New Nexus 7 inch tablet (July 2013)

[haven]

Google has released an updated version of the Nexus 7 tablet. It appears that Google will continue to refer to the tablet as the Nexus 7, so be careful which model you're getting. The original Nexus 7 uses an nVidia Tegra 3 processor. The new model uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor.

Delivery of the new Nexus 7 will begin July 30. Pre-orders are being accepted now at many retailers' websites. Prices are $230 for the model with 16 GB of flash storage, and $270 for the 32 GB model.

Also coming soon is a 32 GB model with 3G and LTE cellular data service for $349. That's just $10 more than the WiFi version of the iPad Mini. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile LTE are supported with a single tablet model. The Nexus 7 is unlocked, meaning you can choose to change carriers as needed. This is helpful for international travelers, as well.

Nexus 7 (July 2013) specifications

-- 7 inch, 1920 x 1200 pixel display
-- 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor
-- Adreno 320 graphics co-processor
-- 2GB RAM
-- 16GB or 32GB of flash storage
-- Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
-- 5MP rear camera and 1.2MP front-facing camera
-- 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC
-- A-GPS
-- SlimPort (video output)
-- stereo speakers
-- no slot for memory card
-- Message Notification light
-- 3950 mAh battery, good for 9-10 hours runtime
-- wireless charging capability
-- dimensions 7.9″ x 4.5″ x 0.3″
-- weight 11 ounces

The original Nexus 7 measures 7.81" ×4.7" × 0.416"
So the new model is a little longer, less wide and thinner than the original.
(Just enough difference that cases for the first gen won't fit well.)
The new model also is about 3/4 of an ounce (20 g) lighter.

The choice of the Snapdragon S4 Pro processor is a bit controversial. Qualcomm has released a newer version of this processor, the S600. The S600 has been widely adopted by manufacturers of top-of-the-line smartphones. The S600 performs better in most benchmark tests, primarily due to 12% higher clock speeds.

Google says the S4 Pro is 1.8 times faster than the CPU in the original Nexus 7. The GPU is 4X faster.

My guess is that Google and ASUS chose the S4 Pro to control costs.

 

[haven]

Much comment has been made about the Nexus 7's lack of a memory expansion slot. The Samsung Galaxy Tab models do include a slot for a microSD card. The memory slot makes it easy to have many GB of maps available, for example. The memory card slot can also be used to access pre-recorded movies and books. Both these features are useful for overland travelers on long trips.

However, the Nexus 7 can read files and stream video from external memory cards and USB memory sticks. You'll need a special USB cable like this one ($2.70 from Amazon.com)
http://www.amazon.com/eForCity-Micro-USB-OTG-Adapter/dp/B005QX7KYU

and Nexus Media Importer software ($4 from the Google Play store)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer&hl=en

Note that this setup reads from the external memory device, but does not write to it. This works fine for playing pre-recorded movies and transferring map files. If you want read and write capability, you'll have to root your Nexus 7 and install different software.

 

[reece146]

There's "spy shots" of the new hardware on ARS (IIRC - I think that's where I saw it).

 

[LR Max]

So it isn't quite ready, so they haven't released it?

Good.

No one wants a brand new thing that is broken. I'm thinking of getting a new tablet. Mine is big, heavy, and has a brick charger. Something that shared a charger with my phone would be quite nice.

 

[haven]

Now available for pre-order at Best Buy, Sams Club and other outlets.

For a comparison of the new Nexus 7 to other mid-size tablets, see
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/114015-tablets-for-navigation-July-2013

 

[haven]

Most retailers are continuing to sell the original Nexus 7 alongside the new model. Typical price for the old model is $190. I expect a few retailers will offer discounts to clear their inventory of the old model, just to reduce confusion. Refurbished original Nexus 7 models are available from Walmart for $150.

 

[mike r]

Much comment has been made about the Nexus 7's lack of a memory expansion slot. The Samsung Galaxy Tab models do include a slot for a microSD card. The memory slot makes it easy to have many GB of maps available, for example. The memory card slot can also be used to access pre-recorded movies and books. Both these features are useful for overland travelers on long trips.

However, the Nexus 7 can read files and stream video from external memory cards and USB memory sticks. You'll need a special USB cable like this one ($2.70 from Amazon.com)
http://www.amazon.com/eForCity-Micro-USB-OTG-Adapter/dp/B005QX7KYU

and Nexus Media Importer software ($4 from the Google Play store)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer&hl=en

Note that this setup reads from the external memory device, but does not write to it. This works fine for playing pre-recorded movies and transferring map files. If you want read and write capability, you'll have to root your Nexus 7 and install different software.

Can map programs read from external memory?

 

[esh]

That usually depends on the program. I know Gaia allows you to set an offline-mode map directory based upon your available storage options and I'd guess the majority of software can as well. Didn't know about the read-only nature of the USB connection... that's just wrong to make people jump through hoops.

The Nexus 7 looks great. The processing hardware and memory is identical to the Sony Xperia Tablet Z, and the Sony runs very smoothly (with Jelly Bean 4.1). 4.3 is supposed to have further optimizations to increase performance.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Thanks for the update Haven. I've been sort of waiting to get a tablet, I'll pick up the Nexus 7 (2) and report back after using it for 16 days worth of navigation from DFW to Utah to Yellowstone and down the Colorado portion of the Continental Divide Trail.

 

[haven]

Looks like some people who received their new Nexus 7 tablets are having problems with navigation via GPS
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/09/users-report-new-nexus-7-suffering-from-gps-issues/

Google has acknowledged an issue, and is working to resolve it. That makes it sound like the problem is in the Android 4.3 software.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Doh! We leave tomorrow and I haven't run the GPS for more than 5-10 minutes!!!

 

[haven]

Looks like Consumer Reports experienced all sorts of problems with their Nexus 7 review copy. Result: Their recommendation to hold off buying until the bugs are fixed
http://bgr.com/2013/08/22/google-nexus-7-bugs/
[url]http://consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/08/google-nexus-7-tablet-glitches/index.htm
[/URL]

 

[Marquez]

Hi Everyone,
I've been a long time lurker here, trying to learn as much as I can.
I just picked up a Nexus 7 2013, and looking for a case for it.
I intend to mount it into my Tacoma using a Ram Mount. In the mean time, I'm drawn to the Otterbox Defender.
However, I got an email this morning from Otterbox saying that at this time they are not considering making a case for this new Nexus.

With that in mind, what do the informed Expeds recommend?

Thanks All,

 

[rolando]

@Marquez: I have a 2012 Nexus and use the Seidio case. What I like is that it has the removable cover which allows me to dump the tablet into my backpack without worrying about the screen. It also serves as a stand.

In fact I liked it so much that I also bought the version for my phone (a Galaxy Nexus). You might want to check if they already have a version for the 2013 Nexus 7, which differs a little bit in its dimensions compared to mine if I am not mistaken.

 

[Marquez]

Thanks for the feedback.
It does not look like they have one for the Nexus 7 2013 model. But in looking it up I came across other companies like Gum Drop and Aegis.

I will continue looking, maybe the device is too new on the market for cases at the moment.