I don't have either the N9 or the Shield tablet, but from the specs, it seems to me the Shield tablet is a much better buy, some of the advantages I see are:
-for people who prefer widescreen for better movie experience, the Shield is 8" widescreen, so movies will actually look bigger than the Nexus 9 (which will have black bars).
-cost $100 less, also Shield LTE version (32gb) is same price as Nexus 9 WiFi only (16gb)
-microSD support
-miniHDMI output (and 'console mode' interface when hooked up to the TV)
-stylus support (I heard it's very good)
-Steam streaming gaming features, gamepad (sold separately)
Other points:
-The N9 camera is going to be better, but then camera don't matter that much on tablet.
-Both have stereo front speakers, but the Shield have bass reflex ports.
-I wouldn't worry about updates for the Shield tablet, I had the original Shield device, it was very easy to bootloader unlock, root and flash factory image, and they updated the device very frequently.
-Shield basically use stock Android, but if you want latest Android version first then obviously get the Nexus.
Obviously since I don't have either I can't comment on the build quality of each, but I had the original Shield and from what I read so far Shield devices are durable.
I think the N9 is more concentrated on productivity but media consumption as well, but at the sametime, the Shield tablet have a stylus system that seems to be pretty good so it's not lacking either. The N9 does have benefit of the keyboard case. For the price and screen ratio, I would lean more toward the Shield.
Also lets not forget the Tegra K1 chip (that both these devices have) is the most powerful mobile chip in the market right now, it will run circle around anything, including iPad.
Hahaha, and your bias shows! The A8X is comparable to the Tegra K1 and it is also very similar in GPU performance. Please don't lie to make one tablet look better
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I like the idea of using a large phone (like a Nexus 6 or an iPhone 6 Plus) instead of a tablet.
Like your analysis is any less bias. Until definite benchmarks come out and the new iPads actually hit hands, the Tegra K1 is the most powerful soc in the mobile space.
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What? Are you not aware? Benchmarks are out. The A8X is pretty much the same as the K1
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Source?
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http://www.macrumors.com/2014/10/21/ipad-air-2-a8x-triple-core-2gb-ram/
Check out the K1 here.
http://browser.primatelabs.com/android-benchmarks
Although the Nexus 9's 64 bit variant maybe slightly better
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I will, take that with a grain if salt until some solid comparisons between it and the Nexus 9 happen.
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Haha! I give you proof and you don't believe me still. Both of those are geek bench dude. They aren't lying.
Or are you in denial that the A8X is a powerful chip?
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I am in denial that it is the MOST powerful chip. As I said until solid comparisons are made, I remain skeptical.
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Is it because you believe Apple can never crate a powerful mobile chip?
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*sigh*
Why do you want to argue? I did not say anything akin to what you are saying. Is it wrong because I want more proof and solid comparisons? I am no fanboy jumping on benchmarks, I like to see real life usage.
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I do too, but I can't use a large device in day to day operations.