Google Nexus 7 (16GB)

Pros: Jelly Bean
Cheap cost
Nice screen
Nice touch
Cheap

Cons: No Accessories
Battery life below spec.

Summary: I bought a 16G Nexus 7 mostly for the price. I'd love to have a new iPad, but can't justify the cost. Obviously what you get for the price is the best that is available right now. It's no surprise that this device works well with Google's services (for eBooks, Movies, Docs, Photos, Social Networking), but I don't use any of them. The screen is crystal clear, and the touch screen operation is wonderful! The performance is very fast, compared to other tablets I have used. Jelly Bean is much better than previous versions of Android that I have used, and feels much more reliable than the past.

In general, the device lives up to it's hype and specs, with the exception of battery life. My battery seems to be running short of the advertised

I didn't mind that the Nexus 7 didn't have SD Card support, or that it didn't have HDMI output, etc., because I figured there would be a host of accessories available sooner or later. Right now, there is no way to get data onto the tablet without using another device to upload things to the cloud, then download them to the Nexus 7. And there is no way to view content from the tablet, except from it's own screen (there is no dock, etc.). Even though the screen is very nice, it is not a very good eBook reader (which is true of most tablets too). On the good side, games are better than on my phone, and can Tweet, check Facebook, and surf the web on a device that is easier to use than the phone. In general, I like it, and I'm enjoying it, but for now it's just a toy, and not a real tool that is helping me in some dramatic new way. It certainly beats the Kindle Fire hands down, and I'm sure Apple is running scared (not because of this device, but for what's coming after tons of people have this device, and the Android devices to come). For now, in my opinion, Apple still wins on ease of use and having broad industry and accessory support, but I can't afford to get a new iPad today.

I'll keep the Nexus 7, and hope that a crop of accessories come out soon, so I can start using for something more than casual entertainment.

Updated on Aug 10, 2012

Another con is that there are many apps on Google Play that are not compatible with the Nexus 7. This was a surprise to me.