Recommendations/suggestions for Android Tablet?
I am in the market for an Android tablet - reading logos books on my 4" diagonal screen Nexus S phone is not helping my eyes!
Can anyone suggest tablets (NOT amazon - please) that they are happy with for running LOGOS in its present form. I want it mainly for reading Logos books and looking up scripture and accessing downloaded commentaries applicable to that scripture.
At least 32Gb (16Gb seems to go no-where 8-( ) preferably via a removable memory card. Any 'don't touch' comments equally welcome. Preferably faster than my Nexus S and being able to remove unwanted pre-installed rubbish is an advantage.
Thanks!
Comments
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I recently purchased a Nexus 10 32GB. The other ones I considered (briefly) were the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity and the Note 10.1.
What tipped the scales for me for the Nexus 10:
- Amazing, better-than-retina display (300 vs 264 ppi)
- A Nexus device - will have the latest version of Android for the next 2-3 years
- 2 GB RAM
- No carrier or manufacturer bloat
The only thing, in my opinion, against the Nexus is that it doesn't have expandable memory. 32GB + the cloud is all you get. (They also sell a 16GB model.) I don't download very many Logos books and I stream my music through the Play app, so it wasn't a big deal for me. You may feel otherwise.
EDIT: The Nexus is WiFi only. That may also affect your decision.
FYI - the Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard (Android / Windows RT combo) is on sale this week at Best Buy. And you can probably pick up the Nexus at your local Staples or WalMart.
I've included a link to compare the 2 Android tablets plus the latest iPad below my signature. If you end up going with the Nexus, I don't think you'll be sorry. (Unless, of course, the rumored quad-core model comes out a week or two after you make your purchase.)
Hope this helps!
Mike
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I second it for Nexus 10
beside wonderful advantages described above (screen is really awesome!) I wanted to add that lack of an expansion SD slot is NOT a big problem - there are workarounds that you can attach any USB stick or even an SDHC or SDXC card OR a USB external drive (via an adapter) and increase amount of available storage. Spec for Spec, there is no android tablet faster and better than Nexus 10 at the moment
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I was not intending the use phone capabilities normally but it would be nice to have the option of putting a sim card in it on occasion so trying to get my head around it not having 3G capability ...
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The Good side: I have a Nexus 7 32gb. if you just want to use it for logos you'll have more than enough space. I've downloaded over 1300 books and it's only 5gb...
On the flip side I'm not too happy with my Nexus battery life (I have a rotten one which will hopefully getting fixed soon). I only get 5 hours or so of life as opposed to the 9-10 hours. So just make sure you keep your receipt and warranty if you end up getting a Nexus 7.
The Nexus is a bit useless if you don't have good wifi in your area. You'll be okay though as long a you get your logos books downloaded if that's your main purpose for the purchase.
That's my two pence.
Cheers,
Marcus
Chelsea FC- Today is a good day!
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I might have to look at nexus 7 - I see that there is a 3G version - - because buying a Nexus 10 is not that easy in the UK due to shortage of stock.
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I am just chiming in here because I wonder what I am missing and I would love to understand if I'm doing something wrong. I have tried logos on an android phone- motorola razr, an ipad- 2nd gen, and currently a nexus 7. I find that the only thing logos can do on a tablet really is read a book. When you try to run a passage guide, or even put the bible up and commentaries on a second half of the screen, it simply is so slow, so cumbersome, and so difficult to use as to make it unusable. I would love to be shown what I'm doing wrong, but I find logos only has value on a computer, unless it's simply to read individual books.
Windows PC - Android Phone - Surface Pro 4
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Based on my own disappointing experience, I would recommend to make sure to have a model that has at least Android 4.2 on it (if you intend to view Greek and Hebrew) and a brand known to update its OS regularly (as opposed to those who don't). Improvements to the OS can bear on the improvement to Logos performance so tablets that don't upgrade can be VERY frustrating.
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I went through the same process 2-3 months ago.
I settled on Nexus 7 32. It is more than large enough to accommodate many books.
The only consideration about wifi is that you need to download any books you would want to read offline.
It is easy to do.If you can afford a 10" tablet I can imagine that would be better. The 7" works very well.
A bit awkward, obviously, but I am really enjoying mine.There are many books in my library I have wanted to simply read.
Didn't want to do that sitting at a desk and reading on a PC.The tablet changes that. I can read those books and sync them up with a Bible,
interlinear or commentary and also make notes, highlights.Also I enjoy being able to take them with me.
I made a road trip a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed having Logos with me.
I see some of the younger guys in church with tablets following the sermon and making notes.
(I'm old-fashioned and still carry my Bible!)The Nexus 7 32 is an excellent tool for this plus lots of other apps you can enjoy.
It works very well with Logos keeping in mind that you do not have the full functionality of a PC.
32 g is plenty big. I could probably download my entire library if I wanted to, but that's not necessary for me.0 -
Thanks so much for your thoughts folks.
I would love a Nexus 10 but I have come to the conclusion that the nexus 7 will be the most pactical solution at the present time.
Thanks again
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For what my thought is worth: I bought an Asus transformer Prime a year ago, about 2 months after they came out. I love mine. You can pick it up on ebay for like 200 or so now. IMO it does everything for logos that the app lets you do quickly and easily. Two thoughts for you since you are looking, ( i bought my tablet with logos as a secondary priority) the Ipad version has more features, although "parity" is claimed to be close (but has been for over a year). If the tablet you want is strictly for Logos, walk into Bestbuy, download the app and play with it a bit just to get a feel for it. And, again IMO, get a 10 inch screen. It is very, very nice to read from.
Also on the Transformer Prime, the docking station goes for abuot 50 on ebay as well, and it will double battery life and make your tablet into something like an ultra book.
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To add to the above.
I Bought a Nexus 7 and love it. Logos5 runs beautifully on it. It would have been nice to have the Nexus 10 or even the Transformer but after a lot of thought decided that they are too big for my current needs.
Thanks again for all the comments.
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JohnLBUK said:
I Bought a Nexus 7 and love it. Logos5 runs beautifully on it.
Hi JohnLBUK,
I'm happy that you are pleased (!) but want to add a quick comment for the sake of clarity; Logos 5.x refers to the current Windows and Mac Desktop versions. The current Android version is Logos 2.3.4 and the iOS version is Logos is 3.2.3. Logos version information can be found in the Logos Settings > About menu.
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JohnLBUK said:
To add to the above.
I Bought a Nexus 7 and love it. Logos5 runs beautifully on it. It would have been nice to have the Nexus 10 or even the Transformer but after a lot of thought decided that they are too big for my current needs.
Thanks again for all the comments.
I'm not sure is you have the WiFi only version, or the 3G that I understand the Nexus offers. If you have the WiFi only version, what you can do for internet connectivity while away from a HotSpot (if needed) is to use your phone as a mobile hotspot if that option is available.
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Glad you are happy! The nexus 7 does the job! Just don't drop it. [:'(]. Crackkkkk....
Cheers, Marcus
Chelsea FC- Today is a good day!
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Using 'Android version is Logos 2.3.4' can you save different layouts like we can in L5? I can't on my Android phone, but wondered if it behaved differently on a tablet?
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Darren Loechel said:
Using 'Android version is Logos 2.3.4' can you save different layouts like we can in L5? I can't on my Android phone, but wondered if it behaved differently on a tablet?
I can't comment on the newer one but I highly doubt it functions like Logos 5. I have Logos 2.3.4.1 on the tablet and it functions more like a good reader on the tablet.
Cheers,
Marcus
Chelsea FC- Today is a good day!
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Thanks Kevin, you are perfectly correct of course!
Erwin & Darren I have the 3G version. The Logos version is identical to the one that works on the Android smartphone so no saving of layouts. If you have a dedicated menu button on your smart phone as in the Nexus S, since that does not exist on the Nexus 7 you will have to get used to only using the menu access on the Logos App.
The big advantages of the Nexus 7 to me, are that it feels easier to use with the increased size of screen, it is much faster as the Nexus 7 has a faster CPU than Nexus S and it has a larger memory (32GB) so that I don't need to worry about being too stingy on the number of resources that I wish to download.
If you only have the WiFi version the Bible Words Study Guide & Passage Guide do not work at all if you are away from a 'Hot Spot'. Neither do you have access to resources that you have not downloaded hence the advantage of more space into which to download resources. I wish that this could be rectified but suspect that we may have to live with that. If you only want a little bid of monthly data away from WiFi and live in the UK, the only cheap alternative to getting data other than on a monthly PAYG sim card seems to be sambamobile. Not everyone would want to go that way however ...
Marcus, my next purchase was a screen protector followed rapidly by a protective case but I still plan to treat it VERY VERY gently!!
John
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Hi John;
As for a screen protector, look into ArmorSuit. When I purchased my 1st tablet about a year ago, I began analyzing screen protectors. For me, the ArmorSuit won. I tried the basic screen protector which had good clarity but it was too rigid and thin to give me a comfort level if it was to drop. I tried a Zagg which had the level of protection I wanted but I couldn't get used to the extreme orange peel effect. The one that worked perfect for me was the ArmorSuit. It has the thickness and flexibility of the Zagg without the extreme orange peel effect. BTW: I also went with the full body kits which includes thin, screen shield like protection for the sides and back of the device. I don't think you have to be concerned about that with the Nexus 7.
For a case, I went with the portfolio style for my 1st 7" tablet, and the zipper style for my second tablet. I, myself, feel more comfortable with a case that covers the entire screen. No breakage, scratches, or dents so far.
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JohnLBUK said:
If you only want a little bid of monthly data away from WiFi and live in the UK, the only cheap alternative to getting data other than on a monthly PAYG sim card seems to be sambamobile.
Hey John,
How much are you paying for 3G and which provider do you use, if you don't mind me asking?
Hey Erwin-Good tips.
Cheers,
MarcusChelsea FC- Today is a good day!
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Erwin Stull, Sr. said:
As for a screen protector, look into ArmorSuit.
Greetings Erwin
Sadly, although I did a Google search, it does not appear to be available over here in the UK. Amazon USA have it but will not ship it to the UK and the manufacturers site have it at a cost greater than the UK Customs limit which would trigger not only import tax but a sizable service charge! Zagg is available here but as you say does have a pronounced orange peel effect.
I have a full rubber suit for my Nexus S which has enabled it to literally bounce when dropped a couple of times but I hope that is over kill for my Nexus 7's usage. I have a portfolio combined holder, stand and cover that seems to be doing its job but I might move to a zipped one for more side protection.Thanks for your thoughts0 -
Marcus G. said:
How much are you paying for 3G and which provider do you use, if you don't mind me asking?
Hi
No problem. Most PAYE for data in the UK only seem to be £5.00 to £7.50 but the data expires after a month. A really unusual company that has been going since about May 2012 is Samba Mobile http://www.sambamobile.com/Home/Samba who use the 3 network. You have to buy their Sim card (micro sim for Nexus 7) and you top it up by watching adverts by organizations who presumably pay Samba. It sounds crazy and a big con but seems to be working so far. I run the adverts on my PC when listening to something else - my time is too valuable for anything else. Also I use very little data. It only works, apparently, on Firefox or Chrome browsers.
If I thought that I would use anything like the normal 1 months worth of data during a month I would just buy it like any other normal human being. If you want to give it a try, rather than pay the full £5 sim cost try the code MSE1 but it may have expired by now. Although Samba has been going since about May 2012 I still doubt that the business model will work in the long term. I have got my £1 back in data so until it fails or I get fed up of topping up that way I will probably carry on. I guess that many on the forum will be unhappy with it and they may well be correct in their views.
You can top up with cash at Samba for £5 for 500MB or £3.50 for 250MB. Gif Gaf, who also use 3 network, also sell data at £5 for 500MB. Needless to say both expire their data after 30 days.
regards
John
PS £3.50 for 250MB is beginning to seem a lot less hard work as well as being rather more respectable!!!
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JohnLBUK said:Erwin Stull, Sr. said:
As for a screen protector, look into ArmorSuit.
Greetings Erwin
Sadly, although I did a Google search, it does not appear to be available over here in the UK. Amazon USA have it but will not ship it to the UK and the manufacturers site have it at a cost greater than the UK Customs limit which would trigger not only import tax but a sizable service charge! Zagg is available here but as you say does have a pronounced orange peel effect.
I have a full rubber suit for my Nexus S which has enabled it to literally bounce when dropped a couple of times but I hope that is over kill for my Nexus 7's usage. I have a portfolio combined holder, stand and cover that seems to be doing its job but I might move to a zipped one for more side protection. Thanks for your thoughtsHi John; I don't know so much about international shopping and customs as I have lived in the US all of my life thus far. I now see it is a lot to deal with, even for simple things like a case or screen protector.
You should be ok with the portfolio case and a good quality screen protector. Zagg seems to be the most popular screen protector of its type internationally, but the orange peel is so prominent. At the least, I would go with a good quality rigid protector to hold you over, then spend some time researching the others.
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Does anyone have an update for this thread. I'm in the market for an upgrade and have not made a decision yet.
Using adventure and community to challenge young people to continually say "yes" to God
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Bruce Dunning said:
Does anyone have an update for this thread. I'm in the market for an upgrade and have not made a decision yet.
Hi Bruce;
I think the one that John selected (Nexus 7) is pretty good. Also, if you are looking for something to replace your phone, tablet, and possibly laptop with one device, check out the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. It has a 5.5" display.
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I'm primarily looking for a reader that my wife can use to read Logos resources that I have purchased for her. There is no need to use it as a phone but I might consider using it for some personal study for myself at times.
If I am reading things right the only option to be able to read Hebrew with the correct vowel placement is with Android 4.2. Can someone confirm that is correct?
Using adventure and community to challenge young people to continually say "yes" to God
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JohnLBUK said:
Hi
No problem. Most PAYE for data in the UK only seem to be £5.00 to £7.50 but the data expires after a month. A really unusual company that has been going since about May 2012 is Samba Mobile http://www.sambamobile.com/Home/Samba who use the 3 network. You have to buy their Sim card (micro sim for Nexus 7) and you top it up by watching adverts by organizations who presumably pay Samba. It sounds crazy and a big con but seems to be working so far. I run the adverts on my PC when listening to something else - my time is too valuable for anything else. Also I use very little data. It only works, apparently, on Firefox or Chrome browsers.
Hey John,
Thanks for all the helpful info. I wasn't aware of Samba at all. This looks like a cheap way to get internet. Thanks a bunch.
Cheers,
MarcusChelsea FC- Today is a good day!
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Bruce Dunning said:
I'm primarily looking for a reader that my wife can use to read Logos resources that I have purchased for her. There is no need to use it as a phone but I might consider using it for some personal study for myself at times.
If I am reading things right the only option to be able to read Hebrew with the correct vowel placement is with Android 4.2. Can someone confirm that is correct?
Hey Bruce,
The Nexus 7 will be sufficient to read Logos...As far as reading Hebrew. I started in Dec. '12 with Android and I don't recall any problems with the factory stock 4.1 (I believe it was). In the new updated one 4.2, the Hebrew vowel reading in Biblia Bebraica Stuttgartensia is fine. So you shouldn't have problems as far as I can tell. Hope that helps.
Cheers,
MarcusChelsea FC- Today is a good day!
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JohnLBUK said:
Can anyone suggest tablets (NOT amazon - please) that they are happy with for running LOGOS in its present form.Please do include Amazon - so at least the discussion includes a comparison of Amazon's offerings (e.g. Kindle) to other available Android tablets.
Blessings,
FloydPastor-Patrick.blogspot.com
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Good idea - I had already mentally deleted Amazon products from my options as I did not wish to be locked into the relatively small market of Amazon style apps or subject to the whims of Amazon with their closed operating system. Not everyone shares my jaundiced views however!!
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I, too, am in the market for a Tablet. I like the multi-screen capabilities of the Samsung note 10.1. Does the Nexus 10.1, Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700, or any of the other Android tablets also offer this? A main concern is to be able to read a Logos book or any book/pdf/etc. and write notes at the same time. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Also, does Logos run well on the Samsung Note 10.1?
Thanks.
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