The Pandigital Nova 7 inch Media Tablet has an understated name. It’s not a Tablet, it’s not an eReader, it’s not just another Android device. A good name for it would be the “Awesome Nova ReaderLet”. If you habla espanol, please don’t let the model name turn you away. Nova en ingles es “No go”. This may still be appropriate as it just doesn’t just go, it flies.
From unboxing to acquiring WiFi and starting to use it to its fullest took less than 5 minutes. For any new device, that is outstanding. As a sidebar, while I did charge it for 2 hours prior to the full setup, I did notice that it came out of the box with a ¾ charge.
The first thing I did was set up my B&N account which allowed me full access to their vast library of books, magazines, newspapers and more. There are also free books too, and not just a dozen or so, more like hundreds.
Some of its features include, but are in no way limited to;
- 800MHz processor,
- 4GB of internal storage
- ActiveTouch display with 800x600 resolution
- Connects directly to the Barnes and Noble bookstore
- Front and rear-facing cameras
- 802.11 b/g/n wireless capabilities
- Built-in microSD card slot and a micro HDMI port
- Packed within a frame that's half-an-inch thick
Testing included the following;
- eReader Capabilities
- GetJar Store Selection
- Communications
- WiFi Speed
- Dual Camera Testing
- Battery Duration
- Touch Screen Sensitivity
Once I signed in to the Barnes & Noble store, I was able to download previous purchases, which was nice to see. Flipping through the pages was easy, whether it was a finger swipe or using the buttons at the bottom. The eBooks were clear and easily visible even in direct sunlight.
It includes Android 2.3, so you can take advantage of many thousands of apps in the GetJar marketplace. The apps run the gamut from games, to business and productivity, to widgets, weather and more. There are hundreds that are full featured and FREE as well as nominally priced (starting at $0.99) as well.
One thing I made sure I downloaded was Skype. It allowed me to call face to face, any of my contacts, thanks to the dual cameras on the device.
The WiFi speed and range was as fast and stable with the Pandigital Nova as it is with any of my laptops or desktops or iOS devices.
While the cameras are not 10+ megapixels, they are incredibly clear. I was able to use the front facing camera to take pictures as I checked in with the “Four Square” app that I downloaded as well as take and save them for later uploads to photo sites and/or Facebook.
The manual did not mention battery duration, but after using this off and on during a 10 hour work day (varying tasks; games, notes, etc) it still had a little over 25% of its battery life left.
The touch screen is extremely sensitive. Whether you use a stylus (optional) or your fingers, you will notice the ease of use and quickness in responding.
At well under $200, this is not a “you get what you pay for product”. This is a “hey, it’s under $200 and still is this powerful and useful of a product”. Pandigital is here to stay and give the other android tablets a run for their top spot.
Learn more at Pandigital or head on over to Amazon for a great deal.
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