Nexus 7 experience really poor compared to mini

[Rodster]

I own both iPad's and a Nexus 7 and the N7 is a sweet device. Jelly Bean is what Android was supposed to be. I think the Mini is a solid product if you like iOS. I personally would wait for the next refresh to see if retina and A6X is added.

But the N7 is a fantastic buy and a very capable performing tablet. It's rave reviews are well deserved.

 

[jsw]

A device designed by Engineers is a plus? What world do you live in?

Some posters here make some of the most bizarre statements I have ever read.

I live in a world of engineers, and I find devices designed by engineers to be more logical.

If stating a preference for things designed by engineers is one of the most bizarre statements you've ever read, I can only assume your reading material is a bit limited.

 

[Geekbabe]

I've played with a few Nexus 7 devices, my biggest concern is the build quality.

 

[Buckeyestar]

Everyone's "experience" is relative, there is no universal measurement.

For instance, using my stock N7 I can run the utorrent app, download some TV shows, and watch them using the VLC app. That's not an experience possible with the mini.

Conversely, I prefer the pay-version Scrabble app on the mini vs. the ads-based version on the N7.

Each has its benefits to me.

The ability to steal content?

 

[DodgeV83]

It sounds like you have no idea what you are doing, I was able to figure all those tasks out without an issue. It was very easy to find out the best video player, file manager and emails apps. You get out what you put in with Android, if you put the effort in the experience is far superior to that on ios due to the flexibility and customization.

For example my N7 can see my entire video library on my iMac using SMB sharing which i can navigate with a proper native file browser and stream right to my N7 over wifi. Doing this on an iPhone is much harder. Even the simple things like being able to plug my N7 into my mac and just copy files across without having to sync with itunes, i can even transfer my files over wifi all from the file manager on my N7. I didn't like the Chrome mobile browser so i downloaded Xscope (a really great web browser for android) and i was able to set it as my default browser. Try that on ios...

What makes those tasks much harder on iOS? I do all of that (besides setting another browser as default) with File Explorer and GoodPlayer. Have you tried either of these apps?

 

[DodgeV83]

How do you get non-iTunes-Store music onto your iOS device then?

First I used GoodPlayer, then once I realized I have much more music than can fit on my phone, I switched to iSub Music Streamer.

Once iTunes Match was released, however, I switched over to that. It doesn't require my phone to sync to iTunes, I just used iTunes one time to upload 100% of my music to the cloud. If you count that as "iTunes syncing", then you win

 

[tsd71]

I had a Nexus for 2 days, sent it back and bought a 32gb mini. Best thing I ever did. The WiFi on the Nexus was unbelievably bad, the mini is a great little machine. Also the screen is fine, too many nitpickers here. Everyone knew before they went on sale that the mini was not being shipped with the retina screen, if all you cry babies knew that then..... why did you buy it?

 

[lique831]

I own both iPad's and a Nexus 7 and the N7 is a sweet device. Jelly Bean is what Android was supposed to be. I think the Mini is a solid product if you like iOS. I personally would wait for the next refresh to see if retina and A6X is added.

But the N7 is a fantastic buy and a very capable performing tablet. It's rave reviews are well deserved.

The Nexus 7 is a very good device (just sold mine this weekend) and probably the best Android tablet on the market. I personally prefer the iPad mini because I prefer the iOS environment. But I disagree with the OP in that the Nexus 7 experience is really poor compared to the mini.

 

[Rodster]

The Nexus 7 is a very good device (just sold mine this weekend) and probably the best Android tablet on the market. I personally prefer the iPad mini because I prefer the iOS environment. But I disagree with the OP in that the Nexus 7 experience is really poor compared to the mini.

Totally agree with the above. I plan on buying a Mini, just waiting for the next refresh hopefully with a better screen and processor.

 

[Krevnik]

So, when Apple kept track of everywhere your iDevice had been since it was first turned on, that wasn't a privacy issue? When they make user-based ads require an opt-out on phones (in a way most users will never find and will, in fact, likely interpret in the way opposite to the way it actually works), that's not a privacy issue?

The complaint about opt-out is a fair one, but I don't think the first point is entirely accurate.

The behavior of iOS to cache cell towers and wifi spots gathered from a single ping against Apple's servers is actually a sane one. It means Apple has less access to the result of any one location lookup as your device would just reuse the cache for later lookups. However, this cache was unencrypted on the device, which meant it was vulnerable to an attacker who got access to an unencrypted backup, or the device itself.

The fact that the cache used to be big was actually a good thing for privacy in the end. However, with the backlash it caused, now devices are pinging Apple more often for updates unless you stick to a small area (because the cache has been shrunk in size), meaning Apple now has access to more location information than it did before.

Of course, the big unknown here is how much logging is going on when the servers are pinged when it comes to Apple, Microsoft, and Google. Of course, they probably all are to varying degrees. Google has ads to sell in order to survive, and all 3 are likely capturing telemetry on the service itself to make sure they catch issues.

While it's fair to point out the privacy issues that are cropping up everywhere, we should also be realistic. The main reason I see it that way is that if we want privacy to be considered a right in this new technical era, we have to codify it into the social contract (i.e. law). But if we are unrealistic about the issues (which I am concerned is happening already), then we will likely write terrible laws to protect privacy.

That said, your other posts commenting that privacy may be a thing of the past is a very real possibility too. There are just too many ways to piece together the scraps already into a picture of who someone is, even without us handing that information over.

 

[jsw]

...[good points]...

I agree with what you've said, and I didn't mean to imply (if I did) that Apple was bad (and/or worse than Google), just that everyone collects and tries to make money (directly or indirectly) from data provided by customers. To me, it's the price paid for the convenience of the Internet and mobile communication.

I agree that we should codify use of previously private data, but I think that it is obvious that privacy is dying. I don't think that's a good thing in and of itself, but I think it's inevitable. Twenty five years ago, if someone wasn't in front of you or by their phone, you had no idea where they were. Most people used cash for most transactions. There was no such thing as a browser history. Now? For $50 or so, you can find out things about someone across the country (or world) that their own families don't know. Whether or not we make such things illegal, the information will always be there for someone to gather.

 

[calilove]

During the waiting of the iPad mini, I bought a used Nexus 7 just to try it. Bearing in mind I already had a GNote, so I know what to expect from Android.

I like the map much much better than iOS 6, and really miss the street view! It does have a real GPS even though it does not have cellular. (Question again: why can't Apple give us a real GPS in WiFi only iPad?? Doesn't make any sense!)

Widgets are kind of cool, but also confusing and overwhelming if you don't know what to do with them.

Other than that, I don't feel anything better than iPad. The screen is not that great even at higher resolution. The whole OS still feels not as smooth as iOS. Browser? I really hate 16:10, no matter potrait or wide screen! (Can't imagine 16:9 in other android pad!)

Got iPad mini yesterday. Everything seems better, except font rendering in web sites, and just a little bit too wide for single hand. But the Nexus 7 is back on sale now. Hope someone will grab it soon!

I think widgets are self explanitory, maybe android isnt for people who are confused by widgets?

 

[klover]

For me, the N7 was the first real alternative to an iPad. I've have every iPad (1,2,3,mini) and balked at any Android alternative until I purchased the N7 this summer. And, if your app preferences allow it (95% of the Apple apps I use have Android versions), it can be quite fun.

The design is plastic, yes, but it is considerably more comfortable to hold than the mini (again, personal opinion). The soft back has a nice feel and grip.

The screen is narrow in portrait but contrast, black level, and colors are very nice for the investment.

What I like most are the geeky Android apps that I always wanted on my iPad: emulators that don't require rooting/jailbreaking, torrent apps, and widgets. Having my email live-update on the tablet "desktop" is a feature I'd love on my iPads.

The best option for me is just owning an N7 and iPad - they are the best of both worlds.

 

[Dlanod]

For me, the N7 was the first real alternative to an iPad. I've have every iPad (1,2,3,mini) and balked at any Android alternative until I purchased the N7 this summer.

The design is plastic, yes, but it is considerably more comfortable to hold than the mini (again, personal opinion). The soft back has a nice feel and grip.

The screen is narrow in portrait but contrast, black level, and colors are very nice for the investment.

What I like most are the geeky Android apps that I always wanted on my iPad: emulators that don't require rooting/jailbreaking, torrent apps, and widgets. Having my email live-update on the tablet "desktop" is a feature I'd love on my iPads.

The best option for me is just owning an N7 and iPad - they are the best of both worlds.

Totally agree. I have a Nexus 7 for portability. I think it's better than the Mini (which I am sending back) and a new 4th gen iPad for home. Given the Nexus 7 is £110 cheaper than the equivalent Mini and the screen is better its a bit of a no brainer for me.

 

[klover]

Totally agree. I have a Nexus 7 for portability. I think it's better than the Mini (which I am sending back) and a new 4th gen iPad for home. Given the Nexus 7 is £110 cheaper than the equivalent Mini and the screen is better its a bit of a no brainer for me.

That's the same setup I'm contemplating (i.e., returning mini, grabbing the 4, and keeping N7). Can't think it gets better than that.

 

[Aegelward]

Nexus 7 vs iPad Mini facts

Over 3 million and counting Minis have been sold in under a week. how many Nexus 7s has google sold? not even a million.

Estimated returns of the ipad mini in it's lifetime (5 years) - 3-5%
Estimated returns of the Google Nexus 7 in it's lifetime (5 years) - 75%

Amount of applications optimised for a tablet interface on android? less than 10%

User experience ratings of the N7? under 50% Of the iPad mini? 98%!

Suck it up google. Apple IS the market. Just scrap your failed nexus program and we will all be happier without having to gawp at a sub-standard product.

 

[palpatine]

Nexus 7 vs iPad Mini facts

Over 3 million and counting Minis have been sold in under a week. how many Nexus 7s has google sold? not even a million.

Estimated returns of the ipad mini in it's lifetime (5 years) - 3-5%
Estimated returns of the Google Nexus 7 in it's lifetime (5 years) - 75%

Amount of applications optimised for a tablet interface on android? less than 10%

User experience ratings of the N7? under 50% Of the iPad mini? 98%!

Suck it up google. Apple IS the market. Just scrap your failed nexus program and we will all be happier without having to gawp at a sub-standard product.

Did Google post somewhere in these forums? I am not sure who you are addressing in your posts.

I love facts. Especially when they are wrong.
http://tellmenews.com/asus-announce...e-nexus-7-sold-per-month/174651/sharon-wagner

I happen to like both Android and iOS. They have their strengths and weaknesses. I'm pretty pleased with the N7, so I'm glad it's around. It's nice to have choice as a consumer.

 

[kenypowa]

Nexus 7 vs iPad Mini facts

Over 3 million and counting Minis have been sold in under a week. how many Nexus 7s has google sold? not even a million.

Estimated returns of the ipad mini in it's lifetime (5 years) - 3-5%
Estimated returns of the Google Nexus 7 in it's lifetime (5 years) - 75%

Amount of applications optimised for a tablet interface on android? less than 10%

User experience ratings of the N7? under 50% Of the iPad mini? 98%!

Suck it up google. Apple IS the market. Just scrap your failed nexus program and we will all be happier without having to gawp at a sub-standard product.

Don't you just love people who pull out these numbers out of their ass? Other than the first number quoted is correct, all the other numbers are pure fantasy.

 

[Scott6666]

Wow, interesting to hear just how castigated one can get by posting up some unbiased experiences with a piece of metal and plastic.

It's always fun to read about people trying to compare current devices (N7) to something that is outdated 2 years ago (ipad mini). I am sure you haven't spend enough time with N7 or you just want to elevate your ego and patriotism towards the apple brand.

No, I think you already pulled enough stuff out of where the sun don't shine.

I agree that the iPad mini really had it's a$$ handed to it with the new Nexus 7. It's superior to the iPad mini in virtually every way and still cost less.

It sounds like you have no idea what you are doing, I was able to figure all those tasks out without an issue. It was very easy to find out the best video player, file manager and emails apps. You get out what you put in with Android, if you put the effort in the experience is far superior to that on ios due to the flexibility and customization.

Y'all pretty defensive about your little tablet there.

Yeah, I figured it all out but it was just a hassle to do so. And I don't know that I need to post my resume but I'm pretty confident I'll hold up well to any of you clowns.

This is a lot like why I own macs rather than windows boxes. You can do anything on a windows box - from a purely functional basis - that you can do on a mac. Word process, look at pictures, email, websurf, etc. There is a major, but in some ways very subtle, "it just works" factor that comes with Apple. This is true in spades for Nexus vs iPad.

Go ahead and use your little Nexus 7. It is functional. I used it just last night to finish off that video that he first responder had me try off of utorrent.

[By the way after the video playback the entire screen remained 70% washed out for 20 minutes as the Nvidia chip had a messed up gamma setting that took a while to settle back out. Yes, this is repeatable; google Nexus 7 washed out screen and watch people puzzle over this one.]

I'ts just not as easy.

Y'all are crazy. I own a Nexus 7 (corporate). I can use it for FREE FOREVER. I make programs for it (HTML5 apps and native android apps) so it's not that I can't figure it out. What reason do I have to go out and spend $700 on an iPad mini if that Nexus 7 works so well?

If you don't have the bucks, and you're somewhat technical, go ahead and get a Nexus. If you like a Kia because that Porsche is just too annoying, go ahead.

Many people think that $180 extra for an mini is too much (comparing 32GB wifi models) but if you can afford the difference the mini is much easier to work with.

I don't really care what any of you choose to buy. Not my business. But it's absolutely true that:
(i) the Nexus is somewhat cheaper, and
(ii) the iPad mini is far less frustrating.

Now, if it only had that damned retina screen...

 

[roxxette]

Just works my butt lol copy & pasteon windows nuff said and yeap i use macs too.

 

[chakraj]

I live in a world of engineers, and I find devices designed by engineers to be more logical.

If stating a preference for things designed by engineers is one of the most bizarre statements you've ever read, I can only assume your reading material is a bit limited.

I personally prefer products designed by clowns instead of engineers. I find the color choices they use much better than any "safety" or other concerns. Im talking bridges and cars and planes here. Computers eh, not so important that clown design them.

 

[Fruit Cake]

The ability to steal content?

Plenty easy to steal content on iOS as well. BitTorrent isn't the only game in town.

----------

Wow, interesting to hear just how castigated one can get by posting up some unbiased experiences with a piece of metal and plastic.







Y'all pretty defensive about your little tablet there.

Yeah, I figured it all out but it was just a hassle to do so. And I don't know that I need to post my resume but I'm pretty confident I'll hold up well to any of you clowns.

This is a lot like why I own macs rather than windows boxes. You can do anything on a windows box - from a purely functional basis - that you can do on a mac. Word process, look at pictures, email, websurf, etc. There is a major, but in some ways very subtle, "it just works" factor that comes with Apple. This is true in spades for Nexus vs iPad.

Go ahead and use your little Nexus 7. It is functional. I used it just last night to finish off that video that he first responder had me try off of utorrent.

[By the way after the video playback the entire screen remained 70% washed out for 20 minutes as the Nvidia chip had a messed up gamma setting that took a while to settle back out. Yes, this is repeatable; google Nexus 7 washed out screen and watch people puzzle over this one.]

I'ts just not as easy.

Y'all are crazy. I own a Nexus 7 (corporate). I can use it for FREE FOREVER. I make programs for it (HTML5 apps and native android apps) so it's not that I can't figure it out. What reason do I have to go out and spend $700 on an iPad mini if that Nexus 7 works so well?

If you don't have the bucks, and you're somewhat technical, go ahead and get a Nexus. If you like a Kia because that Porsche is just too annoying, go ahead.

Many people think that $180 extra for an mini is too much (comparing 32GB wifi models) but if you can afford the difference the mini is much easier to work with.

I don't really care what any of you choose to buy. Not my business. But it's absolutely true that:
(i) the Nexus is somewhat cheaper, and
(ii) the iPad mini is far less frustrating.

Now, if it only had that damned retina screen...

But which is,the Porsche and which is the Kia? The problem with your analogy is that the Porsche is packing the Kia engine and the Kia is packing the Porsche engine, hence a little more complex then that (yes I know iPad has the 543mp2) but the CPU and screen are a major letdown.

Y'all come back now, Y'ear?

 

[Dlanod]

That's the same setup I'm contemplating (i.e., returning mini, grabbing the 4, and keeping N7). Can't think it gets better than that.

Yeah I use google for email contacts and calendar so I'm OS agnostic - can sync it all across iOS or Android JB.

 

[poipu420]

I was able to try both devices over the weekend and almost decided on which tablet to purchase.

For value sake, I would say the nexus 7 has the clear advantage over the mini. The nexus 7 is currently selling clearance at 149$ for the 8GB version. I am thinking there is going to be a major slickdeal during Black Friday. Although the processor beats the mini's, I still don't see any noticeable difference.

However, although value is nice, sometimes comfort can outweigh the other pros in the buying decision. I feel that the surfing experience on the ipad mini is smoother, clearer, and more comfortable that the N7 regardless of the lower resolution. Although the N7 jelly bean updates the interface, I feel it is not as polished as Apples.

If I was a casual internet user, I would purchase the n7 and keep the extra $200+ bucks. However, since I enjoy reading blogs, researching things on the internet, and surf a lot, I believe comfort should be my deciding factor. I shall see.

 

[torana355]

What makes those tasks much harder on iOS? I do all of that (besides setting another browser as default) with File Explorer and GoodPlayer. Have you tried either of these apps?

Yes I have and they don't work very good. the ac3 CODEC was removed making good player useless for most of my move collection. File explorer is a joke compared to Es explorer on Android.