Nexus 7 gets HSPA+, some sun (pictures)

The Nexus 7 now has an HSPA+ option. Yay! Another opportunity for it to bask in the sun, whilst taking some revealing pictures.

Eric Franklin

Eric Franklin led the CNET Tech team as Editorial Director. A 20-plus-year industry veteran, Eric began his tech journey testing computers in the CNET Labs. When not at work he can usually be found at the gym, chauffeuring his kids around town, or absorbing every motivational book he can get his hands on.

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Eric Franklin

Nov. 13, 2012 9:00 a.m. PT

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Same old Nexus 7

The Nexus 7 with HSPA+ is, from a design perspective, the same old Nexus 7 we've come to love.

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The difference

The biggest difference is its new SIM card slot. Don't worry, though: contracts are not required.

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Great design

The Nexus 7 is still one of the best designed tablets yet. It's small and subtle, but its power button and volume rocker are spaced nearly perfectly.

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Textured back

What really makes the Nexus 7 a joy to hold is this grippy textured back.

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Play better

The Google Play store has improved by leaps and bounds since earlier this year.

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On the side

Implemented in Android 4.1, the apps tray now rotates to the right with the tablet held in landscape. Also, the icons in 4.2 are a bit smaller than they were previously.

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