices and even the Galaxy Note screen size was not cutting it for me.
I'm getting it in-part because it's going to have a large development community and I can get by with it being in a half-working state.
There's nothing worse than flashing a new ROM on your phone and then having to run before you can get it set up. You're downloading apps as you need them, adding accounts, and trying to organize your homescreen in the cab. It's not fun.
I plan on avoiding that all-too-familiar situation with my N7. I can hack it all I want and still have my One X in working condition.
For those of us who love breaking and fixing their devices but need a phone that always works, the N7 is really a no-brainer.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I have my one x which is perfect at everything in any ways and has exact same specs apart from screen size and resolution and I will buy one of these mainly because its the easiest way to enter the tablet market, it will have a large dev community and hopefully just reduce the need of my one x a bit like web browsing while at home or YouTube videos
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda app-developers app
I have a Galaxy S2 and I feel the screen is still slightly too small to properly enjoy watching a full movie etc.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't necessarily want a bigger screen than 4.3" on a phone, but I think this is where the tablet fits in nicely. Laptop for proper gaming, word processing etc. Phone for calls, facebook when I'm out and texting. Then the tablet for watching movies on a train/plane, browsing the internet at home and possibly playing the odd bit of GTA3 :victory:
Never like or bought any of 10 inch tablets, at that scale I've had Sony Vaio VPC-X11 (weights same as original iPad) and now have Vaio Z23. This 7 inch tab sit quite nicely between my Galaxy Nexus and the Z23.
I've tested (bought and sold after a few days) Galaxy Note so I know I do not want a phone any than Galaxy Nexus and there are times when I do not want to go get my Z23 that usually is downstairs in my HT room. I'm hoping Nexus 7 will take primary duty as my couch web/youtube device, if not I'll make it a new remote for my HT with iRule for Android

N7 companion = Ipad3 or Asus Infinity?

I bought my wife a N7 and we really like it, now I need to get myself one. But the limited 16GB storage ain't cutting it and the wimpy little speakers from N7 is another negative. I'm aware of getting OTG usb adapter to run thumb drive with stickmount app but I don't want to deal with the hassle of having a dildo looking thing hanging down from the N7 tablet when i'm on the go. I don't care about custom rom either, have already tried several ROMs for the N7 in both development sections and none impresses me, they all have bugs, lag, and other crap, so I restored our N7 back to stock and it's butter smooth and couldn't be happier. I'm looking into ipad 3 64GB version or the Asus Infinity 64GB, the latter have SD slot but I keep hearing how the Asus have quality problem so I'm a bit reluctant to get another Asus. I know I would definitely enjoy the Retina display from ipad 3, i have seen one in person and it's all eye candy! Does anybody own both the N7 + ipad 3 or infinity? what's your thought?
I primarily use an iPad 3rd gen (32gb wifi). Just won an N7 thanks to ProClip, and and have found myself using it as my reading device with great success. I would recommend the iPad for the app selection alone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
If you're not using custom ROMs and are asking this forum whether to get an ipad or an android tablet, you're either a troll or just clueless.
In either situation, I recommend you get an iPad and find a different forum.
I have a ipad 3 32GB wifi and a nexus 7. You can't go wrong with the retina display the ipad has. Like you said, It's eye candy. I do love the N7 because of it's portability. It's small, can fit in your pocket if you have big enough pockets.. I love them both. Glad I have them both!
Buy a WI Drive or CloudFTP?
kidnice15 said:
I have a ipad 3 32GB wifi and a nexus 7. You can't go wrong with the retina display the ipad has. Like you said, It's eye candy. I do love the N7 because of it's portability. It's small, can fit in your pocket if you have big enough pockets.. I love them both. Glad I have them both!
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Glad to hear, we already have 2 Android phones running on UKB roms along with the N7 on stock JB now, but never own anything from apple so I thought why not throw in a bit of variety? when i have the itch to flash custom roms I can always do it on the Dinc2 or the N7 so I ain't missing anything. The Retina display would be the top reason to get the Ipad 3, that long with bigger storage. I'm using the NEC PA271W on my PC for photo and video editing so I'm a bit spoiled by wide gamut display, the ipad 3 is as close to sRGB as we can get at this point in time. fishfuzz also bring up a good point, app selection, but is the long charging time really that bad on the ipad 3?
ben805 said:
Glad to hear, we already have 2 Android phones running on UKB roms along with the N7 on stock JB now, but never own anything from apple so I thought why not throw in a bit of variety? when i have the itch to flash custom roms I can always do it on the Dinc2 or the N7 so I ain't missing anything. The Retina display would be the top reason to get the Ipad 3, that long with bigger storage. I'm using the NEC PA271W on my PC for photo and video editing so I'm a bit spoiled by wide gamut display, the ipad 3 is as close to sRGB as we can get at this point in time. fishfuzz also bring up a good point, app selection, but is the long charging time really that bad on the ipad 3?
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At least a full night to full charge it .. especially if it's at 0.
I have both the IPad 3 and N7 and they are pretty good companions. The N7 gets used more here as it has that perfect size and we here all have Android phones. But for any critical viewing or listening we use the IPad.
If you want to spend the money go get the 64GB IPad, it's an excellent tablet and the image quality is unbeatable. The only other Android tablet would consider is the T700 and like you I have issues with trying out another Asus tablet.
Well this is a nexus forum lol... But what are u looking for in a tablet? As much as I hate apple, I will agree that they do make a quality product that is very user friendly that and they have a nice selection of apps. Memory is always important and the n7 Deff lacks memory but I have a usb otg. Also keep in mind that the ipad mini will be available soon so if size is a factor than u will have 2 options available.
Sent from my Rooted, LazyPanda, White "Destroy Mode" Evo
Never support Apple.
I am personally waiting for the windows tabs to come out. I am leaning towards the surface or Ativ tab.
I wanted a 7'' tablet, so ipad was no option anyway.
...and i hate apple.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
I've had a tf101 and a tf201 and no issues regarding build quality. What really annoys me about Asus tablets, and the reason I won't buy another, is that you need to unlock the bootloader to root and once is unlocked you can't ever receive over the air updates again.
If Asus won't allow me to make my tablet resellable again after rooting, I'm looking elsewhere.
I did consider a galaxy note 10.1 but the display resolution is a bit low for a 10" tab. It looks ok just text in particular just isn't that sharp.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I have iPad3 and nexus 7. I had the tf101. The prior comments on iPad3 are true, but no one mentions the relatively sloowwwwww CPU. At the speed the market is moving, I would wait for something that has nexus 7 relative speed, iPad3 relative screen + GPU, thin and light.
The nexus 7 is nicely balanced on CPU, GPU, pixel density, screen vibrancy, energy use, responsiveness, etc. The crop of tablets next year should be able to do this, in a larger screen. I would wait.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
slack04 said:
If you're not using custom ROMs and are asking this forum whether to get an ipad or an android tablet, you're either a troll or just clueless.
In either situation, I recommend you get an iPad and find a different forum.
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Awsome !

Should I buy One

Hey Guys, I'm considering buying the Nexus 7 and was hoping to get some opinions on it vs the other 7'' tabs out there. Any pros / cons, battery life.. stuff like that. Thanks for any help
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=nexus+7+reviews
Most people here will say yes, seeing as it's the Nexus forum. Read/watch your own reviews and make up your own mind.
I would also say "yes", however. It's a great little device.
I had an iPad 3. I love the size of the Nexus 7. The screen is not as bright and vivid, but I still ended up selling my iPad and keeping the Nexus 7.
I figured I'd get mostly positive opinions, after watching / reading all the reviews I figured I'd try to solicit some good honest user generated feedback. Sometimes you read the reviews and its hard to tell if they have an agenda associated with them. Thanks for the feedback!
I just sold my TouchPad which was running a solid version of CM9 and gave my wife my Nook Color which is running CM10 in favor of my Nexus 7. After a year with a 10" tablet and a couple of years with the Nook Color I determined that the 7" form factor works best for me. I prefer the build quality of the Nook Color over the Nexus but I like the size of the Nexus and of course the updated hardware specifications better than the Nook. I haven't put my Nexus down long enough to establish the battery life under normal conditions (I have only had it for 10 days) but it seems reasonable. The first few nights it drained more than I wanted with the screen off but after turning off sync on various applications, the GPS (when I am not using it), and setting the WIFI to sleep when the screen is off it holds it's charge pretty well. Rating: :good::good:
I came from a 10" touchpad. I rarely even use my laptop anymore. So rarely my girl wants me to sell it. I love my tab...its perfect.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Love it, have no regrets, does seem pointless at times but never use my laptop anymore. Just my desktop or this badboy
I had my N7 since July and it took me a few days to like the smaller size but now I love it. There is only one App on my Apple that I want that isn't on Android but it is a game and not a big deal.
For $250 you can get 32GB N7 or for $299 32GB w/ cell modem that are all cheaper than any iPad. N7 has a lot of specs better than the new iPad Mini that would cost $559 to match the same features as the $299 N7.
Thank you guys for your input I def appreciate it. I'm by no means fluent at all things android but I do love to have a rooted device. I rooted my S3, is its similar or more difficult to gain root access and would you say there are a decent amount of Roms to choose from?? Thanks again
It's SUPER easy to root and unlock a nexus 7 just use wugsfresh toolkit
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
The Nexus 7 is great.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
okay to good as standalone device. GREAT when it's connected to wifi.
It has been more than enough for web browsing compared to using my phone, and for gaming it is great.
you should wait a week or so and get the 3g version.
Thanks for the opinions guys! I Think I will def. pick up the 7. Is the 3g one going to be available for Verizon? I saw something about it coming with ATT and you can get pre-paid Data cards is that the only option?

First time android tablet buyer, need some advice

Hi all, i recently switched from iphone to android phone.. and since my cat knocked my ipad and shatted it on the ground ($250 repair) i feel like junking that and buying an android tablet for a little savings (plus i love customizing with roms etc.)
anyway, I have never even tried an android tablet in the store or seen anyone else with one so I am starting really from square 0 here.
My main questions are:
1) Is the nexus 10 the best 10" (or 7" for the 7) tablet on the market right now?
and if 1 is true:
2) how long has it been out, i.e. how close are we for a due upgrade?
I can be patient here as i do not use the tablet that often but i'd like to have it around for my board exam im taking in august to study on that month.
thanks in advance for all the help I hope i get
theraker007 said:
Hi all, i recently switched from iphone to android phone.. and since my cat knocked my ipad and shatted it on the ground ($250 repair) i feel like junking that and buying an android tablet for a little savings (plus i love customizing with roms etc.)
anyway, I have never even tried an android tablet in the store or seen anyone else with one so I am starting really from square 0 here.
My main questions are:
1) Is the nexus 10 the best 10" (or 7" for the 7) tablet on the market right now?
and if 1 is true:
2) how long has it been out, i.e. how close are we for a due upgrade?
I can be patient here as i do not use the tablet that often but i'd like to have it around for my board exam im taking in august to study on that month.
thanks in advance for all the help I hope i get
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Depends on usage. If you want to tinker with custom Androids and Kernels, yes, it is. Any Nexus tablet is. If other things are important, sometimes other tablets win out instead. Samsung has excellent displays and the S-Pen on the Notes, for example. The Nexus 10 is the best for me (I reflash it almost weekly when its not out on repair >.<)
2) December 18th. It probably won't get an upgrade until Decemberish, and honestly, despite being dual-core, is really daggone fast.
Both the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 are great. I own both. I actually prefer the 7 better. It's not as powerful but it's easier to hold and navigate in general. It's a lot more portable as well. But it's just personal preference. Both are top tier tablets. I hope you enjoy whichever you choose.
Owned the Nexus 7 for 4 months then sold it to upgrade to a Nexus 10. The wife has a retina iPad. I can say that the Nexus 10 is the best 10" tablet for ME.
Size wise i love the Nexus 7. Very portable and easy to travel with. Handling the device isnt cumbersome as some 10" tablets. However, the successor is due soon.. I would hold of buying this. The only alternative to the N7 is the Asus Memo Pad. Same size and form factor with an even lower price but the specs is underwhelming. Then comes the Note 8.0 (which i think is pretty awesome) but its priced at $399.
Nexus 10 will have the same general feel of a 10" tablet. Feels a bit lighter and easier to hold than my wifes retina iPad. The screen sharpness is in its own league.. If it didnt have such a high res screen i would have opted for the Note 10.1. I dont think we'll see a successor to this tablet until the end of 2013. This tablet is fast! No slowdowns unlike the Nexus 7 (due to the poor/slow memory Asus used in it). Its cpu is a generation ahead of most quad core cpus currently available.
Thanks for all the opinions so far, really helpful! I strongly considered the 7" variant because I am a physician and it could fit easily in my white coat, but since I use the galaxy note 2 as my phone, or would seem a bit redundant. Well I think I'll go get the nexus 10, thanks!

Can't decide between new Nexus 7 and Note 8.0

I've owned a N7 2012 for about a year, and I have a buyer for my old one, so I'm looking at upgrading. I haven't used a stylus device in years, but I used to love them: precision text editing, sketches to supplement an explanation, and unambiguous link clicking in the browser.
I expect longevity from my devices, and my previous experience has been that the charging connector breaks first on every mobile device I've had. This gives the N7 the serious advantage with the Qi inductive charging.
OTOH, the Note's performance is more future-proof: a 96GB Note (thanks SD-card expansion) will stay useful longer with a 32GB N7, and the benchmarks also come out clearly in favour of the Note: (Slashgear Note 6900 http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/quadrant_gnote8_attwtmk.jpg vs N7 5600 http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content...enshot_2013-07-25-13-17-52-google-nexus-7.jpg ).
But the performance doesn't count for all that much, since my main use for my current N7 has been reading: PDFs, e-books and websites. I use it mostly around the house, and my phone when I'm out and about.
Can anyone suggest something I haven't considered that may be relevant? The price isn't going to sway me much one way or the other.
Thanks
I prefer note 8 due to larger size and I won't mind carrying a slightly bigger one. Was coming from 7.7. I would have taken if it's nexus 8.
Happy user of note 8.
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app
I don't know what I can add except my reason for buying a Note 8.0--the pen. I bought my Note for school to replace everything in my bookbag--no more notebooks, no more laptop, no more text books. So far I'm very happy with my decision. I was also considering the new Nexus but because I wanted the ability to take notes, the lack of a wacom pen was off-putting. The Note was well worth the extra money for me.
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
logicrulez said:
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
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Click to collapse
why should we not expect updates for the note 8.0? I thought they were already working on e 4.2.2 build. in fact a quick search suggests thats its already available
I had the nexus 7.2 for a week and a half, the 16Gb version and it had a very nice screen fast processor but returned it due to frequent reboots, apparently it only happens on the 16Gb version. Got the note 8 instead. Am very satisfied with it.
I'd recommend you get the Nexus 7.2 first use it for a week then return and get the Note 8, that way you can see the strength and weakness of both and then decide which one is more useful to you. I am glad I did that, the Nexus 7.2 was how to say this not to hurt anyones feelings -plain vanilla- which is not bad, but you can't really compare the two because of the S pen feature on the Note 8. The Note 8 screen is not bad at all, but the 7.2 beats it, and I find that I do use the S pen more often than I thought I would. Also I'm a long time Samsung user and I like their products. I gave the Nexus 7.2 a try but am more comfortable with the Note 8, also love the S pen, for that alone it was worth it to me.
So as I mentioned get one use it as is for a week or two then return it and get the other one. Test both, but in my opinion you can't really pin the two tablets against each other. They are both good just depends what you are going to use it for, if you're a big game player get the Nexus, if you going to use the tablet for other things get the Note 8
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
hertsjoatmon said:
why should we not expect updates for the note 8.0? I thought they were already working on e 4.2.2 build. in fact a quick search suggests thats its already available
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I've owned more than a few Samsung devices, I currently own a two SGS 3, AT&T and Sprint. Neither are on 4.2.2, which is why i'm on CM10.1.2. I'd be pretty happy with a TouchWiz 4.3, but I know Samsung is pretty lame at updates that's why I made that statement, if the Note does get the 4.2.2 update, that's great, but I don't think they will go past that.
Hopefully Samsung is doing an overhaul on TouchWiz all together, I may stick with Samsung devices, otherwise my next device will be a Nexus. I've given up hope for the skin based phones and updates.
It really comes down to how much you value the s-pen....i thought I'd get much more use out of it (i do a lot of handwritten note taking, but at meetings i typically type in notepad) and never did so I just put my Note8 up for sale because the extra $100 wasn't worth it because it was still faster/easier for me to jot something quick on a post it than to take out the spen, launch the note app, scribbe something, save it....
however when I was in school the ability to take down quick notes and write on-screen on pdfs/ppt was *very critical* and I loved my W7 tablet with ntrig (this is all pre-tablets so it just depends on your use case
With OTG usb, you can still use microsd on the Nexus7, althought it's a bit more work and takes up the charging port..not sure if the new N7 has that yet (you had to be rooted on the old N7 to use it)
screenwise, the new N7 quality is much better, but I find the slightly larger note 8 to actually be easier to read on and use
I'm close to making my final decision because I refuse to keep the Note 8.0 and the N7 (2013) that I currently have.
The N7 is super nice. The display keeps drawing me back over and over. I like the fact that I can watch Netflix on it and not accidentally press the back button like I tend to do on the Note 8.0. I love the crisp text in my ebooks. And who doesn't love stock?
The Note 8.0 is better from a productivity standpoint for me, and it's why it currently leads. Outside of holding it in landscape and pressing buttons accidentally, I actually prefer the feel of the Note 8.0 more than the new N7. The display isn't nearly as bad as some would have you believe either. Sure if you have it side by side the N7, you'll see it, but in my opinion it looks real good.
Also a sidenote for comic book readers. I use Comixology, and I'm not a fan of the panel to panel view unless I'm forced to use it due to something being very small. It's easier for me to read comics on the Note 8.0 compared to the N7. Probably because of the extra inch of real estate.
Probably the reason I still go back and forth is because I know I can expect updates and a vibrant dev community on the N7, but probably not so much with the Note 8.0. Heck, I have the AT&T LTE variant, and I sadly can't even root that yet. Good luck with your decision.
I went ahead and ordered the 32GB Nexus 7.2. I figure I can always sell it for about what I paid for it if I decide not to keep it.
I got the previous Nexus 7 as a gift, but actually ended up selling it (and keeping the more lowly spec'd Tab 2 7" I already had) because the Nexus was just so flaky. Apparently it was a great device prior to 4.1, but I only got onboard after that. Plus the speakers were PATHETIC (unacceptable for a device that screams multimedia consumption.) I'm hoping those are better this go-round as I use mine for backgound music/video quite a bit.
There's pros to being on the bleeding edge of updates I guess. But I almost view it like you're being an unofficial beta tester. Samsung may not always have the latest official Android version on all its flagship devices, but all my experiences with them to-date have been outstanding. There's a reason (beyond just marketing) that they're the most dominant OEM in the Android world.
If the primary purpose is reading as OP has posted, I would suggest note 8 to be better choice.
My primary reason for buying note 8.0 was reading (PDF's as well as comics) and considering that almost 38 GB of my external 64 Gig card is occupied by books i would say i am more than pleased by my choice.
The extra screen size does matter here though both share similar 16:10 aspect ratio , which is quite ok,
another surprise feature, the reading mode that samsung built into this is amazing (though it might appear strange at first) but now I just can't imagine reading without that , it's easier on eyes,less stress and for me makes for much better concentration. add a good reader app (I absolutely love the free perfect viewer app for pdf and comics)
The secondary thing for me was the s-pen. since i have been using wacom tablets on pc since late 90's I found this quite adequate. My N-5100 costed me around $530 USD) which is surely definitely on the costlier side of things however I would still consider it worth that extra dough.
I also primarily use this at home and mine is still unrooted (haven't found a need or reason to root it yet).
Gotta decide what's your most important feature.
For me tablets can have two distinct purposes, media consumption device or productivity device. As a media consumption device there isn't much use to me for a tablet because honestly, most things are just more convenient to do on my phone since I always have it, and it has a data connection.
Now as a productivity device, there are a couple things the note 8 excels at. PDF and textbook portability/editing, handwritten notes, and remote desktop control. The spen takes this device to a higher level of productivity because there is no device with a comparable stylus. But for anything else like word document editing, media production, music/picture editing, tablets in general fall short because laptops/desktops are just better.
So if you want a media consumption device, the new Nexus 7 is probably better or even the iPad for that matter. But for productivity the spen will make up for the other shortcomings like lower screen pixel density, less frequent operating system updates, etc.
MobileTechReview posted her review, comparing the two tablets. Everything she said is exactly the same thought I have between the two tablets. I currently have both. I'm more tempted to return the Nexus, but don't know yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7aPvUqdcds
But everything she states in the video is the same opinion that I have noticed from using them.
She doesn't mention bugs, but the Nexus has its own bugs too... such as apps crashing or becoming unresponsive to touches. I have seen the GPS crash several times using a GPS testing app.
It took me ages to decide between the N7 and note 8, and I decided on the note 8. But now I realise, that as I'm going university next year, I'll probably need a laptop, and I'm confused all over again
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
logicrulez said:
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.2.2 is already out for uk. I am on it now
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app
TC93 said:
MobileTechReview posted her review, comparing the two tablets. Everything she said is exactly the same thought I have between the two tablets. I currently have both. I'm more tempted to return the Nexus, but don't know yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7aPvUqdcds
But everything she states in the video is the same opinion that I have noticed from using them.
She doesn't mention bugs, but the Nexus has its own bugs too... such as apps crashing or becoming unresponsive to touches. I have seen the GPS crash several times using a GPS testing app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with almost everything she said as well. I disagree with her assessment of the speakers and volume though. While this year's Nexus finally has proper speakers they're still not as loud as the Note 8's. The quality is a bit better as far as separation/bass goes, but not as loud.
I'm probably going to stick with the Note 8. It's just hard to go back to 7" display no matter what the resolution. It's great that the text is clear, but it's tiny - and the saturation isn't as good. And I've already experienced the Nexus bugginess (unresponsive to touches) several times as well.
htinaung said:
4.2.2 is already out for uk. I am on it now
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it compared to 4.1?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Grogck said:
Agree with almost everything she said as well. I disagree with her assessment of the speakers and volume though. While this year's Nexus finally has proper speakers they're still not as loud as the Note 8's. The quality is a bit better as far as separation/bass goes, but not as loud.
I'm probably going to stick with the Note 8. It's just hard to go back to 7" display no matter what the resolution. It's great that the text is clear, but it's tiny - and the saturation isn't as good. And I've already experienced the Nexus bugginess (unresponsive to touches) several times as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had any complaints about the Note 8.0 speakers either.
xT4Z1N4TRx said:
How is it compared to 4.1?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe more smooth
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app
I own the original nexus 7...
I currently own an ipad 4 (so I'm used to looking at retina display), I've had the note 10.1, nexus 10, etc....
Honestly I think 8" is the sweet spot. I want to love thenew nexus 7 so bad but I feel like 7" is just a tad too small. The extra screen area from an 8" tablet seems sooo much larger and more usable when browsing websites. Am I crazy? I feel like I keep reading about screen clarity vs spen vs whatever ... but to me the real battle is do you prefer 7" vs 8" - I'm probably going to get both and then return the one I dont' like. As I said, I'm used to the retina screen as well as the beautiful screen on my htc one; however just playing around with the note in the store, the screen honestly isn't that bad and colors are quite quite good.
That said, the nexus 7 screen is by far superior BUT I still think the larger size provides so much better screen real estate and thus ease of use.
Anyone not get the nexus 7 simply because they don't like a 7" tablet?

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