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Here it is
the latest contender in the small form factor tablet market, Google's new Nexus 7.
Continuing the tradition,
this device is made by ASUS. By the numbers it is a solid improvement over
the old model.
Here's a quick rundown: It now sports a 1.5 gigahertz quad-core Snapdragon S4
processor,
as well as an additional gigabyte of RAM. The 7-inch screen is now a full 1080 P
HD display with the highest pixel density, by far,
of any other similarly sized tablet market. There are dual speakers for stereo sound.
There is also a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera. The battery size, although slightly smaller
than the previous model,
is said to have better performance due to hardware upgrades. As for operating
system, it comes loaded with the latest version of Android
4.3 jelly bean, and like all Nexus devices should receive timely updates to future
versions.
Such as the newly announced Android Kit Kat 4.4. Compared to its predecessor
the new Nexus 7 doesn't look drastically different. Gone is the soft textured
backing which has been replaced by a matte plastic material
which still feels good in your hand. The new model is
also slightly thinner and lighter. The quality of the rear camera isn't exactly
the best
but functionality is nice to have. The only physical buttons:
a power button and volume rocker are in fairly close proximity to one another
on the right side of the device. While reading books I was using the volume
rocker to turn pages
and found myself accidentally shutting off the screen. Also
the tablet may not fit comfortably in one hand for all users. As I said before the
new display has a very high pixel density.
Whether you're watching Netflix, Google play video content, YouTube content,
or streaming over your home network or even just browsing through the menus
this provides very impressive visuals. Graphically intensive games also perform well,
but as with most mobile games the controls are slightly cumbersome and restricted
by the touchscreen.
Visuals are even better with a very impressive brightness settings turned up
although you can expect a substantial battery drain. In most situations
I suggest leaving the brightness setting auto. The experience on the device is top-notch.
Navigating the menus, switching between applications, everything is smooth and
responsive.
The substantial updates including this latest version of Android
are few, but one of the notable new features is the ability to have multiple user
profiles on the device,
allowing you to select which applications and features are available
on which profiles.
This is a handy feature especially if the device is used by multiple members
the family
or passed around among friends. Should you go out and pick up a new Nexus 7?
As stand-alone device it is currently the all around best in its field
whether you plan on using it on the go or around the house reading,
web browsing, or watching video this device does it and does it well. If you're in the
market for small form factor tablet,
I highly recommend it.