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ipad mini or google nexus
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glagys
11-09-2012
with rumours about the launch of the new ipad mini 7" screen and not sure wether to go for one or perhaps a different like a google nexus 7
or such like
if anyone can recommend any others
it will be used to open email,watch films and read books etc whilst on my holidays as well

and what are they capable of ??
are they like a little pc thingy ??
which will work out cheaper for downloading/buying Apple store or google market

cheers
people
alternate
11-09-2012
Well as the ipad mini hasn't been officially announced or priced you might want to wait on asking which is better.
glagys
11-09-2012
yeah just putting out feelers as to what people think
i assume the the ipad mini will be a little lower spec than the normal ipad and seeing as i am looking for a 7" screen just need to know what is a good one then i can compare when/if its launched
or go to a normal ipad
alan1302
11-09-2012
Originally Posted by glagys:
“yeah just putting out feelers as to what people think
i assume the the ipad mini will be a little lower spec than the normal ipad and seeing as i am looking for a 7" screen just need to know what is a good one then i can compare when/if its launched
or go to a normal ipad”

i think you need to wait and see what the spec is before you can decide on anything.
paulbrock
11-09-2012
yes pointless asking for opinions on which to go for when only one officially exists. You never know, there's an outside chance it will get a mention tomorrow at the iphone launch.

I can tell you a bit about my Nexus 7 though (much of this may apply to the ipad mini, you'll have to wait and see);

for a long time I was going to get a 10" tablet as a laptop replacement. Then the Nexus 7 popped up and it was cheap enough for an impulse purchase. Really glad I did now - what's great about the 7" form is that you take it with you. It's *always* in my bag. and if I don't have a bag with me, it's in my jacket pocket, or even in my back jeans pocket. Not quite to the "I'm just popping to the corner shop to get a newspaper" always, but any time I'm going on a bus, or a tube, or likely to have a few minutes spare I'll have it with me.

What I use it for:
- email, social networks,general surfing (DS)
- ebook reader
- occasional video viewing; iplayer/netflix in bed or sports/news reports when out and about.
- uploading my photos from my SLR; easy to transfer them with a card reader and from the tablet, easy to then upload to social networks or my website; also a good to show photos to people
- gaming; more as a timesink when travelling
- taking notes to remind myself of stuff, also used as my diary,syncing with online calendar.
- viewing instruction manuals/briefings in PDF form
- maps. I love using Google maps on a 7" screen. Great for navigating, seeing public transport lines, train lines etc. The Gmaps public transport navigation is good too, giving me a beep when my stop is coming up.


It can do video calling as well through Skype or google talk but I've never felt the need to do this on the move.

The other question I can answer for you:

Quote:
“which will work out cheaper for downloading/buying Apple store or google market”

Lots of big names are free in both. You're more likely to have to pay for an Apple app than a Android app though, like for like; Android apps are more likely free and ad supported.
Also, barring some very old games designed for low res screens, every single app I use on my Android phone works great on 7" screen, they're designed for a wide variety of screens anyway. (some people complain that there aren't many "tablet" apps in the Android store. The truth is they're not needed)
Schadenfreud
11-09-2012
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“yes pointless asking for opinions on which to go for when only one officially exists. You never know, there's an outside chance it will get a mention tomorrow at the iphone launch.

I can tell you a bit about my Nexus 7 though (much of this may apply to the ipad mini, you'll have to wait and see);

for a long time I was going to get a 10" tablet as a laptop replacement. Then the Nexus 7 popped up and it was cheap enough for an impulse purchase. Really glad I did now - what's great about the 7" form is that you take it with you. It's *always* in my bag. and if I don't have a bag with me, it's in my jacket pocket, or even in my back jeans pocket. Not quite to the "I'm just popping to the corner shop to get a newspaper" always, but any time I'm going on a bus, or a tube, or likely to have a few minutes spare I'll have it with me.

What I use it for:
- email, social networks,general surfing (DS)
- ebook reader
- occasional video viewing; iplayer/netflix in bed or sports/news reports when out and about.
- uploading my photos from my SLR; easy to transfer them with a card reader and from the tablet, easy to then upload to social networks or my website; also a good to show photos to people
- gaming; more as a timesink when travelling
- taking notes to remind myself of stuff, also used as my diary,syncing with online calendar.
- viewing instruction manuals/briefings in PDF form
- maps. I love using Google maps on a 7" screen. Great for navigating, seeing public transport lines, train lines etc. The Gmaps public transport navigation is good too, giving me a beep when my stop is coming up.


It can do video calling as well through Skype or google talk but I've never felt the need to do this on the move.

The other question I can answer for you:



Lots of big names are free in both. You're more likely to have to pay for an Apple app than a Android app though, like for like; Android apps are more likely free and ad supported.
Also, barring some very old games designed for low res screens, every single app I use on my Android phone works great on 7" screen, they're designed for a wide variety of screens anyway. (some people complain that there aren't many "tablet" apps in the Android store. The truth is they're not needed)”


I can confirm all of that, plus I've just taken mine abroad and tethering it to my phone, it was a Godsend. Even watching films on the flight out as well as back was very easy on the eye.
Stilian
11-09-2012
I myself would go for the Nexus
glagys
12-09-2012
thats really helpful guys thanks thats the sort of info i was asking about
i dont want to pay top price for a ipad mini just cos it "apple" if there is something else out there as good but cheaper
cheers
c4rv
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by glagys:
“thats really helpful guys thanks thats the sort of info i was asking about
i dont want to pay top price for a ipad mini just cos it "apple" if there is something else out there as good but cheaper
cheers”

until the specification of the mini ipad (if it even if going to be released for a start) and prices have been released it going to be really difficult to make comparisons. Right now all you can say is the Google nexus 7 and Amazon Fire HD are probably the two best 7" android tablets out there and both can probably do anything you want to do with ease.
Stuart_h
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by c4rv:
“until the specification of the mini ipad (if it even if going to be released for a start) and prices have been released it going to be really difficult to make comparisons. Right now all you can say is the Google nexus 7 and Amazon Fire HD are probably the two best 7" android tablets out there and both can probably do anything you want to do with ease.”

Agreed, and agree with previous posts.

The kindle fire seems fairly locked down to Amazon. like many things this is great if you live in the US but, as is often the case, not so good if you live in the UK.

I have a Nexus 7 and an Asus Transformer (TF101). The Nexus is what I reach for most. Its a great size and weight and is extremely quick.

I am openly anti-Apple (I dont like the way the company works) but from a subjective point of view I would think that Apple need to do something pretty special with the iPad mini, either with spec or with price, for it to compete. Obviously a large number will buy it 'because its Apple' but I think waverers will need a compelling reason to buy it over the Nexus 7.

IMHO Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire - Nexus 7 wins (no brainer).

Nexus 7 vs iPad mini - wait until spec and price released and weigh up whether you want to buy into the Android or Apple eco-system.

Both sides have similar app numbers and content these days. As already stated you are more likely to have to part with further cash for Apple apps (and the Nexus 7 comes with a £15 e-voucher for apps).
paulbrock
12-09-2012
I do worry though that the Nexus 7 just hasn't had the market awareness needed to compete with the iPad. I wonder how many people in the UK have even heard of it still? Yet, when apple's latest toy comes out, I'm sure there will be plenty more people who are talking about it.

I've yet to even see a working Nexus 7 in a high street shop; compare that to the ipads which are ready to play with in everywhere from Carphone warehouse to pc world.
alan1302
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“I do worry though that the Nexus 7 just hasn't had the market awareness needed to compete with the iPad. I wonder how many people in the UK have even heard of it still? Yet, when apple's latest toy comes out, I'm sure there will be plenty more people who are talking about it.

I've yet to even see a working Nexus 7 in a high street shop; compare that to the ipads which are ready to play with in everywhere from Carphone warehouse to pc world.”

I’d agree with that – I expect most people who come on here or have an interest in IT will know about it but other than that I don’t believe it is well known at all.
dmpraider
12-09-2012
I spent a couple of hours playing with a Nexus 7 at the weekend and was very impressed with it. Loved the size and the speed of it. Also the screen definition was very good on the short video I watched.

I'm not a Apple Fanboy but I do like their quality and the fact that you can simply sync everything. However saying that I loved using Nexus and was giving serious consideration to just buying one but felt that I should wait and see what the iPad Mini specs and price was going to be.

I am however happy that in the event that Apple don't deliver the specs I want at a reasonable price then I have found my new tablet, in the Nexus 7!
lym
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by Stuart_h:
“
IMHO Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire - Nexus 7 wins (no brainer).”

Would you even pick the Nexus 7 over the Kindle Fire HD? I'm having a hard time deciding between the two.
Stuart_h
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by lym:
“Would you even pick the Nexus 7 over the Kindle Fire HD? I'm having a hard time deciding between the two.”

Yes - Amazon have locked down the operating system to make it much more Amazon-based. With the Nexus 7 you will be guaranteed immediate software updates (including major Android revisions) for quite some time as there is no 'extra' layer of software over the basic Android.
Stuart_h
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“I do worry though that the Nexus 7 just hasn't had the market awareness needed to compete with the iPad. I wonder how many people in the UK have even heard of it still? Yet, when apple's latest toy comes out, I'm sure there will be plenty more people who are talking about it.

I've yet to even see a working Nexus 7 in a high street shop; compare that to the ipads which are ready to play with in everywhere from Carphone warehouse to pc world.”

To be honest its because most retailers cant get hold of enough stock.

There have been a number of advertisements on TV - i think a 'brand' is starting to emerge ....
alan1302
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by Stuart_h:
“To be honest its because most retailers cant get hold of enough stock.

There have been a number of advertisements on TV - i think a 'brand' is starting to emerge ....”

It will need to emerge quickly if there is an iPad Mini launched in October at a keen price – maybe around £200. I’d expect them to fly out the doors.

I think Amazon having a strong presence with the Kindle Fire tablets will affect the Nexus sales as well.
c4rv
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by lym:
“Would you even pick the Nexus 7 over the Kindle Fire HD? I'm having a hard time deciding between the two.”

The lock in to Amazon for me a issue. I don't think having a dual core vs quad core is an issue and the Fire does have more storage for the same price and supposedly a better screen.

But right now, until there is more information about the fire, I would go with the nexus.
paulbrock
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by lym:
“Would you even pick the Nexus 7 over the Kindle Fire HD? I'm having a hard time deciding between the two.”

yep. I wouldn't want to go through all of the faff of rooting it just to get access to the bigger app store, frankly I use too many Google products to have to mess around. The Amazon app store has some big names, but its too easy to find gaps. There's way round that, but why go through the hassle?

If they both ran the same software, it might be trickier to choose between them.
paulbrock
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by dmpraider:
“I'm not a Apple Fanboy but I do like their quality and the fact that you can simply sync everything”

If you mean syncing with an iphone or mac then yes fair enough.

The equivalent is true for Android though, I can simply sync everything on my Nexus 7 as well!
c4rv
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“If you mean syncing with an iphone or mac then yes fair enough.

The equivalent is true for Android though, I can simply sync everything on my Nexus 7 as well! ”

Not sure if dmpraider meant iCloud & airplay connectivity ? Something that android does not currently offer seamlessly.
paulbrock
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by c4rv:
“Not sure if dmpraider meant iCloud & airplay connectivity ? Something that android does not currently offer seamlessly.”

yep talking to apple devices is best done by other Apple devices. The rest is just branding though. It may not have icloud and airplay connectivity but it will do the same things under a different name.
lym
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by c4rv:
“The lock in to Amazon for me a issue.”

That's one reason I'm finding it hard to decide between the two, I've never owned a tablet before and don't want to find later I've bought the wrong one as it's a lot of money to pay. I think the Nexus is going to be more suited for me as there seems to be more choice of apps compared to Amazon.
Stuart_h
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by c4rv:
“Not sure if dmpraider meant iCloud & airplay connectivity ? Something that android does not currently offer seamlessly.”

like cloud storage and dnla streaming to Tvs ?

I can 'share' pretty much anything with any other compatible hardware seamlessly.

I do think that Apple users have this belief that Apple is more advanced on this front than it really is ......

I go into my gallery, choose a picture. With one further click i can share that with any one of (to name but a few):

Google+
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin
Picasa
BBC News
DropBox
SMS
Email
Gmail
Skifta

or, indeed, any other app that want to use that function.

iOS is seamsless with itunes or with other Apple products. Android is seamless with whatever you want it to be seamless with (within reason - not the toaster for example).
Stuart_h
12-09-2012
Originally Posted by lym:
“That's one reason I'm finding it hard to decide between the two, I've never owned a tablet before and don't want to find later I've bought the wrong one as it's a lot of money to pay. I think the Nexus is going to be more suited for me as there seems to be more choice of apps compared to Amazon.”

The Kindle is more locked down. Its Amazon trying to 'do Apple' with an Android operating system as far as I see.

I think the Nexus 7 is a safer bet and will be better supported.
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