Advice on a 7" tablet (wifi + 3G)

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wanghou168

453 posts

Ultimate Geek

#98973 9-Mar-2012 22:50

Hi
I am hunting for a 7 inch tablet right now
I want something portable while I travel around
I previously owned Ipad, Ipod touch, Android phones etc
But Ipad just isn't my thing, so rather than a laptop or a 10" tablet, a portable 7" tablet that is capable of both wifi & 3g connection is more prefered

Just a couple of requirements

> Both Wifi + 3g, so I can get a local sim when I need to, wifi tether is too battery draining, I use Motorola defy now

> Capable of HD content => It doesn't lag

> Mainly for ebook and web browsing, may uses it for navigation if desperate in need

> Capable to getting Android 4.0 update

> Under 700 bucks please, othervise I will probably be better off getting the new ASUS ultrabook and replace my laptop :P

So far, I have only found 2 tablets that meets all my needs

1. 2degree's MediaPad

2. Vodafone Smart Tab 7
https://www.vodafone.co.nz/internet/tablets/vodafone-smart-tab-7/

Any other recommendations or things I missed?

Thanks

MOBILE: Huawei P30
OTHER: Thinkpad E14 + Asus Vivobook + Intel NUC5i3 + A family of Raspberry Pi x 9 + Amazon Echo

NZtechfreak

4649 posts

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#593041 9-Mar-2012 23:00

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 (similar dimensions to the Galaxy Tab 7 inch).

For your requirements easily the best one available, although a bit outside your stated price range - cheapest price for the 3G variant is $850 (in stock) on Pricespy.

Perfect for lag-free HD content and best GPS in a tablet yet (uses both American GPS satellite network and also the Russian GLONASS one, more satellites to lock to so you get faster lock speeds and better lock accuracy and strength). Will be updated according to Samsung, probably in Q2 (although Root is already available, so likely get ICS sooner via unofficial channels if desired).

Although slightly more than your price range I don't think your decision about which to go for is complete without considering the best device in that size range.

I have the WiFi only one, very good tablet.

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

P1n3apqlExpr3ss

853 posts

Ultimate Geek

#593049 9-Mar-2012 23:25

Im not gonna doubt techfreak stating that the Tab 7.7 is the best 7 inch tablet, because it is. But considering you can get the MediaPad for I think $500 now you really can't beat it for value, plus it WILL be getting an official update to ICS sometime this year.

When I had it I'll admit I didnt test any HD video content on it except for some youtube rips but I'm sure its capable. Some people say Honeycomb is the worst OS since Windows ME but the MediaPad was near perfect when it came to performance, none of the stutter on I've seen on tablets like the Galaxy Tab 10.1

Here's my full review: http://www.androidmobile.co.nz/item/1017-huawei-mediapad-review-the-perfect-stocking-filler?

NZtechfreak

4649 posts

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#593061 10-Mar-2012 00:23

Totally appreciate the value proposition of the MediaPad, agree with you there completely - just thought the high bar should be considered too!

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#593086 10-Mar-2012 08:16

I've got the venerable Galaxy Tab, plays anything I throw at it, already has ICS on it via CyanogenMod9, never going to happen officially though.

Can probably be found cheap, and it's a great tablet.

@KnightNZ

wanghou168

453 posts

Ultimate Geek

#593110 10-Mar-2012 10:28

P1n3apqlExpr3ss: Im not gonna doubt techfreak stating that the Tab 7.7 is the best 7 inch tablet, because it is. But considering you can get the MediaPad for I think $500 now you really can't beat it for value, plus it WILL be getting an official update to ICS sometime this year.

When I had it I'll admit I didnt test any HD video content on it except for some youtube rips but I'm sure its capable. Some people say Honeycomb is the worst OS since Windows ME but the MediaPad was near perfect when it came to performance, none of the stutter on I've seen on tablets like the Galaxy Tab 10.1

Here's my full review: http://www.androidmobile.co.nz/item/1017-huawei-mediapad-review-the-perfect-stocking-filler?

Really good review there
Sounds like the 2degrees mediapad is the go

MOBILE: Huawei P30
OTHER: Thinkpad E14 + Asus Vivobook + Intel NUC5i3 + A family of Raspberry Pi x 9 + Amazon Echo

NZtechfreak

4649 posts

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#593172 10-Mar-2012 12:39

One question worth asking: do you have to have a tablet now? If the answer is no and waiting a couple of months then ASUS 7inch tablet with Tegra 3 represents unbeatable value (although whether a 3G variant will come is up for debate, if it were just down to ASUS I'd say no, but now that they seem to be working with Google on it I think it a bit more likely).

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

wanghou168

453 posts

Ultimate Geek

#593173 10-Mar-2012 12:42

Thanks for the info
Asus products are great, definitely worth the wait if there is a 3g variant

MOBILE: Huawei P30
OTHER: Thinkpad E14 + Asus Vivobook + Intel NUC5i3 + A family of Raspberry Pi x 9 + Amazon Echo

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P1n3apqlExpr3ss

853 posts

Ultimate Geek

#593229 10-Mar-2012 15:09

Don't forget the Asus Memo 370T that has gone MIA since CES

NZtechfreak

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#593265 10-Mar-2012 16:54

P1n3apqlExpr3ss: Don't forget the Asus Memo 370T that has gone MIA since CES

I think the Memo is going to be the Nexus tablet that is presently being rumoured, seems like they have been working with Google after that point...

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

wanghou168

453 posts

Ultimate Geek

#594174 12-Mar-2012 14:57

finally had the time to do some studying on Asus Memo

http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Pad_MeMO_171/#specifications

looks pretty good
despite the fact it says wifi for the network, but there is a sim slot, therefore it should be 3g capable
sounds like something that would worth waiting for

MOBILE: Huawei P30
OTHER: Thinkpad E14 + Asus Vivobook + Intel NUC5i3 + A family of Raspberry Pi x 9 + Amazon Echo