New Asus Nexus 7!!!

[grebgonebad]

Hi everyone!

As most of you are probably already aware, the new Nexus 7 from Google has been released and is now up for sale! As a fan of last years Nexus 7 I am extremly interested in this device, and have actually reserved one at my local retailer which I shall be picking up tomorrow!

What I would like to ask you is this, If you had the money, would you get one? Whether yes or no, please give reasons other than, 'Because it's rubbish', or 'Because Apple are so much better...'. You know what I mean. =) Also, if you would'nt get one, what would you get instead for around the same price? (£250 or under, going by the RRP of the device, no sales prices. This is to ensure continuity.)

I shall be updating this post within a couple of days with any luck, as I will ahve then been using the device for enough time to list a few advantages and disadvantages, along with a more detailed description of the device itself. If you are interested in purchasing one yourself, please keep an eye on this thread for the update! Also, if at any point you would like to know more about the device, please post the question here and I shall do my best to answer it as soon as I have got hold of the device! =)

 

[jpishgar]

Got one!

Probably the biggest advantage so far, I've noticed, is the ability to take the thing anywhere. It's very lightweight and the battery life is impressive. It's also quite responsive, more so than previous Android tablets I've used. ASUS outdid themselves on this one, and the Jelly Bean OS is smooth. I'm still getting used to the way tabs and multiple windows work, and it can be jarring using a Windows Phone and jumping back and forth between that and the Nexus 7.

All in all, great tablet - gets my personal seal of recommendation.

-JP

 

[grebgonebad]

Got one!

Probably the biggest advantage so far, I've noticed, is the ability to take the thing anywhere. It's very lightweight and the battery life is impressive. It's also quite responsive, more so than previous Android tablets I've used. ASUS outdid themselves on this one, and the Jelly Bean OS is smooth. I'm still getting used to the way tabs and multiple windows work, and it can be jarring using a Windows Phone and jumping back and forth between that and the Nexus 7.

All in all, great tablet - gets my personal seal of recommendation.

-JP

Hi there, thanks for the reply!

I totally agree with what you are saying, the perfect little travel companion. I have been using mine now for a little over 5 days I think, and I have to say I'm impressed with the performance of it so far. I've run a few benchmarks and checked out what FPS I've been getting in a few games and have compared this to my Samsung galaxy s3, and I tell you what, the nexus is BEATING the S3 in 80% of the tests!

Overall, I'd say the build quality is excellent, no squeaks or groans coming from the device when it is under pressure. Also, one thing I noticed with the old model was that you could actually depress the screen, not so with the new model.

Unfortunately I am out of time at the minute, but I shall try my best to update this thread again in a few days time with a comprehensive overview of the device. In the meantime, I can confidently say that if you are looking for a top end, powerful device for rock bottom prices, choose the new nexus 7!

 

[jpishgar]

That would be fantastic!
And yeah, I'm very happy with the tablet as well. And pretty surprised about the performance. I've yet to be disappointed by an ASUS product - I think they are turning me into a fanboi.

 

[grebgonebad]

Hey! Apologies for the late reply!

As promised, I am now going to give a full review of the new Nexus 7, after having used it for the last two weeks. =)

First of all, Let's go over the looks and feel of the device. Overall, not much can be said. There are certainly no bad things about the look and feel of the device, but also there is nothing exciting about it either. It has a very plain, black finish all over, and the rear is made out of a soft feel, rubberised plastic. Now, for those who love the feel of the old nexus 7, you may be ever so slightly disappointed, as the 'golf ball' like appearance is no longer present. That being said, with the new, slimmer and lighter design, the nexus 7 certainly is easier to hold in the hand, and you can even hold it one handed, although this can get tiresome after awhile. The front of the device sports a Corning Gorilla Glass front, which covers the entire front of the device, bar a small, (And I mean SMALL) glossy plastic bezel that holds it in place.

I would say that the device looks far better than the old one, partially due to the slimmer, lighter design, and also partially due to the simplistic colour scheme. For those who like a little flair, this device probably doesn't even come close to some of the competition. But it is well built and sturdy none the less.

Performance, this is the biggie huh? Well, to summarise the performance, I shall use a cheesy comparison between two cars. Ford Mondeo, imagine this as being the old nexus 7. Jaguar X Type, imagine this as being the new nexus 7. You get my drift. (Pardon the pun).

Basically, quoting from Asus themselves, the new nexus 7 has a CPU that is 1.8x faster than the original, and a GPU that is a staggering 4x faster. This cant be accurate right? I thought so myself when I saw those figures. But I was wrong. They are totally accurate, and actually a little low in certain circumstances. Let me give you an example of the performance differences. I shall be taking a reading from a 3D Mark benchmark, giving scores for all three tests, (Ice Storm, Ice Storm Extreme & Ice Storm Unlimited) for both the new nexus 7 and the old Nexus 7, for comparison. =)

Ice Storm -

Nexus 7 2013

Ice Storm Score - MAXED OUT!
Graphics score - MAXED OUT!
Physics Score - MAXED OUT!
Graphics Test 1 - 54.6 FPS
Graphics Test 2 - 49.8 FPS
Physics Test - 34.8 FPS

Nexus 7 2012

Ice Storm Score - 3562
Graphics score - 3169
Physics Score - 6417
Graphics Test 1 - 12.5 FPS
Graphics Test 2 - 15.7 FPS
Physics Test - 20.4 FPS

Ice Storm Extreme -

Nexus 7 2013

Ice Storm Score - 7161
Graphics score - 6522
Physics Score - 10900
Graphics Test 1 - 34.6 FPS
Graphics Test 2 - 24 FPS
Physics Test - 34.6 FPS

Nexus 7 2012

Ice Storm Score - 1911
Graphics score - 1599
Physics Score - 6107
Graphics Test 1 - 7.5 FPS
Graphics Test 2 - 6.5 FPS
Physics Test - 19.4 FPS

Ice Storm Unlimited -

Nexus 7 2013

Ice Storm Score - 10610
Graphics score - 10363
Physics Score - 11575
Graphics Test 1 - 52.9 FPS
Graphics Test 2 - 39.3 FPS
Physics Test - 36.7 FPS

Nexus 7 2012

Ice Storm Score - 3253
Graphics score - 2816
Physics Score - 7147
Graphics Test 1 - 12.4 FPS
Graphics Test 2 - 12.1 FPS
Physics Test - 22.7 FPS

As you can see from these scores, Asus were not lying, and it is pretty safe to say that the new nexus 7 OBLITERATES (Yes, that much win) the old nexus 7 well and truly.

I shall continue updating this review in the future, but I have ran out of time for now. =(

 

[kamikaze1993]

I bought the last year version about a year ago, and I've have to say it is a awesome device. When you sit at the bus for example you will love it. But i will rather use the money,on a more expensive ultrabook. You have a lot more options with a laptop then you have with a tablet. You will property use it a lot in 2 weeks and after you will never use it.

 

[grebgonebad]

I bought the last year version about a year ago, and I've have to say it is a awesome device. When you sit at the bus for example you will love it. But i will rather use the money,on a more expensive ultrabook. You have a lot more options with a laptop then you have with a tablet. You will property use it a lot in 2 weeks and after you will never use it.

The 2012 nexus 7 is far from a bad device, it is still excellent value for money in performance terms. Agreed tablets don't have the calibre of laptops and such, but you cannot beat the convenience of a tablet. I have owned several tablets, and use them all the time.

 

[kamikaze1993]

i'am very curious about what exactly you use your tablet for? Something other than you could use your laptop for ?

 

[grebgonebad]

i'am very curious about what exactly you use your tablet for? Something other than you could use your laptop for ?

Well, I use my tablet for a number of things that you could, admittedly, do with a laptop. However even a small notebook doesn't offer quite the same amount of portability or convenience that the nexus does. Whereas a notebook or laptop need to be stowed in a bag or case, the nexus can simply slip comfortably into my pocket. And it weighs a lot less to boot. I use my tablet for anything from playing the occasional game to using it to take down noted at meetings and such. Granted, a laptop has the advantage of a physical keyboard, but this is coupled with a larger price tag, as well as the reasons listed above. I also use my tablet when at home, for things such as Web browsing and video watching, as it's easier to simply pick up my nexus and start doing these things than it is to power up my laptop and do them. There are many reasons why I would rather use my nexus than my laptop, but I will admit that if I am going to be doing something for a long time, I would much rather use my laptop or pc. But for on the go and casual usage, my nexus is no.1.

I hope this is sufficient enough an answer.

 

[kamikaze1993]

You have to have an large pocket

 

[grebgonebad]

You have to have an large pocket

Funnily enough, not as large as you might think. (No jokes here please, =P) To be fair, the new nexus 7 is quite slim, and fits comfortably in every trouser pocket I have come accross. Bar skinny jeans, but without causing offence to anyone who wears them, I would rather smother my crown jewels in honey and jump into a beehive than have anyone catch me wearing a pair of those. =P

But seriously, even in a particularly tight fitting pair of jeans the nexus slips in quite easily and causes no discomfort. (Again, no jokes) XD

Considering that the Ipad Mini (Hack, cough cough, sorry, im allergic to Apple) can fit in a jeans pocket, albeit with a little more of a strugle, the nexus 7 fits quite nicely. Also, it's light weight and slim build ensure that you really dont notice it's in there unless you sit down. But when you do sit down it is rather uncomfortable I'll admit.

All in all I am quite happy personally to carry around my tablet in my pocket and have the convienience of it wherever I go. It could be argued that a phone would be more suited, but you simply cannot get a phone as powerful as this great tablet without the premium price tag. =)

 

[grebgonebad]

I'm supprised anyones still looking at this thread! XD

But yes, you are quite right, the new model is far more robust, and there is next to no depression on the screen. If I had one irk with the new model though it would be about the word 'Nexus' written on the rear. A few weeks ago the 'N' came off, apparently each letter is made of a small piece of glossy plastic set in a recess. My own fault though, it got snagged on a piece of fabric mesh in my bag. =P

All things considered I am yet to be dissapointed with the device. I can quite confidently say that until another manufacturer offers a tablet with the same performance for the same price, there is currently no cometition for the new Nexus 7!

Just interested, what is the site you have linked? I cannot access it at the moment as I am at work? Due to the (very) subtle way you included it in your post I can only assume you are trying to get me to participate in something? ha ha!

 

[g-unit1111]

Hi everyone!

As most of you are probably already aware, the new Nexus 7 from Google has been released and is now up for sale! As a fan of last years Nexus 7 I am extremly interested in this device, and have actually reserved one at my local retailer which I shall be picking up tomorrow!

What I would like to ask you is this, If you had the money, would you get one? Whether yes or no, please give reasons other than, 'Because it's rubbish', or 'Because Apple are so much better...'. You know what I mean. =) Also, if you would'nt get one, what would you get instead for around the same price? (£250 or under, going by the RRP of the device, no sales prices. This is to ensure continuity.)

I'm currently debating between the Nexus 7 and the Dell Venue 8 Pro. I'm leaning more toward getting the Venue 8 since it runs full Windows 8.1 and I can get a 64GB configuration for less than $350.

 

[grebgonebad]

Hi everyone!

As most of you are probably already aware, the new Nexus 7 from Google has been released and is now up for sale! As a fan of last years Nexus 7 I am extremly interested in this device, and have actually reserved one at my local retailer which I shall be picking up tomorrow!

What I would like to ask you is this, If you had the money, would you get one? Whether yes or no, please give reasons other than, 'Because it's rubbish', or 'Because Apple are so much better...'. You know what I mean. =) Also, if you would'nt get one, what would you get instead for around the same price? (£250 or under, going by the RRP of the device, no sales prices. This is to ensure continuity.)

I'm currently debating between the Nexus 7 and the Dell Venue 8 Pro. I'm leaning more toward getting the Venue 8 since it runs full Windows 8.1 and I can get a 64GB configuration for less than $350.

I suppose it just boils down to whether you want to be able to use all the features of a PC while on the move without the inconvenience of having to carry around a laptop, or whether you are happy with something that can just slip in your pocket and still do most things a PC can, but not as easily. Personally I like to take notes and things with my Nexus 7 using Office Suite Pro, and then when I get home I just copy the file over to my PC. Also, while I'm not saying it is impossible to game on a portable touch screen PC, it's far easier on an android tablet as all the games are made to be played on a touch screen.

These are just my personal opinions of course. =)

 

[g-unit1111]

I suppose it just boils down to whether you want to be able to use all the features of a PC while on the move without the inconvenience of having to carry around a laptop, or whether you are happy with something that can just slip in your pocket and still do most things a PC can, but not as easily. Personally I like to take notes and things with my Nexus 7 using Office Suite Pro, and then when I get home I just copy the file over to my PC. Also, while I'm not saying it is impossible to game on a portable touch screen PC, it's far easier on an android tablet as all the games are made to be played on a touch screen.

These are just my personal opinions of course. =)

Well that is definitely true about games. I have an iPad 2, and while I plan to keep it I also want something that's more of a companion to the device than a replacement. Which is why I'm in the market for both tablets. I've also been looking at the new EVGA Tegra Note which is under $200 and is a steal compared to some of the pricier tablets I've been looking at. The only downside to the EVGA tablet is that the resolution is nowhere near as nice as the screen on the Nexus 7.

 

[grebgonebad]

I suppose it just boils down to whether you want to be able to use all the features of a PC while on the move without the inconvenience of having to carry around a laptop, or whether you are happy with something that can just slip in your pocket and still do most things a PC can, but not as easily. Personally I like to take notes and things with my Nexus 7 using Office Suite Pro, and then when I get home I just copy the file over to my PC. Also, while I'm not saying it is impossible to game on a portable touch screen PC, it's far easier on an android tablet as all the games are made to be played on a touch screen.

These are just my personal opinions of course. =)

Well that is definitely true about games. I have an iPad 2, and while I plan to keep it I also want something that's more of a companion to the device than a replacement. Which is why I'm in the market for both tablets. I've also been looking at the new EVGA Tegra Note which is under $200 and is a steal compared to some of the pricier tablets I've been looking at. The only downside to the EVGA tablet is that the resolution is nowhere near as nice as the screen on the Nexus 7.

Yes, I looked at the tegra tab myself, but unfortunately after I had already bought my Nexus. I am considering flogging my Nexus IF the Nvidia note turns out to be as good as they say it is. I need to see a few reviews before I make a decision like that. I am a little disappointed with the resolution on the Nvidia Note. It's a bit meagre considering it is primarily a gaming tablet. I would have thought they would have at least given it a 1080p display.

 

[g-unit1111]

Yes, I looked at the tegra tab myself, but unfortunately after I had already bought my Nexus. I am considering flogging my Nexus IF the Nvidia note turns out to be as good as they say it is. I need to see a few reviews before I make a decision like that. I am a little disappointed with the resolution on the Nvidia Note. It's a bit meagre considering it is primarily a gaming tablet. I would have thought they would have at least given it a 1080p display.

Oh I'm sure they could put a 1080P display on this thing, but these devices are priced to move units, and the $199 price point will be incredibly tempting for first or even second time tablet buyers. I mean do you go for the $199 Tegra or the $400 iPad Mini? That will be a huge factor. Having a 1080P display at minimum would bring the price to $300 or even $350 starting point.

 

[grebgonebad]

Yes, I looked at the tegra tab myself, but unfortunately after I had already bought my Nexus. I am considering flogging my Nexus IF the Nvidia note turns out to be as good as they say it is. I need to see a few reviews before I make a decision like that. I am a little disappointed with the resolution on the Nvidia Note. It's a bit meagre considering it is primarily a gaming tablet. I would have thought they would have at least given it a 1080p display.

Oh I'm sure they could put a 1080P display on this thing, but these devices are priced to move units, and the $199 price point will be incredibly tempting for first or even second time tablet buyers. I mean do you go for the $199 Tegra or the $400 iPad Mini? That will be a huge factor. Having a 1080P display at minimum would bring the price to $300 or even $350 starting point.

I beg to differ. If you take the new NExus 7 into consideration which has a 1920 x 1200 display and a base price of $230, I think it's perfectly feasible nowadays to have a full HD screen without the premium price tag.

I do agree with you on the Ipad front. With regards to the Tegra Note, I think it;s pretty safe to say it's going to be mroe powerful than the Nexus 7, and seeing as the Nexus 7 is not only more powerful than the Ipad mini by a long shot, it also marginally beats the Ipad 4! So that's a $500 device being beaten by a $230 device. So if the Tegra Note is indeed going to come with a base price of $200, then it should simply dominate the market I'm thinking. I also like the fact that it has a cover attached, although im a little uncertain of the build quality of the cover...

I think it's looking more and more likely that I will be getting the Tegra Note, but I'll wait for a few hands on reviews first to see if that display is good enough. =/

 

[g-unit1111]

I beg to differ. If you take the new NExus 7 into consideration which has a 1920 x 1200 display and a base price of $230, I think it's perfectly feasible nowadays to have a full HD screen without the premium price tag.

I do agree with you on the Ipad front. With regards to the Tegra Note, I think it;s pretty safe to say it's going to be mroe powerful than the Nexus 7, and seeing as the Nexus 7 is not only more powerful than the Ipad mini by a long shot, it also marginally beats the Ipad 4! So that's a $500 device being beaten by a $230 device. So if the Tegra Note is indeed going to come with a base price of $200, then it should simply dominate the market I'm thinking. I also like the fact that it has a cover attached, although im a little uncertain of the build quality of the cover...

I think it's looking more and more likely that I will be getting the Tegra Note, but I'll wait for a few hands on reviews first to see if that display is good enough. =/

Yeah that is definitely true about the Nexus with the screen display and resolution. I actually wound up buying a Samsung Galaxy Tab this week, since I got one through Sprint. And the price? It was $50 on special. The tablet itself is pretty sweet, and it has full 4G access. It's the 7" model so I can take it anywhere. The only downside is that I'm limited to 2GB per month but that only adds an extra $15 to my bill.

 

[grebgonebad]

Yeah that is definitely true about the Nexus with the screen display and resolution. I actually wound up buying a Samsung Galaxy Tab this week, since I got one through Sprint. And the price? It was $50 on special. The tablet itself is pretty sweet, and it has full 4G access. It's the 7" model so I can take it anywhere. The only downside is that I'm limited to 2GB per month but that only adds an extra $15 to my bill.

I think it's amazing to be honest that Google were able to put such high end hardware in a tablet that costs less than the Ipad mini, but still manages to score better than the Ipad 4th gen. Astonishing. But so will the Tegra Note to be fair. It look like we are entering an age of high performance budget tablets.

Nice buy on the Galaxy Tab! That's not a bad deal to be fair! And to be able to use 4G is pretty sweet. I do like the Galaxy range of tablets from Samsung, but I've just grown a little bored of them to be honest. They are still excellent tablets for the money though!