iPad to Nexus 7: My Transition

Sorry, I couldn't find iPad 1 images.

A little over two years ago I won an Apple iPad (Gen. 1) from an online contest run by App A Day TV. Prior to this I was skeptical how a device like this would fit in to my lifestyle. I had already purchased an iPhone 3GS so I had some idea how the iPad would function but I was unsure how useful a larger size would be and if it was worth the extra dough it cost. Luckily, I didn't have to make the decision because fate, or dumb luck, struck and I was on my way to becoming an iPad owner simply by retweeting the promotion for a show that I really liked.

The first thing I did when I opened the box and powered it up was download Sketchbook Pro. A brilliant drawing app along the lines of Adobe Photoshop, just a lot cheaper and lower resolution. While initially thinking it was great I had difficulty drawing with the same accuracy as I had with a pencil and paper. I gave it about 18 months and finally decided that the iPad wasn't for creating content.

After so long of trying to make it a creation device I realized it's strengths lied elsewhere. It was great for reading books, reviewing PDFs for work, keeping up with email & calendar and of course I found a handful of very good games. I became much more efficient (and greener) at work having all the documents I needed in a small form factor and it was easy to access my online course work through Northeastern University. While a lot of people I knew bought their iPads as a toy or a shiny new bit of kit, I was using mind to kick ass and take names. To me, it was a life changer. It is the reason why I will always have a tablet and the reason why I now own a Mac.

Google Nexus 7 from ASUS

After a while though, I had a problem, the iPad just too big for what I needed. I'm constantly reassessing my needs and what I need my tech to do. The iPad is a rather awkward to read on and trust me I read all of the Song of Ice and Fire and Steve Jobs biography on it. While it was a lot lighter than lugging around all those books I found it difficult to hold it while reading. At work I was constantly getting asked "oh, is that an iPad? How do you like it", there was just no way to hide the thing and just do my work. I flirted with the idea of just getting an iPad 2 to cut down on weight but I just stuck with the 1st gen hoping to find a smaller form factor that didn't skimp on the functionality (yes, I'm talking to you Kindle Fire 1). I still loved what the iPad did but I need something that was a lot less ostentatious.

So I waited and waited and the Google Nexus 7 was released. It was the form factor I'd been looking for and after I heard some initial reviews I knew it was what I needed. Something that I could use as an e-reader, web browser, calendar and E-Mail device (and of course some games). I did get some dumb questions like, "Well, don't you miss all the apps?" Nope. All the apps I used on a regular basis, Evernote, Google Drive, Kindle, Pulse, Instapaper and Battleheart (great game) were already on the Google Play store. It was really a no brainer to trade in my aging iPad 1 for the Google Nexus 7. I got the size that I wanted without any loss of productivity.

My Nexus 7 Homescreen

The form factor of the Nexus 7 is perfect for my needs. I can hold it easily with one hand and read while I'm doing things around the house. Automatic app updates is a great benefit that doesn't currently exist on iOS. Furthermore the notifications are better; they are less obtrusive and more intuitive to go through. The YouTube app is fantastic and combing that with the Nexus' widescreen orientation has made me a fan of the site for the first time. Lastly, Google Now is a great feature. It keeps track of where you are and where you go to help you with your commute, it updates sports scores and calendar dates in a slick user interface that also includes voice commands. Overall it is the perfect fit for my needs and there hasn't been a moment where I've missed my iPad.

Some people will argue that the iPad is a much better device and I won't argue with them. But, what is the best device for you isn't always written on the spec sheet. It's about your day to day work, how you consume your content, how much you are willing to spend and if you have some kind of bizarre brand loyalty. A lot of people ask me what tablet they should get and I often ask them a bunch of questions first. Below is a list of questions you should be asking yourself if you are in the market to buy a tablet.

1. Do I really need a tablet?
2. What do I need it to do?
3. How often do I want to have it with me?
4. How am I going to carry it?
5. Do I need a data package or will Wifi only fit my needs?
6. How much am I willing to spend?
7. Do I really need a tablet?

Honestly, don't get one because you think it's some kind of social requirement. It's a good policy not only for tablets but for everything you buy, just buy stuff you need.

Until next time,
Joe Martin