Thinking of replacing my iPad 1 with a Nexus 7 but I'm using it for class...

[0dev]

As the title says, I currently have the first generation iPad, but after hearing it wouldn't get iOS 6 I decided it was time to move on from it, and after spending a few months using a HTC Sensation I've really started liking Android.

The Nexus 7 is certainly great on a student budget, but my question is, is there a good app for taking notes in classes? On my iPad, Pages is great for quick note taking. I have few simple reminder apps on my phone but I'd need something more than that for class and I'd like it to have a proper tablet UI too.

Thanks

 

[miles01110]

Sounds like you don't need a new device at all. That the iPad 1 won't get iOS 6 does not mean it will suddenly be less functional.

 

[0dev]

Sounds like you don't need a new device at all. That the iPad 1 won't get iOS 6 does not mean it will suddenly be less functional.

Mainly I'm upgrading because the iPad is so slow. Seriously it lags with even the most basic things and it stutters while playing video and every time I switch tabs in Safari it reloads. It's three years old man, I need something else.

 

[Jessica Lares]

There is a reason why spiral notebooks are the size they are, and there's a reason why the iPad is good for taking notes. You cannot write efficiently on a screen that small. It's great for drawing and reading, but not for getting work done on or writing.

The thing itself is the exact size of a Moleskine notebook, but then, you take off almost an inch from every side of it. Basically it's like writing on a scrap piece of paper. Even 4x6 oversized index cards give you more space than the Nexus 7 screen will.

Keep your iPad. You could easily trade it for a Nexus 7, but you aren't doing yourself any good by doing so.

 

[nuckinfutz]

A 7" 16 x 9 tablet sounds like an exercise in frustration as a device used in school. Sure it can be done but you're giving up a lot of screen real estate.

 

[0dev]

Well that's a shame to hear, the Nexus 7 looks like an awesome device and my iPad's far too frustratingly slow

 

[phillytim]

This. Might as well bite the bullet and get the "new" iPad (3), or the iPad 2 if you're really strapped for dough.

Seriously, you would regreat going down to a 7" for school work, and you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Chances are high that you're just not going to be as happy without an iPad, and a 7" screen even worse!

A 7" 16 x 9 tablet sounds like an exercise in frustration as a device used in school. Sure it can be done but you're giving up a lot of screen real estate.

 

[0dev]

I like 7 inch tablets though. I do see why they'd be harder to do actual work on, but I think it's a far better size for a tablet, mainly because it's a lot more portable - if I wear trousers with big pockets I could even fit a seven inch tablet in one, my friend used to do that with his OG Galaxy Tab.

I also really like Android and I don't really want another iPad in all honesty.

 

[nuckinfutz]

I also really like Android and I don't really want another iPad in all honesty.

Held a Nexus 7 a week ago. Good size for puttering around but I just thought it was too narrow.

Wonder if anyone makes a 4:3 Android tablet that doesn't suck. I just cannot get into 16 x 9

 

[Jessica Lares]

Even another thing... The status bar and menu take ANOTHER inch of space. And then you have the apps with action bars.

Have you considered downgrading your iPad to iOS 4? It might be better for it.

 

[zbarvian]

I like 7 inch tablets though. I do see why they'd be harder to do actual work on, but I think it's a far better size for a tablet, mainly because it's a lot more portable - if I wear trousers with big pockets I could even fit a seven inch tablet in one, my friend used to do that with his OG Galaxy Tab.

I also really like Android and I don't really want another iPad in all honesty.

You can't type notes on a Nexus 7, the screen has less than half of the real estate than an iPad. If you want an Android tablet for school, I'd recommend a Asus Transformer with a keyboard dock.

I use Evernote for school, and it works well for me. It's a cool program, and it syncs across all platforms.

 

[0dev]

What I think I'll do is try out the Nexus 7 first and see if I find it nice to type on. If you're all right, I guess I'll just keep the iPad. If I like typing on it, I'll buy it.

 

[zbarvian]

What I think I'll do is try out the Nexus 7 first and see if I find it nice to type on. If you're all right, I guess I'll just keep the iPad. If I like typing on it, I'll buy it.

Fair enough, but FYI you will only be able to thumb type. Think of it essentially as taking notes with your smartphone.

 

[ChazUK]

For your info OP, below is some screenshots of evernote and Google Docs on the N7. The viewing area on Landscape isn't fantastic but that could be freed up with the use of a Bluetooth keyboard if that's an option.

 

[0dev]

For your info OP, below is some screenshots of evernote and Google Docs on the N7. The viewing area on Landscape isn't fantastic but that could be freed up with the use of a Bluetooth keyboard if that's an option.

Very helpful, thanks

 

[ChazUK]

Very helpful, thanks

No problems.

As you must know, things are better on the 10 inch tablets!

 

[cynics]

N7 is light years beyond an iPad 1. I just got rid of my iPad 2 for its lack luster and picked an iPad 3 wifi which was probably a dumb idea but I like it.

Personally I'm about 10x faster typing on a N7 then any larger screen iPad or tablet just because I can type with my thumbs on the N7. Second best I say android tablet because the 16x9 ratio on a larger screen I can get both hands on the keyboard. I find the iPad the worst to type on, I have to poke at the keyboard with my index fingers. Its great for casual browsing and such but for work I prefer Android. My main reason though is a file system so I can easily store zip files, pdf's, exe's and plenty of etc's.

 

[0dev]

N7 is light years beyond an iPad 1. I just got rid of my iPad 2 for its lack luster and picked an iPad 3 wifi which was probably a dumb idea but I like it.

Personally I'm about 10x faster typing on a N7 then any larger screen iPad or tablet just because I can type with my thumbs on the N7. Second best I say android tablet because the 16x9 ratio on a larger screen I can get both hands on the keyboard. I find the iPad the worst to type on, I have to poke at the keyboard with my index fingers. Its great for casual browsing and such but for work I prefer Android. My main reason though is a file system so I can easily store zip files, pdf's, exe's and plenty of etc's.

Exactly, this is precisely why I want to try out the N7 before I make a judgement. Personally I find it troublesome to type on the iPad and I think I'd be a lot faster being able to type with my thumbs on a smaller tablet.

And you're certainly right about the filesystem, getting documents on and off the iPad is a PITA, especially since it only lets me upload Pages documents to iCloud. Anti-competitive much? I far prefer being able to use Dropbox and Google Drive to both upload and download whatever files I want from my device.

 

[linkgx1]

As a student, I don't think EITHER is good for school just based on the Apps alone. I would personally want to see what the Surface has cooking.I truly want a tablet too, but nothing for school has really called my name. If the Surface sucks, then I'd get an iPad I guess.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

What I think I'll do is try out the Nexus 7 first and see if I find it nice to type on.

It's amazing that after all theses replies none of the rabid iPad fans even suggested you go and check one out for yourself and make your own mind up.


This is the best idea of the whole thread and it came from the OP.

Just wait until the iPad mini comes out, then these same people will be telling you how it is the best screen size ever invented by Apple.

 

[Jessica Lares]

It's amazing that after all theses replies none of the rabid iPad fans even suggested you go and check one out for yourself and make your own mind up.


This is the best idea of the whole thread and it came from the OP.

Just wait until the iPad mini comes out, then these same people will be telling you how it is the best screen size ever invented by Apple.

I have the Kindle Fire. So I am familiar with that screen size. I have never used, nor owned an iPad. I use my Kindle for reading and drawing, and I used the oversized index card example because I do indeed draw things up in Sketchbook then print to those exact sized cards. Even if you hook a keyboard up to it, by means of OTG, it just feels odd. I don't have issues typing on it, but it's not something I can do for long periods of time like on my Samsung Galaxy or iPhone 4.

Simply telling someone to go try it out, does not solve the original problem. Obviously he wanted an opinion (and a positive one that he didn't actually get), and we gave him ours.

iOS has the advantage of NOT having anything but one button, and a bar that gives you the time and percentage. The keyboard is also done a little better, especially since it shows you spelling mistakes with pop ups and not a bar.

However, it's still going to suffer because it is not a size that's usable for productivity. Play your music, watch a movie, play a game, read a book, browse the internet, but that's as good as it gets.

Photoshop Touch hardly even fits on the screen.

 

[Greg.]

There's your answer.
People who attempt to look cool by getting their iPad out in class look like idiots. It's up there with people who use their iPad's as cameras. Pen and paper is so much faster, especially if you do a proper subject like mathematics.

 

[PDFierro]

As the title says, I currently have the first generation iPad, but after hearing it wouldn't get iOS 6 I decided it was time to move on from it, and after spending a few months using a HTC Sensation I've really started liking Android.

The Nexus 7 is certainly great on a student budget, but my question is, is there a good app for taking notes in classes? On my iPad, Pages is great for quick note taking. I have few simple reminder apps on my phone but I'd need something more than that for class and I'd like it to have a proper tablet UI too.

Thanks

Have you thought about waiting on the iPad Mini? Especially if you like iOS but just want a new tablet and don't want to spend all that much. I like Android too, but the iPad offers quite a few things as a tablet.

 

[0dev]

Image

There's your answer.
People who attempt to look cool by getting their iPad out in class look like idiots. It's up there with people who use their iPad's as cameras. Pen and paper is so much faster, especially if you do a proper subject like mathematics.

Oh yes, and I guess I'll get to university on my Penny Farthing and browse the internet in IE6 too

For now I'm keeping the iPad, but I might just use my laptop for notes and sell the iPad for something else anyway, time will tell.