7 inch tablet - Need to replace my Google Nexus 7 (2012)
 

I love my Google Nexus 7 (2012), it is just the right size and weight for me to carry around and fit in my coat pocket. However it is now time for me to replace it.

Google has gone to the Nexus 9 which is too big for me.

I am looking for an android tablet, 7 inch, wifi and a camera front and back. I primarily use it to read, netflix and use it to kill time with non graphic heavy games.

Prefer, if possible, to pay less than $300,00 USD.

Any suggestions?

Late last year, I bought two brand new 32GB Nexus 7 (2013) for $150 each at Office Depot. Refurbished ones do pop up for around this price on Groupon or Woot every once in a while. I've been very satisfied with them, and the wireless charging ability is great.

I got a refurbed LG GPad 8.3 to replace my older Nexus which was becoming a brick. The GPad is a little bigger so it no longer fits in my pocket but it has pretty snappy response.

Why is it time to replace it? Is it broken? Why not just get another one?

It's getting really slow. After turning it on, it takes 3-5 minutes before it is ready to do anything.

Primarily, its the frustration of wanting to do one quick thing (ie, look at the weather forecast, scores on the hockey,basket game) and it no longer is a quick process.

It also doesn't have a camera in the back so I can't take pictures with it.

The Asus Memopad 8 may be a good option for you: http://amzn.to/1Fe2Ci8

Little larger, but quad core processor, rear camera and MicroSD.

Given your satisfaction with the 2012 model, I'd just go with a refurbished 2013 model, which includes the rear camera. I made the jump from one to the other and found the newer model a reasonable improvement--not a game changer, just some nice features and better performance.

In regards to the slowness of the device you currently have, I'd consider a hard reset. After awhile, the amount of data and apps we load onto almost any device, much of it not referenced in months or years, invariably slows down the device. Backup your data, photos, videos, and music while evaluating what apps you really use.

You could re-flash the factory image (which wipes out everything), or get a new tablet.

If you're interested, get the 2013 N7, however, I'd advise against it.
Samsung's new tablets are quite nice, both the Tab 4 and Tab S Series.

Tab 4 series has 7" models, 8" models and 10.1" inch models.
The 7" is a piece of crap, the 8'' is not bad but the 10.1 is actually quite nice.

The Tab S is even better, but I'm afraid its a tad over USD 300 (well, at least here in Pakistan), it may be cheaper in your country, so do have a look at it.

The reason I'm advising against the 2013 N7, is because after a few updates, it'll become just as bad as the 2012 one so there's really no point in buying one now.

I recently replaced my 2013 Nexus 7 with a Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. It's a bit expensive, but a great tablet.

It's got some Sony 'bloatware', but it's easy to remove to get to stock like OS. It comes with Android 4.4.2, but upgrades immediately to Android 5.

Both of my tablets are running 5.1.1 with no issues right now.

Not sure about the 2013 N7, but I have the 2012 one and it's a bit of an a** sometimes, its on 5.1.1 and it wasn't installed OTA, I flashed it.
It still stutters a lot and has difficulty running with only a gig of RAM.

2013 Nexus 7. I have two of them in our house and they still run very well on 5.1.1.

Still on my original N7 (2012) 32GB rooted w. custom ROM - updated to newest factory rom, fully wiped & flashed to newest bootloader & radio, etc. - as a weekend project, grounded over a blizzard winter weekend. Just brought custom ROM (RASTAPOP) up-to-date to 5.1.1 - runs fine, it's almost like a new device and stored extra MP4's on external USB drives with OTG connection. Paired up with Chromestick & Nexus 5 and BT keyboard, it's about all I need for casual use, still got 3 downloaded movies on it in case IFE is a no.
Sure, I would love the rear camera & better specs but not prepared to spend the extra $$ yet. Might want to backup the data & wipe the partitions, etc. for the reset, and flash away (XDA site has all the zip's & tools to do it right)
OTA whether it's 2012 or 2013, seemed to be more problematic on its own.

Another Nexus 7 (2012) user who upgraded to the 2013 version and am very happy with wireless charging having damaged my charging port on the 2012. ASUS was running a (clearance?) sale on these recently that included the wireless and wired docks and a case for $179.

Presently have the N7 (2013) wifi and overall great tablet. I am however waiting for the Xperia Z4 to come out and may upgrade to that. However I'm sure its not going to be anywhere near as cheap as the N7 was.