Google Nexus 7

[Hanners]

I've sworn to myself for quite some time now that I really have zero interest in tablets, but given its low price point and decent specs I'm finding myself increasingly tempted by the Google Nexus 7.

So, out of curiosity (and because I can't find anyone in my area with demo units at the moment), I wondered if anyone else here is either considering or already has said tablet, or whether they have any more general Android-based tablet experiences to share in terms of what's good and bad and what to watch out for.

[Weirdo]

Well, I have been using amy's Archos -g10 this week, and have to say that it had been pushing me to the tablet side. Though, I do have my laptop which has a good couple of years left in it yet, I can see me going the way of the Asus transformers. I love the idea of having a touchscreen and a keyboard.

[Kumadori]

Originally Posted by Hanners

I've sworn to myself for quite some time now that I really have zero interest in tablets, but given its low price point and decent specs I'm finding myself increasingly tempted by the Google Nexus 7.

So, out of curiosity (and because I can't find anyone in my area with demo units at the moment), I wondered if anyone else here is either considering or already has said tablet, or whether they have any more general Android-based tablet experiences to share in terms of what's good and bad and what to watch out for.

I've nearly bought one on multiple occasions over the last few weeks. I think it's a great piece of tech and I will get one, for exactly the same reasons you've said. However I will note that it's come to light that there seems to be a problem with quite a few units of the glass popping up in a corner and then breaking when you try and push it back. I don't how wide spread of a problem this is, but I have seen multiple reports on it which has made me hold off getting one for a little while to see how big a problem this might be.

The price is a big factor in me wanting to get one of these. I had a quick go on one the other day and it does seem to run very smoothly.

[Hanners]

Hmm, yeah, probably worth seeing how that issue pans out.

The two things I'm most curious about is Chrome browser compatibility with certain sites (like the UKA CMS, most notably!) and video playback of MKVs and the like, which is why it's so frustrating that I haven't been able to get hands on with a unit yet!

[Kumadori]

I've only seen demo units in my local Currys and PC World. Have you got either of those near you?

[Hanners]

Yep, we have a Currys/PC World down the road from me, but not a Nexus 7 to be found.

My local HMV is also selling them, but no demo units available to play with at the moment (although they might be getting one at some point).

[ShinAsura]

I have one and I can't really make my mind up about wether or not I like it. It feels like a GS2 with a bigger screen. Other than watching youtube while on the crapper i havent found any use for it. I got it initially so I could do some spriting while im at work. No decent apps yet though for drawing. The only camera on it is nothing special either. GBA emulators are probably the only fun thing on it. battery life isnt too bad either

[Hanners]

Yeah, I can see myself using it when I'm away for video playback and writing stuff, although I'd need a Bluetooth keyboard or similar for the latter as software touchscreen keyboards are still nightmare fuel for proper typing.

[Kumadori]

I primarily want a tablet to starting going digital with reading material. It's cheaper to do and saves a ton of space too, but while I'd prefer to get an ipad (as I already use a lot of apple products and I could sync them together), I utterly refuse to pay the amount they charge for it. That's why the Nexus 7 has tempted me quite a bit. Still a little on the pricey side for me. If I get could it for nearer the £160 mark or there was another inch or two for the current price, I would probably have one by now.

[Scorpion03]

I actually got my tablet for when I was out and about, or for watching anime when I'm at work since they increased security and stopped me plugging external HDD's into works computers. I looked at the nexus 7, even had one on pre-order at one point. About a week before release however i decided I could afford to spend more and went for the ASUS Transformer instead, which as a hybrid between a laptop and a tablet is actually bloody brilliant, having an external keyboard makes typing a lot easier than it normally is on tablets and even running constantly I can get a good 12-14 hours out of the battery.

Having heard about the problems surrounding the nexus 7 and the fact that the only thing giving it the edge in the low end market is the use of the Tegra 3 processor, I think paying a bit more for the transformer is probably a better option.

[Kumadori]

Well, this look promising... or not as the case may be. *sigh *
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology...plaints-google

[Kite]

I got one last month on a kinda impulse buy, and it's changed how I use the net a bit.

When I do bar cover work, I normally take it along to read some Manga (ok hands up I've downloaded it for free, it's either series not available in the UK due to not being licensed [certain magical index] or being old serieses no longer in print [toykopops, ADV manga]).

For £199 you can't really complain, now that the iPlayer is coming to it.

[Hanners]

Just thought I'd resurrect this thread to announce that I picked up a new 32GB model of the Nexus 7 today.

Really impressed with it so far in terms of speed, responsiveness and build quality, and there are already a fair few things I like about it over an above iOS, so positive impressions from me thus far!

[Kite]

And the good thing is that you can make it bigger by buying a 99p wire and a 99p app to make it support USB sticks or external SD cards, maybe even an external hard drive which is powered by he mains.

[megalomaniac]

Originally Posted by Hanners

Really impressed with it so far in terms of speed, responsiveness and build quality, and there are already a fair few things I like about it over an above iOS, so positive impressions from me thus far!

Do elaborate old chap. I find myself increasingly temped to jump off the Apple train of late.