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Tablet Thoughts

I have an iPad 2, Nexus 7, Kindle Touch, Smartq 7 and an ePad 10inch tablet. The SmartQ and ePad have been consigned to the back of a shelf out in the shed and I am actively using the iPad and Nexus 7.

I use the iPad a lot - it has a decent sized screen so is comfortable for web browsing. I prefer its screen ratio to that chosen by the Android tablets. The Nexus 7 was bought to replace the Kindle (actually I used Frequent Flyer points that were about to expire so it was not a hard decision as it didn't seem to cost anything). The problem with the Kindle Touch is the difficulty reading it when the light is fairly poor. There is no problem reading the Nexus 7 and its screen is nice and sharp (1280 by 800 resolution for a 7 inch tablet is very nice). The only thing that might make me upgrade my iPad is the screen on the new models or when it breaks!

Do I like iOS or Android more? I don't think there is a lot of difference - both are good at what they do - running apps! I find iOS is better at battery life - it seems to lose power less when not being used. It appears that the Nexus 7 loses more battery power overnight however as I do not have a feel for the relative battery life of the two devices that is not an objective measurement. I have paid for apps on iOs and not on Android. That is more because I have had the iPad longest - I did get the SmartQ and ePad before the iPad but the user experience of both devices and the hacker nature of the tablets did not lend itself to trusting the purchasing experience. Also I can buy iTunes cards at 20% off!

I looked at the Kindle Fire but that was not a good option as I live in Australia so am cut off from all the content. I get emails from Amazon UK advertising digital music that I am not allowed to buy! You would think they could tell that from my address and email. Until they reinstate free shipping I am not buying from them!

[6 Jul 2013] I have been buying books from The Book Depository as they have free shipping. I did get the Firefly Blu-ray from Amazon as even with shipping included it was cheap compared to buying it locally. 


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