An embarrassment of riches - too many tablets! Should I consolidate and get an iPad Air?

[douglerner]

Currently I have the following tablets:

- Nexus 7 2013 wifi only
- iPad 2 32 GB wifi + cellular, but no longer in contract
- iPad 1 wifi + cellular, no longer in contract
- an extra iPad 1, also wifi + cellular, not in contract that I got for free for helping somebody with some computer stuff

That same friend who gave me the iPad 1, wants to upgrade from his iPad 4th generation to an iPad Air, and he want to give me his 4th G iPad for free. It is a 64 GB wifi only model.

The reason I never upgraded beyond the iPad 2 was because all the later models got thicker and heavier, and I thought my iPad 2 was already too heavy, which is why I got my Nexus 7. I hardly touch my iPad 2 these days. They are both within arm's reach, but the Nexus 7 is easier to hold, and allows voice input, which I often find convenient, and most of the time I reach for it. I like the voice input on my iPhone 5 too, and I feel like something is "missing" when I pick up my iPad 2. Plus it feels like it weighs a ton next to the Nexus 7.

Well, anyway I have too many tablets. And soon I'll have the iPad 4th G. So I was thinking of selling the iPad 2, the two iPad 1s and the iPad 4 and getting an iPad Air, wifi + cellular with a data sharing plan with my iPhone 5. After all, compared to the iPad 2, the iPad Air is (1) lighter, (2) has Siri, (3) has a retina display, (4) has much better specs and (5) now the cellular model is universal, so if I take a trip to the U.S. it would be easier to use there.

Yet there are things I now prefer about my Nexus 7 with Android 4.4 over iOS 7. Like it has better sharing features, the ability to send all kinds of attachments, more customization, better "hooks" into the UI from 3rd party apps, the ability to choose your own default mail apps and browsers. It seems just more flexible overall. And the Facebook app runs "smoother" than on my iPad 2.

But I like iOS too.

I wonder if I would use an iPad Air any more than I do my iPad 2 since it is lighter than the recent iPads. The screen being larger might make reading magazines and news sites easier. And Siri is still better than the Android voice dictation in my opinion. Or will the weight and size actually keep driving me back to the Nexus 7?

Conundrums, conundrums. I do have too many "devices" right now though. Within an arm's reach I can count 12 (!) computers, tables and phones all on wifi! Who needs that much stuff?!

doug

 

[YAYTech]

Since your Nexus 7 is still pretty new, you could wait for the next gen iPad.

 

[UJ95x]

Currently I have the following tablets:

- Nexus 7 2013 wifi only
- iPad 2 32 GB wifi + cellular, but no longer in contract
- iPad 1 wifi + cellular, no longer in contract
- an extra iPad 1, also wifi + cellular, not in contract that I got for free for helping somebody with some computer stuff

That same friend who gave me the iPad 1, wants to upgrade from his iPad 4th generation to an iPad Air, and he want to give me his 4th G iPad for free. It is a 64 GB wifi only model.

The reason I never upgraded beyond the iPad 2 was because all the later models got thicker and heavier, and I thought my iPad 2 was already too heavy, which is why I got my Nexus 7. I hardly touch my iPad 2 these days. They are both within arm's reach, but the Nexus 7 is easier to hold, and allows voice input, which I often find convenient, and most of the time I reach for it. I like the voice input on my iPhone 5 too, and I feel like something is "missing" when I pick up my iPad 2. Plus it feels like it weighs a ton next to the Nexus 7.

Well, anyway I have too many tablets. And soon I'll have the iPad 4th G. So I was thinking of selling the iPad 2, the two iPad 1s and the iPad 4 and getting an iPad Air, wifi + cellular with a data sharing plan with my iPhone 5. After all, compared to the iPad 2, the iPad Air is (1) lighter, (2) has Siri, (3) has a retina display, (4) has much better specs and (5) now the cellular model is universal, so if I take a trip to the U.S. it would be easier to use there.

Yet there are things I now prefer about my Nexus 7 with Android 4.4 over iOS 7. Like it has better sharing features, the ability to send all kinds of attachments, more customization, better "hooks" into the UI from 3rd party apps, the ability to choose your own default mail apps and browsers. It seems just more flexible overall. And the Facebook app runs "smoother" than on my iPad 2.

But I like iOS too.

I wonder if I would use an iPad Air any more than I do my iPad 2 since it is lighter than the recent iPads. The screen being larger might make reading magazines and news sites easier. And Siri is still better than the Android voice dictation in my opinion. Or will the weight and size actually keep driving me back to the Nexus 7?

Conundrums, conundrums. I do have too many "devices" right now though. Within an arm's reach I can count 12 (!) computers, tables and phones all on wifi! Who needs that much stuff?!

doug

Does sound like you have too many tablets. I say sell the 4 iPads and get the iPad Air. Keep the Nexus 7, and use that for "regular" things, like browsing/gaming. Use the iPad for movie watching if you're into that, since it's bigger. The Nexus is more compact so that would be my go-to if I were to be out and about

Posted via Android Central App

 

[EviI]

Currently I have the following tablets:

- Nexus 7 2013 wifi only
- iPad 2 32 GB wifi + cellular, but no longer in contract
- iPad 1 wifi + cellular, no longer in contract
- an extra iPad 1, also wifi + cellular, not in contract that I got for free for helping somebody with some computer stuff

That same friend who gave me the iPad 1, wants to upgrade from his iPad 4th generation to an iPad Air, and he want to give me his 4th G iPad for free. It is a 64 GB wifi only model.

The reason I never upgraded beyond the iPad 2 was because all the later models got thicker and heavier, and I thought my iPad 2 was already too heavy, which is why I got my Nexus 7. I hardly touch my iPad 2 these days. They are both within arm's reach, but the Nexus 7 is easier to hold, and allows voice input, which I often find convenient, and most of the time I reach for it. I like the voice input on my iPhone 5 too, and I feel like something is "missing" when I pick up my iPad 2. Plus it feels like it weighs a ton next to the Nexus 7.

Well, anyway I have too many tablets. And soon I'll have the iPad 4th G. So I was thinking of selling the iPad 2, the two iPad 1s and the iPad 4 and getting an iPad Air, wifi + cellular with a data sharing plan with my iPhone 5. After all, compared to the iPad 2, the iPad Air is (1) lighter, (2) has Siri, (3) has a retina display, (4) has much better specs and (5) now the cellular model is universal, so if I take a trip to the U.S. it would be easier to use there.

Yet there are things I now prefer about my Nexus 7 with Android 4.4 over iOS 7. Like it has better sharing features, the ability to send all kinds of attachments, more customization, better "hooks" into the UI from 3rd party apps, the ability to choose your own default mail apps and browsers. It seems just more flexible overall. And the Facebook app runs "smoother" than on my iPad 2.

But I like iOS too.

I wonder if I would use an iPad Air any more than I do my iPad 2 since it is lighter than the recent iPads. The screen being larger might make reading magazines and news sites easier. And Siri is still better than the Android voice dictation in my opinion. Or will the weight and size actually keep driving me back to the Nexus 7?

Conundrums, conundrums. I do have too many "devices" right now though. Within an arm's reach I can count 12 (!) computers, tables and phones all on wifi! Who needs that much stuff?!

doug

Who needs that much stuff indeed!
Coincidentally, I have a Nexus 7 and an iPad Air myself!
Ok so, the Nexus 7 has a better display in my opinion, but if you want a larger one, as you said you wanted a larger display for your magazines and such, then the iPad is the way to go.
The Nexus 7 has a soft-touch plastic back, while the iPad Air with an aluminium body. If you want to go for class, go with the iPad Air.
In terms of memory and processing power, it's the Nexus 7 hands down. The iPad Air has only 1GB of RAM. But if you don't do anything too intensive, go with the iPad Air.
Physically, the 2 devices aren't much different, though the iPad is 1mm thinner than the Nexus if that makes a difference.
As for battery life, it's pretty identical.
Not sure how much capacity you need, but the iPad can be bought with more storage, while the Nexus 7 either comes with 16 or 32GB of storage.
The iPad is more expensive.

 

[Fairclough]

First start with selling the iPads.
Just get that out of the way rather then letting them devalue.
Secondly its a personal choice for you as its ios v android, it depends on your preference. To be honest I would go android for cost factor but with you that might not be an issue.

- Android Central App. N'oublions jamais l'Australie, Villers-Bretonneux. Prepare for January 26.

 

[UJ95x]

Who needs that much stuff indeed!
Conicindentally, I have a Nexus 7 and an iPad Air myself!
Ok so, the Nexus 7 has a better display in my opinion, but if you want a larger one, as you said you wanted a larger display for your magazines and such, then the iPad is the way to go.
The Nexus 7 has a soft-touch plastic back, while the iPad Air with an aluminium body. If you want to go for class, go with the iPad Air.
In terms of memory and processing power, it's the Nexus 7 hands down. The iPad Air has only 1GB of RAM. But if you don't do anything too intensive, go with the iPad Air.
Physically, the 2 devices aren't much different, though the iPad is 1mm thinner than the Nexus if that makes a difference.
As for battery life, it's pretty identical.
Not sure how much capacity you need, but the iPad can be bought with more storage, while the Nexus 7 either comes with 16 or 32GB of storage.
The iPad is more expensive.

He already has the Nexus 7 though. The iPad Air would be his second tablet once he gets rid of the other iPads

Posted via Android Central App

 

[UJ95x]

Since your Nexus 7 is still pretty new, you could wait for the next gen iPad.

That's a whole year
I'd wait for the next gen Nexus 10 if anything

Posted via Android Central App

 

[EviI]

He already has the Nexus 7 though. The iPad Air would be his second tablet once he gets rid of the other iPads

Posted via Android Central App

Yes, but I was comparing the both of them to help him decide if he wants to buy an iPad Air.

 

[YAYTech]

That's a whole year
I'd wait for the next gen Nexus 10 if anything

Posted via Android Central App

Use the same tablet for a whole year? GASP!

 

[douglerner]

Yes, but I was comparing the both of them to help him decide if he wants to buy an iPad Air.

Yes, you are both correct. Such good points, so quickly!

Yes, I did want to clarify that my "consolidation" I mean "consolidating my iPads." I have no intention of getting rid of my Nexus 7. I love it!

It's just that I'm getting this iPad 4th G handed to me. So the real question is should I just keep it or sell it and all my other iPads and get the iPad Air. Or even cheaper, sell the iPad 2 + two iPad 1s and just keep the iPad 4th G, which is still new enough to be under warranty for another 1.5 years!

One thing I do like about my iPad 2 is if I do take a trip to the U.S. it is cellular, so I can get a temporary AT&T contract for it. The iPad 4th G model is wifi only, so outside I would generally need to do tethering with my iPhone 5. On overseas travel I wouldn't have that option.

The fact that the other devices are getting older also is a factor. One thought is that I might as well get what I can for them while they still have some value. The iPad 1s might not have much value at this point anyway.

The thing is I'm not "can't wait to get it excited" about the iPad Air. It would be "nice" and maybe a "practical consolidation" of devices is all really. Usually I'm more excited about a new gadget.

Then there is the question about capacity.

Do I need 128 GB? The way they sell here in Japan, you don't put any cash down at all, and basically get an interest-free loan for 2 years with payments tacked on to your smartphone monthly bill. So "for just a few hundred yen more a month" you can walk out the shop without paying a dime, and go from the 32 GB model to the 64 GB model. And then "for just a few hundred yen more a month" you can go to the 128 GB model. It seems a waste, looking at it that way, not to get the 128 GB model. But in my current iPad 2 I only use a little more than half the current 32 GB. I'm a terrible sucker for pricing when you look at it that way. On the other hand, those "few hundred yens per month" add up and I could use them instead for the AppleCare Plus warranty.

doug

 

[EviI]

Yes, you are both correct. Such good points, so quickly!

Yes, I did want to clarify that my "consolidation" I mean "consolidating my iPads." I have no intention of getting rid of my Nexus 7. I love it!

It's just that I'm getting this iPad 4th G handed to me. So the real question is should I just keep it or sell it and all my other iPads and get the iPad Air. Or even cheaper, sell the iPad 2 + two iPad 1s and just keep the iPad 4th G, which is still new enough to be under warranty for another 1.5 years!

One thing I do like about my iPad 2 is if I do take a trip to the U.S. it is cellular, so I can get a temporary AT&T contract for it. The iPad 4th G model is wifi only, so outside I would generally need to do tethering with my iPhone 5. On overseas travel I wouldn't have that option.

The fact that the other devices are getting older also is a factor. One thought is that I might as well get what I can for them while they still have some value. The iPad 1s might not have much value at this point anyway.

The thing is I'm not "can't wait to get it excited" about the iPad Air. It would be "nice" and maybe a "practical consolidation" of devices is all really. Usually I'm more excited about a new gadget.

Then there is the question about capacity.

Do I need 128 GB? The way they sell here in Japan, you don't put any cash down at all, and basically get an interest-free loan for 2 years with payments tacked on to your smartphone monthly bill. So "for just a few hundred yen more a month" you can walk out the shop without paying a dime, and go from the 32 GB model to the 64 GB model. And then "for just a few hundred yen more a month" you can go to the 128 GB model. It seems a waste, looking at it that way, not to get the 128 GB model. But in my current iPad 2 I only use a little more than half the current 32 GB. I'm a terrible sucker for pricing when you look at it that way. On the other hand, those "few hundred yens per month" add up and I could use them instead for the AppleCare Plus warranty.

doug

I would sell all of your other iPads and keep the iPad 4th gen. It's better than the iPad Air. The only upside to the iPad Air is that it's lightweight.

 

[UJ95x]

Use the same tablet for a whole year? GASP!

He has the iPad 2, he's probably had it for more than a few...

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Fairclough]

Don't get an Apple Care Warranty. Its a joke.
They had to pay out government out as they were charging hundreds for warranty conditions which were already a guarantee under Australian Consumer Law in my country. Now when they sell it to you they have to tell you the slight differences where I live.

In short, where I am its an extra fee which by law is already given to you xP

- Android Central App. N'oublions jamais l'Australie, Villers-Bretonneux. Prepare for January 26.

 

[Android_1234]

Why an iPad Air? Wait for the next Nexus 10, It should be releasing soon.

 

[YAYTech]

He has the iPad 2, he's probably had it for more than a few...

Posted via Android Central App

I was thinking more of the Nexus 7 that's pretty much brand new. Or the iPad 4 that is being given to him.

 

[UJ95x]

I was thinking more of the Nexus 7 that's pretty much brand new. Or the iPad 4 that is being given to him.

iPad 4 won't be as much of a difference than the iPad Air would be...
Anyway, there's no point in waiting for the next one if there was just a release.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[douglerner]

I would sell all of your other iPads and keep the iPad 4th gen. It's better than the iPad Air. The only upside to the iPad Air is that it's lightweight.

Why do you think the iPad 4th gen is better?

The other consideration is that if I sold all my other iPads and just kept the iPad 4th gen I wouldn't have an iPad with a cellular option. Inside Japan it doesn't matter because I can do tethering with my iPhone 5. But if I travel to the U.S. a cellular option might be convenient.

doug

 

[douglerner]

Don't get an Apple Care Warranty. Its a joke.
They had to pay out government out as they were charging hundreds for warranty conditions which were already a guarantee under Australian Consumer Law in my country. Now when they sell it to you they have to tell you the slight differences where I live.

In short, where I am its an extra fee which by law is already given to you xP

- Android Central App. N'oublions jamais l'Australie, Villers-Bretonneux. Prepare for January 26.

100% of all Apple portable items I have ever purchased have had problems and needed repairs - some after the first year. I think I need the AppleCare warranty. I've used it dozens of times because Apple's quality of construction is not that great!

doug

 

[Ry]

I would dump those first gen iPads at Target when they were trading them for $200 gift cards. :/

Posted via Android Central App

 

[douglerner]

I would dump those first gen iPads at Target when they were trading them for $200 gift cards. :/

Posted via Android Central App

That would have been the thing to do. Unfortunately the nearest Target is about 5,100 miles away.

Are they still doing that?

doug