RCA Tablet 7 Voyager: Essential Android For Reading

RCA Tablet 7 Voyager: Essential Android For Reading

The RCA Tablet 7 Voyager is a fantastic choice for everyday reading, offering a straightforward and affordable Android experience. It’s perfect for diving into books, articles, and more without breaking the bank. Discover why this budget-friendly tablet is a smart pick for avid readers.

Welcome to Tabletzoo! Are you looking for a simple, reliable tablet to enjoy your favorite books and articles? Sometimes, finding the right device that’s easy to use and won’t cost a fortune can feel a bit overwhelming. You might have heard about the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager and are wondering if it’s a good fit for your reading needs. The good news is, you’re in the right place! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make sure this tablet is your perfect reading companion.

RCA Tablet 7 Voyager: Your Go-To for Digital Reading

When we talk about reading on a tablet, we mean more than just novels. It encompasses everything from the latest news articles and magazines to digital comics and educational materials. The RCA Tablet 7 Voyager, with its focus on essential Android features, makes this a breeze. It’s designed to be user-friendly, meaning you can pick it up and start reading without a steep learning curve. For a device often found at a very accessible price point, it punches above its weight in delivering a solid reading experience.

Why Choose a Dedicated Reading Tablet?

In a world filled with feature-packed, often expensive, tablets, why consider something like the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager specifically for reading? Here’s why:

Affordability: Let’s be honest, tablets can get pricey. The Voyager offers a way to get a functional reading device without a significant investment. This means more money left for your next eBook!
Simplicity: This tablet isn’t overloaded with high-end features you might not need. Its straightforward Android setup means less clutter and more focus on what you’re doing – reading.
Portability: With a 7-inch screen, it’s compact enough to slip into a bag or even a large pocket, making it ideal for commutes, travel, or just reading on the couch.
Battery Life: Devices focused on core functions often achieve good battery life, meaning you can enjoy longer reading sessions without constantly searching for a charger.

Key Features for Reading on the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager

While the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager is an entry-level device, it comes equipped with the fundamentals that make for a pleasant reading experience. Let’s break down what matters most for bookworms and article aficionados.

Screen Quality and Size

The 7-inch display is a sweet spot for many readers. It’s large enough to display text comfortably, much like a paperback book, but still small enough to hold with one hand for extended periods. While it might not boast the ultra-high resolutions of premium tablets, the screen is perfectly adequate for clear text and images. For most eBook readers and casual browsing, the clarity will be more than sufficient.

Android Operating System: The Foundation of Your Reading Apps

The RCA Tablet 7 Voyager runs on the Android operating system. This is crucial because it means you have access to the vast ecosystem of Android apps. For reading, this translates into an incredible selection of E-reader apps available on the Google Play Store.

Common Android versions found on devices like the Voyager (often older versions for budget hardware) still support the majority of popular reading apps. This includes:

Amazon Kindle: Access your Kindle library and purchase new eBooks with ease.
Google Play Books: Another excellent platform for purchasing and reading books, offering a wide selection.
Libby by OverDrive: Borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local library for free! This is a game-changer for budget-conscious readers.
Kobo Books: If you prefer Kobo’s ecosystem or find deals there, this app is readily available.
Pocket or Instapaper: Save articles from the web to read later, free from distractions.
News Apps: Stay updated with your favorite news outlets directly on your tablet.

Performance: Enough for Your Reading Needs

When we talk about performance for reading, we’re not looking for lightning-fast gaming speeds. We need a device that can smoothly open apps, turn pages without lag, and navigate menus without frustrating delays. The RCA Tablet 7 Voyager, with its typical entry-level processor and RAM, is generally well-suited for these tasks. You can expect it to:

Launch reading apps quickly.
Load eBooks and articles without excessive waiting.
Handle basic multitasking, like switching between a reading app and a web browser.

It might not be the best for heavy multitasking or demanding apps, but for reading-focused activities, it provides a perfectly functional experience.

Storage: Room for Your Library

The RCA Tablet 7 Voyager typically comes with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. While this might sound limited compared to high-end devices, consider this:

eBooks are relatively small: Most standard eBooks are only a few megabytes in size. You could store hundreds, if not thousands, of eBooks on the internal storage alone.
Expandable Storage: A significant advantage of many RCA tablets, including the Voyager, is the inclusion of a microSD card slot. This allows you to expand the storage significantly, often up to 128GB or even more. This means you can carry your entire digital library with you wherever you go.
App Size: While reading apps themselves are generally not huge, consider the space for other essentials. With expandable storage, this is rarely an issue.

Battery Life: Uninterrupted Reading Sessions

While specific battery life can vary based on usage and model revisions, entry-level tablets like the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager are often optimized for efficiency. This means you can typically expect several hours of continuous reading on a single charge. Perfect for long flights, commutes, or cozy reading marathons at home.

Setting Up Your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager for Reading

Getting your new tablet ready for its primary purpose – reading – is straightforward. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

Step 1: Initial Setup and Wi-Fi Connection

When you first turn on your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager, you’ll be guided through a setup process. This involves:

1. Selecting your language.
2. Connecting to a Wi-Fi network. This is essential for downloading apps and accessing online content.
3. Signing into your Google Account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one. This account is key to accessing the Google Play Store.
4. Following on-screen prompts for any other setup options.

Step 2: Downloading Your Favorite Reading Apps

With your tablet set up and connected to the internet, it’s time to visit the Google Play Store.

1. Open the Play Store app (it looks like a colorful triangular icon).
2. Use the search bar at the top to find your preferred reading apps (e.g., “Kindle,” “Libby,” “Google Play Books”).
3. Tap on the app you want to install.
4. Press the “Install” button. The app will download and install automatically.
5. Repeat for all the reading apps you wish to use.

Step 3: Personalizing Your Reading Experience

Once your apps are installed, you can customize your tablet for optimal reading comfort.

Adjust Screen Brightness: Go to Settings > Display and adjust the brightness to a comfortable level. Lower brightness is often better for long reading sessions to reduce eye strain.
Change Font Size and Style: Most reading apps allow you to customize font size, style, and line spacing. Play around with these settings within each app to find what’s most comfortable for you.
Enable Dark Mode: If available in your apps or system settings, dark mode (white text on a black background) can be much easier on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions.
Set Up Auto-Rotation: In your tablet’s main settings, ensure screen auto-rotation is enabled if you like to switch between portrait and landscape views easily.

Step 4: Transferring Your Ebooks (Optional)

If you have eBooks in formats not supported directly by your apps (like EPUBs or PDFs), you might need to transfer them.

Via MicroSD Card: If your eBooks (e.g., EPUB files) are on another computer or device, you can copy them to a microSD card. Then, insert the card into your Voyager and use a file manager app (often pre-installed or downloadable from the Play Store) to move them to a folder on your tablet. Some reading apps can then scan these folders for new books.
Cloud Storage: Upload your eBooks to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. You can then download them directly to your tablet using their respective apps.

RCA Tablet 7 Voyager vs. Other Budget Tablets for Reading

When considering an RCA Tablet 7 Voyager, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other options in the budget tablet category. The market is full of choices, but the Voyager often carves out its niche with a focus on core functionality at an attractive price.

Comparison Table: RCA Tablet 7 Voyager vs. Competitors

Here’s a simplified look at how the Voyager might compare. Please note that specifications can vary slightly across different model revisions or bundles.

Key Takeaways:

App Access: The Voyager and Samsung Tab A7 Lite offer full access to the Google Play Store, giving you the widest choice for reading apps. The Amazon Fire 7 relies on the Amazon Appstore, which is more curated and may lack some niche reading apps.
Performance: The Samsung Tab A7 Lite generally offers more RAM and a slightly more capable processor, potentially leading to a smoother overall experience. However, for basic reading, the Voyager is usually sufficient.
Value: The RCA Tablet 7 Voyager often stands out for its sheer affordability, making it extremely attractive if your budget is the primary concern.

For more detailed comparisons and specific models, checking reputable tech review sites like TechRadar or GSMArena, even if they don’t have an exact review for the “Voyager” model, can give you a sense of RCA’s general tablet offerings.

Tips for Enhancing Your Reading Experience

Beyond the basic setup, a few extra tips can make reading on your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager even more enjoyable.

1. Utilize a Stylus for Note-Taking (Optional)

While the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager is not primarily designed as a note-taking device, if you enjoy making annotations or jotting down thoughts related to your reading, a basic stylus can be surprisingly useful. For simple notes within reading apps that support it, or for navigating more precisely, a cheap capacitive stylus can be a worthwhile addition. It won’t offer the pressure sensitivity of high-end styluses, but it can improve accuracy for basic input.

2. Manage Notifications to Minimize Distractions

Nothing breaks the immersion of a good book like a constant barrage of notifications.

Go to Settings > Notifications.
Review app permissions. Turn off notifications for apps that aren’t essential to your reading.
Consider “Do Not Disturb” mode. This mode can be scheduled to activate during your usual reading times, silencing all but the most critical alerts.

3. Keep Your Tablet Charged and Updated

Regular Charging: Try to keep your tablet charged to at least 20-30% to protect the battery’s longevity.
Software Updates: Periodically check for system and app updates. These often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and security patches that can enhance your experience. Go to Settings > System > System Update.

4. Protect Your Investment

Even budget tablets benefit from protection.

Screen Protector: A simple plastic screen protector can prevent scratches from keys or travel in a bag.
Case: A basic folio case can protect the screen and the back of the tablet, making it more durable and easier to hold at different angles.

Pros and Cons of the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager for Reading

Every device has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced look at what to expect from the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager as a reading device.

Pros:

Extremely Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly options available.
Full Google Play Store Access: Unlocks a vast universe of reading apps.
MicroSD Card Support: Easily expandable storage for large libraries.
Compact and Portable: Easy to hold and carry.
Simple to Use: Straightforward Android interface.
Decent Battery Life: Suitable for extended reading sessions.

Cons:

Basic Display Quality: Not as sharp or bright as premium tablets.
Lower Performance: May experience occasional lag with very demanding tasks or heavy multitasking.
Limited Internal Storage: Requires an SD card for significant library expansion.
Build Quality: Typically constructed with more basic materials.
* Older Android Versions: May not support the very latest app features or security updates for every single application, though most core functionality remains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager for Reading

Here are some common questions beginner users might have about using the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager for reading:

Q1: Can I read Kindle books on the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager?

Yes, absolutely! You can download the official Amazon Kindle app from the Google Play Store, sign in with your Amazon account, and access your entire Kindle library.

Q2: Is the screen good enough for reading PDFs?

For standard PDFs, the 7-inch screen is adequate. Text will be readable, but very small font sizes might require zooming. For complex layouts or large documents, a larger screen might offer a more comfortable experience, but for casual PDF reading, it works well.

Q3: How much storage do I really need for eBooks?

Most eBooks are quite small, often less than 5MB. Even with a large collection, you can store thousands of books on the 16GB or 32GB internal storage. However, if you plan to store many audiobooks, large PDFs, or other media, expanding with a microSD card (up to 128GB or more, depending on the model) is highly recommended.

Q4: Can I use it for audiobooks?

Yes! Apps like Audible (from Amazon), Google Play Books, and Libby all support audiobooks and are available on the Google Play Store. Performance should be more than sufficient for audio playback.

Q5: Is it difficult to set up a Google account on this tablet?

No, setting up a Google account is a standard part of the initial tablet setup process. The on-screen instructions are clear, and if you already have a Google account (for Gmail, YouTube, etc.), you just need to sign in with your email and password. If not, you can create a new account easily.

Q6: Will older Android versions on this tablet cause problems with new reading apps?

For most popular reading apps like Kindle, Libby, and Google Play Books, older Android versions are usually supported for a long time. While you might occasionally miss out on the very newest features of an app, the core reading functionality will almost certainly work without issue. Developers often maintain compatibility with older OS versions.

Q7: Can I adjust the text size and brightness for comfortable reading?

Yes, both of these are crucial for comfortable reading. You can extensively customize text size, font, and background colors within most reading apps. Tablet brightness is adjusted system-wide through the settings menu, allowing you to dim the screen for eye comfort.

Conclusion

For the budget-conscious reader, the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager presents a compelling case. It’s not about having the most advanced features; it’s about delivering a reliable and accessible platform for your literary adventures. With its straightforward Android operating system, it grants you access to the vast libraries of the Google Play Store, putting thousands of eBooks, articles, and magazines right at your fingertips.

Whether you’re a student looking for an affordable way to access textbooks and research papers, a casual reader wanting a dedicated device for novels, or someone who enjoys catching up on news and blogs, the Voyager can meet these needs.

Walter Moore

Your tech guru in Sand City, CA, bringing you the latest insights and tips exclusively on mobile tablets. Dive into the world of sleek devices and stay ahead in the tablet game with my expert guidance. Your go-to source for all things tablet-related – let’s elevate your tech experience!