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First time tablet buyer - do I need Google Play?

B

beachbum61

Lurker
I am purchasing my first tablet to use when I travel overseas. I will also have my laptop with me so this is just to use as a mobile device when I am on the plane, sitting by the hotel pool, coffee shops etc. - probably 50% e-reader, 25% Internet surfing, and 25% other (maybe Nexflix)

My budget is under $200 and I have found a tablet that has what I want - the Ematic Pro II 4.0, except it does not have Google Play, but rather it's own apps. (I believe Kobo e-reader). I am trying to decide how important that is, considering my limited use (I don't want to get involved in rooting, etc.)

I am not familiar with using apps, so I have some questions:

I assume I can still get the Amazon app, and thus have access to all it has to offer if I don't like Kobo - am I correct?

I was told I will not be able to access my gmail account - is that correct?

Any others thoughts on the practical effects of no Google Play for my kind of use would be appreciated.

Cheers.
 
If your budget is $200(I assume you're in the US), get the Google Nexus 7, rather than that Ematic one as it's the same price. Which I believe is an off-brand Chinese device. The main advantage of having Google Play on a tablet, is the widest choice of apps, plus integration with Google services like Gmail and maps. I'm sure you can access Gmail with non-Google tablets, but you have to use the browser.
 
mikedt said:
If your budget is $200(I assume you're in the US), get the Google Nexus 7, rather than that Ematic one as it's the same price. Which I believe is an off-brand Chinese device. The main advantage of having Google Play on a tablet, is the widest choice of apps, plus integration with Google services like Gmail and maps. I'm sure you can access Gmail with non-Google tablets, but you have to use the browser.
Click to expand...

To add to what mikedt said, you will also have a device that is supported for a few years with updates and will not have compatibility issues with the apps you do want to use. I have two Nexus 7s and they are rock solid.

You also get $25 free credit in the Play market when you register your N7 so you can experiment with some apps or content at no additional cost to you.
 
Thanks for the feedback. The Nexis 7 looks good, but the problem is that it apparently does not have an HDMI port, so I cannot connect the tablet to a TV while I am traveling and possibly watch movies, etc. I may keep checking around.

Cheers.
 
mikedt said:
If your budget is $200(I assume you're in the US), get the Google Nexus 7, rather than that Ematic one as it's the same price. Which I believe is an off-brand Chinese device. The main advantage of having Google Play on a tablet, is the widest choice of apps, plus integration with Google services like Gmail and maps. I'm sure you can access Gmail with non-Google tablets, but you have to use the browser.
Click to expand...


i rooted some off brand chinese tablets for a freind that was selling them... you can get the android market on them.. but its typically a pain... alot of the knockoffs dont have a usb port.. so you cant adb into it... the only way would be to use a root explorer.. if you can get it rooted. and then put the vending.apk in system/app and change permissions....
and beware.. alot of the knockoffs have resistive screens.. which makes angry birds damn near impossible
 
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