Nexus 8 or iPad Mini, what's the best tablet for college?

[Dannirobern]

Please excuse my, "lol" but this feels like the verge, bgr & mac rumors had a FUD party and then cnet crashed it and threw up all over everyone.

The most any of us can so is make recommendations and back them up with facts and opinions. At the end of the day it is up to each consumer to choose whose opinions they will seek out and resource and what their purchase will ultimately be. To the OP, your father is right to avoid no-name brands - and wrong about Nvidia being among those. I was the first in here to mention it and it is what I'm personally purchasing and of anything that's in the market today, nothing can touch it. That said, I don't mind if other people want other things.

Of your original list the only one IMO that is a mistake are the Samsung tablets. They're going to be great on the spec sheet, but fall way behind the shield and iPad in performance.

Having all these options is awesome and I agree with the idea of playing with the device in stores first. Here's the most important thing regarding our community's advice... Here there be tech nerds. Many here live and breathe these devices and want to help people avoid pitfalls they've encountered. I don't want to be presumptuous, but the other advice from your father represents and old and justified frustration with what was very wrong with the mobile scene ... those concerns are real and should be considered. I'd submit they're not applicable to the Nexus or Shield options but it is okay to be wary. Other than that, generalized anxiety like the Forbes magazine and some of the points brought up earlier are popular but grossly misguided perceptions of mainstream Android. If getting an iPad feels like hedging your bets, by all means: It is a GREAT option and a great device. IMO the Nexus and Shield are just much better choices.

XTNiT-1060 through spacetime. Android Central Moderator.

I have been reading iPad air vs Tab s comparisons and it seems iPad beats it in many ways.
But what with iPad about to be upgraded it would be worth waiting for that if I so choose. Although if I were already waiting until then, the Nexus 8 would probably be released around the same time. But I heard that may be $500 which is a bit more than I'd like....

I understand what you're saying though. Thanks for the honest advice.

The Shield tablet seems really good but I am still a little worried about it. Maybe trying it out would help. On the plus side I have enough money saved right now for one....

 

[JeffDenver]

Hummm ok that makes sense I guess. It would be kind of extreme to just drop support for a bunch of Android devices.

Samsung is not stupid. I know people think they are, but they're not. They won't abandon Android unless they are really convinced they have something to replace it. It's a cash cow for them.

Even if they did drop it, it would not be immediate. It would be gradual. Until they have at least one successful Tizen product, I don't think they'd even consider dropping Android.

What really matters most to me in a tablet is that it will receive good support.

Then you should get a Nexus. Nothing will receive better support than that on Android.

Apple support is great...but it won't be free, and you will have to make performance and feature compromises.

That was most of why Apple was so appealing. iOS 8 is the first version that won't support iPhone 4 which I have, which was released 4 years ago.

I have a Droid 1 that was released in 2009. It can still do things that iOS8 cannot. "Old" is relative.

It would be great to have a tablet which years from now still worked well and was receiving updates. Is there a way to find out how well the Shield is doing with sales?

No. It was just released. If you are worried about it that much, I would just get a nexus.

But if the future of Android isn't as perilous as I thought, once again I have lots of things to choose from. I guess another part of the reason I was looking to the new iPads was that I heard they could include the multi-window feature like the Tab s which would be real useful.

My sister has it and doesn't use it. If I had it, I don't think I would use it either. But there is no easy way to do that on a Nexus, so if it is important to you, I'd consider the Tab S.

Multi Windows is possible to do on a Nexus, but it is involved. You'd need to be rooted to do it.
Split Screen Multitasking: How to Run 2 Apps in Separate Windows on Your Nexus 7 Simultaneously ? Nexus 7

 

[JeffDenver]

What really matters most to me in a tablet is that it will receive good support. That was most of why Apple was so appealing. iOS 8 is the first version that won't support iPhone 4 which I have, which was released 4 years ago.

I wanted to revisit this, because this is something a lot of people don't consider.

On Android, there is no "cut off" for support for any device. iOS only gives your device new updates via OS updates, but a lot of that stuff on Android is done via apps, not the OS.

So, for example, I can install the latest version of GMail on a a Nexus One from 2010. I can install the latest Maps app on an old phone too. I can install any number of modern launchers. As long as the phone has the minimum hardware needed to run the app, I can install it.

Even if your vendor decides to end support for your tablet immediately after you buy it, you can still update these things for years after. You are not dependent on Google (or your vendor) deciding whether or not your device is "worthy" enough to include the new features. As long as your OS can support the app, you can install the app.

 

[Dannirobern]

I wanted to revisit this, because this is something a lot of people don't consider.

On Android, there is no "cut off" for support for any device. iOS only gives your device new updates via OS updates, but a lot of that stuff on Android is done via apps, not the OS.

So, for example, I can install the latest version of GMail on a a Nexus One from 2010. I can install the latest Maps app on an old phone too. I can install any number of modern launchers. As long as the phone has the minimum hardware needed to run the app, I can install it.

Even if your vendor decides to end support for your tablet immediately after you buy it, you can still update these things for years after. You are not dependent on Google (or your vendor) deciding whether or not your device is "worthy" enough to include the new features. As long as your OS can support the app, you can install the app.

The Nexus 7 is a bit old though, I would have to wait for the new one to come out...And there's not a set release date, for all we know it could be pushed to Christmas.
It seems like new models come out so frequently it would be best to get one right when it was released which is why I wouldn't buy the old Nexus now. Plus 7 inches is kind of small. I just liked the size of the Tab s.
I guess I can't be sure I'd use the multi-window function but I imagine I would. Not sure I'd want to root a device. I almost bricked a previous phone trying to do so... it's not worth it IMO.
The problem I had though with an old and cheap samsung phone was that I couldn't install some apps, I assume because my phone didn't have certain features and was too old. It always said my device wasn't compatible with the app.

 

[JeffDenver]

The Nexus 7 is a bit old though

It matches the best tablets out there right now. It has a better display than the much-more-expensive iPad Mini/Retina. It will be getting Android L, and probably before any other tablet, even tablets that are not yet released. It will be getting updates long after Samsung has forgotten about the Tab S.

I own one of these. I can tell you from experience, the first tablet I would even consider replacing it with was the Shield, and it is technically not out yet.

I would have to wait for the new one to come out...

If you wait for the latest stuff, you will be waiting forever. New stuff comes out all the time in the Android world.

It seems like new models come out so frequently it would be best to get one right when it was released which is why I wouldn't buy the old Nexus now.

I bought the Nexus 7 a year after release...I definitely don't regret it. There is no other tablet on the market I'd rather have.

The problem I had though with an old and cheap samsung phone was that I couldn't install some apps, I assume because my phone didn't have certain features and was too old. It always said my device wasn't compatible with the app.

1) Some app makers restrict what devices their apps can be installed to...for example, they may restrict it because it's designed for a phone and would look stupid on a tablet. Or because your display is too small. Or because your CPU is too slow. The app maker is the one restricting it though, not Google.

2) The app could require a newer operating system than what you have installed. This is true on any platform, including iOS. Not all iOS apps will work on an iPhone 4S. Again, the OEM decides what OS they want to support...Google does not forbid anyone from installing whatever version they want (and if anything, encourages them to upgrade).

 

[Dannirobern]

It matches the best tablets out there right now. It has a better display than the much-more-expensive iPad Mini/Retina. It will be getting Android L, and probably before any other tablet, even tablets that are not yet released. It will be getting updates long after Samsung has forgotten about the Tab S.

I own one of these. I can tell you from experience, the first tablet I would even consider replacing it with was the Shield, and it is technically not out yet.


If you wait for the latest stuff, you will be waiting forever. New stuff comes out all the time in the Android world.


I bought the Nexus 7 a year after release...I definitely don't regret it. There is no other tablet on the market I'd rather have.


1) Some app makers restrict what devices their apps can be installed to...for example, they may restrict it because it's designed for a phone and would look stupid on a tablet. Or because your display is too small. Or because your CPU is too slow. The app maker is the one restricting it though, not Google.

2) The app could require a newer operating system than what you have installed. This is true on any platform, including iOS. Not all iOS apps will work on an iPhone 4S. Again, the OEM decides what OS they want to support...Google does not forbid anyone from installing whatever version they want (and if anything, encourages them to upgrade).

But everywhere I read say it's great but it's getting outdated... It seems like a lot of new tablets are about to be released. I would hate to buy one now and then have a new version come out in a couple months which would drop the price of the old one too.
I just think about how everyone bought the Tab Pro when it came out and then just a few months later an even better tablet was released, the Tab s, and everyone was pissed. Wouldn't want that to happen... But it really does seem like a bunch of great new tablets are about to be released.
It looks like the Nexus 7 has huge bezels, the screen could really be bigger...I dunno though.

 

[Aquila]

I have been reading iPad air vs Tab s comparisons and it seems iPad beats it in many ways.
But what with iPad about to be upgraded it would be worth waiting for that if I so choose. Although if I were already waiting until then, the Nexus 8 would probably be released around the same time. But I heard that may be $500 which is a bit more than I'd like....

I understand what you're saying though. Thanks for the honest advice.

The Shield tablet seems really good but I am still a little worried about it. Maybe trying it out would help. On the plus side I have enough money saved right now for one....

Totally understandable it's a big decision. If you're comfortable waiting (and continuing to save) until you can see the new iPad and new Nexus that may be wise. It's not like the Shield is going to go up in price! And when that all happen's I'll have mine and can give you 1st hand accounts and youtube videos

 

[JeffDenver]

But everywhere I read say it's great but it's getting outdated...

Who is saying that? I have not seen that anywhere.

Remember there are two versions...one from 2012 and one from 2013. They are not the same tablet.

It seems like a lot of new tablets are about to be released.

New tablets are released all the time. Throughout the year.

I would hate to buy one now and then have a new version come out in a couple months which would drop the price of the old one too.

Nexus tablets don't work that way. They are like Apple products...they don't get price reductions. Google will simply stop producing them when a new one comes out.

Google is already selling the tablets at cost...they had a "price reduction" from the very first day they were released.

I just think about how everyone bought the Tab Pro when it came out and then just a few months later an even better tablet was released, the Tab s, and everyone was pissed.

Thats Samsung...the same rules don't apply to Nexus products.

It looks like the Nexus 7 has huge bezels, the screen could really be bigger...I dunno though.

Bezels are a good thing for tablets. You do not want a tablet with thin bezels. It will be harder to hold and to use.

 

[Dannirobern]

Totally understandable it's a big decision. If you're comfortable waiting (and continuing to save) until you can see the new iPad and new Nexus that may be wise. It's not like the Shield is going to go up in price! And when that all happen's I'll have mine and can give you 1st hand accounts and youtube videos

Well I always hoped to have a tablet by the time school started so I could get my notes all in one place. But I'll wait if it's the best thing to do. And yeah, waiting will bring more reviews of the Shield tablet.

 

[Dannirobern]

Who is saying that? I have not seen that anywhere.

Remember there are two versions...one from 2012 and one from 2013. They are not the same tablet.


New tablets are released all the time. Throughout the year.


Nexus tablets don't work that way. They are like Apple products...they don't get price reductions. Google will simply stop producing them when a new one comes out.

Google is already selling the tablets at cost...they had a "price reduction" from the very first day they were released.


Thats Samsung...the same rules don't apply to Nexus products.


Bezels are a good thing for tablets. You do not want a tablet with thin bezels. It will be harder to hold and to use.

But still a new Nexus is about to come out. As are two new ipads. And possibly a new Note 8.
But in any case, 7" is small in my opinion.

 

[Aquila]

Well I always hoped to have a tablet by the time school started so I could get my notes all in one place. But I'll wait if it's the best thing to do. And yeah, waiting will bring more reviews of the Shield tablet.

It may be slightly more expensive, but you could buy something now to get buy and then resell it (get something that will either hold value well or where net flow loss is least) if you like something better later.

 

[Dannirobern]

It may be slightly more expensive, but you could buy something now to get buy and then resell it (get something that will either hold value well or where net flow loss is least) if you like something better later.

That's a bit of a gamble... It's not an urgent need, just a preference. I'll be ok waiting thanks though.
And I could always use my laptop for now, it's not enormous just a bit heavy.

 

[JeffDenver]

But still a new Nexus is about to come out.

"About"? It will be out in November at earliest. If you want to wait another 2 or 3 months more power to you.

If it was a choice between a Tab S or a Nexus 7 right now, I'd take the Nexus 7. Actually, I'd probably get the Shield, but the Nexus 7 would be a close 2nd.

For me the iPad would not even be in the running...I am just too used to the convenience of Android. Sideloading and the share menu and a real desktop are things I just can't give up now.

 

[Dannirobern]

"About"? It will be out in November at earliest. If you want to wait another 2 or 3 months more power to you.

If it was a choice between a Tab S or a Nexus 7 right now, I'd take the Nexus 7. Actually, I'd probably get the Shield, but the Nexus 7 would be a close 2nd.

For me the iPad would not even be in the running...I am just too used to the convenience of Android. Sideloading and the share menu and a real desktop are things I just can't give up now.

I know, but it's likely I would wish I waited if I got the 7 now. The 8 is supposed to be very powerful. I'm still going to look into the Shield more, it's not out of the running. I guess it's hard to say whether I'd miss the features of Android if I got an iPad. I can't say I've missed them much with my iPhone but I also always had budget or old Android models and had bad experiences with them. My needs for a phone or a tablet are pretty simple

 

[JeffDenver]

I know, but it's likely I would wish I waited if I got the 7 now. The 8 is supposed to be very powerful.

Newer tablets will always be more powerful. Unless you are using it for gaming, you are probably not going to care.

My needs for a phone or a tablet are pretty simple

Then what are you going to need that extra power for?

 

[Dannirobern]

Newer tablets will always be more powerful. Unless you are using it for gaming, you are probably not going to care.


Then what are you going to need that extra power for?

Well I was always told I'd never regret getting something more powerful. Plus 8" is a better size.

 

[JeffDenver]

Well I was always told I'd never regret getting something more powerful.

You were told wrong. Sometimes the extra power comes at a price. Touchwiz is a great example of that.

If you do not do stuff that needs the extra power, there is no point in making compromises to get the extra power. The only time you should care about it is if all other things are equal. In this case, they are not.

Plus 8" is a better size.

If your criteria is that the tablet must be exactly 8", then the shield is the only one I would recommend. I have not seen any other 8" tablets I would personally consider acceptable.

And yes, I'd rather get a shield now than wait until November, if I had a choice.

 

[UJ95x]

I know, but it's likely I would wish I waited if I got the 7 now. The 8 is supposed to be very powerful. I'm still going to look into the Shield more, it's not out of the running. I guess it's hard to say whether I'd miss the features of Android if I got an iPad. I can't say I've missed them much with my iPhone but I also always had budget or old Android models and had bad experiences with them. My needs for a phone or a tablet are pretty simple

If there is a Nexus 8, it won't be more powerful than the Shield. The iPad Air isn't more powerful than the Shield. I doubt the successor to the Air will be more powerful than the Shield.
If you're going with Android, the Shield is the best option by far IMO. The Nexus 8 is still just a rumor, but if it's true, it would probably still be the second choice for me.
If you like iOS, or don't necessarily think one OS is better for you than the other, the iPad Air or Retina Mini are solid options as well

Sent from my Galaxy S4 running SlimKat 4.4.4

 

[JeffDenver]

If there is a Nexus 8, it won't be more powerful than the Shield. The iPad Air isn't more powerful than the Shield. I doubt the successor to the Air will be more powerful than the Shield.
If you're going with Android, the Shield is the best option by far IMO. The Nexus 8 is still just a rumor, but if it's true, it would probably still be the second choice for me.
If you like iOS, or don't necessarily think one OS is better for you than the other, the iPad Air or Retina Mini are solid options as well

This.

I know your Dad has soured you on the Shield, but he simply doesn't have all the information. It really is a great tablet. Go to any of the reviews...it's not just us saying this stuff. The buzz is everywhere. If you are asking what the best Android 8" tablet is, people will tell you the shield. The Nexus 8 is not necessarily going to have better hardware.

Apple does make great quality products (especially tablets), and they do have great support (technical, community, and commercial). If you do not care about the cost, or about the limitations of the OS, I would get an iPad.

 

[Aquila]

The Nexus 8 is not necessarily going to have better hardware.

Larger screen - it's closer to 9" than 8". iPad is closer to 10" than 9".