App comparison: iPad vs. Nexus 7 -- no clear winner

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  • 01-chrome-ipad.jpg

    Chrome browser- iPad

    Chrome is my favorite browser on every platform now that it is available on iOS. It is very similar in form and function on both the iPad and the Nexus 7.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 02-chrome-n7.jpg

    Chrome browser- Nexus 7

    While similar to the iPad version of Chrome, some web sites including ZDNet display slightly differently on the Nexus 7 (with desktop version selected) than on the iPad.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 03-directv-ipad.jpg

    Directv - iPad

    The iPad version of the Directv app is much better in both use of the display and in functionality. While both the iPad and Android versions handle DVR functions and the program guide, the iPad version also functions as a full remote control.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 04-directv-n7.jpg

    Directv- Nexus 7

    The display is used not as well on the Android version than on the iPad. The lack of remote control functionality makes the Nexus 7 version of Directv much less useful than the iPad version.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 05-evernote-ipad.jpg

    Evernote- iPad

    The iPad version of Evernote is full-functioned, but doesn't use the display nearly as well as the multi-paned display of the most recent Android version.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 06-evernote-n7.jpg

    Evernote- Nexus 7

    The new Android tablet version of this app is a marvel in use. It features sliding panes to make the best use of the Nexus 7 display.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 07-gmail-ipad.jpg

    Gmail- iPad

    While much better than it used to be, the iPad version of the Gmail app is not as fully functional as the Nexus 7 version.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 08-gmail-n7.jpg

    Gmail- Nexus 7

    Unsurprisingly, the Nexus 7 version of the Gmail app takes full advantage of native Gmail functions. It may be the best mail program on any platform and Gmail power users will appreciate using it.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 09-pocket-informant-ipad.jpg

    Pocket Informant- iPad

    The iPad version of PI leaves Android in the dust. The display is much more attractively done, and the iPad version has many more features than the Nexus 7 version.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 10-pocket-informant-n7.jpg

    Pocket Informant- Nexus 7

    The screen shot comparison with the iPad version says it all. The Android version is embarrassing compared to the iPad version. On top of that there are features missing from the Android version such as contact support.

    The Nexus 7 version is so bad I don't use it at all on the tablet.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 11-skype-ipad.jpg

    Skype- iPad

    I use Skype a lot to stay in touch with friends and colleagues, and the iPad version is a solid performer. The display is used well on the tablet, and call quality is superb.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 12-skype-n7.jpg

    Skype- Nexus 7

    Skype is a decent performer on Android, but the display is not used as well as on the iPad. Call quality varies on the Android tablet, more so than on the iPad in my experience.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 13-zite-ipad.jpg

    Zite- iPad

    This app originally appeared on the iPad, and is a great example of the way a tablet program should work. The screen use is marvelous, and performance is solid.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 14-zite-n7.jpg

    Zite- Nexus 7

    The Android version of Zite is absolutely embarrassing compared to the iPad version. The screen use is horrible. It's so bad I refuse to use Zite on the Nexus 7.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 15-flipboard-ipad.jpg

    Flipboard- iPad

    This app is another good example of the way a tablet app should work. The displays are marvelous, and operation by touch is fluid and enjoyable. This is one of my favorite iPad apps.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • 16-flipboard-n7.jpg

    Flipboard- Nexus 7

    While only recently ported to Android, Flipboard works nicely on the Nexus 7. Even though it displays well and works fine in landscape as shown here, it really shines in portrait. I love using Flipboard on the Nexus 7.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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Pocket Informant- Nexus 7

The screen shot comparison with the iPad version says it all. The Android version is embarrassing compared to the iPad version. On top of that there are features missing from the Android version such as contact support.

The Nexus 7 version is so bad I don't use it at all on the tablet.

Caption by: James Kendrick

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