markgoodrich Posted July 18, 2012 Posted July 18, 2012 The size appears ideal to me, and it is much more versatile than the Fire. There's none to be had yet around here.
BULLman Posted July 26, 2012 Posted July 26, 2012 Bought one on a whim on Sunday night and was on my doorstep on last night. The box was so small I thought it was my rain pants I had ordered on Sat. Other than remembering my google account (me remembering - not the Nexus) - it very slick and really an ideal size. I have a HP Touchpad, does everything I want - but doesn't have current apps like Netflix, my cable system, etc; and I don't think they are going to come up with a Touchpad app for me. Sitting on the couch, my TP would give me numb hand - because of the size and the weight. With my limited time with the Nexus, it is much lighter and easier to hold. Watched a video on You Tube and it looked good. Speaker's sound is not very loud - but, headphones or maybe powered speakers will solve that (TP's speakers aren't very loud either). Tried a cheap $20 Blutooth speaker, but it never synced and it wasn't any louder than the my TP. Seems to be a good purchase on my part.
Selden Posted July 26, 2012 Posted July 26, 2012 The N7 is my first experience with an Android tablet, which provided a "learning opportunity." Mine arrived last Tuesday, and for the first hour, I was ready to take the damned thing out to the garage and smash it into a thousand pieces with a sledgehammer (plug was fouled on the chainsaw, so that wasn't an option). I had been reading the Nexus 7 Guidebook for a week before it arrived, but learning to use Android by reading a book is like trying to learn how to ride a bicycle by reading a book. Once I figured out that you have to hold down the power key to start it, and how to get to Settings, I started to push on it more, add apps, and customize things. There is an app, Ultimate Rotation Control, that addresses one of the biggest complaints, which is that the "home" screen is locked into portrait mode. It fits nicely in the side pocket of a pair of cargo pants, and the Google Music app is the best music player that I have used. Yesterday, I had to spend 2 hours in a hospital waiting room, and I started to appreciate the thing for the first time. It really does do some things better than a laptop, especially when offline. I'm still not a wild-eyed tablet enthusiast, but I'm slowly being assimilated, since resistance is futile. Android is probably a pretty good fit for people who like to do their own motorcycle maintenance. If you are already invested in the Google ecosystem, the Nexus 7 is a no-brainer tablet purchase, as out of the box it provides excellent interaction with Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Picasa, etc. If you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, an iPad may be a better fit — except that Apple doesn't have a 7" iPad at this time.
BULLman Posted July 26, 2012 Posted July 26, 2012 I was able to turn it on (probably by accident) - I had to go online to see how to open my ContourRoam video camera. Thanks for the link about the Ultimate Rotation Control On the Nexus, I found I use it in the portrait mode most of the time. On the TP, I almost exclusively use it in the landscape mode.
DiggerJim Posted July 27, 2012 Posted July 27, 2012 I got mine a couple of weeks ago the day they released (I have a special relationship with Google since buying the original Google Nexus which is a phone - switching from an iPhone). Before that I had already switched to the 7" form factor having gotten a Samsung Galaxy Tab about 18 months ago shortly after they came out. That tablet replaced my iPad. I haven't turned the iPad on since. (Or my Nook or Kindle for that matter.) The biggest reason is that the 7" size is the best size for me (despite Steve Job's claim that no size other than the iPad's 9.5" was the correct size for a tablet). I carried my iPad. I bring my Nexus (and before that the Galaxy Tab). The distinction is that I stick my Nexus in my back pocket and it's wherever I am. My hands are free. I'm not "carrying" anything. The iPad required me to carry it. So, I often didn't. Those who carry purses and briefcases everywhere might have alternate views. (It will be interesting to see if Apple decides there might be another correct size for a tablet now that Steve is gone and Android tablets - including the Nook Color/Tablet and Kindle Fire as well as the Nexus - are taking the low-end market for themselves.) The new Nexus is a better overall device than the other smaller form factor tablets on the market (faster processor, better graphics, lighter, etc. etc.). If you're part of the Android ecosystem now, it's a natural. If you're an Appleoid it's not likely to interest you much as you'll find it too hard to understand - like going from OSX to Windows. (And vice versa - I bought a MacBook Air because of its form factor and turned it into a Windows 7 machine...booted it to Windows and haven't looked back. Although several in my family own MacBooks.) The Nexus has the new Jelly Bean version of Android. It's a much better OS than 2.4 and earlier phone-oriented versions. There is a tight integration between the hardware and software and the software takes advantage of the "designed by Google" (built by ASUS) hardware. Lots of things to like. The downsides are no rear-facing camera so you're not going to be taking snapshots with it and it doesn't support SD memory to be able to add memory (I got the 16GB model). Oh, it's wireless only, no cell phone data connection available. I have a phone (and a camera) to take pictures and find smaller size devices better for that purpose - when I thought about it, I realized I never took a picture with my Galaxy Tab over a year & a half of using it everyday so that was no biggie for me. The lack of expandable memory issue made me hesitant until I thought about my use of the thing - I use cloud apps like Evernote, Gmail, Nook & Kindle readers apps, etc. so I don't store a lot of docs/pics/etc. on the device, they're all stored elsewhere. And I've not exceeded the memory of my phone which is 8GB main memory & 8GB SD card in 3 or more years. I came to the conclusion that if I run out it's likely to be far enough in the future that I'm going to be replacing it anyway (anyone want a used Galaxy Tab?). So, in part, I consider it a $250 potentially disposable device. That fits with how most electronics are today - the average cell phone is replaced every two years, the average PC every 3 to 4. As for the wireless only, I don't find that a big issue as I'm within wireless zones almost all the time or I can activate my phone's wifi hotspot capability and piggyback off that data connection. The thing cost me $250 and I got a $25 credit in the Google Play store (used to be Google Apps). I get as much & more use out of the Nexus as I did out of my iPad for about 30% of the cost (fully loaded iPads are expensive!). I actually prefer typing on the Nexus because in portrait mode I can double thumb type as fast as I can type on my laptop & I've been typing ever since Mrs McCormick's typing class 35 years ago. If you have specific questions I'd be glad to proselytize
markgoodrich Posted July 28, 2012 Author Posted July 28, 2012 Thanks, Digger. Now, tell me how to actually GET ONE NOW.
beemerman2k Posted July 28, 2012 Posted July 28, 2012 If you are already invested in the Google ecosystem, the Nexus 7 is a no-brainer tablet purchase, as out of the box it provides excellent interaction with Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Picasa, etc. If you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, an iPad may be a better fit — except that Apple doesn't have a 7" iPad at this time. Not so fast my friend! I own the Samsung Galaxy II 7" model and I gotta tell you it's a helluva tablet. Easily displays in portrait or landscape, and it's very easy to lock it in either position. Feature packed, app packed, couple of camera's, Bluetooth, WIFI, the works. I've not see the Nexus 7 yet, but I can tell you the Samsung is no sloutch.
BULLman Posted July 28, 2012 Posted July 28, 2012 Thanks, Digger. Now, tell me how to actually GET ONE NOW. https://play.google.com
BULLman Posted July 28, 2012 Posted July 28, 2012 BTW, copying and pasting is much, Much easier on the Nexus.
Selden Posted July 28, 2012 Posted July 28, 2012 (It will be interesting to see if Apple decides there might be another correct size for a tablet now that Steve is gone and Android tablets - including the Nook Color/Tablet and Kindle Fire as well as the Nexus - are taking the low-end market for themselves.) Steve Jobs is dead, and Apple will make an economic decision, not a "religious" one. I believe that Apple will enter the mid-size tablet space, and that they will quickly get a significant market share, although perhaps not as dominant as with larger tablets. I suspect that many people will make a decision similar to yours, based on the convenience of the mid-size form factor. Whether they choose an iOS device or an Android device will largely be based on whether they are moving up to the middle (smart phones) or down (iPad). Either way, in the long run, we all win by more competition.
markgoodrich Posted July 28, 2012 Author Posted July 28, 2012 Thanks, Digger. Now, tell me how to actually GET ONE NOW. https://play.google.com Nope. The 16gb is not even listed any more.
BULLman Posted July 28, 2012 Posted July 28, 2012 Facebook and email go to the HP touchpad.. BMWST,.com is a wash.
markgoodrich Posted July 30, 2012 Author Posted July 30, 2012 16gb back in stock...just ordered one from.Google
DiggerJim Posted July 30, 2012 Posted July 30, 2012 Not so fast my friend! I own the Samsung Galaxy II 7" model and I gotta tell you it's a helluva tablet. Easily displays in portrait or landscape, and it's very easy to lock it in either position. Feature packed, app packed, couple of camera's, Bluetooth, WIFI, the works. I've not see the Nexus 7 yet, but I can tell you the Samsung is no sloutch. Yep, I know. I had (well still do but it's not been turned on in 2 weeks) a Samsung Galaxy Tab too. It's great but the Nexus is greater A lot if it is Android Jelly Bean but there's a lot hardware improvements to make it better on that front too. Not perfect, but it's a way better tablet for me than the iPad that's sitting in my study getting dusty.
BULLman Posted August 13, 2012 Posted August 13, 2012 Sooooo, after logging into Google Wallet, I got my $25 in Google Play money and got the last Transformers movie... Maybe its just me, but Google Play is kinda of a pain in the a$$. I purchased a magazine and some $2.99 classic albums - not only did it NOT download onto my N7 automatically, but it took me quite a while to figure how to do it I also needed To replace a lost MP3 - I got a 32gb I touch. Mostly for because not the possible change to a 9 pin connector. Had it up and running in no time. Much quicker than my 1st gen iTouch - my FM transmitter works, except for the charging part BluTooth synched nicely with my Sena10 I do not typically buy media (songs, video, etc) I try to use my own media and rip and sync them with my devices. As much as people hate iTunes - Gplay is much, much worse.
markgoodrich Posted August 13, 2012 Author Posted August 13, 2012 I'm underwhelmed so far. In a a long delayover at SFO the WiFi signal dropped a zilloon times...could have been the system rather than the gizmo, as it hasn't happened with residential WiFi. It works better as a Kindle than my 1st-gen kindle. The size is better than an iPad I think, but basically it doesn't do anything my smartphone already does for me. I don't play games and very rarely watch videos so maybe I'm not the target market.
SSchuckman Posted October 2, 2012 Posted October 2, 2012 I received mine on 20-Jul-2012. This is my first Android device so I have nothing to compare it to. The sole reason I bought the device was to view on a smaller screen web pages that I have developed so I could optimize the pages for better viewing. I thought it would seldom be used but now I use it every day for a variety of tasks (email, texting, reading books, sharing photos, etc.). I have been very satisfied with the reliability and performance. I did experience one problem about 3 weeks ago. One morning when I attempted to turn on the device, absolutely noting happened - not a single pixel lit up on the screen. I called Google support and much to my surprise I was talking to a real person in less than a minute. She said to simultaneously activate the power button and the up volume button for 30 seconds (this is called a soft reset). Within 20 seconds the device booted up and nothing was lost. I haven't had a problem since. In summary, I have been very satisfied with the Nexus 7.
DiggerJim Posted October 2, 2012 Posted October 2, 2012 No problems since the release. I use it everyday instead of notepad & pencil at work for notes, emails, web searches, etc. I spend a lot of time in meetings and this makes me a ton more productive since I can do something instead of just taking notes about it and then following up later. Half (more?) of the benefit over my Samsung Galaxy Tab (18 mos of use) is the new OS. I haven't used my iPad in a couple of years now, don't use my Nook or Kindle either. But I still take my laptop on the road for business. Maybe Microsoft's Tablet will finally break me of that :-)
BULLman Posted October 2, 2012 Posted October 2, 2012 Love mine, too. Had a little glitch downloading the free Transformers movie that came with the Nexus - Google Support called me and we finally got it to download. Literally took almost 18 hours on the wifi @ the house in Murphy, NC. Really, slow Wifi. Wished I had gotten a 16gb one. Filled it up pretty quick, but then deleted the music as I have it on itouch and that is really what I use it for.
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