Last week I posted an article with a list of 10 covers and cases for the 2nd gen Google Nexus 7 tablet. Before posting the article I had already ordered the official travel cover for the Nexus 7 that is made by Asus.
At the time there weren’t any reviews for it so it was kind of a gamble. In retrospect I wish I would have waited and purchased a different cover off the list, especially considering several are about half the price of the Asus cover.
Maybe I’m being too critical of the Asus travel cover, but I flat out don’t like it and think it is way overpriced for what I paid at $22.50. Here’s the low-down:
Review: Asus Travel Cover for 2nd Gen Nexus 7
Pros
- The cover is light and thin and fits the new Nexus like a glove.
- Has cutouts for all the ports, speakers, and camera.
- Front cover folds all the way back, unlike the Acase cover I reviewed for the Kindle Fire.
- Available in various colors.
Cons
- The cover flap doesn’t stay closed; there is no attachment whatsoever so unless gravity is holding it closed it flaps open all the time.
- No built-in magnet to activate the sleep/wake feature on the Nexus 7.
- Feels cheap and very flimsy, and offers little to no impact protection.
- Can’t be used as a stand to prop up the Nexus 7 like most other covers, front flap is too flimsy.
Verdict
Maybe my expectations were too high, but I don’t like this cover at all and cannot recommend it for the price it is currently selling at ($19.00). It looks the like the early reviewers at Amazon agree with me; it has a 2.7 star rating over 48 reviews.
Personally I would give it a 3 star rating. The cover works and serves its purpose and there’s nothing physically wrong with it so I can’t give it 1 or 2 stars, but if I had to do it over again I would definitely get something else instead. The front flap is the biggest deal breaker because it just doesn’t stay closed very well and feels too flimsy.
You saved me $20 if I buy the Nexus 7!
I still have to figure out which device to purchase; the Nexus 7 or the Galaxy Note 8.0
What do you think Nathan?
I have not tried the Galaxy Note 8 so I cannot offer much advice. The combination of high price and the low resolution screen is a deal-breaker for me, but it just depends on your personal preference. It has some different features going for it than the Nexus 7 and the larger screen size is favorable.
I have the same question as Mr DeLoyd. I am interested in the Galaxy Note 8 and the new Nexus. Your thoughts on these 2 devices for web browsing and reading? Thank you