Nexus 7 or Kobo Arc?

[Cdesja5]

Originally Posted by JD Gumby

The "workaround", at least for Kobo, is "install from the Amazon App Store". Nook's another matter (they don't seem to like having it anywhere). Nook's different, of course, since B&N don't seem to like it to be anywhere but on their own devices (can't even find it on Google Play). For other books, plenty of readers available in the Amazon App Store, no need for rooting or anything else. Plenty of other good apps as well, with the only major omission being Google's app suite (Maps, YouTube, etc. - obviously the big sticking point for most).

The Kobo Arc does have the Google app suite...
Quote from link in my previous post:
Pre-loaded Apps:
Facebook, Twitter, and Skype. Stream music from Rdio, access your magazines and newspapers through Zinio and PressReader.
Google apps: Google Play, Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, StreetView, Calendar, Contacts, Google+, and Google Chat

[JD Gumby]

Originally Posted by Cdesja5

The Kobo Arc does have the Google app suite...
Quote from link in my previous post:
Pre-loaded Apps:
Facebook, Twitter, and Skype. Stream music from Rdio, access your magazines and newspapers through Zinio and PressReader.
Google apps: Google Play, Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, StreetView, Calendar, Contacts, Google+, and Google Chat

Yes, but that was in reference to the Kindle Fire HD - which doesn't. [the Kobo part was about the complaint that you needed "workarounds" to get anything that wasn't Amazon on there]

[heatherc]

Word of caution - the new Android operating system (4.2) isn't compatible with the Kobo app for android. Every time you try to open a new book, it crashes. Hopefully Kobo will update the app soon, but for now, I'm downloading my books through Chrome into Overdrive and Bluefire so that I'll be able to read them. Really a bummer...the Kobo app was good, and the Nexus is excellent for reading.

Edited to add: Kobo fixed the app very quickly. Hurray!

[Sregener]

It's true that the Kobo app doesn't work in 4.2, but Kobo has put an announcement up in the Google Play store that they are aware of the problem and working on a fix. I wouldn't let this seriously influence my decision one way or the other. The Kobo app will work soon, I'm sure.

On the other hand, Google updated my Nexus 7 to 4.2 yesterday, and has Kobo even announced the 4.1 upgrade yet? Given how much faster my Nexus is with 4.2 over 4.1, I would think the benefits of being a "flagship" device would make the Nexus the clear winner here.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by JD Gumby

...Nook's different, of course, since B&N don't seem to like it to be anywhere but on their own devices (can't even find it on Google Play)....

You can find the nook app in Google Play.
Only hurdle: It's US only.
So you only find it in the US store.
But there are simple workarounds:
a.) Sideload the app. You'll find it in Google within a minute.
b.) Install "Appbrain". Then you can search for all apps, even outside your country borders. You can't download all of them, but for the nook app it's working that way.

[xendula]

Hi, just wanted to chime in and say that I have the original Nexus 7 that came out in August, and it is a great, little device. The speakers could be louder, but that's my only complaint.

[RareBird]

I just got the Arc today as a gift from my wife and I have to say I am very happy and impressed with it. I've had a chance to play with my friends Nexus 7 and I have to say it's a tight race between the 2 for me. Both are great devices.

[Kobo-Robin]

Originally Posted by heatherc

Word of caution - the new Android operating system (4.2) isn't compatible with the Kobo app for android. Every time you try to open a new book, it crashes. Hopefully Kobo will update the app soon, but for now, I'm downloading my books through Chrome into Overdrive and Bluefire so that I'll be able to read them. Really a bummer...the Kobo app was good, and the Nexus is excellent for reading.

I can assure you the team is working on this right now.

[ColdSun]

I really like what they have done with the Kobo UI. I still want a device firmly pointed at consuming media content, but with no limitations. I've seen the videos on the Kobo Tapestry feature and I really like it.

Also, the Kobo has better specs than the Kindle does (someone said they were the same). I'm selling my iPad 3 and will be picking up a Kobo Arc 32GB as soon as I can buy one in the US.

EDIT: Reason for selling my iPad is the form factor. I want something smaller and find the iPad 3 a little too big for my own person use. This is only a very humble opinion and in no way reflects on the iPad 3 itself, which I find to be a fantastic device. I'm not sold on the iPad Mini though. I think they could have done better for that price point.

[GinRummy]

I bought the Arc today and Cdesja5/Chantal, your posts with facts and references calmly refuting hearsay had a lot to do with my choice. After playing with it for a few hours now I am very glad I made the choice. I've bought and started reading some books, transferred some files over wifi from my laptop using an app I bought from Google Play, had no trouble posting to facebook, using google maps, and setting up a free phone account with Dell Voice. I swear if this thing did dishes and made breakfast I would marry it.

[Kobo-Robin]

Originally Posted by heatherc

Word of caution - the new Android operating system (4.2) isn't compatible with the Kobo app for android. Every time you try to open a new book, it crashes. Hopefully Kobo will update the app soon, but for now, I'm downloading my books through Chrome into Overdrive and Bluefire so that I'll be able to read them. Really a bummer...the Kobo app was good, and the Nexus is excellent for reading.

This has been fixed. New version should be in the app store now. My Galaxy Nexus just updated.

[RJD]

Anyone had a chance to compare the displays on the Arc and the Nexus 7 side by side? Which looked best to you for movies, comics, etc?

[Youbenicenow]

Hi everyone. I have an Arc and my wife has the Nexus 7. For over a month I have used both. "Pound for pound" or "feature for feature" I would not pick one over the other. Why I prefer my Arc is because it is much easier to handle. It feels better in my small hands. When I hold the Nexus 7 for any length of time my hands get tired. My advice, go play with both in a store before deciding. You may be surprised and make your decision easier. Regards.

[johnborsellino]

Originally Posted by Youbenicenow

Hi everyone. I have an Arc and my wife has the Nexus 7. For over a month I have used both. "Pound for pound" or "feature for feature" I would not pick one over the other. Why I prefer my Arc is because it is much easier to handle. It feels better in my small hands. When I hold the Nexus 7 for any length of time my hands get tired. My advice, go play with both in a store before deciding. You may be surprised and make your decision easier. Regards.

I've had a hard time deciding, but after reading many posts I have finally decided that I will not have any regrets with the Kobo Arc. I will be buying it in the New Year and will be using it mainly for reading comics, magazines with Zinio and web browsing.

John,
Kobo Touch fan

[Youbenicenow]

Go check out Belkin. It is not a cover - it is a line of cases. My Arc fits perfectly. It also has a front upper for ear bud storage. The case also helps protect it better than a cover. Works for me!