HTC Nexus 9 Tablet Review and Crowdfunding Updates

Rubber Band Gatling Gun is on Its Way

Before we get to anything else, do you remember about a year ago when I backed that Kickstarter rubber band gun project? No, not THAT little rubber band gun. I mean the big ass automatic gatling gun project! Well, guess what? I just got notification that they are shipping me the THREE guns I ordered! That’s right. I got the trifecta.

It took a long time to get them made and shipped, because Alex is over in the Ukraine and war broke out! In fact, Alex and his family had to flee their home, and he lost his sister in the process. But despite it ALL, his team completed the project and he’s shipping everyone their rubber band guns. So you can bet that as soon as I get them in… well, Cali better run for the hills.

Decadent Minimalist Wallet Nearing Pockets

I’ve also been told that that Decadent Minimalist wallet I told you guys about is starting to come off the assembly line and the John P. extra-thick edition is on its way soon. So when that arrives I’ll give you an update as well. But if you are one of the folks who ordered one, stay tuned. It won’t be long.

And, for the record, I’ve been using the sample version since the day I first tried it out. Which still shocks me because I would have told you that I would NEVER use it. And I’d have been wrong!

Skulpt to Start Shaping Muscles Soon

And while we’re on the subject of crowdfunding projects, Skulpt, the muscle quality analysis gadget that we covered at CE Week, and that I backed on Indiegogo, is soon to ship us a beta unit! So hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will be able to show you how that thing works and how best to put it to use in a fitness routine.

Scrubbed Results from Toothbrushing Poll

Now, for the record, sometimes I ask really important questions over on Google Plus. So if you aren’t following me at Google.com/+johnp you’re missing out. Last night I asked a riveting question. Do you wet your toothbrush BEFORE putting toothpaste on it?

So far with 250 votes in, 75% of people report that they DO wet the toothbrush first. And I happen to be in that category, because I find the toothpaste is just too dry and disgusting without a little water on it.

Which also makes me wonder. When are they going to make gummy toothbrushes? Because I would brush my teeth ALL DAY!

Hands On with the HTC Nexus 9

And finally, I’ve been spending some quality time with the HTC Nexus 9 tablet over the last couple of weeks, and wanted to give you a rundown on this little device. First, the specs!

– Android 5.0 Lollipop
– 8.9-Inch IPS LCD TFT Display; QXGA (2048×1536)
– 64 bit dual core NVIDIA Tegra K1 2.3 GHz Processor
– 192-core GPU
– 16 or 32 GB Flash Memory, 2 GB RAM Memory
– 1.6MP Front Camera; 8MP Rear Camera
– 0.96 pounds, .33” thick
– 802.11ac WiFi; 2×2 (MIMO)
– 3.5 mm audio jack, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1 and GPS

Now, beyond the stats, I found the screen to be very sharp and bright, although not the most touch responsive I’ve ever encountered. The Samsung Pros hold that honor, but in a different price category altogether.

Thanks to a 6700 mAh battery, the battery life is really quite good, and application performance is right up there with the newest tablets available. Gaming is better than average, thanks to the heavy duty NVIDIA processing on board, but its actually the WiFi that surprised me the most!

WiFi is one of those specs you generally just assume is there. But they did something special with the MiMo WiFi in the Nexus 9 because it is seriously responsive even in places I normally struggle with other devices!

In fact, I’m going to have to give the HTC Nexus 9 an Editor’s Choice award for being the first true 64bit tablet, with a 192 GPU chip, an excellent screen and just amazing WiFi performance. You can pick up the 16 gig model for $400 and the 32 gig for $479. You’re going to want to opt for the bigger one because there is no external expansion slot in these tablets.

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