A practical look at the Chromecast and new Nexus 7
22*Pros/Cons and stats below!* I take a while to show how the new Nexus 7 looks, plays and feels and how it connects with the Chromecast. I also explain how the Chromecast works with an iOS device and show how it works with the Samsung Chromebook.
The Nexus 7 official site: http://www.google.com/nexus/7/
The Chromecast official site: http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/#netflix
Pros of the 7:
Amazing screen
Faster processor, more ram
Games look amazing, fast response
Instant switching between apps
Works wonderfully with Chromecast
Pure Android (comes with 4.3 loaded)
Lighter than previous model
No texture on the back, but same rubbery, protective feel
Front and rear camera, perfect for conferencing or for social media photos, etc
Excellent battery life
Everything you came to love about the original, with more options and a much, much better screen
Amazing Google maps navigation, makes finding stuff and getting to that stuff actually fun
Cons of the 7:
For me, I need something bigger to work on when I am out of the house
Can fit into your pocket (I did with the original) but the screen can scratch and a screen cover can slip off
No SD slot, if that bothers you
Pros of the Chromecast:
Super easy to set up and install
Cheap
Plugs right into your HDMI slot with an extra-long cord
Works across most platforms
Cons of the Chromecast:
Becomes very warm, but not hot to the touch
Occasionally glitchy
Browser streaming works well, but is still in beta and has some issues
Takes a short while to figure out queuing, etc, but not long
Overall the package of the Chromecast and the Nexus 7 (and even Samsung Chromebook) is awesome, inexpensive and will lead to a long life of fun use.
Contact: beau@massively dot com
@Beau_Hindman
Beauhindman.com