Google Nexus 7 question (repair vs buy new)

[brandonkick]

A friend of mine is looking into upgrading his tablet. The one he has now, he bought about 3 or 4 years ago and even back then it was pretty much a $100 special. He wants to get something a little faster and newer, and was looking in the $100-$125 range.


I was thinking of those who mentioned the chinese tablets that are really powerful for the money, but I can't seem to find any decent quality ones in that price range. What I did find was the Google Nexus 7. Even brand new they are $169 which is not a bad price. However, here is where the question comes in. I see these tablets on ebay with cracked screens for around $50-$60, and the screen replacements cost around the same.

So for $100-$120 I can get him a used tablet and put a new screen in it.

1st question: Is it hard to change the screen on these? I've looked it up, and it doesn't seem any harder then the iPhone 4(s) screen repairs I've done but I'd rather find out from those who've done this before.

2nd question: Are the replacement screens of good quality? Does anyone know of a good place to get one of these screens of good quality at a good price (no more than $60 or so)?

I know most of you would say it's not worth while, and to just buy a new one for the cost of the broken tablet, screen and labor cost but I wouldn't be charging him for me swapping the screen. I'd be doing it for free as mostly a favor to him (to get him the best possible tablet in the range of what he can spend) and to get the experience of repairing tablets.

 

[codegreen]

I just don't see the big advantage in this case. By the time you take into account the price of the broken tablet, the replacement screen, and the shipping, you're almost up to the price of a new one. Also, there's no guarantee that the only thing wrong with the broken tablet is the screen. With a new tablet, if you get a dud, you can just exchange it.

I understand wanting the experience, but if you're looking for the best deal for your friend, I would go with the new option.

 

[nlinecomputers]

The screen is fully glued on. You'll need to be handy with a heat gun or other heat source to change it out. I can't see the value you'd spend almost as much fixing it as replacing it with a new or even factory refurbished one. I'd get a 2013 model. The last few updates have really slowed down my Nexus 7. It was smooth as butter out of the box but the latter versions of Android are not as optimized as the version it shipped with.