bgrutter

Don't forget the massive bezel on the Transformer and Acer's lackluster history. Otherwise, spot on.

Great write-up!

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ghodzilla5150

Thanks. I just started thinking and in the end the Xoom is all that I need in a tablet. It does it's job well and will only get better.

Martimus

Nice write-up! Thanks for sharing your opinions...

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ghodzilla5150

Your welcome. I just felt with all the negativity going around, the Xoom needed to some positive re-enforcement. It is after all a wonderful device.

3devious

I suspect that Google's implementation will be just as sloppy but I kept my Xoom because I have 2 cases, too. Just teasing. My reasons for not chasing the latest and greatest aren't quite the same as yours but it's interesting to hear someone else's point of view unless they spend more time "venting" about their unhappiness than doing anything about it and expecting comfort. :-)

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DieselNYC

I just saw a video showing the Tranformer supporting external usb devices, don't understand what the reasoning is to disable that on the Xoom.

As a photographer I really could use the usb feature to review photos in the field.

rmmorse81

I am not sure. I've had my xoom for about 3 weeks. I absolutely love it as its my laptop replacement.

However, the price of the Transformer is nice.. The screen tech also looks good. And of course there is working SD card and USB.

But damn, that bezel is ugly as hell on the Transformer. Reviews are also saying its plasticy.

Lastly, its hard to find a definitive answer on the software. Does Asus have a custom skin on there? I've told myself I will never ever buy a tablet or phone with a custom skin again. I am tired of waiting for updates from OEMs. This is one of the main reasons Im swapping my EVO for a Nexus S as soon as it drops on Sprint in the coming weeks.

What do all my fellow Xoom peeps think?

androidguy65

I'm happier with my xoom. It does have a custom skin, that is what allows the laptop mode to work.

Johnnybee

according to other forum sites.

North American version of Asus Transformer might not come with Gps.

Jury is still out.too early to tell otherwise

MartinS

I'm happy with the Xoom. Sure the transformer keyboard / laptop arrangement is neat but I didn't want another laptop.

There's always something newer/different/better around the corner...

Lovenexus

I envyed it when I first saw it but when I compare it to my Xoom I think I've gotten the better product, xooms build quality is strong and sturdy, has a dual led flash on the rear cam, sure the power button is in a weird spot but I can live with it

dblake15

Have the xoom and love it but that transformer with the keyboard looks awesome.

Would you get one or stay with xoom?

rushmore

IMO, not much competition, though the Xoom is a solid tab:

1. Better display.

2. Working microsd (short term advantage- surely)

3. With KB, two full USB 2.0 ports and sd reader (64gb extra space if needed with the reader).

4. Extra battery and the KB price with tablet is similar price to Xoom (average of 16 and 32gb versions).

5. Without KB, $100 to $150 less

6. One thing the Xoom may have is AGPS. Rumors rolling that the NA version of the Asus does not have GPS....

7. Xoom is almost a full inch less wide, so that IMO favors Xoom.

To get all the extra functions, you have to use the keyboard and there will be folks that do not want to. Still the Asus is apparently better, due to better display and $100 or $150 less price.

Xoom is a good tab, but overpriced out of the gate. Kind of surprised Motorola has not dropped the price ahead of time. IF Asus floods the channels with the Asus, the Xoom is dead.

Asus is loading into EVERY main retailer and etailer that exists in NA and including Walmart. I say IF, since seems not likely they can cover that many channel partners, considering they are delaying a more broad roll-out in Europe until June (due to supply).

In spite of all of this, I would rather have a tablet with full USB on the tablet, rather than an add-on. The new Toshiba OEM product may be the only option for that, but is late summer release.

Last edited by rushmore; April 22nd, 2011 at 09:32 AM.

NCTurner

this Toshiba looks better than the Transformer, I think.

Toshiba Regza AT300 Tablet Priced At $725 In Japan | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

rjoudrey

Based on this article why does the Toshiba look better than the Xoom or Transformer to you?

I see the Xoom and transformer about equal because of the size vs screen differences. I guess in the very rare exception that you don't have a laptop the keyboard is attractive!

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NCTurner

Because it seems that to get all the bells/whistles (i.e. USB host, extra battery life) with the Transformer you really need to dock. However, the Toshiba has all of that built in to the tablet itself (you can take an extra battery with you...much easier than hauling a dock I think?) Also, I usually trust Toshiba's build more than ASUS's build, but who knows for future hardware?

Both look nice, just for ME, I'd prefer the Toshiba I think. Even though I now have an ipad 2, I'm just waiting for HC to get pushed a bit more and then I'll give my ipad 2 to my fiancee, and I'll pick up an android tablet. I REALLY miss the things the Android OS brings with it.

I keep checking this forum as I'm curious when Moto/Google are going to update the HC OS. Hopefully soon!

BeerPimp

If you run the wifi tether on your phone you could set it up this way.

Motorola Xoom + EyeFi + Nikon D300s = Android Tethering Heaven | K. NGUYEN-TU PHOTOGRAPHY

NCTurner

Toshiba to release tablet "by May 2011?" That's the earliest I've heard (supposed to release it in June in Japan, and was expected to release here in the late summer.)

Toshiba ANT Android Tablet to be Called Thrive [Toshiba Trademarks the Thrive Brand for Its Upcoming Android Honeycomb Tablet Release] | TFTS Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities

K5TRX

See below:

Last edited by K5TRX; April 26th, 2011 at 11:41 AM.

3devious

In the unlikely event that something better comes out, I'm more than happy to sell my Xoom. I really like my 3g service. I ditched my R2 D2 D2 and now use data for less. If we get the 4g upgrade, it will be the cheapest 4g plan out there. I doubt there will be a better LTE tablet anytime soon and I suspect that VZW won't be as reasonable with the data plan.

clb2196

Actually, it's even simpler now! Eye-fi just released an Android app, uses an ad-hoc connection to transfer photos from your Eye-Fi card right to your Android device. Pretty sweet, I love it. Even if I had the option to use an SD card at this point, I'd prefer to do it this way.

mkilci1

Hello Xoomers,

I have a quick question. I am an Ipad 1&2 user and looking to switch to the Android on the tablet arena as well.

I bought the Xoom the day it came out and returned after a few days for the obviious reasons back than:

Apps (lack of)
Lag
No SD support
No 4G
Buggy OS

Some of these are addressed since 3.1 I hear.

I now purchased the HTC Flyer. I am trying it out. What I like so far:

Size
Built
Pen
HTC Sense UI (Although much prefer a clean OS, I really like the Sense UI)

Bad:
So far, supposedly camera sucks. (Id does on IPAD 2 as well).

So what do you guys think? Any questions for me while I have the flyer?

Thanks

PittCaleb

I am a first-day Motorola Droid owner and had been planning on buying a tablet, specifically a Xoom, right before my summer vacation travels.

However I tread that VZW is killing unlimited data tomorrow, so if I want it on my Xoom, I need to buy it today. No worries - except I haven't been paying attention to Android/Tablet news for 2 months.

So here's what I see in my quick reading today:
- CNet and many others consider the new Galaxy Tab sleeker, sexier and even better than the Xoom.
- From my quick research, NO other serious competitor to the Xoom has any cellular modem.
- Price isn't that big an issue in that they're all not-cheap and an extra $50-100 isn't a big deal to me on this purchase

So my first question is about 3G - I want to be able to use this in my car, on the train, etc. i.e. cellular network coverage is a must, along with the monthly fees. Considering my desires to be able to read a web page or download a movie/tv show, etc. on the road, at the pool, etc. - are there any competitors to the Xoom? I don't think the 10" Galaxy Tab is cellular ready. Am I wrong? Are people using tablets with WiFi only? To me, this is a big deal? Am I in left field or does everyone just have different needs?

I also would like HDMI output and the expandable SD slots. Esp while on vacation to be able to show the movies to relatives, etc.

If anyone can pop in here with some quick advice so I can go get this today if it's still the right choice. The only other issue is my standard, "is there anything in the near-term pipeline that I should wait for?" I'll wait a month or two if something big is coming down the road, and deal with data charges later. Is there anything coming out worth waiting for? The Xoom has been out for a long time in tech-years.

PittCaleb

marctronixx

hello,

there has been plenty of discussion on your same questions you ask. I will post my responses for you to help.

you can use 3G in the car just as you use 3G on your handset. if verizon has coverage in the area you are in.. you should have 3G.

there are MANY alternatives to tablets.. galaxy, asus, acer, etc etc. i would not disqualify the google chrome book either.. its so close to what these tablets can do.

HDMI works just fine. you are only limited to 32 GB on board for the xoom. the SD card is not yet activated however you can root your device and install a ROM that allows access to the SD card. if you do not want to root then you are limited to the on board flash and/or you can utilize server/cloud storage (amazon, dropbox, google cloud service, playon, etc etc)

no one can tell YOU if YOU should purchase the xoom today. I can tell you i have had it since its launch back in feb and i totally enjoy it. people who see it always want one and it has been a workhorse. the HC OS has matured albeit slowly for some.

however to you it may not be the one for you for YOUR needs. the xoom has a huge following and if you are familiar with the android OS then you should not have any issues learning how to use the xoom.

you can also purchase the xoom sans 3G and pick up a wifi only version and add a mifi or you can use hotspot on your handset for those times when you want to connect. again large followings for both 3G and wifi only.

its in your best interest to stop by a store and test drive one.. they are everywhere. staples, costco, best buy, etc etc.

inkdesigner

From day 1, the Xoom has never been on the same plans as phones. The Xoom has always had a tiered data plan pricing. So, purchasing today or purchasing next won't have any large effect on data pricing.

From a SD card perspective, it doesn't work yet without rooting the Xoom. To date, neither VZW or Motorola has given any timeline for enabling the SD card slot or 4G connectivity beyond "coming soon."

Would I buy it again today? Good question and I am nnot sure I know he answer. I have not really stayed abreast of the most recent tablets coming out, but I am fairly certain VZW has a tablet from Samsung called the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 that is currently in pre order status a that will be 4G capable on launch, but will not have a SD card slot. It comes in 16 gig and 32 gig flavors

PittCaleb

That's a big help in that I don't have to decide today what to do. Off-line, I was told the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is coming out "soon" with LTE built in - something you confirmed here too. The Tab was rated better, thinner, lighter, etc - but I truly wanted cellular connectivity.

I've used a Xoom - question wasn't do I want a good android tablet, but which is the best to buy. Thinking if the Tab 10.1 LTE comes out soon, my only question will be do I care about SD support?

My phone (original Droid) is lacking wrt system memory, even with moving apps to the SD Card. But my 16 GB MicroSD card sufficient for my music & other files, plus DropBox access as someone else stated will be sufficient for most things. Still, SD would be nice even if to swap in my camera's card for instant upload of properly taken photos/video's. Something to think about.

Thanks for the quick responses.

PittCaleb

3devious

In theory, you can just hook up your camera to the XOOM or even the Galaxy Tab via USB host. It knows what a camera is. Google just didn't design Honeycomb to account for nonroot users having access to external storage devices.

The XOOM's build quality is better, but they are about the same with everything else. If SD support isn't important to you, just get whichever is cheaper.

PittCaleb

A friend of a friend just relayed to me that the Tablet data plans at VZW "suck." Never priced them, so I don't know. He suggested getting a MiFi to use while not at home and getting a basic WiFi model. Thoughts?

PittCaleb

scorp64va

The MiFi and Tablet data plans cost the same.

PittCaleb

So thoughts on having a MiFi where I could use the tablet or laptop or whatever or just a 3g/lte tablet? Keeping MiFi in the car is great andf will always be with, but if I took into a place - pool, Disney, etc. - it's just another thing to carry and ensure charged.

Thoughts on one vs the other?

scorp64va

I mostly use my Xoom now (which is probably why my laptop completely died on me a couple weeks ago). Would like to have the 4G on it, but I'm getting by with the 3G for now. If I really need to, I can turn on the WiFi Hotspot on the Xoom and connect a laptop through that. Since it's already a metered data plan there's no additional charge.

I also have a 3G MiFi, that's our Internet connection at home until somebody extends a real Internet connection into our subdivision.

So, if you don't already have a MiFi, I'd just get a tablet and use it's 3G/4G connection for other devices when you need to.

PittCaleb

Thanks scorp64va... I know my Droid can be a hotspot, but they charge. Knowing they don't charge on the metered tablet plans makes this decision a bit more tricky. Was liking the concept of disassociating my data from the tablet, esp for use with another tablet or laptop, but that's not as big an issue with this news.

scorp64va

No problem...just remember, as with anything when dealing with any of these carriers, things could change in the future.

PittCaleb

Very true. Here is my current dilemma. Have convinced myself that I want a Galaxy Tab 10.1 - I *need* cellular data (3g/4g/lte, just something).

I can wait for the 10.1 LTE or I can buy the 10.1 WiFi and a MiFi.

Negatives with WiFi Model:
While traveling will have to bring MiFi with me wherever I bring the tablet
i.e. the Pool, the playground, the hotel room, etc.

Positives with using a MiFi:
Data disassociated from Tablet. Should I want to upgrade in a year, I can pass this to my son and get new one and still have data and no new contract or need to break one
If I have multiple devices, the MiFi works for everyone (without having to have *my* tablet around)

I realize now that the tablet data plans are freely sharable, but that means 'this' tablet has to be there and on and such. With the MiFi, I could get a new tablet and still use it with the MiFi. If I bought a new tablet in the family, we'd either be paying 2x or have to have the primary one with the secondary one at all times it wanted network access. the MiFi is better in that situation. Same if I grabbed an off-contract Android phone for my son to use as a game/messaging device - MiFi will allow it to work.

I'm always with or out of my car - so keeping in the car if easy and taking out, MiFi looks to fit in a shirt pocket easily, so it's not that big a downside comparred to the flexibility the MiFi grants me - esp with respect to being locked into a contract on that specific device.

Any thoughts out there?

GoBoomers

The Xoom is a wonderful product, but...
I wanted to replace my old Dell laptop, and get away from windows and IOS. I run a website through my school that is google heavy, with maps and presentations. I couldn't edit or create either with xoom so was a deal breaker. Can a tablet really replace a pc? Makes me wonder about all the schools buying kids tablets for use in the classroom. What pushed me over the edge was seeing xoom priced $100-200 less one week after purchasing. Anyone else feeling the same frustrations? Mostly venting, but looking for alternatives, should I give chromebook a try? Thanks,

davehries

You don't know what frustration really is until you try ChromeOS. I have had the Cr-48 for many months and I can honestly say it is not ready for prime-time. Now it could just be the Google Cr-48 that causes most of the problems, but the OS is still lacking in many areas. Such as, no Bluetooth.
My advise would be to purchase one of the new Asus or Samsung ChromeOS units and give it a try.

hockeyguyinoc

I'm leaning towards this table for many reasons. Price is a big one. I travel a lot for work and have to watch training videos, and I read books. So that is going to be a good portion of the use the rest is just so I don't have to break out a laptop to check internet at home or in a hotel. Wife will probably use it for facebook when I'm home. I'm sick of lugging a laptop for personal and laptop for business.(They keep tabs on what we do with business laptops)

I like that it has a card slot so I can add more room for my training videos. That is one thing that killed me wanting a Galaxy 10.1.

How is the battery life compared to other 10.1 tablets? Ultimately I'll be using it to watch videos up to I would say 6-7 hours in one flight.

I've seen them for as low as $329 refurbed $359 new.

Anything close for that price range you think is better for my usage?

marctronixx

the xoom's prices are dropping:

Prices dropping

and you can get some good used one for even less--depends on how much looking you want to invest.

the xoom is a solid tablet--moto failed to launch it properly in many peoples' eyes but its still a top contender.. and its a GED! (Google Experience Device).

in the end all of these tablets do the same thing to the end user. you could get a nook and/or a kindle fire and root them to gain access to other functions and those are around 199-249 (nook and fire). there's the ipad 2... asus.. galaxy tab...

just depends on what you want in a tablet. i dont think anyone can make up your mind. its best you head to your local electronics bog box shop and test drive 'em...

hockeyguyinoc

Maybe I didn't ask it properly...most likely lol. I apologize for that. I'm looking for user experience not specs that never seem to translate into real world. I want a 10.1 screen size since this is replacing my laptop.

Will the battery life of the moto xoom last for 6 hours watching videos without rooting?
This is probably my number one concern due to having to fly for work. I'm curious about other tablet user's experience with battery life when watching videos.

Thanks for the idea oh going root with the kindle fire...I might have to consider it since it its so cheap.

eddiesox

As far as battery mine will usually last all day with fairly heavy internet and usually an hour or two (sometimes four or five) of Netflix. I can't remember the last time the battery dropped below 20% but then again I also charge it every night. But in airplane mode I'm fairly confident you could get 6 hours of video out of it. Maybe as many as 10.

BJplusMilo21

I am looking to buy a android tablet.

I have narrowed my choices to an xoom or sony tablet s.
Which andriod tablet is better and why?

marctronixx

hi,

that is going to be up to your personal preferences. each person has certain criteria in what they want from a tab--what are deal breakers for me may not be for you--so yoru question will bear little fruit, especially in a xoom forum.

each tab has their pros and cons. you should test drive each one at your local marketplace to see how each stacks up.

grain of salt whilst reading reviews online. so , read up in this forum on what people have had to say about the xoom and also read up on the pro sony tab forum. make up your mind using your own investigations...

my post is only meant to help you and to give an opinion. My hope is for you to receive it in good faith.

happy shopping.

3devious

It is absolutely not a replacement for a laptop (there aren't any cheap tablets that are.) You might get 6hrs of movie viewing with the net off and brightness turned down.

EdAndInn

I bought Xoom because of the solid specs (should not be outdated for at least 2 years). Motorola confirmed ICS update in coming months.

I feel that Xoom is better than any other Tablet in the Market and it provides pure Google Android experience.

surgerush

I just picked up the A200 a couple days ago. I'm somewhat happy, but it just feels like it's lacking sometimes. I was curious how much of a performance boost the Xoom would be compared to the A200. The specs seem very similar, but I may be missing something. Basically, is it worth the extra $50 and why? Any input at all would be very much application. Thank you in advance.