Hi! I'm considering buying a tablet. I need it mostly to read books and newspapers (75%) + mail and social networks (25%). what you would recommend? thanks a lot!
As far as the social networks go screen size isn't an issue, but your main proposed usage is a bit trickier. For books I would definately suggest something in a 7" range as it is more comfortable to hold over long periods of reading. The problem is newspapers and magazines which greatly benefit from a larger display. Lenovo has a tablet that is quite powerful and midrange in size, the a2109 I think, and is very reasonably priced. Add to that a smart and enthusiastic user base that will help you get more out of the device than you probably ever imagined you wanted and it seems like the perfect solution.
I have long been a fan of 9.7" tabs; same shape and size of the iPad ...sticking with the 4x3 format; avoiding the 16x9, which is prevalent in just about all the 7" tabs ...like a Kindle Fire.
I now have an iPad, an 8" Onda and have just sold a 9.7" Teclast A10t with Android 4.0.
I think I have found the perfect size ...9.4". It is slimmer than a 9.7" in portrait mode; yet about the same width ..but not a big handful like a 10.1".
At the same time, 9.4" gives one way more screen than any 7".
Sony's 9.4" is more than I want to spend ..so I have my sights set on either the Pipo M8 or the Ramos W42.
Merimobiles & McBub has them both ...starting just over 200.00. There is also a Ramos W41 9.4" for less $ @ McBub; might be just perfect for you at a lower cost. It just has lower processing power than the others mentioned.
I wish you well.
side note:
When I got my Teclast, I had to root it to be able to get Google Play. I hated the tension of possibly 'bricking' my tab. Many of the newer tabs now have Google Play loaded; and have little need of rooting. Also look for Android 4.1 ...for sure.