Is 7" Enough To Be Satisfied?

[Thailaw]

Steve Jobs called it a "tweener" and said that the 7" tablet would be "DOA". Is that true? The overall size of a tablet with a 7" screen seems to be very portable and convenient, but it also seems to be too small to be functional. In terms of functionality, the 10.1" screen seems to be a clear winner. I already own a full size laptop, and would get a tablet for holiday trips, allowing me to leave the laptop at home and still be able to keep up with e-mail and browse the internet occasionally. My kids might use it to watch a movie from time to time. Is the 7" tablet an acceptable choice -- the Google Nexus 7, for example, only comes in a 7" model? I had a Samsung phone, and I will never buy another Samsung product -- totally unreliable. I like the Sony tablet, and it gets good reviews, and it has just under a 10" screen (I think). There are a lot more choices and much better prices with the tablets that offer only a 7" screen. So, would I be satisfied with just 7" or is it worth the extra bucks to go to the full 10.1" screen?

[Crossy]

I have a Dell Streak5 (5" screen) which just fits in a pocket and you don't look a total jerk with it to your ear (when the Bluetooth is flat).

The screen is just big enough to use for internet, GPS and viewing movies.

If it was 7" it likely would not fit in a pocket and would therefore need to be carried, if I'm going to carry something I would go for a 10" tablet which would be properly usable.

As always a matter of personal choice, YMMV

[thaicbr]

Well the NEXUS 7 is NOT a Samsung unit it is an ASUS.

And they will have them at the Mobile expo 4-7 at Queen sirikit centre 9,900b for the 16 gb.

http://www.thailandmobileexpo.com/2012Showcase/

[Thailaw]

Well the NEXUS 7 is NOT a Samsung unit it is an ASUS.

And they will have them at the Mobile expo 4-7 at Queen sirikit centre 9,900b for the 16 gb.

http://www.thailandm...m/2012Showcase/

Where did I suggest that the Google Nexus 7 was made by Samsung? I only said that it only comes in a 7" model. Samsung has a range if sizes, from small to large, and I wouldn't touch any of them. So, if I go with the Google Nexus 7, I need to accept the 7" screen size, which WAS the point of my original post. Apparently you missed that.....

[Pib]

All a personal choice. For me I want a smartphone that easily fits in my pants pockets and a model with approx a 4 inch screen fits that requirement. Both the wife and I use a Samsung Ace 2 with a 3.8 inch screen. Lately, I have been seriously considering getting a tablet primarily for home Wifi use and for the wife to occasionally show-off and show pictures...and both the wife and I agree it should be approx a 10 inch screen model so the pictures can be easily seen by all age groups, maybe use it sometimes as an ebook reader, etc. Tablets with a screen size in the 5 to 8 inch ballpark is just not a ballpark we want to visit again after playing with a few in the stores. But it all a personal choice and many, many people like the 5-8 inch ballpark.

[TommoPhysicist]

If I'm going trekking in the Jungle or using navigation in the car the 7" is perfect.

If I want to read magazines (PDF), watch movies, look at photos or browse the Internet the 10" is the one to use.

For reading normal books or listening to music either will do.

I have both 7" and 10" (Samsung Galaxy Tabs) and it's size Vs portability.

Edited October 3, 2012 by TommoPhysicist

[raro]

Got the galaxy note and I'm very happy with its 5th in screen. Still usable as a phone but you can do a lot of stuff with it without using the laptop.

sent from my Android phone

[edwardandtubs]

Why bother with overpriced brands like Samsung and Google when they source exactly the same components from exactly the same manufacturers as the cheap Chinese brands. They're all made in China anyway - you're just paying extra for marketing.

[DrTuner]

I've got Samsung 10.1 and 7. The 7 is usually used by kids for games, I'm used to the 10. And then there's the Note, between 7 and S3, S3 mini apparently on its way this month. I'd like to get a 12", but no sign of such yet.

Apple is just lagging behind, partly because they got stuck in their DDR-style "one fits all" strategy. Still, fanboys will buy whatever they churn out.

[Thailaw]

Why bother with overpriced brands like Samsung and Google when they source exactly the same components from exactly the same manufacturers as the cheap Chinese brands. They're all made in China anyway - you're just paying extra for marketing.

There are a lot of differences between the cheap Chinese models and the more expensive name brand models -- screen, cpu, etc. I have read that users like the Gpad. But other than that one, I am not aware of any good quality, reliable chape chinese tablets. I have seen the Hero tablet in Pantip Plaza in BKK. I asked on here what people thought/knew about it, and I got "unreliable, unresponsive, not recommended". The Google Nexus 7 looks like a good compromise, and it gets good reviews. But it has only a 7" screen. Hence, my inquiry here. I think I would be better off (and happier) with a 7" Google Nexus than a cheap Chinese 10" tablet. If you have a specific brand that you have used and like, let me know, and I'll check it out.

[khonlanna]

Why bother with overpriced brands like Samsung and Google when they source exactly the same components from exactly the same manufacturers as the cheap Chinese brands. They're all made in China anyway - you're just paying extra for marketing.

There are a lot of differences between the cheap Chinese models and the more expensive name brand models -- screen, cpu, etc. I have read that users like the Gpad. But other than that one, I am not aware of any good quality, reliable chape chinese tablets. I have seen the Hero tablet in Pantip Plaza in BKK. I asked on here what people thought/knew about it, and I got "unreliable, unresponsive, not recommended". The Google Nexus 7 looks like a good compromise, and it gets good reviews. But it has only a 7" screen. Hence, my inquiry here. I think I would be better off (and happier) with a 7" Google Nexus than a cheap Chinese 10" tablet. If you have a specific brand that you have used and like, let me know, and I'll check it out.

I have been using a chinese 9"7' pad for about 5 months and am quite satisfied with it:

Yuandao N90 Dual Core.

This is a high end Chinese Pad so a little expensive though. 5000-6000 Baht.

[edwardandtubs]

Why bother with overpriced brands like Samsung and Google when they source exactly the same components from exactly the same manufacturers as the cheap Chinese brands. They're all made in China anyway - you're just paying extra for marketing.

There are a lot of differences between the cheap Chinese models and the more expensive name brand models -- screen, cpu, etc. I have read that users like the Gpad. But other than that one, I am not aware of any good quality, reliable chape chinese tablets. I have seen the Hero tablet in Pantip Plaza in BKK. I asked on here what people thought/knew about it, and I got "unreliable, unresponsive, not recommended". The Google Nexus 7 looks like a good compromise, and it gets good reviews. But it has only a 7" screen. Hence, my inquiry here. I think I would be better off (and happier) with a 7" Google Nexus than a cheap Chinese 10" tablet. If you have a specific brand that you have used and like, let me know, and I'll check it out.

That was my point, the specific brand is irrelevant so asking people for brand recommendations on a forum is pointless. You'd be better off asking yourself what specifications you need and then checking out a few models yourself than obsessing yourself over what brand to buy when they're all made in China anyway.

As for the 7 inch question, that's like asking would a 7 inch pizza fill me up or should I buy a 10 inch. Only you can answer that.

Edited October 4, 2012 by edwardandtubs

[Thailaw]

Why bother with overpriced brands like Samsung and Google when they source exactly the same components from exactly the same manufacturers as the cheap Chinese brands. They're all made in China anyway - you're just paying extra for marketing.

There are a lot of differences between the cheap Chinese models and the more expensive name brand models -- screen, cpu, etc. I have read that users like the Gpad. But other than that one, I am not aware of any good quality, reliable chape chinese tablets. I have seen the Hero tablet in Pantip Plaza in BKK. I asked on here what people thought/knew about it, and I got "unreliable, unresponsive, not recommended". The Google Nexus 7 looks like a good compromise, and it gets good reviews. But it has only a 7" screen. Hence, my inquiry here. I think I would be better off (and happier) with a 7" Google Nexus than a cheap Chinese 10" tablet. If you have a specific brand that you have used and like, let me know, and I'll check it out.

That was my point, the specific brand is irrelevant so asking people for brand recommendations on a forum is pointless. You'd be better off asking yourself what specifications you need and then checking out a few models yourself than obsessing yourself over what brand to buy when they're all made in China anyway.

As for the 7 inch question, that's like asking would a 7 inch pizza fill me up or should I buy a 10 inch. Only you can answer that.

Your post is complete nonsense. All products made in China are not created equally... not even close. And just looking at components does not tell anything about overall design, quality control, etc. Just buying a tablet (or any product for that matter) just because because the spec's look good would be foolish. Even the "off brands" that produce quality items and want to establish themselves (which is what I want) work to establish a brand name and have customers that can identify their satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with that brand. As I said, Gpad is a low priced (I think Chinese) tablet, but it has satisfied customers that can identify it by name. I am sure that there are others. But except for the 7" screen size, I would go for the Google Nexus 7 and be done with it, knowing I have gotten a good, useful and reliable tablet. With consumers like you running around, it is no wonder that suppliers can sell all of those crap Chinese products just by making them cheap. As a friend of mine used to say, "there's an ass for every seat".

As for the pizza, if I order a 7" pizza and am still hungry, I can get another one to fill me up. I can't do that with a tablet. There's a lot more to selecting a tablet, including the screen size, than ordering a pizza. Not the least of which is about a 100 fold difference in price! Next......

[Tywais]

I'm also in the situation on deciding 7" or 10". I will not be a heavy user but would like something I can pick up and take with me without having to think about it being too heavy or too large to drag around and decide not to take it because of that. I've been doing a lot of research into the cheap Chinese brands which includes many YouTube and reviews by users on forums. At the moment I'm looking at the Ainol Nova 7 Flame/Fire 7" model as reviews have been positive. There is just released a Pipo M3 10" model but too early for a significant number of reviews to be available but looks quite good. Will be waiting to read more about it.

My friend has a New iPad and I find it quite nice but the weight puts me off for my needs. The Asus Transformer Infinity tf700t looks 'nearly' perfect for me but again the size/weight may be an issue for me and the cost is not justified for my casual use of it. The Nexus 7 has some features missing that nearly all the Chinese tablets have and why I'm hesitant about it.

As has been mentioned, it's up to the individual and there specific needs. Then there is the issue of wide screen 16:9 versus 4:3 or 3:2 choices.

[sammycic]

You may find these websites useful

Technobuffalo and mobiletechreview.

I went thru the same process and ended up with the galaxy note 10.1 which i love.

I am going to buy my wife a note 2 as soon as it is released which i think might go on sale today.

I was goinng to buy the transformer but didn't have 3g.

Sent from my GT-N8000 using Thaivisa Connect App

[Thailaw]

I'm also in the situation on deciding 7" or 10". I will not be a heavy user but would like something I can pick up and take with me without having to think about it being too heavy or too large to drag around and decide not to take it because of that. I've been doing a lot of research into the cheap Chinese brands which includes many YouTube and reviews by users on forums. At the moment I'm looking at the Ainol Nova 7 Flame/Fire 7" model as reviews have been positive. There is just released a Pipo M3 10" model but too early for a significant number of reviews to be available but looks quite good. Will be waiting to read more about it.

My friend has a New iPad and I find it quite nice but the weight puts me off for my needs. The Asus Transformer Infinity tf700t looks 'nearly' perfect for me but again the size/weight may be an issue for me and the cost is not justified for my casual use of it. The Nexus 7 has some features missing that nearly all the Chinese tablets have and why I'm hesitant about it.

As has been mentioned, it's up to the individual and there specific needs. Then there is the issue of wide screen 16:9 versus 4:3 or 3:2 choices.

Good post, thanks. I have also heard good things about the Ainol Novo 7. It was recommended with the caveat that it should have a dual core, a9 cpu. The Novo 7 Aurora II has that -- I am not sure about the Flame/Fire model. But it has a 7"screen, which is the concern I have that prompted my original post. I am sure that a 10 inch screen would be better, but I would also be a casual, infrequent user, so a good 7" screen tablet for under B6,000 might be fine. These things are evolving, so it may be better to start off light and see how much use it gets and what new packages come out in the future. Built-in 3G and a phone would also be very nice features, but neither is available in the Ainol. I will check out the Pipo -- that may be a good choice if there is any information on it available. Thanks again.

[Thailaw]

I'm also in the situation on deciding 7" or 10". I will not be a heavy user but would like something I can pick up and take with me without having to think about it being too heavy or too large to drag around and decide not to take it because of that. I've been doing a lot of research into the cheap Chinese brands which includes many YouTube and reviews by users on forums. At the moment I'm looking at the Ainol Nova 7 Flame/Fire 7" model as reviews have been positive. There is just released a Pipo M3 10" model but too early for a significant number of reviews to be available but looks quite good. Will be waiting to read more about it.

My friend has a New iPad and I find it quite nice but the weight puts me off for my needs. The Asus Transformer Infinity tf700t looks 'nearly' perfect for me but again the size/weight may be an issue for me and the cost is not justified for my casual use of it. The Nexus 7 has some features missing that nearly all the Chinese tablets have and why I'm hesitant about it.

As has been mentioned, it's up to the individual and there specific needs. Then there is the issue of wide screen 16:9 versus 4:3 or 3:2 choices.

I did a quick check on the internet, and indeed the Pipo does seem to get positive reviews. Several people say that it is in very limited supply, and I can find no indication that it is available in Thailand. Are you aware of any place in BKK where it can be seen/purchased? The electronics expo starting today may be a good place to look. Thanks again.

[Tywais]

Built-in 3G and a phone would also be very nice features, but neither is available in the Ainol.

3G would be nice and some are starting to come out with it built in. The one thing I noticed on nearly all the Chinese brands such as Ainol and Pipo and they support a 3G USB dongle. I find that useful as primarily will be using WiFi but if I need 3G when traveling then I can have that also.

[Tywais]

I did a quick check on the internet, and indeed the Pipo does seem to get positive reviews. Several people say that it is in very limited supply, and I can find no indication that it is available in Thailand. Are you aware of any place in BKK where it can be seen/purchased? The electronics expo starting today may be a good place to look. Thanks again.

The supply issue with the Pipo M3 is that it was only just now released and 2nd no shipping of anything out of China until after the long holiday which ends the 6th. Have not found Pipo in Thailand but there is an Ainol Thailand site. Most of the Chinese sell sites offer free world wide shipping but from my research you need to be cautious about some sites and use sellers recommended by members from the various chinese tablet forums of which there are many.

[edwardandtubs]

Why bother with overpriced brands like Samsung and Google when they source exactly the same components from exactly the same manufacturers as the cheap Chinese brands. They're all made in China anyway - you're just paying extra for marketing.

There are a lot of differences between the cheap Chinese models and the more expensive name brand models -- screen, cpu, etc. I have read that users like the Gpad. But other than that one, I am not aware of any good quality, reliable chape chinese tablets. I have seen the Hero tablet in Pantip Plaza in BKK. I asked on here what people thought/knew about it, and I got "unreliable, unresponsive, not recommended". The Google Nexus 7 looks like a good compromise, and it gets good reviews. But it has only a 7" screen. Hence, my inquiry here. I think I would be better off (and happier) with a 7" Google Nexus than a cheap Chinese 10" tablet. If you have a specific brand that you have used and like, let me know, and I'll check it out.

That was my point, the specific brand is irrelevant so asking people for brand recommendations on a forum is pointless. You'd be better off asking yourself what specifications you need and then checking out a few models yourself than obsessing yourself over what brand to buy when they're all made in China anyway.

As for the 7 inch question, that's like asking would a 7 inch pizza fill me up or should I buy a 10 inch. Only you can answer that.

Your post is complete nonsense. All products made in China are not created equally... not even close. And just looking at components does not tell anything about overall design, quality control, etc. Just buying a tablet (or any product for that matter) just because because the spec's look good would be foolish. Even the "off brands" that produce quality items and want to establish themselves (which is what I want) work to establish a brand name and have customers that can identify their satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with that brand. As I said, Gpad is a low priced (I think Chinese) tablet, but it has satisfied customers that can identify it by name. I am sure that there are others. But except for the 7" screen size, I would go for the Google Nexus 7 and be done with it, knowing I have gotten a good, useful and reliable tablet. With consumers like you running around, it is no wonder that suppliers can sell all of those crap Chinese products just by making them cheap. As a friend of mine used to say, "there's an ass for every seat".

As for the pizza, if I order a 7" pizza and am still hungry, I can get another one to fill me up. I can't do that with a tablet. There's a lot more to selecting a tablet, including the screen size, than ordering a pizza. Not the least of which is about a 100 fold difference in price! Next......

It helps if you read the post before ranting about it. Where did I say all products in China are created equally? Of course as well as checking out the specifications you need to use your common sense as a consumer by trying out the product before buying and considering what warranty you get. As for the pizza analogy, I meant the difference between a 7 inch and a 10 inch is purely a matter of personal preference. I didn't think anyone would be clueless enough to compare a tablet with a pizza, but then you came along. Next........

[thaicbr]

Thailaw. Where are you. Bkk?

If so get yourself down to Queen Siriket center. The Mobile expo is on and literally dozens of tablets from all brands inc Toshiba. Acer. Asus etc

sent from my Wellcom A90+

[Thailaw]

Thailaw. Where are you. Bkk?

If so get yourself down to Queen Siriket center. The Mobile expo is on and literally dozens of tablets from all brands inc Toshiba. Acer. Asus etc

sent from my Wellcom A90+

You're absolutely right -- the expo at QS qould be a great place to check out the whole tablet market available in Thailand in one place. I am in Pattaya, but it may be worth a trip to BKK tomorrow to visit the expo. Thanks. I am leaning towards the Ainol Novo 7, as an entry and see how much I actually use it. But it would be great to see all the available tablets that are available before I buy. I'll be in BKK next week, so if I miss the expo, I'll probably take a wee rec through Pantip Plaza and see what they have before I buy one. Cheers,

[Thailaw]

It helps if you read the post before ranting about it. Where did I say all products in China are created equally? Of course as well as checking out the specifications you need to use your common sense as a consumer by trying out the product before buying and considering what warranty you get. As for the pizza analogy, I meant the difference between a 7 inch and a 10 inch is purely a matter of personal preference. I didn't think anyone would be clueless enough to compare a tablet with a pizza, but then you came along. Next........

I read your post(s), did you???? I agree that your comparison of buying a tablet (at least the decision to get a 7" or 10" screen) to buying a pizza was totally "clueless" and not helpful to anone and I am glad that you now realize how really stupid it was -- better late than never.

Getting information on use under different conditions and over extended periods of time is what everyone should be interested in before buying. How does one do that before buying? Asking people that have them and that have used them is (at least to me) the best way to get good useful information, understanding of course that peoples' preferences and uses may differ. To convey information, people need to identify the brand -- there is no other way. People that give their preference and then tell why and explain how they use it provide the most help. It isn't the only information you need but, unlike your nonsense and totally unhelpful posts, it certainly helps. I would never even know about the Ainol if it hadn't been rcommended on this site. Getting a piece of crap with a 10 year warranty is a good idea -- are you kidding!? A good warranty (at least on paper) solves the build quality issue? I think not. To buy any cheap Chinese tablet with good specs and an acceptable warranty with no regard to who made it, because as you said "that was my point, the specific brand is irrelevant so asking people for brand recommendations on a forum is pointless. You'd be better off asking yourself what specifications you need and then checking out a few models yourself than obsessing yourself over what brand to buy when they're all made in China anyway", is about as dumb an approach to buying a tablet as I have ever heard. If that is the approach you actually use, as I said "there's an ass for every seat". Next..........

[edwardandtubs]

It helps if you read the post before ranting about it. Where did I say all products in China are created equally? Of course as well as checking out the specifications you need to use your common sense as a consumer by trying out the product before buying and considering what warranty you get. As for the pizza analogy, I meant the difference between a 7 inch and a 10 inch is purely a matter of personal preference. I didn't think anyone would be clueless enough to compare a tablet with a pizza, but then you came along. Next........

I read your post(s), did you???? I agree that your comparison of buying a tablet (at least the decision to get a 7" or 10" screen) to buying a pizza was totally "clueless" and not helpful to anone and I am glad that you now realize how really stupid it was -- better late than never.

Getting information on use under different conditions and over extended periods of time is what everyone should be interested in before buying. How does one do that before buying? Asking people that have them and that have used them is (at least to me) the best way to get good useful information, understanding of course that peoples' preferences and uses may differ. To convey information, people need to identify the brand -- there is no other way. People that give their preference and then tell why and explain how they use it provide the most help. It isn't the only information you need but, unlike your nonsense and totally unhelpful posts, it certainly helps. I would never even know about the Ainol if it hadn't been rcommended on this site. Getting a piece of crap with a 10 year warranty is a good idea -- are you kidding!? A good warranty (at least on paper) solves the build quality issue? I think not. To buy any cheap Chinese tablet with good specs and an acceptable warranty with no regard to who made it, because as you said "that was my point, the specific brand is irrelevant so asking people for brand recommendations on a forum is pointless. You'd be better off asking yourself what specifications you need and then checking out a few models yourself than obsessing yourself over what brand to buy when they're all made in China anyway", is about as dumb an approach to buying a tablet as I have ever heard. If that is the approach you actually use, as I said "there's an ass for every seat". Next..........

The most stupid thing of all is to ask for advice on a forum and then engage in childish insults against someone trying to contribute. Do you really think anyone is going to want to help you now?

[lomatopo]

I think anyone considering a tablet purchase really needs to check out the Youtube reviews of the various models/sizes under consideratoin, and then go and play with the units in a store, or borrow a friend's unit. There is no way a third-party can fully understand another's requirements.

I travel a lot and see people on planes mostly with readers and 7" tablets, other than those with iPads. I use a SGTab 10.1, and for shorter trips, or trips where I'm trying to travel light, I leave my notebook at home and just use the Tab. Now I am on a 4-day trip to the U.S., but did bring both my Tab and Notebook as I need the notebook for some specific apps.

Should I buy a Yaris, Vios, Corolla or Camry?

Edited October 5, 2012 by lomatopo

[thaicbr]

I think anyone considering a tablet purchase really needs to check out the Youtube reviews of the various models/sizes under consideratoin, and then go and play with the units in a store, or borrow a friend's unit. There is no way a third-party can fully understand another's requirements.

I travel a lot and see people on planes mostly with readers and 7" tablets, other than those with iPads. I use a SGTab 10.1, and for shorter trips, or trips where I'm trying to travel light, I leave my notebook at home and just use the Tab. Now I am on a 4-day trip to the U.S., but did bring both my Tab and Notebook as I need the notebook for some specific apps.

Should I buy a Yaris, Vios, Corolla or Camry?

Buy all four

sent from my Wellcom A90+