Is Nexus 7 too small for home use?

[Pato7]

I'm considering buying the new Nexus 7 but I have few concerned of it's size. Is 7" tablet only good for on the go use?

I'm starting my compulsory military service in January and next fall I'll be starting university. Because of the military service, I'll have to take a three hour train trip every weekend or so and it would be nice to have the tablet for my free time too. That's why I'm inclined to buy the 32gb version which is 300? here as I'll have the chance to pack it up every one to two weeks. Also I'm planning on holding it for two, probably even three years since next year I'll update my laptop and phone.

What I really want to know is does the tablet become useless when I'm back home and starting Uni? I'd like to use it for watching movies etc., browsing the web, audiobooks and even for reading magazines. Do you watch series/movies with it at home, as well? To sum up, does it substitute for a laptop at all and make you turn that on less?

I want a Nexus device and I don't want to spend too much on tablet, but I want more than just a travel device. I'll hopefully get a hands on on Friday and make my decision. I have medium sized hands for a guy so a small device could be good.

PS I'll be rooting it and will use PA, so the touch keys won't take so much screen real estate!

 

[puch96]

No. The tablet will not substitute a laptop, or a desktop for that matter. But it all depends on what you will be using the tablet for. If watching movies, email, web, games, audiobooks, music is something you'll be doing, then the Nexus 7 is a good candidate. I find it that i'm using it more and more at home and my phone just sits on the desk.
But when I need to do "real work", depending on each person's definition of 'real work', I usually turn to my desktop computer.

 

[Unicorn Rancher]

What I really want to know is does the tablet become useless when I'm back home and starting Uni? I'd like to use it for watching movies etc., browsing the web, audiobooks and even for reading magazines. Do you watch series/movies with it at home, as well? To sum up, does it substitute for a laptop at all and make you turn that on less?

I definitely use my laptop much less after I got my Nexus 7. Most of my email and a significant percentage of my web browsing at home is done on the tablet.

However, it's not a 100% substitute for a laptop (or desktop) in my book. I still prefer my laptop for creating/editing documents and spreadsheets, as well as for certain websites. I wouldn't, for example, want to write a thesis on my Nexus 7, although it's good for the research phase. Screen real estate is also an issue for some work I do with spreadsheets, where dual monitors more than double productivity. Recreationally though... I grab my N7 most often.

 

[YAYTech]

Whether a tablet can replace a laptop depends on a person's usage. I know plenty of people who just piddle around & kill time on their laptops. They could do that just as easily on a tablet. A good tablet can be good for light productivity as well, but I wouldn't suggest a tablet as a sole device for anyone who is running a business or going to school, among other things.

As for screen size - it's a preference issue. Even sitting at home I like the N7 for it's light weight. I've handled some 10" tablets, including the iPad 4, and don't think I would like the extra weight, even in exchange for the significantly larger screen.

 

[physioprof]

Since I got my Nexus 7, I have been using my laptop much less. In fact, the beautiful Nexus screen has ruined me for looking at my laptop or desktop screens.


Sent from my Nexus 7 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[Paul627g]

I get a variety of use out of my N7.

From moderating here at the forums and general participation to web browsing, reading, video watching on YouTube, games and much more. It hasn't replaced my laptop but it had given my laptop a much needed rest.

Paul
Forums Moderator


Sent from my HTCONE using AC Forums mobile app

 

[bigdaddytee]

Chromecast means never having to say your screen is too small.

Sent from the (4.2 updated) redheaded stepchild of the Nexii

 

[douglerner]

It's interesting this topic came up. I have both an iPad 2 and the new Nexus 7. I love my Nexus 7, and I think Android 4.3 is better than iOS 7 for lots of reasons.

Yet I do like my iPad 2 screen, even though it's not retina. And the operation of the iPad feels somewhat "smoother" than the Nexus.

On the other hand, the Nexus is much more flexible.

Anyway, getting back to size. What I think I would really like is a tablet the size of my iPad 2, but with the weight and thin profile of the Nexus 7.

Maybe someday!

The weight issue really can't be understated though. The Nexus 7 is easy to hold for long periods of time in one hand. It is really light. Compared to the Nexus, the iPad 2 feels like it weighs a ton.

doug

 

[Pato7]

Maybe my post was a bit misleading. I DO NOT expect it to replace my laptop completely. Mainly I want to now if it can satisfy entertainment needs at home too. I'm not really an avid eBook reader and I already stated what I would mainly be doing with it in the OP. I do think I might be able to take notes at lectures and read some textbooks with it, but that's about all the school work I'd need it for.

My main concern is that is it just a big phone without calling functions? I will buy a cable to hook it up on my tv, but I'd like to view series from it's own screen as well. Even at home.

I did a paper model from it's dimensions and tbh it seems kinda small. I wish it were a Nexus 8 instead of a seven Maybe I should wait till google's announcement on the 14th before buying. Though if it feels right when I get my hands on it tomorrow, I'll probably just buy it and avoid looking at the new nexus 10 price (The Samsung made one is still 450-500€ here, but Asus usually sells closer to gplay prices).

Thanks for all your replies! I'll see if I can haggle the price of 32gb model down a bit just to justify my purchase

 

[Pato7]

Chromecast means never having to say your screen is too small.

Sent from the (4.2 updated) redheaded stepchild of the Nexii

Chromecast will most likely never be available here officially. Amazon UK would be my only option and they ask 80€ for it.

 

[FitzAusTex]

I never thought I'd prefer 7 inches to 10, but I really do. I agree that for viewing video, 10 would probably be better, but 7 is more than satisfactory. The portability of the nexus 7, even around the house, is far preferable to 10 inchers. It is light and fine to hold for hours. In the morning, I grab a cup of coffee and head out to the porch to catch up on news and other things. Might sound minor to some, but I slip the nexus 7 into my pocket, grab my coffee, and still have a free hand to open and close the door. Try to do that with a 10 incher Been amazed how much the N7 has replaced my phone and macbook. I barely use them since getting the N7.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[kenyee]

It's a comfortable size. Remember that a 10" will weigh more. E.g., an iPad would get heavy after a while if you read with it or web browse with it.

 

[tflash]

I'm not sure anyone can answer that for you, because everyone's eyes are different.

I know a lot of people that need to wear reading glasses.
I'm very nearsighted, so watching vids on it are ok for me, but if I try to show it to anyone with 'normal' eyes, they might laugh at me, or ask if I have a magnifying glass to go with it.

The N7 is good at being portable.
I don't need portability for video in my house (apartment) because I have a 46" TV right there.
I use my N7 at home in the living room mostly for reading books, or browsing the interweb during the endless amounts of commercials that are playing on cable TV.

It would be great for on the train or bus though, but at home for video, I'd find something bigger.

 

[Google_Superuser]

I have a Nexus 10 and a Nexus 7. I like typing and reading books on the Nexus 7 more. Web browsing and watch movies is better on the Nexus 10 and it has an HDMI port which is pretty important for me. Neither can replace a laptop really.

 

[Pato7]

This is really a difficult decision! I see that many of you own two tablets so you can switch between them. I on the other hand need one for all. Doubt I'll be buying it tomorrow unless I'm really convinced. Will have to put off till the next google announcement and do further research!

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[Google_Superuser]

I'd only have the Nexus 10 but I received the 7 as a gift. If I had to pick one I'd get the Nexus 10. It's less nice to type on a little more cumbersome for reading but it's screen size and hdmi port make it a more capable device overall.

 

[YAYTech]

I'd only have the Nexus 10 but I received the 7 as a gift. If I had to pick one I'd get the Nexus 10. It's less nice to type on a little more cumbersome for reading but it's screen size and hdmi port make it a more capable device overall.

You do know that the 2013 Nexus 7 supports HDMI out, right? It requires an adapter, but it's there.

 

[Pato7]

The only problem with nexus 10 might be it's price here. I'm also getting really interested in the upcoming LG g pad. At 8.3 could be the perfect size, so it'd be nice to know it's price before buying. Downside of course no google updates.
Just hope I don't get too excited and buy the nexus 7 today only to be disappointed

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[Pato7]

Alright only positive things about nexus 7 and 7" from here now on! Went ahead and bought it as it felt perfect for my hands! I wanted a device that was also portable and this is it. Also, I figured that if I was buying a small tablet, it should fit in one hand comfortably too. Not so much the case with Note 8 that I tried. Also google updates :thumbup:

So hope I won't be disappointed. I bought it without getting the chance to see the screen. Looking at it now I'm amazed!

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[Little Darwin]

I think you will be happy with your decision.

In my opinion,. a 10" tablet won't provide enough benefit over a 7" to bother with the extra weight or less convenient size.

Like a few people have mentioned, my thought is to use my Nexus 7 for anything that a tablet is good for, and if I need more, I use my laptop, or go sit at my computer.

As far as watching movies etc. I have a 42" tv (probably a touch small for my room for some people), but I learned something several years ago when I took a picture of my laptop, and I noticed something when I looked at the picture later... The laptop (because it was closer) was significantly larger visually than the tv that was in the background of the picture. I just looked at this the other night with my Nexus 7, and holding it where I usually hold it, and comparing it to my tv... the 7" tablet has a larger effective size than the 42" tv due to the decreased distance. Plus, I can more easily use headphones with the tablet for great sound.

I think you made the right choice. For me, with today's technology, for those times when you need more than a 7" tablet, a compact laptop is probably a better option than a 10" tablet.