s'been awhile, as always, since my last post in this gadget-IT-driven blog, and much has changed in my gadget bag since then. here's some of my thoughts, and opinions on recent acquisitions. (Part 1)
got this tablet to replace our aging-badly-put-still-useful 1st generation iPad. paid SGD$360 for the 32gb, wifi-only version. after a month or so with it, i can see why the tech sites wrote such glowing reviews for this little pocket-able (debatable) tech wonder.
the Tegra 3 processor that serves the unit is zippy, and decently efficient. runs circles around my iPad, and even my now-obsolete (/bittergeek) Samsung Note 1. (Tegra 4's announced at CES as of this post, and damn, does it look great!)
most apps run great. the display, while not the brightest in the market, does the job for me, and the colors are vibrant enough.
the 7" screen is perfect for manga reading, although fans of the marvel/DC/vertigo persuasion may want to stick to 8-10" screens for their digital comic fix.
media-playing apps like MX Player that can play a plethora of media formats make the nexus 7 - or any android device with a sizeable screen, for that matter - a media powerhouse.
music plays as well as it's compact/budget-friendly audio chip allows, which is decently. this is a portable device, mind.
like my iPad 1 though, the lack of 3G-connectivity can be annoying, however, if you're going to be near a wifi-connection when you're out and about, this is but a mere trifle. i usually load my materials that i intend to read on the go before leaving the house, anyway. I believe a 3G model will add an additional SGD$100 to the price (listed SGD$499 for the 32gb 3G), which still makes it a good SGD$100-200 cheaper than most/all of it's rivals, like the the iPad Mini, all the Samsung Tabs (7", 7.7", 8.9"), etc.
Verdict: buy it if:
- you've never owned a tablet and want a decently-priced entry into tablets
- need an upgrade from a 2-3 year old tablet and don't need a 10" screen (ipad or android)
- like reading and browsing the web on the go (hint: 3G)
Speakers Creative T10
for SGD$55, these speakers perform surprisingly well. the few reviews that I've browsed online before the purchasing these speakers, generally spoke of near-monitor (not really, but good considering the price) quality.
all i can say is, typical of desktop/bookshelf speakers without an additional subwoofer, the mid and high frequencies of music/sounds are covered very well by the T10s, but with the subwoofer range cutting off at 80hz, don't expect THX-levels of cinematic oomph when watching movies on the PC.
being some what of a jazz head, 50s-60s recordings sound fantastic (again, for the price) on the T10s. Led Zeppelin's remastered 2CD best album were decently reproduced, even the trashier songs with a cacophony of instruments did not illicit any crackling of the tweeters.
some double bass-heavy recordings, or thumping dub-step tracks may highlight the ultimate weakness in the low-frequencies of the T10s, but those instances are occasional, at most.
the speakers are basic, with a on/off/volume knob on the right speaker, and a 'tone' knob, for a quick instant EQ-adjustment of the mid-range frequencies.
Verdict:
Definitely worth the buy if you're looking for a decent set of speakers. I'd recommend these over most of the 2.1 sound systems in the same price range. audiophiles, people who love dubstep/dance music may want to look at the 2.1 systems instead.
ok, that's all for this post, till the next part!
Jordan
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