Google Nexus 7 tablet

[Scoutman]

Awesome thread guys. I should have known that this would be covered here. I've been looking to buy a tablet for some time now and I think I have finally found my solution with the Nexus 7. I'll be waiting for another week or so to get the 32gb version tho. Keep the reviews coming and Mog, thanks for posting up. Keep those coming too. I'd like to know more about what you're running (mapping wise) and how it's working for you.

 

[mogwildRW1]

I've got mine setup just about perfect now.

I'm using "tasker" on my phone and tablet, awesome program, it is set so when I leave my wifi zone (home) it automatically turns on bluetooth, kicks the bluetooth teathering in on my phone, and tablet, so the table is "always online" state, bluetooth tethered. Also using Tablet talk to do text messaging (via the cell phone, Galaxy SIII) so my phone almost never leaves my holder.

Then, when I get into the mog, and put the tablet in the mount, there is an NFC tag that fires up my in car program (Car Home Ultra), tethers the bluetooth to the handsfee Jabra Freeway (so at this point, the Bluetooth in the tablet is doing 3 tasks, Internet connectivity via the phone, Text messaging app to the phone, and handsfree, to the Jabra Freeway), sets the messaging volume to maximum, sets the speaker volume to maximum, turns on Vlingo handsfree for voice to text, turns on the GPS chip for location, reads out the current weather, and sets an auto-text reply "I'm driving" so I don't have to worry about texting and driving, and launches my google music app, and starts playing "recent" playlist.

All from just being close proximity to an NFC tag Android rocks!

Should mention there was just an update for the Nexus 7, it now supports landscape on the home screen, seems little, but big improvement for car mount applications.

 

[Scoutman]

Good to know. What about mapping? Have you used Google Maps offline?

 

[mogwildRW1]

Yes, but there's a bug, it seems to like to be connected for a quick second when first opening, otherwise it sits at "getting driving directions" for ever, I've read its being fixed, but it is a bug. Still works better than the iphone 5's maps

 

[haven]

Looks like google may announce a Nexus tablet with a 10 inch screen at the meeting on 29 Oct. It will probably be called the Nexus 10. A Samsung manual for the Nexus 10, and photos with EXIF data identifying the camera as Nexus 10 have been spotted in the wild in the last couple of days. No word on pricing.

 

[Scoutman]

I just called my local Staples and they have the 32 gb in stock but can't sell till Monday the 29th.

 

[gaap master]

So was it confirmed that a 3G modem will be a new feature, or is it just a memory increase to 32GB?

 

[Scoutman]

So was it confirmed that a 3G modem will be a new feature, or is it just a memory increase to 32GB?

I think that the one released today is only a 32gb upgrade (no 3G). I'll confirm after I pick it up shortly. Found it at Sams Club and it's closer to my work.

 

[mogwildRW1]

Google announces $299 32GB Nexus 7 with HSPA+ mobile data

http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/29/google-announces-299-32gb-nexus-7-with-hspa-mobile-data/

Google's not only introduced some new devices today, it's also delivered a few updates to its flagship Nexus 7 tablet. That includes a new, unlocked 32GB model with HSPA+ mobile data that will set you back $299 -- and run the just-announced Android 4.2, naturally. Look for it to be available in the Google Play store in the US, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Canada (where it's priced slightly above par at $309) on November 13th. No word yet on retail availability beyond Google Play, but you can sign up to be notified when it's available to order there at the link below.

 

[haven]

So now there are three versions of the Nexus 7:
16 GB for $199 https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=nexus_7_16gb
32 GB for $249
32 GB plus 3G cellular modem for $299

The 3G cellular modem works with HSPA+, so AT&T and maybe T-Mobile would be the carriers in USA. (Update: T-Mobile confirmed.) The modem is unlocked, so it can be used with more than 200 cell providers that offer HSPA data service worldwide. (You do have to purchase the appropriate SIM card and data plan.)

The original 8 GB Nexus 7 model has been discontinued.

 

[reece146]

IIRC the Nexus 7 with modem will be available Nov 13.

 

[haven]

Why did Google go with HSPA+ rather than LTE in the Nexus 7 tablet and the new Nexus 4 phone? It's because Verizon is reluctant to pass upgrades to Android on to the customer without rigorous testing. That means delays measured in months when a new version of Android is released. Read about the situation here

http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3569688/why-nexus-4-does-not-have-4g-lte

 

[mogwildRW1]

Its understandable, but I switched from a Galaxy Nexus (pure google) to a Galaxy S3, and though the S3 runs an older OS, the LTE Speed is amazing, and for me, worth the upgrade (but downgrade in OS)

Especially since I use my phone (S3) as a tether for the Nexus 7, much much faster. And since I'm using the Nexus 7 most of the time, I'm using the latest OS anyway

 

[Caoboy]

Why did Google go with HSPA+ rather than LTE in the Nexus 7 tablet and the new Nexus 4 phone? It's because Verizon is reluctant to pass upgrades to Android on to the customer without rigorous testing. That means delays measured in months when a new version of Android is released. Read about the situation here

http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3569688/why-nexus-4-does-not-have-4g-lte

Yep, and I'm about to leave the LTE world and go with a prepaid plan because i'm tired of verizon and their shenanigans.

 

[kbeefy]

Thanks for the description'mog. I'll have to play with the nfc feature on the N7.