Nexus 10 vs. Surface

[egernant]

I owned a Nexus 7 for a brief stint and enjoyed it thoroughly. It was used primarily for games, reading, web browsing and social media. The specs and display of the Nexus 10 have made me really want the device, but at twice the price of the Nexus 7, I'm just not sure I can justify it for the uses I'll likely have for it.

Even if I can justify it, it's hard to ignore the Surface, which at 32GB each, comes out to the same price as the Nexus 10. Aside from the display, the Surface seems to offer a lot more functionality than the Nexus 10 in that it has an optional touch cover (which is awesome) and tries to offer a true Windows 8 experience in terms of productivity. I don't really need a laptop replacement right now, but it's hard to argue with getting a productivity tablet / laptop hybrid for the same price as an Android tablet that really only excels at media consumption.

I'm very entrenched in the Android ecosystem with my Galaxy Nexus, a lot of games and apps purchased in the Play Store (mostly when Google runs its sales), and all of my music / files / contacts in google's cloud via Music, Drive and Gmail. It's those intangibles that would make the Nexus 10 less of a hassle to use in tandem with my smartphone.

I'm really torn between these two tablets, what are other people's thoughts? If I were convinced that the Nexus 10 can be a productivity tablet, or perhaps that the Surface is NOT really a productivity tablet, it would make this decision much easier.

Thanks!

 

[Atma]

Hi egernant. I moved this to the device comparison forum. I've had similar thoughts as you. Nexus 10 or Win 8 tab. For me at least, I think of the Nexus 10 as more of something that I can play with. Rooting, roms etc. If I needed something for productivity I think I would go with a Win 8 tab, not necessarily the Surface RT.

As I understand, the RT is more of a stripped down version, although I was reading this article this morning by someone that says that's not true.

 

[sonicdeathmunk]

Hi egernant, I think I am in exactly the same situation as you. I currently own a Nexus 7 and I love it. I use it mainly for taking lecture notes, gaming and reading. My only problem is that the N7 is not great for productivity due to it's small screen. Typing using the on-screen keyboard is a mess so I rely on a bluetooth keyboard, but that doesn't work so well unless I have a flat area. Attempting to use it on the train or bus requires a dangerous balancing act!

I also want to upgrade to a 10" tablet, but at the moment I don't know how great the Nexus would be for productivity. I've read good things about Quickoffice Pro and others, but would that be enough to make a N10 a better choice over a Windows RT device with Office?

I'm also deeply entrenched in Google's apps, and would prefer not to give that up.