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Thread ID: 138926	2015-02-11 09:46:00	iPad Mini 2 vs Surface 2 vs Nexus 7 2013	Nick G (16709)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1394117	2015-02-14 22:08:00	Stick it in the back pocket of your LevisWell if putting it in your pocket and 20 mm will make a difference then it is the N7,but that's about all it has over it	plod (107)
1394118	2015-02-14 22:55:00	For wot it is worth - I have had the Nexus 7 since it first came out in 2012. It is running Android 5, and I have had no problems related to the OS. I recall a few others posted here recently saying the same thing, tho theirs may have been the 2nd generation Nexus. I echo all that johcar said above, except I think my battery life is poor - it could be age related, my settings, or the things I am running on the Nexus. I would add that I use mine for e-reading (a lot). We travel a lot in our campervan, and the Nexus is my music and book library. Don't be put off by memory limitations - I have an OTG connector for ordinary USB drives, and I also have one of the new USB drives that has a full size plug on one end, and a mini USB plug on the other. All my music is on a USB drive now, rather than on the Nexus, which contains a large library of books. We have just come back from 9 weeks away from home in the van, and I only used my laptop once (for work reasons). I only take my laptop for security (in case of burglary when we are away from home - the van has a built in safe). I would however use it in preference to the Nexus if I received a job whilst on the road that involved work with documents. I used the Nexus every day for the tasks outlined by johcar, and it never let me down (apart from the battery issue when we were on non-power sites). I cannot comment on the iPad mini because I have no experience with it, but my wife has an iPad, and it drives me crazy when she asks me to fix something with it. I suppose it is a matter of familiarity, but to me the Android OS just works, and apps seem to have a consistent design where you can find the controls and settings. I find it a pain trying to find the controls/settings within apps on the iPad - as I say, it may just be a lack of familiarity, but I think it also has to do with a lack of consistency across the range of Apple apps. The extra screen size is useful, but I don't know how much difference there is in that respect between the Nexus and the iPad mini. I would prefer more screen size and will update to the larger Nexus eventually. When my wife decides to replace her iPad, she will get an Android device (her opinion, but I agree it will be much calmer around the place if we have similar devices...). Someone above mentioned an issue about updating. With the Nexus, there is never a problem (perhaps it is the same with Apple). The Nexus was developed in partnership with Google, so updates to the OS come on the fly as soon as they are approved for release (the updates occur around the world in a drip feed fashion, but I have had no significant delays). I used to have a small Samsung tablet, and updates for it were slow or never - it pays to get the Android devices that have been developed with Google, like the Nexus 7. App updates occur almost daily. Regarding editing documents etc on these tablets - I used to be a Palm OS fan, and owned several Palm devices including the Handera. I went all out to use it with an Office suite when I was on the road, and invested in a keyboard designed for the Palm. It was a horrible experience, and I wasted a lot of money on the Office suite and keyboard. I chucked the idea in and bought a laptop. These devices (and sometimes the keyboards) are too fiddly for editing documents and spreadsheets in my opinion. I hope some of the above helps.	John H (8)
1394119	2015-02-14 23:31:00	I have the original Nexus 7 also and battery life is still fine. I did install the new launcher on it to make it look like current Android 5 devices but took it off again as the tablet seemed really sluggish with it on. I really recommend getting a dedicated E-reader if you do a lot of reading though as they are much better than a tablet for this task. My Kindle paper white for example can be read in any light conditions from direct sunlight to total darkness and battery life rates in weeks not days. You can easily read an entire book on a single charge. To be fair, any tablet can do all the things mentioned and the OS is a matter of preference more than anything. I still think if you do much serious work then a laptop is the way to go, for anything else pick the type of tablet that appeals to you and I'm sure you'll be able to do what you want on it. Yes you can add a keyboard to a tablet, then you have 2 things to carry around and 2 batteries to keep charged and it still won't be as good as a laptop. Even windows 8 RT which is probably the last choice anyone here would make works really well and has full office support. My brother in law got one on special and likes it so much he barely touches his PC any more.	dugimodo (138)
1394120	2015-02-15 02:28:00	Stick it in the back pocket of your Levis Do you buy Levi Clown pockets edition or something?	Alex B (15479)
1394121	2015-02-15 03:52:00	I have the original Nexus 7 also and battery life is still fine. I am wondering what the problem is with mine - battery or settings? Might have to get it checked out. (snip) I really recommend getting a dedicated E-reader if you do a lot of reading though as they are much better than a tablet for this task. My Kindle paper white for example can be read in any light conditions from direct sunlight to total darkness and battery life rates in weeks not days. You can easily read an entire book on a single charge. (snip) I have no problems reading with my Nexus 7, apart from the battery issue. I used to own a Sony eReader and the battery lasted forever, as you say. However, I don't want to have two devices (plus a phone) when one multi use device suffices. I have not had any problems with light conditions with the Nexus - in fact it is vastly superior in that respect to the e-ink Sony.	John H (8)
1394122	2015-02-15 06:14:00	Have a look at the Nexus 9 as well Nick. Bigger screen and runs at least as good as the Nexus 7. PB Tech have them on special this month. I've looked at it, but a bit pricey for what it is for me.	Nick G (16709)
1394123	2015-02-15 07:23:00	Based off the reliable advice given out around here :) I think I'll write the Surface 2 off for now; maybe wait until the Pro 4 lineup arrives with hopefully better battery life than the pro series has so far - so it's down to the Nexus 7 2013 or iPad. It's a hard call, third party iPad apps are mostly better, and I have an admittedly small library of pre bought ones, but I prefer Android to IOS. And one's larger, one's more portable. I'll keep thinking, but thanks for all the advice so far guys!	Nick G (16709)
1394124	2015-02-15 10:08:00	I don't want to have two devices (plus a phone) .. it is vastly superior in that respect to the e-ink Sony. Fair enough, no point spending money if you are happy with what you have. The paper white FYI has a LED backlight which makes it just as easy to read in low light without hurting battery life.	dugimodo (138)
1394125	2015-02-15 20:09:00	Yea, the third party app support isn't great! I'm trawling the store looking to see what there is in way of third party apps . Just what 3rd part apps are so important, that arnt available for surface?? Tool or toy ? . . . . . I guess for most, including me, a tablet is just a toy . We complain when samsung and others preload apps, then we download dozens more ;)	1101 (13337)
1394126	2015-02-15 21:39:00	Just what 3rd part apps are so important, that arnt available for surface?? Tool or toy ? . . . . . I guess for most, including me, a tablet is just a toy . While tablets are very good toys both (gaming and educational) for many kids - young and old :), they are also very good tools for many professionals when they are loaded with well designed apps - (usually those that have been re thought out and custom designed to meet the needs of the end user) .	Webdevguy (17166)
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