Nexus 7 or iPad?

[BeccaPrice]

My beloved netbook is dying, and probably for my use the best replacement would be a tablet of some sort. I use the netbook primarily for reading email and following blogs and fora, not for real work - I have a large Windows 7 box for that.

My only criteria is that I have to be able to attach a keyboard to it - I hate virtual keyboards. I know the iPad has a nice keyboard that doubles as a stand and a cover. but... it's pricey. I haven't been able to discover whether there's something similar for the Nexus 7. Ipads are easier to use; android is more flexible.

any advice? Also, is a 4g plan (or whatever) really worth the expense? For most of that, I can use my phone.

[booklover6]

Originally Posted by BeccaPrice

My beloved netbook is dying, and probably for my use the best replacement would be a tablet of some sort. I use the netbook primarily for reading email and following blogs and fora, not for real work - I have a large Windows 7 box for that.

My only criteria is that I have to be able to attach a keyboard to it - I hate virtual keyboards. I know the iPad has a nice keyboard that doubles as a stand and a cover. but... it's pricey. I haven't been able to discover whether there's something similar for the Nexus 7. Ipads are easier to use; android is more flexible.

any advice? Also, is a 4g plan (or whatever) really worth the expense? For most of that, I can use my phone.

Yes the Nexus 7 has bluetooth, so a $25 wireless keyboard works fine with it. Any tablet that has bluetooth can do that.

[HarryT]

You can of course also use a BT keyboard with the iPad. No need to go for the expensive Apple one.

Personally I much prefer the 4:3 aspect ratio of the iPad for reading to the 16:10 aspect ratio of the Nexus.

[Graham]

The Nexus 7 is a delight, and the more portable option, but you may find the screen a little small compared to your netbook. However, around the house we find that we reach for the Nexus 7 far more than our larger 10" tablets. Also, coupled with a Chromecast dongle, it's become the sittting room media controller of choice.

The iPad will be the easier tablet to read and respond to fora on, but with either tablet carrying around and connecting a keyboard is something else to deal with.

If all the other things that touch screen tablets can do excites you, then I think either choice will be fine and perhaps trying a hands on in a shop would be a good idea.

However, given that your netbook was 'beloved' and that you're open to switching to a different operating system from that of your netbook, you might want to consider a chromebook, which could also be the cheapest option.

If it's email, blogs and reading and responding to forum posts that's your key concern, then a chromebook will handle these better than any tablet, with its bigger screen and built in keyboard.

My chromebook has replaced my own beloved netbook as my new even more beloved netbook.

Graham

[booklover6]

Yes! We just got a second Chromebook from the Acer ebay store, manufacturer refurbished, for $139. Cheaper than those tablets, and the keyboard is, of course, connected. Also has HDMI out and several USB ports. Excellent screen.

[jocampo]

Originally Posted by BeccaPrice

My beloved netbook is dying, and probably for my use the best replacement would be a tablet of some sort. I use the netbook primarily for reading email and following blogs and fora, not for real work - I have a large Windows 7 box for that.

My only criteria is that I have to be able to attach a keyboard to it - I hate virtual keyboards. I know the iPad has a nice keyboard that doubles as a stand and a cover. but... it's pricey. I haven't been able to discover whether there's something similar for the Nexus 7. Ipads are easier to use; android is more flexible.

any advice? Also, is a 4g plan (or whatever) really worth the expense? For most of that, I can use my phone.

I had a Nexus 7 and sold it. Hated the aspect ratio, it did not feel natural to me.

If you get the 10 inches iPad and a smart cover, you can use it for reading, writing emails and even browsing Internet. You don't have to buy the iPad Air, maybe previous model, but if you can afford it, get the iPad Air, as it is easier to hold when reading due it's low weight.

[WillysJeepMan]

Originally Posted by jocampo

I had a Nexus 7 and sold it. Hated the aspect ratio, it did not feel natural to me.

If you get the 10 inches iPad and a smart cover, you can use it for reading, writing emails and even browsing Internet. You don't have to buy the iPad Air, maybe previous model, but if you can afford it, get the iPad Air, as it is easier to hold when reading due it's low weight.

I agree.

Quality keyboard covers have dropped dramatically in price. I have a black Logitech ultrathin keyboard cover and picked one up for my wife (red model) for $18.

[booklover6]

I love the size of the ipad mini. I'd like to have a good quality android tablet in that size, some day.

[Prestidigitweeze]

Personally, I don't mind reading on the Nexus 7 at all. If you were interested in doing "real work," as you put it, or any serious writing, then I'd suggest either the iPad or the Surface Pro. But since you're going to use your tablet for classic consumption and the Nexus 7 2013 has an excellent screen, I say choose the less expensive option (unless you're especially concerned about the privacy of the Google ecosystem).

[Glorfindel]

[cvkemp]

I love reading on my Nexus 7.

[tubemonkey]

I love doing tablety things on my Nexus 7

[ApK]

Wow. Interesting choice here.

Getting an iPad versus an Android tablet can be a decision based on anything from price, to form factor/screen size, to support, to your opinion of the Apple ecosystem and business model.

For myself, I dislike Apple's system enough to take iPads out of the running.
For others, they clearly perform well, and the support at the Apple Store can be excellent.

iPads are "easier to use?" Not sure that's strictly true.
Android tablets CAN be made more difficult to use because of the variety of apps and options, but they can be darn easy as well. My 7-year old has no problem going between tablets and computer, and also her iPod Touch when she had one.

iPads have the usability benefit of all working pretty much the same way so there are usually fewer variable to account for in learning or asking for help. Great for a certain type user, anywhere from irrelevant to painfully confining for others.

For typing, I have never seen a Bluetooth-tablet arrangement that I was happy with, especially if you might type on your lap, or in bed, or anywhere other than a nice solid surface.
If the keyboard is a key factor, consider a Chromebook (my wife and I love ours) or a 2-in-1 convertible or just a small laptop.

If you are OK with using your phone as a hotspot, I cannot see how 4G in the new device could possibly be worth the extra cost or monthly expense.
If you really needed it, I'd think you'd know it.

I have a 4G tablet only because the 4G and service plan was essentially free for me. I rarely use the 4G and think of it more as an extra hotspot if I don't want to use my phone's battery.

ApK

[jocampo]

Originally Posted by ApK

Wow. Interesting choice here.

Getting an iPad versus an Android tablet can be a decision based on anything from price, to form factor/screen size, to support, to your opinion of the Apple ecosystem and business model.

For myself, I dislike Apple's system enough to take iPads out of the running.
For others, they clearly perform well, and the support at the Apple Store can be excellent.

iPads are "easier to use?" Not sure that's strictly true.
Android tablets CAN be made more difficult to use because of the variety of apps and options, but they can be darn easy as well. My 7-year old has no problem going between tablets and computer, and also her iPod Touch when she had one.

iPads have the usability benefit of all working pretty much the same way so there are usually fewer variable to account for in learning or asking for help. Great for a certain type user, anywhere from irrelevant to painfully confining for others.

For typing, I have never seen a Bluetooth-tablet arrangement that I was happy with, especially if you might type on your lap, or in bed, or anywhere other than a nice solid surface.
If the keyboard is a key factor, consider a Chromebook (my wife and I love ours) or a 2-in-1 convertible or just a small laptop.

If you are OK with using your phone as a hotspot, I cannot see how 4G in the new device could possibly be worth the extra cost or monthly expense.
If you really needed it, I'd think you'd know it.

I have a 4G tablet only because the 4G and service plan was essentially free for me. I rarely use the 4G and think of it more as an extra hotspot if I don't want to use my phone's battery.

ApK

I don't want to start a discussion about Android vs Apple, which will be a waste of time for both. But basically all the cons you mentioned about iPads, except price, are not true.

In my opinion, the main reason why someone should pick a Nexus 7 , which is the specific tablet we are talking about here, is price.

There are thousands of quality and free apps on Apple ecosystem.

But if the Nexus 7 stops working after a few months, you will face some issues getting some support, same goes for Android. If that happens to an iPad, you walk into an Apple store and they will troubleshoot that for you. A big advantage when the software vendor is also the hardware one.

But going back to the main topic, the main difference is the aspect ratio. Those black bezels on the Nexus steal too much space. And the thing is so narrow that reading a book requires changing pages a lot. Same goes for browsing; screen does don't display enough content for a normal webpage.

Now, if you are in a tight budget, Apple products are usually not for you, period. There is no debate about that.

But to me, after owing more than 5 different type of tablets which I use mainly for reading, nothing beats the iPad. It is expensive, yes! But has enough screen to display a PDF in portrait mode and enough resolution (newest model and Mini 2) to read a book without issues. As a matter of fact, I find myself using my Mini 2 much more than my Paper White due the same reasons, and the PW is eink.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by jocampo

I don't want to start a discussion about Android vs Apple, which will be a waste of time for both. But basically all the cons you mentioned about iPads, except price, are not true.

I stated not one single con about the iPad except price. Everything else was offered as personal preferences of, as far as I can tell, accurately stated factors.
And I also made the statement that, like the iPad, Android devices can be very easy to use.
Maybe you should read it again with the Apple-colored glasses off. Don't let fanboism make you start chasing ghosts.

But if the Nexus 7 stops working after a few months, you will face some issues getting some support, same goes for Android. If that happens to an iPad, you walk into an Apple store and they will troubleshoot that for you.
A big advantage when the software vendor is also the hardware one.

I listed Apple store support as a pro.

BTW, Surely you know that the Nexus 7 IS an Android device, and both the OS and the device in this case are made by Google? So we're comparing ..um...apples to apples there....

But going back to the main topic, the main difference is the aspect ratio. Those black bezels on the Nexus steal too much space. And the thing is so narrow that reading a book requires changing pages a lot. Same goes for browsing; screen does don't display enough content for a normal webpage.

For you, maybe. Millions of us are perfectly happy web browsing and reading on our Android devices of various aspect ratios and bezel sizes. Don't confuse your personal preference with an absolute truth.

ApK