For quite some time I’ve become very aggravated with my first generation iPad. Not only does the screen look terrible compared to anything current, but my iPad has become slow and very unstable with modern apps. I also had the opportunity to play with a 7 inch tablet and I found that for my use the smaller form factor was better suited – I decided to buy a Nexus 7.

While I’ve always been wary of Android devices for a variety of reasons, my biggest concern has always been device operation. In my opinion Apple’s software restrictions have made it so that their devices have been leaps and bounds better for day to day performance than the majority of Android-based products available. I’ve always found that Android tablets have felt clunky. The second big issue I’ve had is the potential for being several versions behind on OS support. I’ve known people who have purchased a device only to find that within months their device no longer is supported for update by their manufacturer or carrier – with iOS the majority of users with a recent device are able to update their OS as soon as it’s released. So far my experience with the Nexus 7 has overcome both of these concerns.

The Nexus 7 is produced by Asus but is part of the official line of Google-branded Nexus products. After weeks of operation it’s clear that Google has perfectly matched the hardware to the software ensuring a smooth and functional operating Android tablet. In many of my past encounters with Android I’ve found the experience to be somewhat unstable with apps often crashing – in the 2 weeks I’ve had my Nexus 7 not once had this happen. It also should be noted that I’ve installed a variety of widgets and other apps that are often running and I have not seen a single sign of stress or speed reduction with my tablet – I am impressed. I’ve always assumed that my issues with Android have been the core OS itself, but after using the Nexus 7, it’s obvious to me that manufacturers and carriers are doing more harm than good with their modified operating systems.

Speaking of operating systems, my Nexus 7 is up to date with the latest version of Android, is your device? Probably not. Let’s take a minute to look at one of the biggest-named Android devices available – Samsung Galaxy S III. The currently supported version of Android on the S3 is Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The current version of Android is 4.2.1 Jelly Bean which has been available since November 27 2012, guess how long it’s been available for the Nexus 7? Yep, the same. The ability to almost be guaranteed device updates when they’re released is a huge appeal of the Nexus product line in my opinion. I also want to note while we’re talking about the OS, having a device with a real file system has been terrific and has made transfer of files to the tablet a lot quicker than my experience with iOS.

Like any good product there are some cons to be reported. In my opinion of the biggest surprises with the Nexus 7 for me was the lack of rear camera. The price point for the device has always been low so I’m assuming that not having to put a decent camera in helped to keep it this way. While I do think that it’s more convenient to use a small device as a camera (ie. my phone), it would be nice to have a rear camera for those times when you have your tablet out and want to capture some memories. The second issue I have comes more with Google Play itself. While I’ve been able to find the majority of my apps I’ve come to love on iOS in Google Play, I do find there is an abundance of crap available too. I have to admit that over the last 2 weeks I’ve probably installed and uninstalled more apps on my Nexus 7 then I have in the last 6 months of my iOS use. With fewer restrictions on Android, there are definitely apps available that can do a lot more than iOS, but finding them can be tough. The final issue I had with my Nexus 7 was from a learning curve basis. Hands down iOS has been the most straight forward, easy to learn and intuitive Operating System I have ever used, which makes the learning curve somewhat steep when transitioning to Android. While the majority of iOS features and settings to have counterparts in Android, finding them can be tough. With that being said, now that I’m familiar with Android day-to-day operations are a lot easier.

Even with all the disadvantages mentioned, the Nexus 7 has helped sell me on the idea of making a transition away from iOS if needed. If you had asked me even weeks ago if I would consider transitioning my phone away from iOS I would have told you no; however, now that I’ve found that Android can be stable my answer is different. My gut would point me toward the Nexus 4 as some of my big issues with Android are still present on the majority of phones available. Overall I am very happy with my purchase and can happily recommend the Nexus 7 to anyone looking for a 7 inch tablet.