Google gave me one of these 10” tablets at GDC. People ask me how I like it whenever they see it, and I finally have an opinion. It’s a nice device, overall, but I would not have paid the money for it. There’s a place for it in my life, albeit a small one.

The first thing people say when they pick it up is “this is heavy”, and it is true that it’s heavier than the iPad, but I kinda like it. It feels substantial. I have the 4G version without 4G, so I’m only using it on Wireless LAN, which hasn’t been a problem, since I don’t carry it with me at all times. It’s not that kind of device.

Best usage scenarios so far:

• As a surface for looking at geocaching maps with others and planning a trip.
• As a TV companion to read up on Doctor Who lore.
• As bedside internet, keeping me from getting up in the morning.
• As a mobile phone, thanks to the Skype app.

Pros:

• Android 3.0 is pretty cool. I like the UI of the OS quite a lot.
• The multi-tasking is really working.
• You get used to the idea that apps don’t need to be closed after a while.
• It’s made my Google Reader unread items count go down a lot.
• I like to keep it next to the bed, because it starts so much faster than a PC coming out of hibernation.
• Google Chat and Google Mail apps are fantastic.
• The HDMI output is great for presentations.
• Battery life is about 2 days with my usage pattern.
• Camera quality is light-years ahead of the iPod camera.

Cons:

• There is no good IRC app.
• It does not charge over USB. I now have yet another charger.
• Some apps don’t know how to cope with the screen size (Caltrain!)
• The web browser frequently stops loading things, reboot is the only fix I’ve found.
• No netflix app.
• The Skype app doesn’t have video.