Nexus7, ipad mini, nook hd? Could use some help... : )

[jocampo]

I had both! still own the mini. The mini wins by far! I will tell you why.

Even though the Nexus is a nice device with nice screen resolution, the mini has a better or more suitable screen size for ebooks AND PDfs, at least IMO.

The Nexus is 7", so you get less reading area and that can be distracting when reading PDF documents. Using pure text ebooks is ok on the Nexus 7.

The other reason why I sold my Nexus was the lack of 4G. I wanted a dual purpose device and the Nexus can't be both. No wifi, no connectivity, period. That was a deal breaker for me and one of the main reason why I sold it.

In terms of glare, LCD devices are not recommended for reading outside. It may work for you, but the glare is so high that makes reading difficult; that's when an eink devices shines, i.e Kindle Paperwhite.

I would say, if you do not read PDFs, do not care about 4G, go for the Nexus.

The mini is more expensive but it feels sturdy, gives awesome battery life and can do much more.

[afv011]

Originally Posted by jocampo

...and can do much more.

Really? "Much more"? As in what?

[cfrizz]

The best solution is to have one of each. I have both a Sony PRS-T1 & a Nexus 7 as well as a Samsung Galaxy MP5 player. My Samsung goes with me everywhere since it is so light weight and can easily slip into my pocket. My Nexus 7 is my at home reader, and my not so often used Sony will be for when I want to take a walk outside and sit on a bench and read reader.

Prices continue to drop so if people so want they can have one of each. There is no right or wrong, either or solution. You get the right machine for each specific task.

I have all the flexibility that I need for whichever environment I'm in.

[desertgrandma]

Just my two cents.........I have the kindles, 1, 3 (keyboard) and paper white.

Then got the Ipads......the Ipad2 and then the mini.

I do a LOT of reading, and have found that for me, by far, the mini is the best.

Lightweight, easy to hold one handed, easy to take along anywhere, full internet access, and as for eye strain, I keep it on the "sepia" option.......

Try one out at your Apple store.

Books are easy to transfer using dropbox, and even the 16 gb holds lots mor than you might expect.

Good luck with whichever you decide on!

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by jocampo

Even though the Nexus is a nice device with nice screen resolution, the mini has a better or more suitable screen size for ebooks AND PDfs, at least IMO.

If reading PDFs is a main consideration I wouldn't go for either of these devices they are both too small.

Originally Posted by jocampo

Using pure text ebooks is ok on the Nexus 7.

The Nexus is excellent for reading Novels.

Originally Posted by jocampo

The other reason why I sold my Nexus was the lack of 4G.

Certainly something to consider. Personally I don't want another monthly bill.

Originally Posted by jocampo

In terms of glare, LCD devices are not recommended for reading outside. It may work for you, but the glare is so high that makes reading difficult; that's when an eink devices shines,

Very true.

Originally Posted by jocampo

I would say, if you do not read PDFs, do not care about 4G, go for the Nexus.

The 4g nod seems like reasonable advice. If PDFs are big for you buy a 10 inch tablet.

Originally Posted by jocampo

The mini is more expensive but it feels sturdy, gives awesome battery life and can do much more.

The Nexus is less expensive but it feels sturdy, gives awesome battery life and can do much more.

Alright it can't do much more, but I bought my Nexus 7 due to the one thing it does that iPads cannot do and that is run the Calibre Companion App. I use calibre to organize my ebook library and you certainly can use either the Nexus or the iPad with calibre. But I knew that this App was being developed and made my choice accordingly because I had faith in the developers and expected this app to meet my needs. I have not been disappointed.

Everyone has there own unique requirements, like 4g, PDF reading or connecting to calibre as a device without plugging in a USB cable. If you are already vested in the Apple ecosystem buy an iPad mini. If not, consider buying the Nexus.

[jocampo]

@DoctorOhh

I had a 10 inches iPad 3 but that's too heavy for PDFs, at least for me. After a few min, you start to feel the weight. The iPad 2 was lighter, but still.

I found that the iPad mini in landscape, with GoodReader is a good compromise. Fast, fluid, with 4G, so I can follow links and URLs embedded in my IT books. With Nexus I wasn't able to, unless I was at home or with free wifi at range. And the weird screen ratio of the Nexus was really annoying to me, too narrow. Not saying the Nexus was a bad tablet, actually loved the resolution, but I like the mini better.

I don't real novels :-) ... usually ...

By the way, I've tried and spend hundreds if not thousand of dollars on several tablets, including Android ones, so I'm talking by experience. Of course, that may or may not be your opinion, but I certainly enjoy a light device on my hands giving the case that I read a lot, especially IT related books, which are perfect for iPad and PDF format.