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Nexus 7 General Forums => New Member Introductions => Topic started by: paxham on September 25, 2012, 09:47:05 PM

Title: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: paxham on September 25, 2012, 09:47:05 PM
This is my first tablet ever.  Problem number 1 in entering text.  I love to type and can do so quickly enough to converse this way, but not on a tablet.  I am resorting to my desktop right now so I can say what I want without thinking about it.  We I use my Nexus I spend more time correcting and editing than I do writing.  I'll get over it, but it is a hurdle.

I've have my Nexus just over a month.  I like all the apps and internet related features, but depending on wifi is frustrating.  I got used to my smartphone (which I don't currently have) and as often as not I can't use my favorite apps.  Even at home my wifi connection is not very robust.  I can't blame this just on the nexus, but still.  It is enough of a problem that it limits my use.  I chose the nexus as an affordable alternative to a 3G or 4G device.  I made my bargain and I can live with, but next time around I'll think twice.

I like the Jellybean OS.  Much better than my old Droid 2. whatever.  I've lived in a Windows world so long I still miss simple things like a tab key, delete key or a few basic function keys.  I'm old, but I'm adapting.  Given time, I'll be good at it.

Just as I'm getting used to and fond of this thing I might have to return or replace it.  My headphone jack has stopped working and this annoys me to no end.  I've come all this way and installed all these apps and now I'll have to take it back and get a new one.  I'm finding myself concerned about the quality of the product.  What might break next.  I'm wondering if this is the best place to put my money, not to mention my time.

Wish I had a happier tale, but I'm not looking forward to setting up my tablet from scratch.  My next stop will probably be Walmart to try to get a replacement.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: Tiny on September 26, 2012, 08:54:24 AM
Welcome to the forums!

Touch typing isn't easy on a tablet.  There are a lot of good alternate keyboards on Google Play.  Most are free, or free to try.

Make sure that your headphone plug is pushed completely in.  I don't use headphones myself, but several other forum members have reported that you should hear a distinct click when you plug them in.

Don't give up too fast.  You might grow to like using a tablet.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: paxham on September 26, 2012, 07:36:40 PM
Oh, I like the tablet, learning curve and all.  Typing's just a challenge and probably something I'll continue to do on my desktop.

I know what you mean about the headphone jack and I'll fiddle with it some more.  I'll exchange it for a new one only if I have to. 

Thanks for your reply.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: S.Prime on September 26, 2012, 08:07:11 PM
First welcome to the forum, as for touch typing, have you thought of trying a bluetooth or usb keyboard? Also coming from a Windows world, as well,  I was terrorized at the thought of reloading an OS and application restoration , but believe me it is not that difficult a task on Android.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: daraldf on September 27, 2012, 06:36:31 AM
Welcome to the forum and grats on choosing a Nexus 7. I struggle entering text on my N7 and my iPhone too but I've learned to rely on the predictive text capability to help me out. The first purchase I made on the Google Play store was SwiftKey 3 and it seemed to help.

Darald
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: paxham on September 27, 2012, 07:34:39 PM
Any tips on how I can backup and restore my data, apps and profile when I get a new one?
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: CBers on September 28, 2012, 03:22:42 AM
Hi paxham.

depending on what it is you want to backup, the only complete way to do a backup, in readiness for any restore, is to first ROOT your device and then backup via something like TITANIUM BACKUP.

See the "How to Root Your Google Nexus 7 Tablet (http://nexus7forum.com/index.php?topic=367.0)" thread.

I was very anti-rooting, but I did succumb in the end, and it was very easy.

If you are going to return your tablet, please bear in mind that unlocking it, which is part of rooting, you will invalidate your warranty, so if you were wishing to return it, then you may experience a problem.

If you just want to backup your pictures, music, videos etc., just plug the Nexus 7 into a PC and copy the files.

All app information, plus wifi passwords etc. are backed up to you Google account, and are downloaded when you sign-on to another tablet.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: JayJ on September 28, 2012, 03:27:26 AM
But you can relock it...
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: CBers on September 28, 2012, 03:38:16 AM
But you can relock it...

Can you ?? I didn't think that was possible, hence the warranty being voided ??
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: JayJ on September 28, 2012, 04:05:17 AM
You can, check the toolkit. You unroot and then relock...simples.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: CBers on September 28, 2012, 04:30:24 AM
Cool, thanks.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: paxham on September 28, 2012, 08:22:22 AM
All my music and pictures came from my PC so I was mostly concerned about all my app and accounts.  Sounds like I dont' have to worry about it.

I'll do a factory reset before I take it back to Walmart.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: CBers on September 28, 2012, 09:00:51 AM
You'll have all of your applications backed up on Google, but not the settings etc.

IE. you'll have to install and set them all up again.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: bjs229 on September 28, 2012, 10:33:39 AM
So the headphone jack is dead for sure? Have you tested the earphones lately on something else? I use my headphone jack as an audio out and it can be tricky to get the plug snapped in snug. I noticed that the shape or angle of the plastic shielding at the plug end of some wires/headphones can be tougher to get a good connection. As far as typing, that takes the right app and some getting used too. Primes mention of a Bluetooth device might be the ticket for you. Are you replacing the defective Nexus or washing your hands of it altogether?
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: paxham on September 28, 2012, 12:04:52 PM
I'm replacing it.  I used headphones and speakers on this from day one without any trouble.  I've tested with 4 different cords and headsets and don't hear a thing now.  I just tested one headphone on another device and it works fine.  It has to be the jack.  Annoying, but I'm not expecting any problem from Walmart on the return.    I want to get past this bump and see how far I can take this device.  I think this is an isolated defect in a quality product or at least I hope so.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: bjs229 on September 28, 2012, 02:27:42 PM
That is an annoying problem. Unacceptable for sure. Mine has a little bit of screen lift but not enough for me to be without it for a couple weeks. I hope you have better luck with the new one!
Title: Happy Ending
Post by: paxham on September 29, 2012, 04:36:57 PM
This comes under the heading of "boy do I feel stupid".  I just got off the phone with Nexus tech support.  The problem was not that the jack was not working, but that when you switch from speakers to headphones or external speakers the volume controls change.  I guess there are separate controls depending on how you are listening.  So after being advised to, I turned up the volume and yes I could hear.  Besides feeling "stupid" I also felt happy since Walmart's return policy on tablets is only 15 days.

So happy ending.  Now, on to bigger and better things.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: Tiny on September 29, 2012, 08:00:48 PM
Glad that your problem is solved and even happier that you shared the solution.  I'm sure that many are like me and learned something new about the Nexus 7 from your experience.  This is a great example of why I like forums.
Title: Re: Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
Post by: bjs229 on September 29, 2012, 08:18:26 PM
I was going to ask you if you tried turning the volume up but didn't think that could have possibly been the issue. :) Glad you got it sorted!