Just a week after Google unveiled their new Nexus 7 tablet at their annual Google I/O developer conference, iFixit wasted no time applying their screwdriver to the Google Nexus 7 tablet, which is available for under $200 in its 8GB format.
iFixit has given the Google Nexus 7 a repairability score of 7 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair), and says that the case is easy to open, and the tablet’s battery can be replaced easily without the need for soldering or even a screwdriver. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer to handle minor repairs themselves, potentially extending the device’s lifespan and reducing electronic waste.
Repairability and Design Insights
However, on a negative point, the LCD screen within the Nexus 7 doesn’t separate from the display glass, making repair costs higher for this component. This design choice means that if either the glass or the LCD is damaged, both components need to be replaced together, which can be more expensive and less convenient for users. Despite this drawback, the overall repairability score remains relatively high, indicating that other components are more accessible and easier to replace.
The Google Nexus 7 is equipped with a powerful quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and it also features a 12-core GPU. This combination provides robust performance, making the tablet suitable for a variety of tasks, from gaming to multimedia consumption. The Tegra 3 processor was a significant advancement at the time, offering improved energy efficiency and better multitasking capabilities compared to its predecessors.
Market Position and Consumer Appeal
Google is currently making the tablet at cost, which is a strategic move to capture market share and promote the Android ecosystem. By pricing the Nexus 7 competitively, Google aims to attract a wide range of consumers, from tech enthusiasts to casual users looking for an affordable yet high-performance tablet.
Google has launched two versions of the Nexus 7 tablet, one with 8GB of storage for $199 and a 16GB one for $249. The availability of two storage options allows consumers to choose based on their needs and budget. The 8GB version is ideal for users who primarily use cloud storage or stream content, while the 16GB version provides additional space for apps, media, and offline content.
The Nexus 7 also runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which introduced several new features and improvements over previous versions. These include a smoother user interface, enhanced notifications, and Google Now, a personal assistant that provides timely information based on user habits and preferences. These features contribute to a more intuitive and enjoyable user experience.
The Google Nexus 7 stands out as a well-designed, affordable tablet with a good balance of performance and repairability. While the integrated LCD and display glass may pose a challenge for some repairs, the overall ease of access to other components and the competitive pricing make it an attractive option for many consumers. As Google continues to innovate and expand its hardware offerings, the Nexus 7 serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, user-friendly devices.
Source: iFixit
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