I went to SE MemEx to order some server parts, and while I was there I saw one of the Nexus 7s sitting on the shelf behind the counter. It was their last one, so I snagged it. $250 was hard to say no to. Apparently, it's already rootable too...
Anyway, so far so good. I haven't really had a chance to get too much into it though.
Actually, I think I'll take back my earlier comment about 7" tablets and "not wanting a giant phone." This is actually a really nice size. I'm pleasantly surprised. I've already rooted it too, now I just need some Cyanogen goodness...
Apparently the thing is hard to open, either that or Americans aren't the best at opening boxes. Anyone get their pre-order shipped from Google Play yet? It's still the 23rd for Canadians or something right? I'm still waiting for mine.
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I didn't watch the video, but mine was a bit of a pain to open. I'm not sure what the deal is, but they even taped one end of it to the bottom of the LID of the box. Weird.
Found an early-stage nightly AOSP ROM to play with, as well as a new kernel. Running overclocked at 1.5 right now, and this thing is flying. Not bad...
Just bought the last one from the Westhills London Drugs. The fella mentioned that the stock arrived this morning - I assume that means other LD Stores may have some.
My disdain for a specific lack of decent apps aside, my two three gripes about this device, from a hardware standpoint, are:
1. Storage size. I don't usually care about the inclusion of an SD slot, but when 16GB of internal storage is the only available configuration, I have to say an SD slot would have been nice.
2. Rear-facing camera. This 7" form factor should be the perfect combination for both taking and editing pictures... but alas, no dice.
3. Mobile data. I truly don't understand the aversion to including mobile data options in Android tablets. I mean sure, I get that people don't mind tethering, but why not include an option that has 4G or LTE for $100 more? I thought the whole spirit of the Android movement was about being free to use devices for whatever you want? Maybe I'm just a weirdo, but I kind of like having the ability to use a device whenever I want to, regardless of whether or not I have another device with me.
All-in-all, I'm sold on the 7" form-factor (which is not what I expected to happen), but I just can't see myself using this for anything other than a book reader or around-the-house web browser. I'm going to keep my eyes open for something that is exactly like this one, in terms of processing power, but also includes a rear camera, LTE and more storage (either internal or via external card).
All-in-all, I'm sold on the 7" form-factor (which is not what I expected to happen), but I just can't see myself using this for anything other than a book reader or around-the-house web browser. I'm going to keep my eyes open for something that is exactly like this one, in terms of processing power, but also includes a rear camera, LTE and more storage (either internal or via external card).
It doesn't address your want of LTE capability, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is similar in price, has a rear facing camera, and a micro SD slot.
It isn't the pure Android experience, but if you're going to install custom roms anyways, that probably doesn't matter. The only other downside that I can see is a slightly lower screen resolution.
It doesn't address your want of LTE capability, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is similar in price, has a rear facing camera, and a micro SD slot.
It isn't the pure Android experience, but if you're going to install custom roms anyways, that probably doesn't matter. The only other downside that I can see is a slightly lower screen resolution.
Yeah I was looking at that one earlier today. That one lacks the processing power of the Nexus though.
All-in-all, I'm sold on the 7" form-factor (which is not what I expected to happen), but I just can't see myself using this for anything other than a book reader or around-the-house web browser. card).
Besides watching movies while travelling, what are you doing with your tablets?
Honest question.
The lack of SD card on any portable device is silly too. It's the one thing I truly don't like about my Nexus S.
We wanted to send you an update on your Nexus 7 pre-order. We’ve had incredible demand for the new tablet and are shipping them as quickly as possible. Your tablet will ship in 1-2 weeks.
Lol Staples tried to deliver mine today (even though it said delivery date was the 23rd), I was going to call them to cancel my pre-order after I got one from Memory Express.
Already spoken for though guys, sorry.
__________________ Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position.
But certainty is an absurd one.
I guess I shouldn't mention ME didn't cancel my original order for when I thought they had some in stock in the NW, they called me too so I almost had 3!
__________________ Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position.
But certainty is an absurd one.
I think you are being pretty demanding of the low end tablet market.
I get that it's only $250, but price is one of the last things I worry about. That's why I said in my post that I would pay more for the features I need. The bone I'm picking isn't that I can't get the device I want for $250, it's that I can't even get it at all.
This one is great, don't get me wrong. It just happens to be missing some features that I value pretty high.
Besides watching movies while travelling, what are you doing with your tablets?
Honest question.
The lack of SD card on any portable device is silly too. It's the one thing I truly don't like about my Nexus S.
The quality of a few of the apps on the iPad have gotten to a state where I can actually use the device in place of my laptop for a lot of things. I used to have my laptop glued to my shoulder wherever I went (or, more accurately, in the back of my truck), but these days I hardly ever take it with me.
I picked up the Nexus 7 on a whim when I saw it on the shelf at MemEx, and I was expecting to confirm my thoughts that a 7" tablet would be pointless. I was very presently surprised at its speed, light weight and overall portability. I started thinking this could even replace my iPad for those occasions when I really don't expect any work to come up, and I feel like carrying something lighter etc.
Unfortunatetly, my excitement took a hit when I couldn't seem to find a decent project management app, wireframing app, coding app, etc etc etc. Admittedly, I'm extremely picky about apps and user interfaces, but there just isn't much in the Google Market that isn't a benchmarking, unlocking, ROMming, wallpapering or widgeting app. Other than games, of course. I'm being a little facetious here, but I think the underlying point is still valid.
Coupled with the lack of an optional LTE version with a camera and more space, I'm feeling pretty teased. This isn't meant to be a slag towards any particular flavour of device, but I think I'm going to wait for the Windows 8 tablets and hope they don't chintz on the functionality.
