I decided earlier this winter that it was time to get a tablet. Then it was down to which operating system. Do I go with iOS or android? The choice for me wasn’t about price. I could get either. It was all about which device would integrate seamlessly with my set up. In the end I went with the Nexus 7 powered by Android. I must stress my choice is not a knock against Apple. I feel like I need to make that statement to keep the ignorant and mouthy at bay. So how has my first couple weeks with the Nexus been? Read on dear friends and find out.

Here have some technical specs to glance over. Display: 7” 1280×800 (216ppi) HD IPS Hardware: 1.2 gigahertz NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor, 1 gig ram and 32 gig storage OS: Android 4.2(Jelly Bean) See complete specs here
Numbers are great, but how does it actually perform? Touch screen responsiveness is excellent and it doesn’t stutter when you swipe. Basic apps like YouTube, Facebook, G+, etc work effortlessly. As far as more intensive apps like games the device handles it well with minimal heating. Battery life is pretty much on par with any other hand held device, but could be better. The UI is standard Android fare. Which means easy to use and fully open to mods. There are a couple wasted screens with Google only stuff, but I can live with that. Final thing to note. The ability to take screen shots is built in to this tablet and is just as simple as iOS. Glad they got that squared away

Past the basics, the next thing I want to talk about is the screen resolution/watch-ability of the device. I have never been a big fan of watching movies, youtbe etc on smaller screens. Give me my HD PC monitor or TV any day. Well the Nexus 7 has blown that way of thinking to pieces. I could actually see myself having a use for Netflix with this device. Throw in a case that makes it stand up and it has really changed my mind. Generally before bed now I watch videos on youtube or play games.

Which brings us to using the Nexus like a kindle. Amazingly as much as I like to read I haven’t really used that aspect much. Most of that is due to selection in any of the market places. Amazon and Google play really have nothing interesting to me. Which has more to do with my eclectic tastes than poor selection. I suspect as I use the device more I will find something to read and the reader is easy to use. Very similar to the kindle.

Finally I want to talk about one game briefly. I bought Need For Speed Most Wanted when it was on sale for 99 cents. The graphics are pretty good and the controls are actually easier on the tablet. Seems I just need a bigger device to make gyroscopic controls work for me. I had a much lower learning curve with the Nexus and a racing game then I did with either of my phones. So NFS Most Wanted is a great buy if you see it for .99 cents and have any of the tablets.

Like a lot of newer electronics I was a bit hesitant and cautious about getting into a tablet. I am not so much concerned that they will perform, as do I have enough use for one. In the couple weeks I have had the Nexus 7 I have found plenty of use for it. In fact the first half of this post was written on it Maybe as time goes on I will have more impressions. To anyone looking for an Android tablet I highly recommend taking the Nexus line for a spin. I am very pleased with it.