Tablet World.pdf

“Google’s
Nexus 7
sets the
benchmark for
inexpensive
7in tablets”
READ
PC ADVISOR
ON THE
NEXUS 7
in many top-spec Android devices, backed with a healthy 1GB of
RAM. As such, the Nexus 7 scored highly in Geekbench 2, with
1,452 points. This result was refl ected in its smooth operation.
The Nexus 7’s in-plane switching (IPS) panel is a highlight, and
provides excellent contrast, brightness and viewing angles.
A 1280x800 resolution and 216ppi pixel density translates to
very good detail levels.
We found the screen good for web surfi ng and playing
games, but even more so for watching fi lms.
The 16GB Nexus 7 costs just £159 but, since you can’t add
to this capacity, it makes more sense to opt for the new 32GB
version for £40 more. And for a further £40 you can add cellular
connectivity. Note that the Android OS gobbles up around 2GB.
Bluetooth, GPS and near-fi eld communications (NFC) are
included, but there’s no rear-facing camera for quick snaps.
A 1.2Mp front-facing camera is adequate for video chat.
Software
The Nexus 7 runs the very latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
operating system. Google has improved the OS’ performance
and responsiveness. Jelly Bean is slick, and closes the gap
between Android and iOS.
We experienced no lag when moving between home screens,
navigating menus and scrolling through video. Web surfi ng with
the default Chrome browser is smooth; pages load quickly, while
zooming and scrolling are similarly speedy.
Enhancements have been made to the Notifi cation bar,
now showing more information about each alert and letting
you carry out tasks without launching the associated app.
For example, Gmail
notifi cations group emails
and display subject lines.
Widgets automatically resize to fi ll the
available space, while app shortcuts and other
widgets tidy themselves out the way when
you place a new widget over the top. Few are
preloaded, but the Play Store offers plenty.
Dictation is now available offl ine, and
Google Search gives results in information
cards – you can ask questions and receive
answers in spoken form.
Google Now is another addition, and taps into the data Google holds about
you. It aims to stay a step ahead, predicting the information you need before it’s
requested. For example, it might offer train times.
We found Google Now very useful, offering us the information we’d usually
search for and more, including local attractions based on our location. Its downfall
is the need for an active internet connection; when you’re on the road and out of
range of a Wi-Fi hotspot you’ll need to tether the Nexus 7 to your phone.
Missing from Android 4.2 is any Flash support. The free BBC Media Player
app offers a workaround for iPlayer content, but it won’t assist you with inline
video content on websites.
Google touts a 10-hour battery life when browsing the web, and we recorded
a whopping 9 hours 40 minutes in our video-looping test.
Bottom line
Google sets a new standard for budget tablets with the Nexus 7. It’s an
unbelievably well-equipped device for the price. Silky-smooth performance
and a high-resolution IPS screen are highlights in the best budget tablet we’ve
seen yet. The Nexus 7 remains one of the best choices for those who don’t
want or need a 10in tablet.
Google Nexus 7 REVIEWS
SPECIFICATIONS
7in (1280x800) capacitive
multitouch screen; Android
4.2 Jelly Bean; 1.3GHz
quad-core nVidia Tegra 3
processor; Quad-core
ULP GeForce graphics;
1GB RAM; 16/32GB
storage; 802.11b/g/n
(2.4GHz); Bluetooth 4.0;
3G optional (32GB model
only); 1.2Mp front camera,
720p video; GPS; Micro
USB; 3.5mm headphone
jack; 16Wh battery;
120x199x10.6mm; 336g
TABLETWORLD 47