Database Users

Is 16GB enough?

The Tab will be released next week in the UK and I don't wish to pay more than I need to, do you folks think that 16GB will be enough for general usage? How much space are you left with after installing your general apps etc?
Sent from my HTC Desire

It depends on what you are going to use it for and if you plan on keeping your media library on it, etc.
16gb is fine for me. I throw on movie files when I'm going to be out and want to watch something (delete them when I'm done), have no use to store pictures on it, a handful of apps that I use, ebooks, etc. I use my Zune HD for music, so I've no desire to put music on it.
I figure if I start to have lots of files I'll need access to, I'll get the USB or SD Card adapter at the store and be happy that I saved a hundred bucks between the difference of a 16gb and a 32gb.

I prefer 32GB. But 16 gb should be fine as well. For music you install google music and sign up for invite, then you can upload all the music from your computer to the Cloud. It let you upload 20000 songs. Not bad. For streaming movies and videos from your computer download the plex application from market.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

16GB works for me - acutally my Tab says 9GB free space.
Most of my music streams over Google Music, before a long flight I choose the movies I need and delete old ones and Office Documents are stored in my dropbox.
Slashtop HD helps too

Just get the Samsung USB adapter and a Micro SD card w/reader and you can copy files to/from the Tab while traveling, see my post in this thread for pics and prices...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1185810

16 GB is enough for me. If the 32 GB model was $50 more, then I probably would have gotten it. Can't see paying $100 more for it.
As mentioned earlier, I also store my music library in the cloud with Google Music. I can listen to my music from my phone, tablet, and PC.
I don't store movies on it. I only store a movie or two on it temporarily. When I'm done, I delete it. I have the USB adapter and a 16 GB adapter to go along with it. I recently went on a trip, so I have 10 movies on it, quite a few apps, and pictures. I still have 7 GB left. The 10 movies I have are not HD, therefore their file size is a lot smaller than HD videos. The videos still look pretty good to me. If I'm into the clarity of the movie, then I should be watching it on my 60" TV, and not a 10" screen.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

16GB is more than enough to store a few hours of video. Easy enough to plug in the USB adapter and a thumb drive to swap content past that point.
The USB dongle and a 32GB thumb drive costs less than the extra 16GB of builtin memory.
In fact, for the $100 price delta you can get the USB dongle ($20) and two 32GB thumb drives (approx. $40 each).

I ended up with 16gb model only because Staples does not carry the 32gb model in the store and I used the $100 coupon.
I would have bought the 32gb just to have it but like others have said for the $100 price difference it really doesnt make sense. Just manage your videos and put music in the cloud, should be good with 16gb that way.

I used the $100 I would have spent towards the purchase of a new Netbook.
I now have the best of both words. With the Tab being so thin, I can store my Netbook, Tab 10.1 with the Samsung flip case, chargers, USB dongle, and cables all in a traditional netbook carrying case. I can use the Netbook for PC specific apps and certain websites that I have issues with on tablet browsers. I can use the Tab for web browsing, reading, Android apps and games.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the replies folks, much appreciated. I think the 16gig version will be fine for my needs, I don't think I'll be loading music onto the Tab but perhaps a film or two for trips away etc. The next decision is .... white or black!

16GB becomes 13.27Gb in fact
i went with the 16GB and found out its not enough for me (it is though on my SGS II)
- nandroid backups takes 2GB each
- i have about 90 apps installed (2GB) but
- Gameloft Games data takes a lot of space and I cant get rid of them because that Spiderman HD is sooo good !
- videos are less than 1GB
- about 15 music tracks

I grabbed the 16GB version, as I bought mine almost entirely for my photography portfolio, a cooking app, and a pdf reader. I've got 12GB free, and probably wont go much below that. If I'm feeling adventurous in a year or so and I still have it, I'll look into the cost of 128Gb memory, and look at upgrading the memory myself (I'm assuming the tablet features dual 64Gb chips for a total of 128Gb, or 16GB, but i dont know until i can either take it apart or see internals

jeandujardin01 said:
16GB becomes 13.27Gb in fact
i went with the 16GB and found out its not enough for me (it is though on my SGS II)
- nandroid backups takes 2GB each
- i have about 90 apps installed (2GB) but
- Gameloft Games data takes a lot of space and I cant get rid of them because that Spiderman HD is sooo good !
- videos are less than 1GB
- about 15 music tracks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only keep one or two backups on my devices, the rest get offloaded to my pc.

evnarich said:
I only keep one or two backups on my devices, the rest get offloaded to my pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this require rooting my Tab?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

evnarich said:
I only keep one or two backups on my devices, the rest get offloaded to my pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
. Seriously, why in the world would anyone want to store multiples of 2gb backups on the actual device. Does not make any sense.

This is funny but i get the feeling that most of the people that replied to UKseagull think that UK is one of the states in US.
GUYZ WE DONT HAVE ANY GOOGLE CLOUD PRODUCTS, SAME GOES TO NETFLIX AND HULU. WE CANNOT BUY BOOKS OR MOVIES ON ANDROID MARKET EIHER.
But in regards to the question, 16GB should be more than enough,
My problem is 3G or not 3G, I know i have mny phone with me but on Tathering battery will last me few hours, than again Tab with 3G means i have to charge 2 devices at the same time.
3G will give me option to stream films online (thank you adobe) but than again thats another £10 to pay for new sim with unlimited data on P&G :/
Any good pros and cons?

I'd think that streaming films via 3G would be quite expensive, you can soon whiz through a 500mb data cap.
The 3G version is £100 extra to the wifi unit, but the MicroSD slot that comes with it is a plus.

Get a wifi tablet and a mobile hot spot. If you have a smart phone and laptop, they could share the hotspots and help eliminate the need for higher data on your smartphone. Just a thought to see if that is a better deal to double down on the mobile hotspots.
Regarding 16 vs 32. I bought 32gb knowing that expansion would have to be via USB cable plus drive. Its okay for stationary use but not the best for travel and mobile. But if you can be very selective on your media, 16gb will work fantastic.
I have about 600 songs, which are longer and larger files since they are remixes. Then 2 TV shows @ 550mb each and 1 movie @ 1.2gb. They are Standard Def movies. I have an ample list of apps installed as well. Barely any pictures. I have 18gb left on my storage. So I am doing quite well with 32gb. I could easily fit an ample supply of movies and music to fill it up. But I'm waiting to see what is available on the Samsung Hub in HD to download to my device. I listen to music at my desk at work via the media hub. So it charges while it plays, and then I grab and go to meetings with it. Saves me towing my iPOD with me everywhere. It stays in my Jeep and then only ejects for the gym. So my Tab is my work and travel entertainment device.
If you had a 16gb, you would be nearly full with the above list of media. So you would need to delete and make room for more or use the USB adapter plus external drive of sorts. Don't get me wrong it's nice to be able to do that.... but may not always be practical with the current case+stands out there. If you were wanting to watch a movie on a plane, it may be a bit much to drag out and spread on your tray table. or if you are in a hotel and want to watch a movie, it'll have to be on your tab storage if you use the HDMI adapter to connect to the hotel TV. You can't have external storage and HDMI at same time. I think downloading a movie while traveling would be nice to watch in a hotel room via HDMI adapter. Cheaper than a hotel and you can at least take it with you on your tablet for the trip to rewatch of finish if you fall asleep.
These scenarios are probably not applicable to most but if you travel alot you might appreciate the simplicity of the larger storage. Plus you can't change you mind later without loosing money on selling old and buy the more expensive 32gb. I hope that helps give a different perspective.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

32 GB and you will feel good about your purchase. Spend the extra money. Don't be cheap.

The SGT 10.1 is not out in Canada yet so I have to wait a little longer.
I think I'll go with the 16GB version.
If I need extra space then I will go with the Wi-Drive (Kingston). Rumor has it an app is in the works for Android. My other option is to use a microSd card in a SG2.

Best Flash Drive for OTG?

Want to get a flash drive for OTG for my nexus 7 but I am unsure about if the speed of a usb drive is a concern.

I would be curious to know what flash drive consumes the least power. I'm sure they are all similar, but one would think a drive without LEDs might be better...perhaps different kinds of memory, etc. Who knows...way beyond my pay grade.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I don't think speed is an issue if you stream right from the flash drive, I think. But you should definitely get the 64gb for lots of extra storage for backups and movies, music, etc.

I use a patroit 32GB flash drive, which is really small also and it works good.

I think it would have to be the SanDisk Cruzer Fit CZ33 32GB USB Flash Drive(can't post links, its on amazon)
why you ask? It's small and won't cause much of a weight issue and wont stuck out, speed is not a issue.

I got the Patriot 32GB from Fry's for under 20 bucks and it works pretty good. I don't know about power consumption, but I can play movies off it no problem. I can jump to the middle of a film with almost no search time delay, which I thought was pretty impressive.

Q is it worth losing 70 or so dollars to get the 32gb.

I'm really torn, I don't know if I should take the 70-100 dollar hit to pick up a 32 gb, or just keep the 16 and be happy with the workarounds provided by our wonderful devs? Mods if this is inappropriate feel free to Axe.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Get thirty two, I have 16 and its to small, bad google
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

zubrug said:
Get thirty two, I have 16 and its to small, bad google
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hell...I have an 8gb....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Impossible to answer open.
Is 70 dollars going to mean your kids don't eat this week? Or your bus fare to work? Or do you blow 150 dollars a week on big macs, therefore 70 less is gonna do you some good....
It's all relative, you see
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Depends on ho you use it.If you are a gamer that likes to fill the device with tons of games or apps you might as well upgrade.If you don't game a lot and don't might using usb drives to hold most of your bigger files it probably is a waste of money.For me since there is nothing new but more memory I have no need for it.Still have lots of free space on my device and videos on a stick drive is no biggie for me. jmo

I have the 8GB, and opportunity cost just isn't worth it for me, anyway I grown attached to the old girl. I'm buying a fast 32GB USB 3.0 drive (I know usb 2.0, but it can give a slight boost) and going to make the usb drive the default sdcard, as outlined in the thread below. I'll create a thread, with I/O benchmarks once I've set it up, I need a new 3.0 pendrive, so I can't really lose
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1865094

I just got my Nexus 16gb version in my hand today.
If I knew i might have waited... Though I live in Norway so it make take a while since we just got them a week ago here.
The 16gb is alright, I don't see how I would need more for my use anyway.
I download series I watch when I travel and delete them after I watch em. You can get a lot of music with only 16gb version.
I have a few games the biggest one is 1gig witch is Asphalt 7.
I also have alot of music videos (.flv files) does not take much space eighter.
In my opinion 16gb will suffice. :good:
If I used all of 32 gb with stuff it would also be a pain in the ass to fix it back if you had to factory reset ect. Just a thought
If you can afford the wait and have the buck, why not right.. I kinda want the 32,, dunno if I would have waited.

wasn't there the method with OTG USB Kabel to use external space?
I don't know what ppl do with all their space. I have been using 16gb, and never got full.
Had all apps i needed, 5-7 movies, photos, ebooks. Games like GTA3,Fifa'12,Maxpayne. The only thing i used was the google play music streaming cloud. cause my library exceeds the space by far and when i am listening to music i'll always had wifi so far.
Get your data-mess organized and everything will be fine.
Some tips:
Watch a Movie and delete it afterwards ( Or use google play movies to stream )
Sort out bad Pictures and only keep the highlights.
Keep apps you only really use. Have lots of games? Keep those you are actually playing. Can't play all games at once. Remember you can always re-download them when you feel like it!
Create a playlist with most frequent songs. All others can be placed into the play music cloud and accessed very neatly with google music player.. very seamless. Use streaming services for additional music like spotify, soundcloud, 8tracks, pandora, etc.
After you messed around with diffrent firmwares and stuff, maybe a full wipe is advisable, cause some garbage could remain.
Tweak picture / movie sizes before uploading to your nexus 7
Hope this helps!

Thanks guys for the responses. I think I'm just going to keep it. I got to thinking more about it, which led me to looking into file sharing between my phone(64+16gb) and the Nexi. So, at the sake of sounding like a moron, since I finally realized I could do that; I decided to keep it.

I'd just keep it.
I could live with 8GB but I'm getting a 16.
I play no games and store no local media besides pictures,

I don't play any games other than like pinball and flick golf. But I do like movies and such, so that is what takes a lot of room on my devices. But since I can download to my phone and play to my nexii, I'm going to settle with lower storage.

i thought about returning the 16gb for a 32gb, but since I bought my nexus from newegg I need to do the 15% restocking fee. Not worth it to drop more money for the 32gb. I got a 32gb flash drive for $10 and an OTG cable for $2, i am satisfied with my nexus 7 storage space.

You could always just spend less than a dollar for and OTG cable from Amazon, grab a flash drive of any size, install stickmount and then you've got more space at a minimal loss. When I'm watching movies, the OTG cable hides easily in between the n7 and the case.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

My 16GB is going on Ebay while there hot selling still. I wouldn't hesitate at all, to me having 32GB without an OTG flash drive connected is priceless.
On the other hand if you don't need it and you're happy with a workaround then why bother.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

I'm gonna sell my 8 GB and get the 32 GB. I'm probably going to lose around $50 in the process but there just isn't enough space for me to keep backups, a few different ROMs/kernels, a bunch of games and other things on there. I know I probably won't fill it up but it's always better to have more than not enough! I bought a USB OTG adapter but I hate how obtrusive it is and the fact that I can't charge it at the same time (unless I buy a different cable now), also I'd have to pick up a 32 GB flash drive since the biggest one that I currently have is only 4 GB. Not to mention the fact that I would always have to have the adapter/cable and flash drive with me at all times. That right there is worth the upgrade to me

I think 16gb suffice. Mostly one runs only out of space due to keeping to many unused apps and videos on the device. Even with 32GB one will eventually run out of storage if one doesn't delete them every now and then.

You know what they say, you can't have enough money and storage space I'd go for the 32 if I needed space. I have 16Gb but I have 32Gb in my phone so I can compensate for that (music etc all on phone not tablet)

I'm fine with my 16, but I don't game a lot, so it works out for me. The sad reality is even a 64GB Nexus 7 would be "too small" if I wanted to fit all of the videos and whatnot I wanted onto it. I like to have a lot of live concert recordings handy because that's the ultimate way for me to relax and zone out is to watch Pink Floyd's Pulse or Pearl Jam Unplugged...
I have found the best thing for me is USB OTG with my 500GB external hard drive which, miraculously, is powered entirely off of the micro USB port on the N7. As a result, if I can keep at least 5-6 GB free for offloading "current" videos onto the N7, watch them, then delete them off to copy more stuff over, I'm a happy camper.
Disclaimer: No, I don't *need* these things on me at any time. I could function and work perfectly fine on a 4GB variant of the Nexus 7 if I had to. But having a 500GB drive approximately 75% full of various video/music content handy at all times regardless of wifi connectivity makes this a tremendously awesome alternative. As a result, the lines between "what storage size do I need?" gets blurred significantly enough to simply not matter.

16G here and still have like 9G left and have a couple games on it and some pictures/music and one movie and quite a few apps.
Since I don't game much, 16G is plenty, especially with the OTG cable. I have a 64G flash drive I use mostly for movies. Cost me 35 bucks so, more memory and still saved money.
Sent from a galaxy far away!

[Q] [Answered] 16 GB Model + Cloud Storage / External HDD Enough?

Is there anyone who has a 16GB version of the Nexus or has had a 16GB tablet who can comment on the space availability?
Things I will be using the tablet for are mostly education related -- jotting notes on PDFs, web browsing, email, and likely occasional netflix/movie streaming. Was thinking maybe a few games simply because I don't want to waste the resolution abilities of the tablet, might be nice to game once in a while.
I was concerned about the size of apps overall taking up space, but I was also wondering if there are ways to attach external HDDs to the nexus? I was thinking that with cloud storage, 16GB would be enough but would like to ask the community what their experience was...
Thanks

TheEmpyre said:
Is there anyone who has a 16GB version of the Nexus or has had a 16GB tablet who can comment on the space availability?
Things I will be using the tablet for are mostly education related -- jotting notes on PDFs, web browsing, email, and likely occasional netflix/movie streaming. Was thinking maybe a few games simply because I don't want to waste the resolution abilities of the tablet, might be nice to game once in a while.
I was concerned about the size of apps overall taking up space, but I was also wondering if there are ways to attach external HDDs to the nexus? I was thinking that with cloud storage, 16GB would be enough but would like to ask the community what their experience was...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did a clean wipe and checked my space. It was at 13GB (before any app installs)

For your needs you should do just fine with a 16gb. And yes, you can use usb storage options such as lash drives.
I have the 16gb and while it's mostly for surfing the web, i have about 15 games installed, about 20 apps, 2 whole tv series (not in HD as they are cartoon/animation so no need) and a failm that is about 2.5gb, and some music. I've still 2gb+ left and almost 9gb of the used space is media which can always be replaced or removed. Even for media use, my tablet is a home tablet that will ocassionally be taken out and about, with foresight, but if it's one that you want to take out and about and keep out and about, then you might want either the 32gb or more economically a simple OTG cable and flash drive/sd card and reader.

Thanks for the input. I went ahead and ordered the 16 GB model. I just figured between cloud storage and managing my media files I should be fine. My HTC One X has 16 GB of storage and I haven't had any problems with space. Really looking forward to my first tablet!

I also have a 16gb and I think its fine. Also have otg cable and elago 32gb microsd for movies, etc....
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium

Once I get my device I'm going to work on getting an OTG cable and experiment with that. Never used one before but seems like a great solution for less space on the device
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2

TheEmpyre said:
Once I get my device I'm going to work on getting an OTG cable and experiment with that. Never used one before but seems like a great solution for less space on the device
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be aware that external storage via an OTG cable will only work using an app like this one
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer&hl=en
If you want to use the extra storage in the same way you would use the internal storage, you will need to root the device. See this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2001868

Pro or 16gb?

Hi guys. I have an Amazon fire tv box at the moment. Fully rooted and running some good media stuff. I am selling and upgrading to a sheild tv. My question is this. Which model should I go for? From a rooting point of view, is the 500gb model just the same to do. I have read posts talking of difficulties. If I buy the 16gb model and use an external hdd, is this the same as a pro model? I understand you can use external as internal now? Could someone enlighten me?

16gb of course... Best speed... And yes with the adoptative storage... I got a 500gb external hdd usb 3.0 as internal, no problems.. A cheapest option for more internal storage.

Largewoodenspoon said:
Hi guys. I have an Amazon fire tv box at the moment. Fully rooted and running some good media stuff. I am selling and upgrading to a sheild tv. My question is this. Which model should I go for? From a rooting point of view, is the 500gb model just the same to do. I have read posts talking of difficulties. If I buy the 16gb model and use an external hdd, is this the same as a pro model? I understand you can use external as internal now? Could someone enlighten me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I recommend the 16GB
however, if you plan to use a lot of internal storage and dont want to mess with figuring out adoptive storage then the 500GB pro would benefit you.
(adoptive storage really inst that difficult in my opinion and works really well making the 16GB far more appealing but since so many people have been having issues with it I thought it should be noted)
Shield Pro:
Pros:
the 500gb is always seen as internal storage
No need to use adoptive storage unless you are putting massive amounts of offline media on it
No real need to use external storage except for transferring files to it.
Cons:
The 500GB hard drive is a normal hard disk which does make a little noise, this bothers some people.
Early models had some issues with defective hard drives
Some people report slight performance issues compared to the 16GB model which they attribute to the hard disk
Bottom line: the Pro is going to be easier to use all around if you plan to install a lot of games or offline media but it is noisier and may have some performance stutters, also note that there were some earlier models with hard drive failure. nvidia has been great about replacing them but it should be noted.
Shield 16GB
Pros:
Smoother performance (Per some reports)
Cheaper
No defective hard drive issues since it doesn't have a hard drive.
Quieter
Adoptive storage in 6.0 gives the option to bridge the storage gap with the pro. (There are some cons to this though, see below)
When using fast external storage media as adoptive storage in my experience there have been no performance issues whatsoever.
Cons:
only 16GB of internal space
When installing multiple large games you will need to use adoptive storage
To use adoptive storage you will need to either purchase an additional SD card, OTG drive or hard disk unless you have one with good write speeds laying around.
if using slower memory as adoptive storage there are some very definite performance issues.
Bottom line: if you wont be installing many large games at the same time and use external storage for music, videos and Game Roms then this model is a no brainer being the cheaper option with generally better performance and no risk of a defective hard drive.
however, if you want to install a lot of large games to it and otherwise heavily use adoptive storage then you have to be very careful to make sure you understand how it works and what you need or it can be a headache. (you can tell this pretty easily reading through the forums with so many people complaining about it) in my own experience it works pretty well though as long as you understand what you are getting into.

I have both and never had a single issue with either... until the 3.0 update... but thats another story... in my experience, they perform the same in regards to the x1 chip... ive never heard the HDD in the pro model and i was a day one adopter... the list above is comprehensive and pretty much hits the nail on the head, but i just wanted to chime in and say that ive never heard the HDD spinning on my pro model.

If the pro model also has emmc for OS and only uses the HD as storage, I'd consider the Pro model. Unfortunately SATV Pro uses the HD for OS and it's impossible for users to clone the HD. HDs are likely to fail sooner than emmcs and make the SATV pro a waste.
SATV should have a standard SATA interface for storage and emmc for OS like the Jetson TX1.

I see little benefit in getting a pro now. If you want the absolute fastest in terms of storage you may as well get an external usb3 ssd and use that as adoptable storage
I'll be honest I didn't consider the pro as it was $100 more expensive for the 500gb hd which is an absolute rip off. If it was $50 I would have probably got one. Depends how OCD you are about clutter, personally I don't mind using an external HD.

Ok thanks guys. I just ordered the 16gb model. Do you think I need the extra stick remote?
First thing I'm gonna do is root it.
Should I upgrade to latest 3 software? And flash a Custom rom?
I've read that something weird happens with the controller not working?
Anyway I'm very excited and consider it an upgrade from my Amazon fire tv box. I hope!?

Largewoodenspoon said:
Ok thanks guys. I just ordered the 16gb model. Do you think I need the extra stick remote?
First thing I'm gonna do is root it.
Should I upgrade to latest 3 software? And flash a Custom rom?
I've read that something weird happens with the controller not working?
Anyway I'm very excited and consider it an upgrade from my Amazon fire tv box. I hope!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend the remote, though it is a bit pricey for what it does.
The biggest place its come in handy for me is when I pair a Bluetooth device (Mouse, other controller etc.) the controller always seems to disconnect for some reason and wont let me hit the "Pair" button.
The remote never has connectivity issues for me and so I can always just grab it and hit the "Pair" button and worry about getting the controller reconnected later.
I also tend to use it when I'm watching movies using headphones because I can plug the headphones into the remote.
this can be done with the controller as well but it has three small benefits that I've found over using the controller:
1. its smaller and lighter than the controller so you can slip it in your pocket and still hear what's going on if you need to run to the kitchen in the middle of a movie or something.
2. it doesn't have any lights where the controller has lights that stay on all the time (Nvidia shield logo, home, start, back etc.) which can be a bit of an annoyance watching movies in the dark.
3. the buttons are much harder to accidentally press
It can also be used as a controller in some games which is a plus for some (I prefer the controller myself but my wife far prefers the remote for simple games like badlands and dragon fly)
I love it and would recommend it for the reasons above but for some people its probably redundant since the controller can perform all of the same functions.
so if the price isn't an issue I would go for it hands down, but if you were planning on using the money for something more pressing (a second controller or more storage etc.) your money may be better off used elsewhere.