Last month the cost of the Wall Street Journal’s annual print subscription for Hawaii readers doubled to more than $1,000, and as a longtime subscriber, I decided I’d had enough. It was time to go digital and join the 21st century. I needed a tablet that was suited for reading e-books, newspapers, and surfing the web. In a pinch it would be nice if the device could operate as a word processor.

What to get?

I evaluated a couple of popular tablets and came to the conclusion that both are worthy of consideration albeit for very different reasons.

Amazon Fire HDX 8.9
To really understand the Fire HDX 8.9, all you need to recognize is that it’s the latest incarnation of the humble Kindle reading device. Amazon has fine-tuned its tablets for ease of use. The on-off and volume buttons are located on the back (as opposed to the sides), the edges of the tablet are beveled and the HDX’s 8.9-inch screen and 13.2-ounce weight all feel right.

The hardware-software does video very well. The screen is brilliant, the system is fast and the speakers won’t shortchange you. Battery life and power management are first-rate. The only problem I had (and it was pretty insignificant) was that the screen would flicker occasionally. (Perhaps this was a flaw with this particular unit. I couldn’t find any other mentions of it in forums or with other reviewers).

Web surfing is done on Amazon’s proprietary Silk browser, which works satisfactorily but wouldn’t be my first choice.

The hitch with the Fire HDX 8.9 is that if you’re a Chrome user and want all the Google apps, you’re going to be disappointed. There’s no Gmail, no Google Maps, etc., and grabbing documents from any cloud other than Amazon’s is a hassle.

Essentially the device is proprietary and built specifically with the Amazon universe in mind. It’s a vehicle to help merchandise their products.  Fortunately it’s a nice vehicle. (Think Lexus or Infiniti). If you’re OK with all Amazon, all the time, and want a high-end reader and video player, you’ll be very happy with the Fire HDX 8.9.

If you need a device with more flexibility when it comes to leveraging the web, especially the myriad of Android apps, the Fire HDX 8.9 may not be your cup of tea.

The price starts at $379 for 16 GB storage.

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Nexus9

It’s time to confess. I started off with a bit of apprehension about reviewing the Nexus9. It’s manufactured by HTC, which made a phone for Sprint that gave me nothing but grief. Despite this less than stellar memory, I wanted to give Google’s newest tablet, the Nexus9, (which is also manufactured by HTC) the benefit of the doubt.

After all, the tablet is made specifically for Google, which is not to be confused with Sprint. Google did not become one of the most powerful entities in the world by lending its name to crummy products.

I’m really glad I kept an open mind. This tablet is a keeper. But don’t let me get too far ahead of myself…

The Nexus9 has the same general dimensions as the HDX 8.9 and also makes for a good e-reader/video player. The screen quality and display are excellent, but the color saturation isn’t quite as rich as the HDX 8.9. (Not a deal-breaker by any means.)

The tablet is fast and nimble, because it runs the latest Android OS, “Lollipop”.  On a practical level, I like this tablet because you can easily adjust brightness controls, which helps keep photos and illustrations readable when you’re in the sun. You can choose between an automatic mode that will adjust the screen brightness according to the ambient light or simply tweak the level to your own satisfaction.

The ergonomics of the tablet are a mixed bag. The placement of the on-off and volume buttons are sort of hidden on the upper right edge. They could be more accessible, but this is a personal preference. The surface, brushed plastic, has a pleasing tactile sense. It simply feels good in your hands.

The dual front-facing speakers generate lots of clean volume — better than you’d expect for a midrange tablet. You can play movies or music videos with plenty of audio gusto. Battery life is very respectable. The Amazon tablet may have a teensy weensy edge in the battery longevity department but in practical terms there’s not a lot of difference. Both tablets do a great job in conserving juice.

A huge plus with the Nexus9 is its integration of Google apps.

I admit in this case I’m positively biased. I own a Samsung phone so am quite used to the Android ‘culture’. Thus if you are already used to Android’s ways, this tablet will fit like an old shoe.

For users who want a tablet that is going to be used as a comprehensive web tool (rather than primarily a reader) the Android factor is a huge advantage over the Amazon product. For example, if you use Google drive or Microsoft’s One Drive, grabbing items out of the cloud is easy. (One of my colleagues, Cindy Ramirez, an avid e-reader and video watcher loved the Amazon product because web functionality was not her priority).

Yes, I like this tablet and recommend it. Price is $363 (with 16 GB).

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The Zagg Pocket Keyboard

I happen to be a writer, so any tablet I buy will have to double as a writing tool. At least that’s the theory. The upshot is that to write with any efficiency on a tablet you’re going to need a keyboard. The most popular varieties are clam-shell type arrangements that double as portfolio style cases. It’s good concept the portfolio set-up protects the tablet.

However, if you want a keyboard that will work on multiple devices there are other blue tooth products worthy of consideration.

Zagg’s new “Pocket Keyboard” ($69) breaks new ground by providing a super  lightweight platform that you can fold up and yes, carry in your pocket. It will accept just about any mobile device (Apple or Android) up to 9 inches. Unlike the typical carrying case models, it folds into a thin (9-by-2-1/2-by-1/2-inch) rectangle that you carry separately.

I tested it on both the Nexus and the Amazon tablets as well as a Samsung smartphone. The keyboard is small but has a nice “clickable” touch. It’s perfect for the occasional email or touching up a document, but you wouldn’t want to write a novel with it. It came it very handy on a recent airplane flight–I used it to write a eulogy. (Yes, I was probably breaking the rules by using bluetooth on an airplane but suffice it to say, we landed safely).

The main thing you have to get used to is the small footprint.

You’ll have to adjust your typing style because the keyboard is cramped but as they say, there’s no free lunch. It’s not after all, a full sized keyboard so adjustments must be made. That said, it worked really well and after a while I felt comfortable using it.

If you don’t need or want a case/cum keyboard and like the option of having one, very transportable item for all your mobile devices, this is a winner. It’s priced at $69.

Photos by Rob Kay

Questions? Comments? Feel fee to Email Me

Six months later, I wondered what became of the HECO guy who was supposed to put in that digital meter. I called HECO and was told that they hadn’t received any documents from the contractor. I followed up with Mr. Solar Guy who said he wouldn’t be able to help me and that I needed to hire someone else to finish the job. He referred me to Mike Tanuvasa, founder of SolarTech Industries, a Honolulu-based PV and solar heating company.

Mike essentially picked up the pieces that the Solar Guy had left on the floor.  

The lesson for the prospective PV customer is that setting up a solar system is much more than simply putting panels on a roof. There are permits that need to be approved by the city and ever changing rules from HECO that need to be followed. You will need somebody that understands the system to help shepherd your project through the bureaucracy.

That’s where a competent, thoughtful contractor such as Mike Tanuvasa, is invaluable. 

The following Q&A with Mike will be instructive to anyone who is interested in putting in a PV system. 

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Q: How do you choose a good contractor? How would check on their credibility?

A: You should always ask your installer to show you a timeline on how they will execute your installation from start to finish. From the pre-construction inspection to the closing of your permits, you should know every step of the way what to expect next. You should also ask your installer what type of warranty and maintenance packages they offer for your photovoltaic system.

Online reviews are a good way to check if a company is credible or not, but it’s always best to have a full understanding of what an installation company is offering before signing up with them. Hawaiian Electric is constantly updating the requirements that are necessary before you can even consider installing a photovoltaic system. Make sure your installation company knows exactly what is required in order to complete this process.

Q: Does it matter what size company you engage with? Wouldn’t a smaller firm not have the overhead and expenses to tack onto your bill?

A: Not necessarily. Smaller companies will usually offer more competitive pricing, but the size of a company shouldn’t be a deciding factor on who to choose. You want to choose a company that is competent in every aspect of your installation. Filing required applications, permitting, workmanship, monitoring, and maintenance of your system should all be considered when choosing an installation company.

Q: How should you prepare your home prior to a PV installation?

A: The integrity of your roof and the capacity of your existing electrical system should be the first thing to check on before considering a photovoltaic system.

Q: When does it makes sense to replace the roof before purchasing the system?

A: Your installation company should do a thorough pre-construction inspection of your roof before installing your system. This will determine whether your roof needs to be replaced. If you want a second opinion, it would be a good idea to have a roofer inspect the integrity of your roof before moving forward with the installation process. If you plan on reroofing your home within the next 7 years, it would make sense to replace your roof before installing a photovoltaic system. Some solar companies charge upwards of $150-$200 per panel to remove and reinstall your system for reroofing.

Q: How do you evaluate the contract? What should be in there to protect you (the consumer).

A: The warranty portion of the contract is very important. You should exactly what is covered in your warranty and for how long. A 5-year warranty on workmanship is an industry standard. Monitoring and maintenance of your system should also be considered. Your contract should also state that all proper permits are pulled before any work is performed on your home.

Q: Given that Net Metering Agreements are no longer available, is the newest solar program worth considering for homeowners?

A: Solar will always be worth it for the homeowner in the long run. The big question now is how many panels will best fit my usage?  To make PV work under the new (CGS) Customer Grid Supply system will mean installing (if needed) a separate solar water heating and a solar air conditioning system in conjunction with your PV panels. With these components, combined with a PV system, the average three bedroom home with a $400/month electricity bill could shave $250 per month. After tax credits and a possible rebate, the whole system will cost you about $9000.

Q: What if you’re not ready for a PV system? Does it makes sense to have a solar water heater?

A: Makes a whole lot of sense. A stand-alone solar heating system will save you 30-40% of your electricity bills.

Q: Will I be totally off the grid with PV?  

A: No, this isn’t possible without a battery system.

Q: Does the PV system work if the grid goes down?

A: The PV system will not work if the grid goes down.

Q: How long should it take to complete a residential PV system from start to approval by HECO for my new meter?

A: There’s no set amount of time it takes for a photovoltaic system to be installed. There are a lot of different factors that contribute to the amount of time it takes. Grid saturation, system size, interconnection program, utility guidelines/requirements, and electrical upgrades will all play a roll in how long it takes to install your photovoltaic system. Understanding this process will make the homeowner’s experience a lot less stressful.

Q: How do you hold them to their schedule/commitment?

If the homeowner is actively involved in the installation process, the installation company will be more likely to meet deadlines and complete the installation in a timely manner.

Q: How do you know your contractor is buying quality gear?

A:  Buying quality equipment does make a difference. You also want to chose a Manufacturer that will be in business to honor your product warrant for the next 25 years. Your installer should have more than one type of panel and inverter for you to choose from. Brands like SolarWorld and Enphase are household names, but there are many more options to choose from depending on your price range.

Q: How do you know that your system is being sized properly? (How large should the inverter be, how many panels etc).

A: Your installer should give you a breakdown on how they calculated your electric bill. Under the CGS system you’ll need an energy audit to come up with the amount panels your system will need.

Q: What about consulting with an engineer even though the county of Honolulu doesn’t require it?

A: This shouldn’t be necessary unless your system is on a commercial building or over 10kW. Instead of consulting an engineer I would suggest consulting a local equipment supplier like R&R Solar Supply or Inter-Island Solar Supply.

Q: What kind of operational manual/documentation should be available to the home owner?

A: Product data sheets for equipment that will be used should be provided to the homeowner. More importantly, customers should be educated on how to use their online monitoring system to track the production of their system.

Q: What kind of regular maintenance should a home owner be prepared to do?

A: Actively monitoring their system will help ensure its production output. Having your installer perform a maintenance inspection on the system every 2 to 4 years will extend the life of your system. Cleaning your solar panels every 1-2 years will also help boost energy output. If your contractor goes out of business who do you call if you need service? Call a company that specializes in photovoltaic maintenance and repair. Choose a company that will actively monitor your system every day of the year and have technicians onsite in a timely manner. You should be able to enjoy all the benefits of solar without any of the headaches.

Q: Can the county provide a full inspection if asked by the homeowner?

A: The City & County will only perform the required inspection after the completion of your installation. Any additional inspections will need to performed by a third party company at the homeowner’s expense. At SolarTech Industries we perform free photovoltaic and solar hot water maintenance inspections to all new customers.