Delivery Status Update from Google

July 18, 2012 By 1 Comment

So I just noticed this update from Google! It comes from their support page (I guess they are getting a tonne of queries right now).

You can view the message here: link.

Looks like mine won’t be coming until next week now – so much for being one of the first to get hold of one and getting this site off to a flying start. Looks like I’ll have some catching up to do.

The full message from Google follows:

In the US:

We’ve shipped all standalone Nexus 7 8GB orders (e.g.: those without a case, charger or Nexus Q). By the end of day on July 19 (PDT), we will have shipped all standalone Nexus 7 16GB orders placed through July 11 (PDT), and upgraded these orders to overnight shipping. We will process the remaining standalone Nexus 7 16GB orders by the end of next week with overnight shipping.

If you ordered your tablet with a case, charger or Nexus Q, your Nexus 7 will ship this week with overnight shipping, in some cases ahead of the rest of your order. But don’t worry, the rest of your order will be on its way soon.

In Canada:

We’ve shipped all Nexus 7 8GB orders. We are in the process of shipping Nexus 7 16GB orders and will ship them in 1-2 weeks.

In the UK:

All Nexus 7 8GB orders will ship by July 20 (BST). All Nexus 7 16GB orders placed through June 30 (BST), will ship by July 20 (BST). The remaining Nexus 7 16GB orders will ship next week.

In Australia:

All Nexus 7 8GB and Nexus 7 16GB orders will be fulfilled by the end of day on July 19 (AEST) and will arrive in 3-5 days.

Filed Under: News

Does the Nexus 7 Make a Good eReader?

July 18, 2012 By 6 Comments

There has been a lot of chatter in the blogosphere comparing the Kindle Fire to the Nexus 7, almost exclusively the comparisons have come out in favour of the Google tablet.

But all this talk begs the questions, is the N7 actually any good as an eReader?  It may well be technically superior in a whole number of different ways, but is reading a book on this tablet a pleasurable experience?

Nexus 7 eReader

The first step is to pick an Android ereader App, here we round up five of the best known ereader apps to try on your Nexus 7.

  • Kindle for Android: This allows you to tap into the whole Amazon Kindle ecosystem without having to own a Kindle yourself.  You get access to the largest online book store where you can buy everything from the latest best seller to newspapers, and even access a range of free classics.  The app itself is a free download.  Download
  • Kobo ebooks: The kobo ebook store has a couple of million books available with a large proportion of them free to download. The Kobo features a number of social networking links that allow you to keep your friends up to date on what you are reading.  The Kobo app also allows you to import your own books to view within the reader. Download
  • Sony Reader: This is the least mature of the ereader applications but expect to see more as Sony continue to build their new store.  Whilst books can sometimes be more expensive there is a good range of graphic novels available.  Download
  • Google Books:  If none of these apps appeal, then that’s OK because the Nexus 7 is built for use with the Google Play store.   One of the main drivers behind Google’s Nexus push is to promote their new content market, so it would be rude not to give it a go.  Download

Have you installed any of these on your Nexus tablet?  Let us know which you prefer and how they look on the 7″ screen.  And if you know of any other apps, please get in touch.

Does the Nexus make a Good eReader

So this brings us back to the original question, how comfortable is it to read a book on the Nexus 7 tablet?

The good news is that people are finding it to be a great device for reading on.  The 7-inch IPS display with its 1280 x 800 resolution provides a clear, crisp, vivid display.  What’s more, the feedback from those that have tried other tablets in the market is that they are generally favouring the Google tablet over its competitors.  This is going to give the folk at Amazon, Apple and the other big manufacturers some big headaches!

Physically, the Nexus stacks up well too.  At just 340g and with a thickness of 10mm the tablet is easy to hold for long periods, the solid uniform design allows you to adjust to your own favoured position.

There are some downsides of course.  The Nexus7 won’t be your first choice for outdoor reading on a bright day, and the battery life doesn’t compare to the likes of the original Kindle (but this should be no surprise).

Have you been using your Nexus tablet as an eReader?  How have you been finding it?

Filed Under: Applications Tagged With: ,

Nexus 7 Advertised in Metro

July 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Looks like Google are starting the big push her in the UK! HMV should have the Nexus 7 in store from next week and online retail stores look like they are starting to dispatch the tablets, estimated delivery date was 19th July.

Looks like those of us who have ordered through the Google Play Store and going to lose out. I took a chance and paid the extra delivery cost thinking that this would be the best chance of getting one first (hey I’ve got a blog and forum to kick start here!).

But alas it looks like no activity on my Google account so I don’t think I’ll see it until next week now. I’ve pinged off an email so will be interested to hear back from them, although I expected they are overrun with queries right now so I’m not anticipating a quick reply!

Have you got yours yet?

Filed Under: News