Posted this update at the request of a member at another forum so thought I'd post it here as well:
Any new impressions on the device?
Better than Nexus 7 or worse?
Does it overheat like the original G Pad?
Yesterday I read about the blue line problem on XDA. After 30-60 minutes of using the tablet (no turning the screen off during all that time) a blue line appears on one of the sides of the screen. Have you seen this problem?
[url=http://s23.postimg.org/ohtztec47/Blue_Line.jpg]Image[/url]
Yeah, I'm definitely selling my Nexus 7 and replacing it with the G Pad. Still haven't put enough time in to put together a detail review but since you asked, I'll bullet point advantages/disadvantages vs. the Nexus 7.
Pros:
- Love the increase screen real estate, make a huge difference vs. 7" found on the Nexus
- Hardware is terrific--feels great in hand, a bit more premium vs. the Nexus. Not necessarily better, just different and every bit as good
- Better proporations. It has the same display ratio (iPad Mini wins in this area using 4:3) but it has smaller bezels all the way around so the overall increase in size is proportionally less than the increase is display size. Still very comfortable to hold one handed.
- Expandable memory
- Speaker placement is better on the G Pad as I find my hands often covering the speakers on the ends of the Nexus when holding in landscape. Quality though isn't quite as good (will discuss later)
Cons:
- Less onboard storage available for apps. I don't plan on gaming much on it so 16GB is enough for me, certainly could understand someone needing more though.
- Display color tone--it's a bit warmer (towards yellow vs. blue on the Nexus). The Nexus is also slightly brighter. I'm not terribly picky and only really notice when using side-by-side. One's preference/tolerance will come into play here.
- No LED notification light. Not a big deal for me on my tablet, generally check my notifications on my phone.
- No wireless charging. Again, not a big deal for me but I have enjoyed the convenience of using it with my Nexus 7.
- No NFC. Again, I don't use it so no loss for me personally
- Speakers are a touch better on the Nexus 7. I honestly don't rely on them (use earphones when watching video or use bluetooth to stream content) so I had to actively test them to compare. The G Pad's speakers are a touch louder but also less accurate--sound a bit tinny vs. the Nexus 7.
Everything else is a wash, IMO. I won't compare cameras because I refuse to use my tablets to take photos. Haven't noticed any overheating issues but I also haven't had any long sessions that would overly tax it. Thankfully, no blue line issues to speak of (yet). Also, the version of KitKat on the G Pad is
nearly identical, with the only differences I've noticed being the absence of the Gallery app, and a X.X.2.
My list of cons/disadvantages is obviously a bit longer but they also have little impact on my personal usage. Display size carries far more weight in my preferences and is the primary reason why I'll be keeping the G Pad.
I've included a couple of quick and dirty photos--sorry quality isn't top notch, took 'em quickly so I could include something for reference. The first photo also includes a first gen iPad Mini for reference.
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