This looks like a great tablet but...

[drdoom]

I am disappointed that this doesn't have usb support.

 

[jack86]

I agree. I would also like to have GPS...

 

[drhill]

Why would they show google maps if it doesn't have GPS?

Motorola's previous SoC (system on chip) have gps built in.

 

[StreakTheQuad]

what does it need a barometer for?

 

[Don S]

So the XOOM has GPS, it has "USB Support" - a microUSB connector . I think I am missing the point of some of the questions here ..

 

[Don S]

what does it need a barometer for?

Yeah, I thought that was interesting too.

 

[jrowe81]

Why would you need to have GPS on a tablet? I never got that idea anyway... plus look down at your phone

 

[drdoom]

So the XOOM has GPS, it has "USB Support" - a microUSB connector . I think I am missing the point of some of the questions here ..

Support as in usb ports on the tablet.

 

[Don S]

Support as in usb ports on the tablet.

Oh I see. Very true then. I wouldn't say that this is a lack of "USB support" but it does hinder file transfer and certain connections if you don't want to carry a converter or cord with you, very true.

 

[flip603]

Oh I see. Very true then. I wouldn't say that this is a lack of "USB support" but it does hinder file transfer and certain connections if you don't want to carry a converter or cord with you, very true.

not as bad as some people may think. if you've got a charger around, you can connect it via usb. i have one at home and work so most of the time it wont be a problem

 

[ckeegan]

Why would you need to have GPS on a tablet? I never got that idea anyway... plus look down at your phone

Do you know how many apps and websites (google.com, for example) use location based services? Not to mention geo-tagging photos, using iHeartRadio, or 100s of other scenarios I can think of where you would need GPS.

It will definitely have GPS.

Now the barometer, I have no idea what that's for. Short-term weather prediction doesn't make a whole lot of sense, since you're always connected to the internet for weather.com, etc. Does it sense when rain is coming, and shut down if it knows it's outside? Seriously, I would love to know the thought behind that one.

 

[jimbo1mcm]

If you go on Moto Accessory website it shows 2 docks for the Xoom. I believe I remember that the HD dock has 3 USB( normal size ) ports in the back. I think they probably take the mini usb output on the Xoom and make the dock a hub, adding the 3 normal USB ports. So you have USB.

 

[Don S]

If you go on Moto Accessory website it shows 2 docks for the Xoom. I believe I remember that the HD dock has 3 USB( normal size ) ports in the back. I think they probably take the mini usb output on the Xoom and make the dock a hub, adding the 3 normal USB ports. So you have USB.

Good find

 

[rjoudrey]

Why would you need to have GPS on a tablet? I never got that idea anyway... plus look down at your phone

For navigation?

 

[sabres fan]

Any idea on when this will be available?

 

[redshift1]

Any idea on when this will be available?

Motorola is quoting first quarter but I think that's optimistic since a fully functional model (according to all reports) does not yet exist.

 

[Don S]

Any idea on when this will be available?

The Motorola CEO (Jha?) said on stage at the Verizon event in "February". Who knows though. Google is saying this is the "first" Honeycomb tablet that will be out, and many were announced , so I bet it will be rather soon ..

 

[jrowe81]

Do you know how many apps and websites (google.com, for example) use location based services? Not to mention geo-tagging photos, using iHeartRadio, or 100s of other scenarios I can think of where you would need GPS.

It will definitely have GPS.

Now the barometer, I have no idea what that's for. Short-term weather prediction doesn't make a whole lot of sense, since you're always connected to the internet for weather.com, etc. Does it sense when rain is coming, and shut down if it knows it's outside? Seriously, I would love to know the thought behind that one.

For crying out loud.... that was a late night brain fart for sure!!!! And lets strike this from the record! HAHAHAHA that was special of me

 

[ckeegan]

Motorola is quoting first quarter but I think that's optimistic since a fully functional model (according to all reports) does not yet exist.

Most, if not all, reports said the hardware looked and felt final. It's obvious that even if Moto is planning a February launch, these things are already humming through the assembly line and going through packaging. The incomplete aspect of the Xoom is Honeycomb.

However, I'm sure the Xoom unit(s) at CES were running an earlier build than what Google has in their offices. It's also been pretty widely reported that Google plans to unveil Honeycomb at Mobile World Congress in mid-February. Therefore, they didn't want these bloggers fooling around too much with that Honeycomb build at CES, which is why they weren't allowed to handle the Xoom. Obviously, Google also didn't want Moto to be the ones to unveil Honeycomb, Moto's job was to unveil the hardware.

With all the reports of a big NFL tie-in with the Xoom, February makes complete sense.

 

[Don S]

More confirmation that it will have GPS (if anyone doubted). This is a pic showing a recent screen (Navigation) in the task switcher from Engadget.

 

[dmodert66]

GPS and USB host mode where confirmed to me at CES by the PM for the Xoom. The tablet is supposed to come with a Micro USB to USB port converter, so even if you don't have the doc, you can still connect a USB keyboard, mouse, thumb drive, etc.

My counterpart's video is below where he specifically asks (while google maps is being shown) "Does it have a GPS chip in it?". (5:35). He then goes on to say he uses it where he lives in Chicago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orwttOEYV0I