Need Help Finding An Android Tablet for my Needs

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by EricArcadia

O, well thanks for the heads up. I'll just settle for the Memo Pad 7 with Android 4.3.

To clarify, it is possible to use CC with an SD card under KitKat, just not the way that you asked about. The CC forum sticky explains how to do it.

[bobstro]

Originally Posted by HarryT

To clarify, it is possible to use CC with an SD card under KitKat, just not the way that you asked about. The CC forum sticky explains how to do it.

If you set Calibre Companion to store content on the card, everything winds up in /storage/<card>/Android/data/com.multipie.calibreandroid/files. So long as your reader either allows pointing to that same folder for its library, or will handle opening books that you select from CC, it's not a big deal. The only issue is not being able to delete or modify ebooks in your reading program. You have to use CC or your device's file manager to do that.

If you plug the device into a desktop computer, you can manage files on the card that way as well.

It does seem sometimes that Google is determined to make life difficult. The move to MTP storage made managing ebooks directly on the device difficult, so CC provided a wonderful fix using wifi. Now Google's modified how secondary storage is handled, causing grief for CC users that had figured out MTP. I understand why they've done each of these things, but it sure is maddening!

I wouldn't shy away from a device because it runs KitKat. Many apps are still being re-written to make allowances for these changes, but things are (slowly) improving. I still find having secondary uSD storage is worthwhile, even on a 32 GB device.

If cost is a primary concern, you can still find the HiSense Sero Pro 7 at some Walmart stores. It's now down to $85.00. It doesn't have the build quality of other tablets (it squeaks), and battery life is not astounding, but at the time of release, it was greeted as a valid alternative to the 2012 Nexus 7. The specs are still competitive, especially for the price. It only has 8 GB internal storage, but you can do a lot with a uSD card. A case takes care of the squeaks. What it does offer is an impressive set of features, including NFC, haptic feedback, bluetooth, GPS, dual cams and others that are often not present on budget devices. The screen, though only 1280x800, is nice and clear. I particularly like the direct HDMI output for travel. I use mine miniHDMI-to-HDMI cable as my traveling digital media player. It's perfect for movies, either on the device or a connected TV. I also found that it would play many apps over HDMI that wouldn't work on big-name tablets due to licensing (e.g. NHL Gamecenter). I've loaded alternative KitKat-based firmware on mine, but it ships with 4.2 Jelly Bean.

[EricArcadia]

Originally Posted by HarryT

To clarify, it is possible to use CC with an SD card under KitKat, just not the way that you asked about. The CC forum sticky explains how to do it.

Well, after giving some thought I think I may go for the Nexus 7 (2013) 32 Gb model. If I go with a Nexus 7, would I still be able to create a folder for a program like Calibre Companion and freely have my Ebooks in it be read from the program?

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by EricArcadia

Well, after giving some thought I think I may go for the Nexus 7 (2013) 32 Gb model. If I go with a Nexus 7, would I still be able to create a folder for a program like Calibre Companion and freely have my Ebooks in it be read from the program?

Yes, absolutely. I have a Nexus 7 and I just have a "Books" folder that CC puts all my books into.

[EricArcadia]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Yes, absolutely. I have a Nexus 7 and I just have a "Books" folder that CC puts all my books into.

Alright, looks like I'll get the Nexus 7 then. After giving some thought to the restrictions put on the SD card, and putting into perspective my uses, and if I really need the SD card, it looks like the Nexus 7 would fit well for my needs. Thanks everyone for the helpful comments.