Why I ordered a Nexus 7 tablet
Like many enthusiasts I watched Google's unveiling of the Nexus 7 tablet to see what the company's first branded tablet would offer. While impressed, my reaction wasn't to run out and order one. After careful thought, that has changed and I have ordered a Nexus 7 tablet with 16 GB of storage.
I have no shortage of tablets here in Mobile News Manor so the last thing I need is another one. My current stable has the following tablets:
- Asus Transformer Prime
- Apple iPad (4G, 64 GB)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab (original 7-inch with 3G)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
- BlackBerry Playbook
I use these tablets for my work as they allow me to keep up with the latest Android/iOS developments. They also allow me to test apps as they appear, to track the apps available by platform. That's the official line, the fact is I like using tablets. A lot.
So why am I adding a Nexus 7 to this already crowded tablet collection? I can break it down into three areas.
The Nexus 7 hardware is outstanding for a 7-inch tablet, and is easily the best value available currently. The state-of-the-art hardware components are worth the $199/$249 for the 8GB/16GB Nexus 7.
Another big factor behind my purchase is the inclusion of Jelly Bean, aka Android 4.1. While it looks to be an incremental upgrade over Ice Cream Sandwich, it is the latest and greatest version of Android. I need to get my hands on Jelly Bean to follow the progress Google is making with Android.
The last reason for my Nexus 7 order is due to the form factor. The Galaxy Tab and Playbook have proven to me how convenient the smaller tablet is for reading ebooks in particular, and for consuming media in general. It is easier to carry than larger siblings, and much more comfortable in the hand for extended periods.
Put those reasons together and you have an order for a 16GB Nexus 7. Maybe my affection for tablets is a sickness, I am willing to admit that possibility. I do use tablets quite heavily, so no matter the reason I will get good use out of the Nexus 7 when it arrives in the quoted 2-3 weeks.