Although this blog post title may seem strange, it actually has great logic. Over the weeks ahead I plan on conducting a thorough Nexus 10 review which I will post to NorthStarNerd.Org and link at the bottom of this web page. Just a few minutes ago I purchased a Nexus 10 16 gb directly from Google.
Now, why the "Honeywell Minus iPad = Nexus 10". The answer is simple. While Honeywell is a great company for which to work, on January 2nd after 28+ years as a senior technologist, I submitted my retirement notice (learn about my post Honeywell retirement plans). One practical side effect of this decision is I will need to return my Honeywell owned iPad. While the iPad has been a great tablet, some experiences over the past two years while doing mobile research on this device, and my own Nexus 10 pre-purchase research has convinced me it is time to change horses! Why?
Here are the key items which have driven my purchase decision.
- Flexibility: Two basic tasks on the iPad required expensive custom Apple hardware add-ins (importing photos and displaying my screen to a projection system). My expectation is the Android based Nexus-10 with its standard USB connection ability will allow me to connect all kinds of peripherals without paying a premium.
- Google Maps and Pre-Cache: My research indicates one has the ability to pre-cache maps (i.e. download large map regions for use while off line), and in conjunction with the built-in Nexus 10 GPS, use Google Maps while not connected to the internet. (Learn about my planned 2000+ mile bike ride, the Grand Gaspe Tour, and why this feature will be important to me). This is not possible via the iPad.
- Garmin Forerunner Data Offloading: On the same bike trip, I want to be able to offload my Garmin 305 data for that day's ride. There is an app named Sportablet which offers this capability for Android tablets
- Given items #1 to #3, the Nexus 10 16GB is only $399. In addition I get some key offline capabilities that would require a 3g connection ($$), and Android USB flexibility. I will lose access to Apple's much more extensive apps market.
In addition to these items, my main tablet use includes browsing the web, reading email, and reading books. The ability to sync with my Google accounts will be very useful, and these apps are already available on the Android (Chrome Broswer, GMail, Flipboard, and Kindle). The one other app I love which is not yet optimized for the Nexus 10 is the USA Today. However, I'm willing to take a risk that the folks over at Gannett are hard at work and will solve that problem for me in the near future.
Thus, the gauntlett has been thrown down. My order was submitted today, Saturday January 5th. Stay tuned for my reviews. I'll link them below, but first I need to actually receive my Nexus from Google.
- Pre-Purchase Research via Mostly-Tech Blog
- My Reviews / Posts
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