FollowEven after several months since Nexus 7 was launched, Google’s computer tablet is still an excellent tablet. Its 8GB version has been removed and now it starts with 16 GB for $199. Paying $249 is for the 32 GB version while it’s $299 for the 32 GB with HSPA+.
After Nexus 7 debut, three major and small computer tablets were launched – Kindle Fire HD, iPad Mini and Nook HD. Each tablet has their own shares of strengths and weaknesses. The choice rests on the consumer to determine which one fits his needs. With Nexus 7’s low price, nice screen, battery life and open Android 4.2 environment, Google’s tablet have been until now, still the best tablet one can own.
Screen Appearance
The home screen’s familiar bottom tray is filled with apps with Google services such as Music, Play, YouTube, Magazines and Books. There is a folder that houses Chrome, Google Maps, Gmail and others. There is the apps button at the middle of the tray. Swiping from home button across the apps takes the user to Google Now, the predictive personalized helper.
Multi screen implements the accounts of users in Android 4.2. It is as simple as adding a new user from Settings -> Users and follow the suggested steps. New user accounts can be deleted by the owner any time. Switching to another user requires entry to the lock screen then select the user icon and unlock the tablet.
Furthermore, the screen is receptive to swipe and touch. Navigating the menus is smooth and quick.
Design
Aside from the SIM card slot and heavier weight, Nexus 7 with HSPA+ is similar in feel and length to its original Wi-Fi only version. It is a black tablet which tries to break the cookie-cutter mold of the slates. It has a grippy, leathery back texture like that of the Acer Iconia Tab A510, but with both “Asus” and “Nexus” emboss. It does not look as having much but it can do a lot and it is comfortable to hold.
It has a bezel. When positioned in portrait mode, the bezels at both sides are thin while the top and bottom seem thicker. The thick bezels are useful for the thumbs to rest while it is being held. It is lighter than Kindle Fire HD but not as thin as Nook HD or iPad Mini. It has the same thickness with Fire HD and thinner than Nook HD. It cannot equal the slightness of iPad Mini though.
New Features
The Android 4.2 that powers Nexus 7 has some new, useful and interesting features. The Gesture Type has an impressive ability to interpret some finger sliding and also determines what the user wants to type. It has trouble predicting some words though. The settings of the tablet can already be accessed quickly. Swiping down from top right shall reveal some shortcuts such as brightness, general settings, Wi-Fi settings, airplane mode, battery life and so on.
Pros and Cons
Nexus 7 highlights a sharp screen, longer battery life and a comfy design at a low price. Furthermore, Android 4.2 also adds some useful features that are so enticing. The bad side of Nexus 7 is that Android still needs more maximized apps, most recent games have issues on frame rates and the HSPA+ speed seems to be location-dependent.
Conclusion
The Nexus 7 excellent design, low price and useful features make it the cheapest way to have the best Android OS offering. Nexus 7 becomes better as it ages, thanks to the innovative Android 4.2 features.
Nexus 7 delivers with a low price, a design that is comfortable and the best is the latest version of Android. Android 4.2 is built on version 4.1 with features such as multi-user, Gesture Type and lock screen customization. The Android experience makes it open and complete.
Compared to iPad Mini, the Nexus 7 is less expensive. The former is expensive but has faster performance, better apps support and longer battery life. iPad Mini and Nexus 7 are both good tablets. The iPad Mini performs better but Nexus 7 with its better value, gains the crowd’s support as the current best tablet.
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