Is the 7" form factor big enough for video consumption?

blackdogdeek

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
14,453
10
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Certain family member to whom I am married has commandeered our ipad, my preferred video consumption device. My HOS is too small for me to stream netflix or other wifi-accessible video.

Would something like the N7 or other similar form factor tablet be too small for video consumption?

The other primary use cases are web surfing, emailing and some occasional command line interfacing with connectbot all of which I imagine are better than my HOS.

Thanks!
 

bonkers325

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
13,076
1
0
I used my Nexus 7 on a 15 hour flight to Australia. It was comfortable to watch, but get a decent case with a kickstand or some sort of propping mechanism so that you can adjust the angle.
 
Feb 19, 2001
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It's not. I have a TouchPad and had an iPad 2. The 10" factor is definitely better.

I used my gf's 7" Nexus 7 on my flight to Asia and a good part of my trip. It's good for hand holding but ok for watching. Too small IMO. I have a Nexus 10 which looks much better for video watching. With the 7" tablet I find myself leaning in while sitting on a plane, but at 10" I can sit back and relax and not have to get closer.
 

lifeblood

Senior member
Oct 17, 2001
999
88
91
I've used my wife's iPad to watch Netflix until I got an N7. You definitly need to be a little closer to the N7. Reading on one versus the other is similar, with your needing to hold the N7 closer and turn the page more often. However, I still prefer my N7 to the iPad. Its good enough for watching and reading, but its easier to carry and hold given it's smaller & lighter. Portability is important to me, plus I prefer Android over iOS.

So, the real question is, what are your priorities? Do you prefer a larger screen or smaller/lighter device? Android vs iOS?
 

Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
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234
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Depends, if you're going to be holding the device (even if it's also resting on your leg or something) than ~7" tablet provides an overall better experience than a larger ~10" one.
 

blackdogdeek

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
14,453
10
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I'm currently using my HOS as my e-reader so this would definitely be better. My primary consumption occurs when seated on the couch or on the toilet or lying on my back in bed.

Honestly, my primary concern is price. I prefer Android. Father's day is coming up so I was thinking of asking for the N7. Basically, I feel like I would actually watch more netflix/vids if I had a larger display and the N7 seems like the cheapest candidate.
 

Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
14,233
234
106
I'm currently using my HOS as my e-reader so this would definitely be better. My primary consumption occurs when seated on the couch or on the toilet or lying on my back in bed.

Honestly, my primary concern is price. I prefer Android. Father's day is coming up so I was thinking of asking for the N7. Basically, I feel like I would actually watch more netflix/vids if I had a larger display and the N7 seems like the cheapest candidate.

I watched videos on my N7 all the time and had zero issues with it. It sits a lot closer to your face than a TV does so I personally never felt like the video was too small or anything.

Rumor has it we're getting a new, updated N7 in the summer.
 

homebrew2ny

Senior member
Jan 3, 2013
610
61
91
If we were talking 'on the go' devices the a 7" would be ideal, but for 'in house' consumption there is no reason to even consider a 7", 10" all the way...
 

blackdogdeek

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
14,453
10
81
If we were talking 'on the go' devices the a 7" would be ideal, but for 'in house' consumption there is no reason to even consider a 7", 10" all the way...

I think a 10" would be out of my budget.

But, also, while I am currently driving to work, come the September time frame I will be commuting via bus.
 

dagamer34

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2005
2,591
0
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Purely video: 10" 16:9 tablet. Higher than 1080p screens available make for great viewing.
General purpose: 7" 16:9 tablet. Portability wins.
 

Rottie

Diamond Member
Feb 10, 2002
4,795
2
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full size iPad 2 I owned is great for viewing movies and netflix with clear closed captioned. I am not sure closed captioned is viewable on small 7 inches tablet.
 

Ravynmagi

Diamond Member
Jun 16, 2007
3,102
24
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I've had a bunch of tablets, a couple 9.7 inch iPads, a couple 10.1 inch ASUS Android tablets, a pair of 7 inch Nexus 7 and Fire HD, and an 8.9 inch Nook HD+.

I really like the 7 inch tablets, especially the Fire HD, for watching videos. Primarily because of their weight. They are just very comfortable to hold and relax with while watching videos. I can watch videos fine with larger tablets, but it just feels better with a lighter tablet. And the 7 inch screen has been plenty of space for me.

Though I might give the Nook HD+ a nod as a possible contender. It slightly heavier, but also noticeably lighter than 10 inch tablets. It seems to be a good middle ground between size and weight. And I'm really impressed with how nice the speaker is on this tablet.
 

wirednuts

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2007
7,121
4
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if youre watching it by holding it in your hands, get the 7". it makes a difference.

if its going to sit on the nightstand next to you, get the 10".
 

alangrift

Senior member
May 21, 2013
434
0
0
I love my Nexus 7, just wish I would use it more than I do. I think I've spent more time installing custom Android than actually using it.