Tablets Nexus 7 AND iPhone 5? Can I Survive?

[Slyth66]

I found a really good deal on the new Nexus 7 tablet that I am having difficulty passing up. I was trying to wait for the new iPad Mini, but would really like something I can use when classes start.

However, I'm curious if living on a multi-ecosystem would be too difficult. I have a Macbook Pro and an iPhone 5, and I work from a Mac in the office. Would having one android device throw me off?

It's also important to note that the tablet will mainly be used for note taking in class (with a bluetooth keyboard) and will use Evernote. My favorite school app is iStudiez Pro which I use with my iPhone and Mac, so it will be a huge disappointment not being able to access that on my tablet.

So what are your thoughts? Should I wait on the new iPad Mini (and pay double), or get the Nexus 7 for my basic note taking needs, even if I can't sync assignments?

 

[jrswizzle]

I found a really good deal on the new Nexus 7 tablet that I am having difficulty passing up. I was trying to wait for the new iPad Mini, but would really like something I can use when classes start.

However, I'm curious if living on a multi-ecosystem would be too difficult. I have a Macbook Pro and an iPhone 5, and I work from a Mac in the office. Would having one android device throw me off?

It's also important to note that the tablet will mainly be used for note taking in class (with a bluetooth keyboard) and will use Evernote. My favorite school app is iStudiez Pro which I use with my iPhone and Mac, so it will be a huge disappointment not being able to access that on my tablet.

So what are your thoughts? Should I wait on the new iPad Mini (and pay double), or get the Nexus 7 for my basic note taking needs, even if I can't sync assignments?

I'd say do some research on assignment apps for Android. See if you can find one that syncs to or mimics iStudiez Pro. I've found there are plenty of comparable apps that will sync with iOS-only stuff.

Personally, I think the iPad mini is the way to go, and as such I would wait if I were you. But if you want the N7 and can find a way around your assignments app, by all means go for it! It's not difficult to incorporate an Android device into an all-Apple ecosystem.

My tech:

-iMac at home
-Macbook Air
-iPad mini
-iPhone 5 (for work)
-HTC One
-Dell laptop (for work)

A combination of Chrome use, Play Music/iTunes and a few apps like Dropbox, CardDavSync and CalDavSync have my HTC One working almost as if it were an iOS device. My music and playlists are synced in the cloud across my devices, my notes are saved, my calanders are synced and all my photos are uploaded to Dropbox.

Only thing I can't do with my One is stream to my ATVs.....which isn't a problem since I have my iPad mini for home media stuff.

 

[nepalisherpa]

My current setup: Macbook Pro, iPhone 5, and Nexus 7. I have got contacts, calendar, emails, and notes syncing between three devices without any issues. Since you are getting a really good deal on Nexus 7, I am assuming that you are getting it for a lot cheaper. If so, buy one, try it out until updated iPad comes out late September and sell it if you don't like it. You won't lose much since you are getting a good deal now.

 

[jsw]

I'd get the N7.2 now - use the Office Depot 20% off coupon if you can (good until the end of the week). While you can't use iStudiez Pro, which I admit is unfortunate, the N7 is a very nice little device for a lot less money.

If the iPad mini had the retina version out now, I'd say to get it. But... it's not out now (and likely not for months), it's only rumored to be coming out with a retina version this year, it's a lot more expensive, especially with 32GB, and there's no USB OTG option to enhance the storage capabilities.

You'll also be able to resell the N7 at not much of a loss (esp. if you use that Office Max coupon) when the iPad mini is refreshed.

As far as integrating with Apple products, it's cake. The only issue is when you are using iOS-specific apps.

On the other hand, if iStudiez Pro is truly important to you, get the iPad mini.

Me? I like having at least one device on each platform because it means I can take advantage of the opportunities that each provides.

If this were between a Nexus 10 and an iPad 4, I'd vote iPad 4. But Nexus 7 vs iPad mini? I'd vote to get the N7.

 

[MRU]

Yes you will survive your #firstworldproblem

 

[mclld]

very definition of firstworldproblems

 

[BlueGoldAce]

Be sure to get you vaccinations to ensure survival.....

 

[Frankied22]

I use a jailbroken iPhone 5 and a new Nexus 7. It's easy to have both and you get the best of both worlds.

 

[Slyth66]

very definition of firstworldproblems

Image

Haha, thanks for all the #firstworldproblems responses. I just wanted an interesting title.

I went to go get the Nexus 7 from 3 different Office Max stores today and they were all out (even though I called in advance). Worst customer service experience I've ever had. Anyways, I may not be getting the 20% off deal I originally planned, but I still want it.

Does anyone know of any assignment apps like iStudiez Pro for Android? Like I said, that's one of my few hang ups.

As for those who use both iOS and Android, which do you find using more often? Other than notetaking, I couldn't see using an iPad Mini for anything I already do with my iPhone, but I guess having an Android tablet could open up some new possibilities.

 

[cynics]

I use iOS on a phone and Android on a tablet. That maybe changing soon but I've enjoyed the experience thus far. Its nice to try new things. There are a lot of things I like and hate about both.

 

[mpayne2k]

Survive? I sure hope so...

I remember back in College my biggest back to school Tech concerns were deciding between an MP3CD player or a Creative Zen which was less bulky, but cost over $400! Wow tech has come along in 13 years!

 

[Hawkeye16]

My current setup: Macbook Pro, iPhone 5, and Nexus 7. I have got contacts, calendar, emails, and notes syncing between three devices without any issues. Since you are getting a really good deal on Nexus 7, I am assuming that you are getting it for a lot cheaper. If so, buy one, try it out until updated iPad comes out late September and sell it if you don't like it. You won't lose much since you are getting a good deal now.

What do you have your calendar/contacts/email syncing through? Do you use the Gmail services instead of iCloud or is there a way to sync the iCloud stuff on the N7?

I have a MBA, N7.2 and iPhone 5 and it works very well. Google Drive is very easy to use on all 3 devices which is what I mainly use.

edit: I just downloaded SmoothSync and it works perfectly for the calendar.

 

[nepalisherpa]

What do you have your calendar/contacts/email syncing through? Do you use the Gmail services instead of iCloud or is there a way to sync the iCloud stuff on the N7?

I have a MBA, N7.2 and iPhone 5 and it works very well. Google Drive is very easy to use on all 3 devices which is what I mainly use.

edit: I just downloaded SmoothSync and it works perfectly for the calendar.

GMail for calendar, contacts, and email. Evernote for notes.

 

[JackieInCo]

Most of us are really spoiled and our biggest worry is will I have enough money to buy a Nexus 7 this week.

Sometimes, I have my Nexus 7, iPad Mini, iPhone 4S and Nexus 4 with me all at the same time.

Carry on spoiled brats.

 

[CrockettGTO]

I use iOS on a phone and Android on a tablet. That maybe changing soon but I've enjoyed the experience thus far. Its nice to try new things. There are a lot of things I like and hate about both.

Funny. I am the exact opposite. Currently run with a Galaxy Note 2 and iPad mini. I also have a MB Air for work and a Mac Mini for my personal machine. Also gifted my retina iPad to my wife who also has an iPhone 5
I've bounced back and forth between the two platforms mostly settled on iOS for the first few years until Android ICS and Jellybean. That was in my opinion when Android finally could be considered as a competitor to iOS.
I mostly switch back and forth now less due to OS benefits and more due to hardware features. In my opinion, until iOS has a true multitasking and better notification system (i'm chomping at the bit for iOS7 release) its current implementation of these two features is simply not powerful enough for my carry around productivity device (smartphone). Notifications aren't as critical to me on a tablet.
I also personally think 7 inch is too small, I really believe 8 is the sweet spot. Really was struggling with not getting the Galaxy Note 8 but Samsung pulled a Microsoft and priced the device way too high foe the value it brings.
My biggest hang up with using two different platforms is that when I find a productivity app that I really enjoy and use often, rarely is there a version on both platforms (excluding the big name apps like Evernote obviously)
Some examples. Things for iOS and Mac OS, no Things app on Android. Omnigraffle on iOS no version for Android. LectureNotes for Android, no version for iOS.

 

[Slyth66]

Thanks for all the replies. I actually decided to get the Nexus 7 and so far it seems to be working fine with me being in the Apple ecosystem. I installed SmoothSync for my calendars, but everything else seems to be working out of the box.

I actually did a spoof unboxing of it as well, if you're interested in that sort of thing, haha

 

[Gaidin43]

I have had an iphone since the 3G and always jail broke my phone as soon as I could. I currently run an iphone 5 broken to suit my needs and has similar functions to stock android phone where iOS was lacking.

I have been waiting for the mini 2 and have been shopping for a tablet on and off for years. I ended up using the Office Depot 20% coupon at staples to grab a nexus 7 for a steal.

This is my first android anything and so far have been very impressed. I am still working through the multiple OS sync issues. I have been so impressed in thinking about trading my iphone 5 for a stock google android s4 or an active att S4.

Only reason I am holding off on the complete switch is the release of the iPad mini 2 to see if its worth staying and iOS 7 hoping It fixes the inability to do anything a power user wants in iOS without a jailbreak.

I'd say buy one cheap now and sell it later if you want.

 

[Slyth66]

I have had an iphone since the 3G and always jail broke my phone as soon as I could. I currently run an iphone 5 broken to suit my needs and has similar functions to stock android phone where iOS was lacking.

I have been waiting for the mini 2 and have been shopping for a tablet on and off for years. I ended up using the Office Depot 20% coupon at staples to grab a nexus 7 for a steal.

This is my first android anything and so far have been very impressed. I am still working through the multiple OS sync issues. I have been so impressed in thinking about trading my iphone 5 for a stock google android s4 or an active att S4.

Only reason I am holding off on the complete switch is the release of the iPad mini 2 to see if its worth staying and iOS 7 hoping It fixes the inability to do anything a power user wants in iOS without a jailbreak.

I'd say buy one cheap now and sell it later if you want.

Sounds exactly like my situation. Although I do not plan on switching to an Android phone. I had an HTC Inspire but then upgraded to an iPhone. It does everything I need. Plus, I think widgets are better suited for tablets, so that's what I love most about my Nexus 7 currently after having it for 2 days.

 

[Gaidin43]

Sounds exactly like my situation. Although I do not plan on switching to an Android phone. I had an HTC Inspire but then upgraded to an iPhone. It does everything I need. Plus, I think widgets are better suited for tablets, so that's what I love most about my Nexus 7 currently after having it for 2 days.

One thing I will do is upgrade to an LTE nexus 7 when they do come out and I can get a deal on it. I have unlimited data with at and my iPhone now so not willing to give that up for tethering. I do agree my iPhone 5 does everything I want it to do great. Just wish the screen was bigger.

 

[The Robot Cow]

yes the new nexus 7 is a great upgrade from the original nexus 7.

GET IT!

 

[jsw]

Thanks for all the replies. I actually decided to get the Nexus 7 and so far it seems to be working fine with me being in the Apple ecosystem. I installed SmoothSync for my calendars, but everything else seems to be working out of the box.

Enjoy, and be sure to spend at least a little time reading up on how to use it. There are free N7 guidebooks on Play Books, for example, that are short but which will show you the basics.

 

[Slyth66]

Enjoy, and be sure to spend at least a little time reading up on how to use it. There are free N7 guidebooks on Play Books, for example, that are short but which will show you the basics.

I know, I feel like I definitely need to do some diving to find out what I can do with it. Right now my biggest task was getting all the apps I use on my iPhone and Mac but now I'm feeling a little adventurous haha.

 

[jsw]

I know, I feel like I definitely need to do some diving to find out what I can do with it. Right now my biggest task was getting all the apps I use on my iPhone and Mac but now I'm feeling a little adventurous haha.

Excellent! It's not the same as iOS, and a lot of people who switch (to Android, to iOS, to anything) fail to spend a day or two learning the basics, and they then tend to think you can't do this or the way to do that is awkward, when really it's a matter of them not knowing.

Example: I used to think I needed to get rid of notifications one at a time, which irked me (especially since, until very recently, Play would give a notice about every single app update). I took forever - embarrassingly long - to realize I could click on that icon that looks like staggered horizontal lines and they'd all go away. Had I read the manual, I'd have known.

 

[maxosx]

Had I read the manual, I'd have known.

This applies to most of those who give up on Android quickly, all based on their assumptions rather that facts.

Conversely for those that like to read and learn every aspect of their new devices, you'll find a plethora of really great features, shortcuts and other time saving and fun capabilities built into Android version 4.3.

I'm finding that I use my Nexus 7.2 to view You Tube full HD video's far more than I expected to. There's a very noticeable difference with it's brilliant 323 ppi display. Colors are sharp, well balanced with excellent contrast, this is one tablet with very high value.

As much as I enjoy my iPad mini and 4, I'm particularly impressed with this Nexus 7.2, it's the first Android tablet that's exceeded my expectations.

 

[Hawkeye16]

I wonder when they are going to get bluetooth keyboards working with Android 4.3 again...