Thinking of coming back: iPad 2 vs New Nexus 7

[Devon Geertsen]

Hello,

Well as the title says I am thinking of coming back to Android, from iOS. I bought the original ASUS transformer and gave up on it after they stoped supporting it. After that I went to the iPad 2 and eventually the iPhone 5. However my iPad 2 is probably on its last leg(the battery is lasting shorter and shorter, the wifi is wonkey, and I am getting screen retention like no other). My main reason for originally leaving Droid was the lack of continuing support from ASUS and the lack of apps. I think the lack of apps has changed now as it not? Also I hear that Google has a good track record for updating their devices long term. Just kinda want to know if I am write on these things and if you have liked the New Nexus 7 or not? and Why? Spec wise is the New Nexus 7 better then the iPad 2?

My main uses of the tablet are to consume content(games, emulators, textbooks, read notes, flash cards, Netflix)

Sorry if this is a bit disorganized.

Thanks

 

[anon(847090)]

if you are to buy a tablet the best option is nexus. the update for the device is long term and comes directly from google.

apps are getting better thanks to popularity of original Nexus 7 and the new N7

 

[tg2708]

Spec wise its way better but the key apple strategy is to have it apps optimized so it will seem quicker and less laggy. Sans a few issues users are having their is nothing better to me out their android related. I'm a nexus fan so if its not a nexus or something google worked closely with I don't care how fast it is I will not buy it. I'm actually waiting to see what the new ipads will be because their is quit a few games I'm itching to try that my "got damn" ipod touch 4 can't run well.

 

[carbon fibre]

Hello,

Well as the title says I am thinking of coming back to Android, from iOS. I bought the original ASUS transformer and gave up on it after they stoped supporting it. After that I went to the iPad 2 and eventually the iPhone 5. However my iPad 2 is probably on its last leg(the battery is lasting shorter and shorter, the wifi is wonkey, and I am getting screen retention like no other). My main reason for originally leaving Droid was the lack of continuing support from ASUS and the lack of apps. I think the lack of apps has changed now as it not? Also I hear that Google has a good track record for updating their devices long term. Just kinda want to know if I am write on these things and if you have liked the New Nexus 7 or not? and Why? Spec wise is the New Nexus 7 better then the iPad 2?

My main uses of the tablet are to consume content(games, emulators, textbooks, read notes, flash cards, Netflix)

Sorry if this is a bit disorganized.

Thanks

Get one. They are cheap, quick and have a great display. I wouldn't give up an ipad (have a retina iPad for my real work) for various reasons, one being the automatic, complete nightly backups, but it is a very cool little tablet.

 

[Devon Geertsen]

Spec wise its way better but the key apple strategy is to have it apps optimized so it will seem quicker and less laggy.

That is another issue i hated with the transformer Luckily I mainly use mainstream apps, which makes this a non -issue?(correct me if I am wrong?). Another problem I may run into is that I am still running an iPhone 5 and wont be able to upgrade for long while. Any ideas on how I could have a sync contacts, calendars, reminders across Android / iOS / Windows PC? Lastly I get all textbooks in PDF format, is there an iBooks equivalent app that would let me drag and drop those files and then sync my place in the app?

Luckily we will be getting a few of these in at work and my boss wants me to stress test them given the issues that have been reported. So I will be taking one with me during the first week of school and will be able to essentially be able to try before I buy.

Like you I am also waiting to see the new iPads and the new iOS for that matter. But as a student I must say the 229 price is attractive, not to mention I could probally get $200 for my iPad 2 on eBay.

 

[trooperoutlaw]

I have the iPad 2, iPod Touch 5th Gen, iPhone 5. I was going to buy an iPad Mini when the new ones were released. However, using my wife's iPad Mini, I decided it was a bit too wide for my liking. The Nexus 7 (2013) is perfect for 1 hand operation, especially for reading. I wanted to replace my iPad and Kindle Touch. I think it has done that. The speakers on the Nexus are far superior to the iPad 2 (or mini). There are tons of apps and games available for the Nexus 7. I use my Nexus for streaming music, videos, games, productivity apps, etc. It works flawlessly so far!

I think Apple still has more apps and typically the newer games will hit Apple first (Plants vs Zombies 2 for example). But all in all I as an Apple user for the last 6 or 8 years, I am impressed with the Nexus 7. Also, price. At $229 for the Nexus 7 vs $329 for the iPad Mini (both 16GB). If you up to 32GB, then you can add $40 to the Nexus and a whopping $100 to the iPad Mini. Hope that helps.

 

[mhmdibrahim]

That is another issue i hated with the transformer Luckily I mainly use mainstream apps, which makes this a non -issue?(correct me if I am wrong?). Another problem I may run into is that I am still running an iPhone 5 and wont be able to upgrade for long while. Any ideas on how I could have a sync contacts, calendars, reminders across Android / iOS / Windows PC? Lastly I get all textbooks in PDF format, is there an iBooks equivalent app that would let me drag and drop those files and then sync my place in the app?

Luckily we will be getting a few of these in at work and my boss wants me to stress test them given the issues that have been reported. So I will be taking one with me during the first week of school and will be able to essentially be able to try before I buy.

Like you I am also waiting to see the new iPads and the new iOS for that matter. But as a student I must say the 229 price is attractive, not to mention I could probally get $200 for my iPad 2 on eBay.

You could use Google Books for PDFs. As for syncing Contacts, I believe on iOS you could sync contacts with Gmail and then sync Gmail contacts on Android.

 

[douglerner]

I have an iPad 2 as well, and decided to get the Nexus 7 to try it out. As you can see from some of my posts here, I am greatly enjoying it. The screen is beautiful. If you are also used to Android you should have no problems.

About your iPad 2 battery, if the battery is really starting to hold no charge, you might not get as much for it used as you are hoping. Should a knowledgeable buyer ask.

doug

 

[Devon Geertsen]

You could use Google Books for PDFs. As for syncing Contacts, I believe on iOS you could sync contacts with Gmail and then sync Gmail contacts on Android.

This worked on some, but not on others. I work with disability services to have my books made in PDF format(Legally) and usually what happens is the publisher throughs on DRM and I cant upload them to Google Play. Not to mention most of my books are over the 50 meg limit. Any other apps, to try?

 

[2waterfowl]

This worked on some, but not on others. I work with disability services to have my books made in PDF format(Legally) and usually what happens is the publisher throughs on DRM and I cant upload them to Google Play. Not to mention most of my books are over the 50 meg limit. Any other apps, to try?

Try ezPDF Reader:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=udk.android.reader.trial

I use the pro version and it is on sale 50% off now. I use it for graphic intense PDF magazines and books. Works great and has tons of options and extras.

 

[Devon Geertsen]

Thank You, all for you help. While I do want a new tablet. I think it is best to save my clams, beings my iPad 2 while a little out dated and sometimes a bit wonky, it still gets the job done. I will keep the Nexus in mind when I do upgrade