The biggest drawback with any android device is the lack of online updates /security patches/ bug fixes unlike iOS. Nexus goes a long way to address this with OTA [over the air] updates - mine upgraded from 4.2 to 4.3 after I got WiFi working though at this price I would have preferred a 3g sim slot also.
This means over 3/4th of all android devices globally have gaping known security holes and are very vulnerable to documented exploits. Compare this with ios7 which 2/3rd of users worldwide upgraded in the 1st fortnight after release [200 million in 3 days despite apple ’slowly’ rolling it out to avoid clogging up its servers and spoiling the experience].
Google needs better naming since the old Nexus7 [non-HD] being offered for around Rs.10k. Online seems similar to the new had one that I have - almost fooled me into thinking it was cheaper in India despite an additional 1/3rd duties or taxes being added!
How about nexus 7a, 7b, etc? I dislike the lack of micro sd /expandable memory since most other android tablets have this - don’t blindly copy apple for the heck of it. I had used a Karbonn 4" ICS handset for almost a quarter so I’m not new to android.
I love the sleek form factor and HD screen but was quite disappointed that I was unable to tether it over Bluetooth to my iPhone [anyone else tried this on ios6?]. This BT tethering worked from My 3Gs to my old win XP laptop on the 1st try [dell] so its not a phone issue. The nexus also failed to pair with my CDMA BB despite having BT switched on from the settings menu and the widget.
I could not get my 3g CDMA dongle working via an adapter so that may require jail-breaking/rooting the nexus [why Google?]. It takes the longest button press and hold to start-up unlike the 1-2 secs we are used to on other android phones.
Almost feels like 3-4 secs which is irritating the 1st few times until you remember to keep pressing for longer.
There needs to be a ’restart’ option also and not just ’shutdown’ for all android devices to improve usability like good old windows.
I liked the concept of the face detection option instead of pin but it did not seem to work most of the time. There is also a security feature that requires you to blink for unlocking the tablet to avoid others from simply holding up a hires photo of you to bypass the facial unlock.
Strangely enough I found that certain sites that were blocked from chrome were reachable from Firefox so you can try downloading that free app in case you face some censorship! BTW, you get 14 of 16gb available which should suffice for most people.
PS: This is based on my first couple of weeks of use so its initial impressions only so far.