Tech Gear Thread

[exelr8]

So Friday, Lori is buying her new samsung smart TV, and I want to surprise her with a keyboard for it since the tv does not include one. Can any of y'all suggest a decent wireless keyboard to use with it? I know samsung makes one, but its really expensive, I am going to have a source talk toSamsung and see if she cant get me hooked up with one of theirs, but if not, I would like other options.

[Mike]

You can buy a remote with one built in cheaper... Logitech makes one I think.

[cna]

So am waiting for the new nexus 7 version 2 to come out I hope I can get one of these by the end of the month if the rumors are true

[exelr8]

You can buy a remote with one built in cheaper... Logitech makes one I think.

Cool thanks! Only problem I've been finding, the remotes I've looked at are Bluetooth. The tv is not Bluetooth capable.

[accordguy04]

GF wants to upgrade her Kindle for her bday.  Looked into it and looks like two front runners are Kindle Fire HD and Galaxy Tab 2.  Any personal experiences with either?

[B.R.03EX]

Out of those two options, I would go with the Galaxy Tab 2 because it is an Android with more app support. If you're thinking about going that route look at the Nexus 7. That's what I have and I like it better than the Galaxy (my Dad has a Galaxy so I've used both). I think the Nexus is around the same price but I can't remember.

[alpha]

GF wants to upgrade her Kindle for her bday.  Looked into it and looks like two front runners are Kindle Fire HD and Galaxy Tab 2.  Any personal experiences with either?

Out of those two options, I would go with the Galaxy Tab 2 because it is an Android with more app support. If you're thinking about going that route look at the Nexus 7. That's what I have and I like it better than the Galaxy (my Dad has a Galaxy so I've used both). I think the Nexus is around the same price but I can't remember.

The Kindle Fire HD runs a custom version of Android.  I don't have one though, so I don't know if it is locked down at all, or what the support in the world of custom Android OS is for it.

The new Nexus 7 releases on Jul. 30.  I am thinking about getting one, actually.  16:10 HD screen, it would be more portable than my current 10" tablet, and its priced  less than $300 for the WiFi only version; it's hard not to consider purchasing one.

Ryan, what is your GF's plans for the device?

[accordguy04]

She's reads a lot on her Kindle and honestly I think that's all she's gonna be doin with the new one.  Shes not gonna be customizing it or anything. 

That's why I'm kinda leanin more towards the Fire HD, it does what she wants it to and if she gets tired of readin... which she won't... she can play some games or whatever.

The other two do look good and you can get the Kindle app on them but a lot of what I read said the app pales in comparison to using it on the actual kindle.

Idk ill guess ill try and do some recon, her bday isn't until the end of August.   Just don't wanna give it away cause I don't think she expects it at all.

[gargantula99]

I don't like my galaxy note 8. It might be up for sale soon.

[alpha]

Aaaaaanndddddd... I purchased a new Nexus 7 today. 

I just got home and it is charging right now.  I plan on setting it up and playing with it later tonight.

[CrackerTeg]

Oooh! 4.3?

[cna]

Am waiting for the 32g nexus 7 to come in the mail stores around my way didn't have it yet did you get any accessories with it ?

[alpha]

Oooh! 4.3?

Yes sir..

Am waiting for the 32g nexus 7 to come in the mail stores around my way didn't have it yet did you get any accessories with it ?

Not yet.  I pretty much just want a case for now, and I am deciding between the travel cover or the premium cover (leaning towards the premium cover).  I only question how long it would take for accessories to come out.  Accessory support for Nexus devices doesn't have the greatest track record.

[CrackerTeg]

How does 4.3 compare to 4.2? From what I've been reading, there isn't much difference but no one has created any 4.3 stuff for the gs3 yet. Obviously, google has been rolling out the revamped apps to give a taste of the minor update but I hear there are security updates and some other under the hood stuff.

[alpha]

How does 4.3 compare to 4.2? From what I've been reading, there isn't much difference but no one has created any 4.3 stuff for the gs3 yet. Obviously, google has been rolling out the revamped apps to give a taste of the minor update but I hear there are security updates and some other under the hood stuff.

To be honest, I hadn't really used 4.2 very much before getting this.  I gave my Transformer Pad Infinity to my mom a while ago, and I don't currently have an Android phone, so my experience with 4.2 has been minimal.

That being said, reading through the changelog, it doesn't seem like there are that many new features as much as bug and security fixes.  It's pretty snappy, and it looks like the OS has improved since 4.1.  Any improvement, in my opinion, is great for Android; since at times, it leaves quite a bit to be desired.

My initial impression of the new Nexus 7 is that its a good device; quick, awesome screen, and ,so far, pretty good battery life.  We'll see how it goes as I continue to use the device.  I will be on travel this week, and I am not planning to bring my laptop, so it'll be tested with one of my typical use cases.