From Tracie: I'm Playing Candy Crush On The Nexus 7

Monday, September 30, 2013

I'm Playing Candy Crush On The Nexus 7

Staples sent me a Google Nexus 7 16GB tablet to play with and review. They also sent an Easy Button, which is ridiculously fun to use all day long.

Google Nexus 7

The set up for the Nexus 7 was simple. After charging it, I connected it to my wireless, added my google account, and it was ready to go. (It was a good excuse to hit the Easy Button.) I was a little concerned that there was no instruction manual in the box, but I found the 88-page Nexus 7 Guidebook 2013 manual in the Google Play Books app that came pre-installed on the tablet.

Screen and Speakers
The first thing I noticed about the Nexus 7 was the resolution on the LCD screen. It is an impressive 1920x1200. The colors and text are crisp. The graphics are impressive. Videos and games look amazing on it - everything looks amazing on it - and viewing is good from any angle. Every person I've showed it to has described it as beautiful.

The home screen organization is what you would expect. There are a large amount of widgets you can add to your home and lock screens, but I prefer the simplicity of just having app buttons, and don't like notifications or weather alert information staring at me every time I look at the tablet. One thing I love is the ability to stack app icons into folders.

The Nexus 7 almost begs me to watch videos on it with that beautiful screen, and thankfully the speakers do not disappoint. They are approximately 800,000 times better than my laptop speakers, and offer stereo sound. Even my sound-picky husband was impressed by them.

The speakers are located on the top and bottom of the tablet on the rear side, along with a camera and the buttons for power and volume.

Nexus 7 Rear View

Cameras
There are two cameras on the Nexus 7. The rear-facing camera is 5 megapixels. It isn't the most spectacular camera I've ever used, but honestly, I don't think a tablet is ever going to be used as anyone's main camera. We've mostly enjoyed using the panoramic function, which is pretty fun, and produces a surprisingly seamless picture. The front-facing camera is 1.2 megapixels, and works well for video chats.

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(panoramic photo- click to enlarge)

Size, Weight, and Speed
The processor is fast. I haven't experienced any lag while playing games, using apps, or during web browsing. It powers up quickly and the touch screen is extremely responsive.

I can comfortably hold the tablet in one hand, and it is light enough that my hand does not get tired. Seven inches is also the right size to fit easily into my purse, which is what I need in a tablet.

Nexus 7 fits in one hand

In the first few days of having the Nexus 7, I had issues with random reboots. It happened most often while watching videos on youtube, but there were two instances of reboots during basic web browsing. I decided to take it back to Staples for an exchange, but before I had a chance to do that, I got the Android 4.3 update to JSS15R. The JSS15R update fixed all of the random rebooting issues for me, and I stuck with my original device without further problems.

My only real complaint about the Nexus 7 is the lack of an SD card slot. It would be nice to have that option, but 16GB is a good size, and is probably more than I will use. There is a Nexus 7 tablet available with 32GB if you need more storage.

How I'm Using The Nexus 7
My laptop has spent more time turned off than usual in the last two weeks as I've been using the tablet more than I anticipated. I don't think I would type out an entire blog post on it, but it would be possible if I couldn't access a computer.

I did successfully do some basic editing of docs in Google Drive, and have been using it for a large portion of my web browsing. The crisp text works nicely for ebooks as well. The Nexus 7 is great for social media, which is important to me as a blogger. It especially shines on Pinterest and Instagram, the two platforms with emphasis on pretty pictures, with its amazing screen resolution.

You know how I'm really using the Nexus 7, though, right? (That is, when Thomas isn't using it to watch videos.) Candy Crush. My true love. My Candy Crush game has gotten better on the Nexus 7. I finally passed level 265, and am firmly in the 300's now at level 323. I'm not saying a Nexus 7 will improve your Candy Crush game, but I am saying that the candy is a whole lot prettier and it is more fun to play on a Nexus 7. That takes some of the sting out of losing those hard levels again and again.

The Nexus 7 Tablet is $229.00 at Staples, which is a great price. It is a beautiful tablet. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for something lightweight and small, without compromising on a nice screen and speakers.

Have you tried the Nexus 7 Tablet?
What are your favorite apps? I need some game suggestions for the times I'm waiting for my Candy Crush lives to regenerate.

*I was provided a Nexus 7 tablet and a Staples Easy Button for review.
All opinions are my own. I was not required to say nice things, or to spend hours playing Candy Crush and hitting my Easy Button every time I passed another level.

60 comments:

  1. I've been curious as to whether to get a tablet but I just can't decide! I'm not sure this review has swayed me, I feel like it's just an oversized smart phone!
    Kate | Diaries of an Essex Girl

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    1. It is a lot like a smart phone. But the bigger size makes a huge difference to me. It is still small enough that I can easily carry it around, but I can also easily look at webpages without having to use the mobile version (I always hate the mobile version), and the size is perfect for watching videos whereas a smart phone always feels just a little too small for me for watching an actual tv show or movie.

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  2. Do you know how hard it was for me to kick the Candy Crush habit? Don't go tempting me! Like you, I think a tablet is perfect for social media and web browsing. and the portability can't be beat!

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    1. The portability is amazing. And the doing social media work from bed is amazing, too. I know I could technically do that with my laptop, but it is so big and heavy...much different from the tablet which I can hold in one hand.

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  3. wonder how it compares to the galaxy by Samsung I've heard a lot of people have gotten. How long you get to try it out?

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    1. I have not tried the Galaxy, so I can't say for sure. But I looked it up - the 7" Galaxy (http://www.staples.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-3-70-Gold-Brown/product_75593) is a little less than the Nexus, but the stats are no where near as good. If you jump up to $299 price point, there is a Galaxy 8" (http://www.staples.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-3-80-Gold-Brown/product_213890) with stats that are more comparable, but I think that extra inch in size would make it harder to hold in one hand. Neither of the Galaxy tablets have a screen resolution that comes anywhere near the Nexus. I get to keep it, because Staples is awesome.

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  4. I haven't but I'm impressed it fits in the palm of your hand, but bigger than a smartphone. I am boggled by all the gadgets out there so it was interesting to hear your thoughts on using it as a replacement for your laptop on SOME thing.

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    1. I was impressed by that, too. Seven inches is basically the perfect size. I wouldn't really want to go any bigger on a tablet. It really is super easy to use. I think even someone who isn't super techy could figure everything out without problems.

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  5. I have heard this game is super addictive. I have not tried it yet as I already have enough time sucking habits lol.

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    1. It is super addictive!! But also super fun. Except when it is infuriating and frustrating.

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  6. Ah, not Candy Crush! Lol. I just blocked the app so people stop inviting me and now everyone is talking about it again. Thank you for such a comprehensive and honest review of the Nexus 7.

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    1. Come on...you know you want to play with us! ;-)

      (I'm such a Candy Crush pusher.)

      Glad you enjoyed the review. It really is a great tablet.

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  7. I have never played candy crush but looking at that tablet tempts me. I could find all kinds of uses for it!

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    1. You really could!! Even if you don't give in to the wonder that is Candy Crush.

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  8. The Nexus 7 looks like a great device, thanks for sharing!

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  9. I wish I would have known about the Nexus earlier, I just bought an ipad mini! Great review

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    1. Thanks. I haven't tried the ipad - I'm more of an Android girl.

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  10. I really like the portability of tablets. They make many of the jobs I used to do on my computer easier to do on the road. I have never played candy crush, so I canot comment on that.

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    1. The portability is a huge thing. Especially when you are traveling a lot.

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  11. I'km hoping to upgrade to a smartphone soon and come out of the dinosaur era, and now, I'm so confused with all the choices out there! Sounds like this is a pretty good piece to consider!

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    1. There are SO many choices! I totally recommend going to the store in person and actually holding the ones you are deciding between, to get a feel for them. It makes a big difference.

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  12. Can I just tell you how much I love all things tech? Great review Tracie. I'm a big fan of the android platform. The size of the Nexus is compelling, for those who want something portable.

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    1. Thanks, Stevie. I could talk about tech stuff all day long. It makes me happy. :-)

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  13. I was coming to ask if it given to you or loaned to you. Glad you got to keep it. I have Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7" and the size is awesome. My sister picked up a Nexus 7 from Staples last fall (shortly before I got mine) and ended up exchanging it for the bigger option (I think Toshiba but I believe the Nexus is now available in the full size as well). I love the size. Sure there are times here and there where I wish I had a bigger one, but I'd be willing to bet if I had a bigger one that I'd want a smaller one. I want to stay in the android family when I upgrade down the road but I wish more developers were building kid apps.

    imnotinfectious

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    1. There are definitely ups and downs to both sizes, but I think the smaller one would win out for me every time. My daughter has a 10" Nook, and loves the larger size, though.

      The Android platform is my favorite, but I agree with you about the kid apps. We need a lot more of those. Especially educational apps.

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  14. I'm an ipad, iphone junkie so I will be honest.
    I haven't paid much attention to what else was out there.
    The panoramic shot was quite impressive!
    Will have to take a peak at the Nexus the next time we are at staples.
    Ps. Hide the "easy button" soon before the kids find it or it will drive you up the wall!

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    1. Definitely give it a look! You might be surprised at how much you like it. ;-)

      My daughter is a big fan of the easy button. I've instituted a "once a day" rule for it.

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  15. I have an iPad and love tablets! This one looks awesome too!

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  16. I have an iPad, but this one looks great too! I love Tablets.

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    1. Tablets are a lot of fun. And they are super useful.

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  17. I have the same complaint about the iPad. (No SD slot.) I bought a 16 GB 2, or was it 3, years ago thinking it would be plenty for my needs. So wish I had bit the bullet and bought at least 32 and preferably 64! Happy for you that you have this awesome new "toy!"

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    1. Maybe it is a time for an upgrade! ;-)

      It would be nice if all tablet makers would include SD slots.

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  18. I had a Galaxy Nexus phone and my husband has the nexus tablet. WE love them both. I love the google OS that the nexus has.

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    1. I like the google OS, too. The Galaxy phone always seems to get very good reviews.

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  19. Awesome! I would love to see how this tablet compares to the iPad!

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    1. It would be interesting to do a side-by-side comparison.

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  20. hahah I have never played candy crush.. I'm probably the only person out there.. just don't have any time.. but sure would love to check out the Nexus 7.. looks like an awesome tablet; my Teen wants a tablet for Christmas and I'm really leaning towards this one. Great review.. thanks for sharing

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    1. Awesome! I think your teen would really like it. She is going to have a fun Christmas morning.

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  21. I love my Google nexus....I'm typing on it now :) My favorite app is pinterest ;)

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    1. Awesome!! :-)

      The Pinterest app is a lot of fun. I think I like it better than regular Pinterest on my laptop.

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  22. Oh word Candy Crush will be the death of me yet. The nexus looks good. I already have the iPad Mini and The Kindle Fire so might add to my collection.

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    1. Yes! You have to complete your collection for sure. ;-)

      Candy Crush. It is the game I love to hate...to love.

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  23. I've been wanting to find a tablet for my kids to play games on so they will leave my ipad alone. Thanks for sharing. I will have to look into this option.

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    1. Awesome! It is super easy to use, and at a price point that you can feel good about getting it for your kids.

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  24. I've been researching tablets for my son, this review helps a bunch :) Thank you!!!

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    1. I'm so happy to hear that my review helped you!

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  25. I want a tablet. Thanks for the review, this is something I wanted to know about. Plus i would love to have an easy button!

    Erica
    We Three Crabs

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    1. The Easy Button is awesome. I have wanted one every since Staples came out with the first commercial that featured them. I'm glad the review was helpful for you.

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  26. AWESOME! That totally looks like the way to play Candy Crush! :)-Ashley

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    1. It is!! Candy Crush is so much more fun on a tablet. Seriously.

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  27. Nexus - nice
    Candy Crush - the devil (The devil I'm still dancing with...)
    :-)
    Traci

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  28. You knew just what to say to lure me in, I'm a Candy Crush addict. I even wrote a post called "Addicted to Candy". Now you've got me thinking I need a new Nexus 7 just to play more candy!

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  29. Ahh candy crush,is no doubt a devil,but I would still like to play on this tablet,its bigger than smart phone and everything looks much clearer

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    1. The larger size really does make an amazing difference.

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  30. This sounds great! I have tablet and love that I can take it anywhere. Haven't tried Candy Crush. It sounds very addicting.

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    1. It is VERY addicting. But fun. And frustrating. And fun.

      The portability of tablets is amazing.

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