Store front
As an entertainment consumption device, the Nexus 10 is hard to beat, although a 7in screen tablet is easier to hold for a long time. But there are the strong video playback and efficient streaming services the Google Play Store offer – even seamlessly downgrading playback to standard definition if your broadband isn’t up to HD suddenly. That store is also good for music, and of course games, books and other apps.
Shaping up: Curvy lines and a rubber back conjure up a Marmite moment here
And while it may not have a consistently high-quality range of apps as Apple’s store, the range is impressive and numbers are high (over 700,000). But the extra screen size and rounded edges of the Nexus 10 also count against it, making it feel more unwieldy than the iPad, even if it is a touch lighter. Of course, there’s more to the Nexus 10 than movies and games, but it somehow never feels as complete as a work tool as the iPad – and has some way to go to become a comfortable, temporary substitute for a PC .
Even thinner than the iPad, apparently
Still, there are no complaints in terms of power. The dual-core chip at its heart is impressive, backed up by 2GB of RAM. No slowdown, no struggling, whatever you’re doing. Oh, and one more thing, as they say, Android 4.2 now comes with multiple user accounts. These are simple to set up and mean that family members can have their own tablet with customised wallpapers, their own apps and so on. Though only one person can use it at a time, obviously.
Multiple user accounts and a hi-res screen, what's not to like?
Verdict
This is a powerful, effective tablet, especially if you want it for media consumption. It’s great for watching movies, listening to music and playing games, with the screen resolution looking particularly smart and the front speakers beating other tablets easily. The fast processor and 2GB of RAM ensure the tablet rarely slows down either. Does it kill the iPad? Not really, due to Apple’s iOS ease of use and plentiful supply of high-quality apps... but it comes close. ®
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Samsung Google Nexus 10 tablet review
COMMENTS
"Adding more pixels when the iPad is already 'retina' seems a bit like doing it for the hell of it."
I think this is known as, "Drinking the Kool Aid so much it just tastes like water now."
Retina is an Apple marketing term and means nothing. It's not a magical PPI which indicates a perfect display. If you think that lower than Retina is bad and higher than Retina is bad then, well, you probably won't understand this reply. I'll leave it here for others to read, though.
"iOS is the killer feature for most people "
I nearly went Apple at one point, until I realised I'd have to use iTunes for EVeRYTHING. That truly killed it for me.
"iOS is the killer feature for most people"
For this little black duck iOS definitely kills my desire for an iphone/ipad. As the article starts out with, I don't like the Apple lock in, and I like being able to customise my own device. I also like the way that Android is developing new features rapidly, ios is little different from from it was when it started.
But plenty like iOS obviously and that's cool if that floats your boat.
"consistent across devices"
As is Android - I have exactly the same ROM on my tablet as I do on my phone. The home screen/launcher is higher resolution to take advantage of the bigger tablet screen, works exactly the same, just with more space for widgets etc.
"To compare I dropped my iPhone - the camera slightly dislodged - went into an Apple Store - left it with them - 20 minutes later fixed phone."
In Australia (Brisbane) you have to make an appointment a week in advance and drive 20kms put of the CBD to "go into an Apple Store". If you just turn up they turn you away and tell you to call and make an appointment...
Only had 1 fault out of three Samsung devices since I got rid of the iphone, but I could at least take it to the store I bought it from to get it looked at. They replaced the phone on the spot with a new one (though I'm sure that may not always the case).
Of course the best warranty is one you never have to use!
Not really for the hell of it
Apple's retina is 2048x1536 = 1024x768 doubled (original iPad)
Nexus 10 retina is 2560x1600 = 1280x800 doubled (Nexus 7 resolution + fairly common on other Android tablets)
"consistent across devices" - So long as all your devices are Apple ones
"more secure" - Really?
"easier to deploy for corporates" - Huh? No it's not.
"etc." - Well that totally seals it for me! I'll happily pay more for something with lower specs that has an extra 'etc'!
