"The playground is open," and it looks like the kids couldn't be happier. After the release of its new LG Nexus 4 smartphone, and Nexus 10 tablet sold out in hours, Google's HSPA+ enabled 32GB Nexus 7 tablet from AT&T similarly sold out in mere hours on the Google Play store.
Officially going on sale Nov. 13, "the AT&T HSPA+ model marks the first time a Google tablet is being sold with 3G capability (or 4G, depending on how you define AT&T's HSPA+)," says CNET.
Types of "4G"
4G
A 4G-enabled device is basically any device that pulls in wireless data faster than any 3G device. There are three major 4G standards: WiMAX, HSPA+ and LTE. Generally, HSPA+ and WiMAX run at the same speed - about 3X faster than 3G. LTE leads the race at 10X 3G speed.
Got it? Well, things aren't even that simple. To complicate matters for us, the four major carriers all define "4G" in their own way. Verizon's 4G platform is LTE.T-Mobile's is HSPA+. AT&T uses HSPA+ and LTE. And Sprint's step up from 3G is WiMAX.
HSPA+
HSPA+, or "Evolved High-Speed Packet Access", is essentially a super-charged 3G network, about 3 times faster than 3G.
WiMAX
WiMAX, or "Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access," is probably the least known of standard of 4G, and right now Sprint is the main carrier we know of using it. Sprint claims its 4G speeds are up to 10 times faster than its 3G speeds. Of course, that could be hyperbole, but WiMAX is noticeably faster than 3G.
4G LTE
4G LTE, or "Long Term Evolution", is the newest fastest genre of the 4G network. Reportedly, carriers claim it's up to 10 times faster than 3G, and apparently, that might even be a low estimate. LTE is so fast that download speeds can rival cable or DSL.
Granted, LTE isn't a sure-thing replacement for your wired Internet connection, but it comes pretty damn close.
The $299 tablet comes with 32GB of storage, 1GB of memory, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and a 7-inch 1,280x800 display.
In the latest month of sales, the Nexus 7 sold at a clip of about 1 million per month, according to Asus, which builds the device. It competes with $559 32GB 4G/LTE iPad mini, which is now available in Apple stores, and from carrier stores like AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon.
The Google Nexus 7 Android 4.2, JellyBean update began rolling out this week. The software upgrade recently rolled out to older Galaxy Nexus GSM models and now it seems that it is arriving on the high-selling tablet.
Once it is performed, the device will be running Android 4.2 build JOP40C that comes with a slew of new features. The update should roll out to Nexus S users next, according to CNET.
The Nexus 7 32GB model will retail for $229 at RadioShack with a new coupon code that the company is running. The electronics retailer will allow customers to purchase the tablet for this bargain price by using the coupon code: RMN20, according to the Christian Post.
ASUS CFO David Chang reported that the tablet started off selling 500,000 units per month and eventually moved up to 1 million this past month.
The Google Nexus 7 does feature a higher resolution display and a lower price tag, making it slightly more appealing. With 32GB of storage, at a low $299 price, and having the ability to connect to GSM networks across the globe, this is one of the more attractive tablets on the market.
If you were considering this tablet or any of the other new Nexus offerings that are no longer in stock, Google says that you'll have to wait a few weeks before they can replenish stock.
Specs
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS; Multi-Touch 7" Backlit IPS Display; 1280 x 800 Native Resolution (216 ppi); 1.2GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-Core CPU; Internal 1GB of RAM & 32GB Storage; 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & 4G; Scratch-Resistant Corning Glass Screen; Micro-USB Port, Docking Port, Audio Jack; G-Sensor, Gyroscope, GPS, Light Sensor; 1.2MP Webcam, Stereo Speakers, Dual Mics
"Nexus 7 brings you the best of Google-YouTube, Chrome, Gmail, Maps-and all the great content from Google Play in a slim, portable package that fits perfectly in your hand," said Google in its statement.
"To give you more room for all that great content you can now get Nexus 7 with 16GB ($199) or 32GB ($249) of storage. But we also wanted to make this highly portable tablet even more mobile. So we added HSPA+ mobile data. Nexus 7 is now also available with 32GB and HSPA+ mobile ($299), which can operate on more than 200 GSM providers worldwide, including AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S."
Price
16GB for $199 and 32GB for $249; available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan, and also through our retail partners Gamestop, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples and Walmart.