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| Review: Nexus 7 |
| By Thom Holwerda on 2012-08-11 17:22:34 |
| Nobody needs a tablet, but many people still want a tablet. This is still the core differentiator between a 'real' computer and a tablet. At least in The Netherlands, you can't function in society without a desktop or laptop connected to the internet, so people need a computer. A tablet, though? Hence, the most common thing people have told me when they played with my iPad 2 is this: I'd love to have a tablet, but not for hundreds of euros. Enter Google's Nexus 7, the first 'cheap' tablet that doesn't just validate Android as a tablet platform, but also gives the iPad a run for its money. |
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| Comment by some1 |
| By some1 on 2012-08-11 20:01:57 |
|
I've been using mine for a week. * I disagree on the home button -- it's not needed. But the power button indeed could be more apparent and the volume button should definitely go on the other side. I've already pressed "power" instead of "volume up" a couple of times. * Have the same experience with Chrome -- it sucks. Looking for a replacement browser. Luckily there's plenty of choice. * Many google apps need polishing and minor bug fixes. My calendar didn't sync (looks like a common problem) and still doesn't allow adding event by tapping except in week view. Had some glitches with maps and play store. Many standard google apps were not pre-installed. "Play Movies & TV" label is truncated if you place the app on a home screen. * Google Now (both on my phone and tablet) has it's share of bugs too, but that's understandable for such a complex product. * 3rd party apps obviously need updating but that seems to progress really well. One specific thing is if an app uses upward swipe for anything it needs to block Google Now popping up. |
 - Score: 2 |
| TheVerge & Firefox |
| By _xmv on 2012-08-11 20:13:48 |
|
Since JB comes with Chrome instead of "Browser", I would highly suggest trying Firefox (yep) for loading sites like theverge.com The reason is that Firefox (and "Browser" on older devices...) use different rendering tricks than Chrome does. And it's *much* faster. On my 720p Tegra2 device, theverge is annoying slow in Chrome, dolphin, etc.. even opera mobile. It's "just fine" with browser.. and just as good on Firefox (they really came a long way on Android recently..). |
| - Score: 3 |
| Comment by broken_symlink |
| By broken_symlink on 2012-08-11 21:10:35 |
| I wonder how the nexus 7 stacks up against the galaxy tab 7.7. I just installed ICS on my gt 7.7 and its a HUGE improvement over honeycomb. |
| - Score: 2 |
| cm10 |
| By stabbyjones on 2012-08-11 21:13:42 |
|
Cm10 includes the default 'browser' but I have to say that I've only used chrome since I got it. I wanted to stick with a pure nexus build but that only lasted a couple of weeks. The preview builds of cm on nexus hardware are instantly stable. I use Ampache owncloud and minidlna so I actually probably only needed 8gb. But as Tom said this is purely a want and I just spent out of desire. Worth every dollar. |
| - Score: 3 |
| USB OTG Host + Mass Storage Drivers |
| By tidux on 2012-08-11 21:26:48 |
| You can get literally terabytes of storage with an external hard drive and an adapter. |
| - Score: 4 |
| RE: SDCards |
| By chiwaw on 2012-08-11 21:41:15 |
|
I agree with you. If I was into Android & smaller tablets, the Nexus 7 would be one of the top contenders, but in the end the small amount of storage would play against it. My iPad 3 has the max storage (64 Gig) and I'm always borderline full. Having to deal with only 16 Gig would give me too much headache. To be honest, maybe I'm just an edge case and most people would be just fine with it. Also if I was into Android/smaller tablets, I would probably wait and see what Amazon is planning for the next Kindle Fire, as I personally like more controlled eco-systems for my tablets/phones. |
| - Score: 1 |
| RE[2]: SDCards |
| By chiwaw on 2012-08-11 21:45:43 |
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1) 16 gig is plenty for local storage Not everyone has the same usage pattern for these devices. Might be plenty enough for you and most people, but not for others. 2) it is meant for cloud based services more than local media Not everyone wants to deal with cloud. I have almost everything iCloud turned off on my iPad because I often time have to use it without internet connection. 3) if you are in a situation where you need to have local media, 16 gigs is plenty. Again, not everyone as the same usage pattern. There's no such thing as a "one size fit all". I'm sure Google did it because it's enough for most users. But many other people definitely may need more. |
| - Score: 2 |
| RE[2]: SDCards |
| By curio on 2012-08-11 21:45:48 |
|
I do believe--Yes--he(bornagainp enguin)did introduce the easily understood concept that a tablet lacking SdCard memory expandability isn't always appropriate when in areas where the cloud isn't always available, and/or--I'll add--if the user wants to retain full control over all their media, values their privacy, and/or doesn't want to risk being "Honan'd" (Matt Honan). So to sum it up, the Nexus 7 does in fact have a serious shortcoming in that regard, and it is definitely a deal-breaker for some. Myself being one of them. However, thank you ever so very much for setting us all straight as to "16 gigs being plenty for local storage", and being also good enough to repeat it twice in your three point argument, with your only other point "it is meant for cloud based services more than local media" being the utter epitome of "You don't say". "Really?". Who are you, or anyone, to even think you know what is appropriate storage for everyone's needs? Much less to make some B.S. declaration akin to Moses waving his hand to part the Red Sea, over this issue? Getting a little weary of people ramming what is (IMHO)this whole "connected 24-7 cloud storage/Google Now perpetual umbilical cord nonsense" down people's throats like we simply can no longer survive without it. Further, who, besides a very select few industry or political na-bobs, unfortunate Alzheimer patients or just plain retarded people, need to have Google Now to tell them when to catch a flight, when to leave for work, or when to stuff a Burrito/etc.. in their effing suck-holes? |
| - Score: 1 |
| RE: Comment by NuxRo |
| By chiwaw on 2012-08-11 21:56:44 |
| Hum, you do know you're not the center of the universe, right? That other peoples exists other than yourself, and that they have different needs? |
| - Score: 3 |
| RE[3]: SDCards |
| By gan17 on 2012-08-11 22:24:59 |
|
> Further, who, besides a very select few industry or political na-bobs, unfortunate Alzheimer patients or just plain retarded people, need to have Google Now to tell them when to catch a flight, when to leave for work, or when to stuff a Burrito/etc.. in their effing suck-holes? Having the thing give me the traffic situation automatically just before I leave for work is pretty useful, though. Sucks for sports, since it only seems to know basketball, handegg and luckswing. |
| - Score: 3 |
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