Nexus 10 vs Xperia Tablet Z vs ???

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shk292

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#138055 18-Dec-2013 11:10

Well, the wife has asked for an Ipad Air for Christmas, in full knowledge that I would never buy any Apple product but I get the idea. I have a Nexus 7 (2012) which I really like, but she feels the screen is too small for her needs (web browsing, photo viewing etc). We also have a cheap nasty 10inch tablet bought a couple of years ago so I have learnt my lessons about cheap tablets
I initially like the look of a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 in the Good Guys, but this seems a bit under-specced, especially the screen which is only 1200x800
So, I think I have it down to a Nexus 10 (around $530) or an Xperia Tablet Z ($689 including case and bluetooth keyboard at the moment). Comparative reviews are quite inconclusive between these two. The Nexus has a great screen, but is bigger and heavier than the Sony. I've read some reports of poor build quality with the Sony, and it's at the top end of my budget.

Any recommendations on either of these or alternatives?

Krishant007

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#954163 18-Dec-2013 11:16

Check out the Galaxy Note 10.1 (the new one). A mate of mine has bought that and loves it. Personally, if i was to get a 10 inch Android tablet right now, I would check out the Asus Transformer T701 (the Tegra 4 version). That really tickles my fancy.

reven

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#954164 18-Dec-2013 11:16

I was looking at tablets a few weeks ago, I picked up a secondhand TF300T (really great specs, screen resolution is only thing that lets it down IMO). only cost me $275. I would of preferred a samsung note 10.1, but the price difference really isnt worth it.

also had a cheap chinese tablet, hate it (ainol firewire/spark) useless wifi, cheaply made (dropped it and the screen nearly popped up and had to push it back in).

probably look into a padfone in the future, once 4.4x/4.5 comes out with chromecast mirroring.

hairy1

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#954171 18-Dec-2013 11:35

I have been looking at tablet replacements for my Galaxy Note 10.1 as I don't use the stylus and the screen res is 1200 x 800. The Surface 2 got interest going but the tablet that looks pretty cool is the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9. I don't know if the Amazon eco system would drive me nuts but for lightness, screen res and performance it looks very cool...

GZ Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D3XOP6Q?tag=geekzone-20

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billgates

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#954173 18-Dec-2013 11:41

Surface 2. Comes with free MS Office 2013. $649.

1920 x 1080 resolution

Do whatever you want to do man.

shk292

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#954181 18-Dec-2013 11:49

two interesting alternatives there - thank you. Not sure about the Amazon "lock-in" but it seems to be an Android under the skin. I hadn't given the Surface much thought but that's definitely worth further research
I don't really want to go second hand, especially for a gift, and am trying to stick to $700 as an absolute max

hairy1

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#954195 18-Dec-2013 11:59

Surface 2 is very nice. See if you can get to a JB Hifi or Noel Leemings and take a look. It is good value. The touch and type covers make it pretty usable for productivity stuff.

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shk292

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#954234 18-Dec-2013 12:36

hairy1: Surface 2 is very nice. See if you can get to a JB Hifi or Noel Leemings and take a look. It is good value. The touch and type covers make it pretty usable for productivity stuff.

I will do that, thank you

ritzlal

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#958549 29-Dec-2013 10:52

Nexus 10 is still an amazing tablet even though it's over a year old. Not sure why people give it such bad reviews sometimes but I haven't had a single issue with it. It's the only device I have been running stock Android on. The Sony is very very thin and light compared to this. Great for holding in one hand. The Nexus - you can't really do that. The Sony is also narrower and because it's light, it's great for reading as you can easily hold it in one hand. The Sony skin isn't my fav though. It's laggy in my opinion plus I prefer vanilla Android. Can easily root and put a custom ROM on it though but I suppose it's what's important to the missus. If she couldn't care less about that stuff and just wants a nice sleek light tablet that will perform well for some time, the Sony is very nice. Can't go wrong with the Nexus 10 though. I'm a big Nexus fan boy though but I'm trying not to be biased :p

shk292

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#958554 29-Dec-2013 11:00

ritzlal: Nexus 10 is still an amazing tablet even though it's over a year old. Not sure why people give it such bad reviews sometimes but I haven't had a single issue with it. It's the only device I have been running stock Android on. The Sony is very very thin and light compared to this. Great for holding in one hand. The Nexus - you can't really do that. The Sony is also narrower and because it's light, it's great for reading as you can easily hold it in one hand. The Sony skin isn't my fav though. It's laggy in my opinion plus I prefer vanilla Android. Can easily root and put a custom ROM on it though but I suppose it's what's important to the missus. If she couldn't care less about that stuff and just wants a nice sleek light tablet that will perform well for some time, the Sony is very nice. Can't go wrong with the Nexus 10 though. I'm a big Nexus fan boy though but I'm trying not to be biased :p

Thank you for this comparison. In the end I went for the Sony - partly due to a great deal at Noel Leeming, $689 for the tablet plus Sony bluetooth keyboard and a nice leather case/stand. The cheapest I could find the Nexus in stock was $649 for a 32GB model, so effectively more expensive if you include the accessories. The Sony tablet seems really good so far, and it's lack of bulk and weight makes it very nice to use

ritzlal

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#958556 29-Dec-2013 11:02

No worries. Sounds like you got a good deal! Happy holidays.