Sometimes early adopters pay a huge price. This may be the case with XOOM, if the rumored $799 price is a fact. Even if Verizon knocks off $200, and they stick you with a $30 a month data plan for 2 years with high penalties for cancelling, it will be brutally expensive. It is now reasonable to really look at alternatives. The Ipad 2 will be out, probably in April, and will definitely have a wifi only and have about the same hardware as the Xoom, and maybe $200-300 cheaper. I've had an Ipad and would buy another. The Acer 10.1 inch Android, with similar or better hardware than the Xoom is also supposed to be out around April. Acer usually prices VERY competitively. There are also a few others in the 10 inch form. Are we all going to jump on the Xoom?
Last edited by jimbo1mcm; January 22nd, 2011 at 06:14 AM.
Reason: spelling
I am considering the same issues. There will undoubtedly be wifi only Android tablets that are significantly cheaper. The Archos 101 is currently $300 - granted it is not of the same quality, but there are many others coming. The galaxy tab can be had for $499.
As for the iPad- the base model- no 3g - may be 200 cheaper, but put in comparable memory and 3g and the price is just as high as the Xoom.
The Notion Ink should be out at $425 for the 3g LCD model.
I simply think its not time yet- this summer will be the mark. By then we should see a plethora of competitive android tablets, the ipad 2, and most carriers on board. The early adopter costs should be gone by then as well once the competition of actually shipping devices heats up. Additionally we should see Gingerbread at leat and maybe even Honeycomb by then.
I think anything you by now would be simply a "test" device just to begin to assess the true viability of an android tablet as a netbook/laptop/e-reader replacement. It will allow you to explore possibilities of android in this form factor, but by summer it will likely be either outdated or, in the case of the Xoom, you will have paid a high price for early adoption.
Seeing the Xoom price takes it out of my radar. While it would be nice to have a Google Experience tablet, not paying a premium for one. As it stands now the Notion Ink Adam is looking more and more attractive as is waiting 6 months for the rest of the Android tablets to be released.
This looks very interesting with very good specs, comparable to Xoom. Wonder what the price will actually be.
From Engadget:
.at15t_email{background-position:0px -4120px}Tablet PCs ASUS Eee Pad Slider and Transformer arrive for those that can't imagine using a tablet without a physical keyboard
Here they are: ASUS's duo of Tegra 2-powered, 10.1-inch tablets with unique physical keyboards. Starting with the craziest of them, is the Eee Pad Slider (pictured on the left), which reminds us a lot of HTC's old school Shift with its slide out QWERTY keyboard. The device is planned to run Google's Honeycomb, sports a IPS, 1280 x 800-resolution display, and houses mini-HDMI and miniUSB ports as well as a microSD card slot. The 2.2-pound / .5-inch thick slab also has dual cameras -- a 1.2 megapixel front-facing one and a 5 megapixel one with an LED flash on the back. We have to say we love the idea of always having that keyboard around, but if you don't want to drag along a physical keyboard all the time, ASUS has something for you too. It's the Transformer, and like the Eee Pad we saw at Computex, it's a 10.1-inch tablet that will come with a laptop like dock with a full size keyboard and touchpad. The tablet part -- like the Slider -- will run Android 3.0 and packs a dual-core Tegra 2 processor, two cameras, and a 1280 x 800-resolution IPS display, however, the dock has an integrated battery that will keep the tablet running for 16 hours on a charge -- the tablet on its own should last eight. We're obviously aching in our seats here waiting to get these two in our hands so stay tuned for some crazy videos of the two in action -- until then we leave you with the specs after the break.
Update: How much will it cost you to keyboard-ify your slate and how long will you have to wait? ASUS says the Transformer will run between $400 and $700 and the Slider from $500 to $800. Expect them in April and May respectively. ASUS Eee Slate Slider and Transformer
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That does look compelling in a way. Though the broad "$500 - $800" price tag makes all the difference. At $800, I'll definitely take the XOOM (though that keyboard is compelling on the Slider).
It's odd, I definitely read about this during CES, but never really considered it because I was so fixed on the XOOM. Now that the XOOM seems to have a $800 price tag, I suspect others may do what I am doing - namely going back to see what other options exist for comparison sake..
That does look compelling in a way. Though the broad "$500 - $800" price tag makes all the difference. At $800, I'll definitely take the XOOM (though that keyboard is compelling on the Slider).
It's odd, I definitely read about this during CES, but never really considered it because I was so fixed on the XOOM. Now that the XOOM seems to have a $800 price tag, I suspect others may do what I am doing - namely going back to see what other options exist for comparison sake..
I'm thinking the broad range is model choices. Which probably means for the same specs as xoom, that will be $800 please. I'm really going to hate Motorola for setting that price point.
This looks very interesting with very good specs, comparable to Xoom. Wonder what the price will actually be.
Update: How much will it cost you to keyboard-ify your slate and how long will you have to wait? ASUS says the Transformer will run between $400 and $700 and the Slider from $500 to $800. Expect them in April and May respectively.
So I can't get it without a physical keyboard option? Damn that sucks.
I am posting this because there is not a separate category for the Toshiba Tablet( doesn't have a name yet), but Toshiba's website is alive and showing the product with a spring arrival.
This could be the 800 lb gorilla in the room. I was all set to purchase the Xoom, but the price and the arrival of this product will probably change my mind.
Specs: 1280 x 800
Tegra 2
Honeycomb
Replaceable Battery
10.1 inch
2.0MP front camera, 5.0 back camera
Mini USB
Full size USB 2.0
Full size HDMI
SRS suround stereo speakers
Wifi connectivity
Full size SD or microSd expandable to 128GB
Bluetooth, GPS, Accelerometer
Haptic feedback on typing
Flash
They are targeting around 1.76 lbs. No RAM stated yet.
No 3 or 4G now, but if there is a full USB port, maybe you can use a 3 or 4G adapter or a hotspot from your smartphone. There are plans to have 3 or 4G in the future.
I used to have a Toshiba laptop and it was a workhorse. When the CPU overheated, they sent a box the next day and repaired it very quickly. I have full confidence in their product support. I think that this product might be the next best alternative to the xoom, because it will probably be cheaper not having 3 or 4G and it will be sold direct from Toshiba or probably Best Buy. I noticed that the demonstrator at CES said they were going to have a 16GB and a 32GB model to start. This should make it well less than the Xoom in price. I think that with Toshiba's world wide buying power and its experience in making tablets and laptops, it will be able to deliver a superior product at a competitive price.
Due for a spring arrival. I don't believe I will be in the early adopter line at Verizon. This tablet is worth waiting a couple of months for.
I am posting this because there is not a separate category for the Toshiba Tablet( doesn't have a name yet), but Toshiba's website is alive and showing the product with a spring arrival.
Funny - was just coming to add this to the thread as well. So now we will have a few good Alternatives to the Xoom:
-Asus Transformer
-Notion Ink Adam
-Toshiba Unnamed
While the Xoom will be the first to market I will be waiting for one of the other 3. No sense in paying the HUGE early adapter tax it looks like Moto is going to be charging.
The other model of Asus comes with a keyboard, but the tablet part separates and you can just use it as a tablet.
Sorry, more to the point can I just buy the tablet without having to buy some sort of physical keyboard because somehow I think they tack that on to the price.
Funny - was just coming to add this to the thread as well. So now we will have a few good Alternatives to the Xoom:
-Asus Transformer
-Notion Ink Adam
-Toshiba Unnamed
While the Xoom will be the first to market I will be waiting for one of the other 3. No sense in paying the HUGE early adapter tax it looks like Moto is going to be charging.
Of the 4 you list the Adam is technically first to the market as they have already begun shipping. People are waiting for the next round of pre-orders.
Sorry, more to the point can I just buy the tablet without having to buy some sort of physical keyboard because somehow I think they tack that on to the price.
I would assume that Transformer is going to come sans keyboard. I think I remember reading somewhere that it will be like $200-$300 to add it - along with a keyboard it adds in like 16 hours of battery life in addition as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zaggs
Of the 4 you list the Adam is technically first to the market as they have already begun shipping. People are waiting for the next round of pre-orders.
If Notion Ink would come out and say 100% for sure that they will upgrade to 3.0 I would get in on pre-order 2. I have been following in the last week or so, but there is to much ambiguity surrounding it at this time to pre-order.
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I have been wanting the Notion Ink since last year....lol The XOOM looks nice, but I think I would take the Notion Ink over it even if both were priced the same.
I did want the ICD Vega tablet last year too, think its called the Advent Vega now. The name changed so many times I lost track...lol For real, it could be 2 different tablets...
I think the Viewsonic G tablet might be nice too. Its been out for a few months now.
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The Asus transformer is actually at the top of my list right now.... but it could be Q3 before it's even out. As others have said, this summer is prolly when the real competitive options start to become available. And as always, the first run of things usually have a ton of kinks to work out. Also consider this is the genesis of Gingerbread so who knows what kinks that will have to be ironed out also. Unfortunately, 2011 will likely be a year where things take some time to really get up and running properly. Hope I'm wrong and the timeframe is quicker than that.
Word on the street is the iPad 2 will have a low end $399.99 version as well. While others are just jumping into the fray, Apple's had time to reduce production and R&D costs due to the success of the original iPad.
Companies like Motorola may end up losing out the same way they did back when Apple introduced the iPod for the first time. By the time they caught up, it was too late. Nobody could produce a device as nice as the iPod for the same price point.
Word on the street is the iPad 2 will have a low end $399.99 version as well. While others are just jumping into the fray, Apple's had time to reduce production and R&D costs due to the success of the original iPad.
Companies like Motorola may end up losing out the same way they did back when Apple introduced the iPod for the first time. By the time they caught up, it was too late. Nobody could produce a device as nice as the iPod for the same price point.
$399.00 ? Possible but the ipad1 refurbs are selling for $429.00 would they actually undercut that price. Maybe a pre-emptive strike for tablet dominance.
Has anyone heard anything about LG's G slate Tablet? It's supposed to have a 3D screen and the ability to record 3D movies (although it still requires wearing those awkward goggles).
Personally, I think 3D is just a fad. But I have to admit, it would be a nice feature to have on a tablet for watching the occasional 3D movie (especially since I would never buy a 3D tv).
I am pretty set on getting the Xoom, but wonder if anyone had any thoughts on the G slate?
This might be a silly question, but will any of these be alternatives to a laptop? Not high performance computing, but internet, email, word processing, excel/powerpoint/school work type things, etc, and basic games?
My laptop is on its last leg, and it's either buy one of these awesome things or a laptop. I am in school and need to write documents and make excel models and powerpoint presentations.
I know about documents to go, but the reviews are hit and miss, and im not sure those programs are completely functional alternatives to the real office programs. I do not do any gaming or anything like that other angry birds type games, but need the office type packages.
tablets aren't going to be ideal for schoolwork as you describe. Tablets are much more oriented towards content consumption than creation. If you need to type papers etc, get a laptop. you can even get laptops cheaper than a tablet anyway.
And for those that say you can get a keyboard addon for a tablet, its still running android (which has no real office suite) and that can cause all kinds of complications if you need to open/save/print/send office documents in school.
Try looking for a cheap refurbished or used laptop to hold you over, and start saving for a tablet.
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I actually use my Droid X for many things I used to have to do on my laptop. But there are still a lot of things that it is too cumbersome, or just not possible to really do on an android tab at this point. I think a 7" tab is about as small you can go and really expect to be able to use it as a netbook replacement. 10" is now getting to be pretty large tho also IMHO. I think the netbook/laptop replacement will be something like the Asus transormer or slider. Something that can be either a tab, or a netbook/laptop. Also internal storage will need to be increased on these units to be able to really compete. I like the idea of a laptop replacement type tab, but think it is a little ways off from it being a reality yet.
tablets aren't going to be ideal for schoolwork as you describe. Tablets are much more oriented towards content consumption than creation. If you need to type papers etc, get a laptop. you can even get laptops cheaper than a tablet anyway.
And for those that say you can get a keyboard addon for a tablet, its still running android (which has no real office suite) and that can cause all kinds of complications if you need to open/save/print/send office documents in school.
Try looking for a cheap refurbished or used laptop to hold you over, and start saving for a tablet.
Meh, I'm getting behind the Xoom. While there will be plenty of other tablets to come out this year, the bottom line is still that Honeycomb is Google's focus on the tablet market. Any Android tablet that's going to be worth owning is going to be running it, so I might as well get the first one available.
Updates will undoubtedly come out over the first year, adding features and benefits. But the system, as shown, is already worth owning... and the rumored pricing is still very much in line with a decent model ipad... for hardware that does MUCH more.
I also disagree with the poster that the iPad 2 will be comparable. Until it is actually announced, we have no idea what functionality it will include. Even if it includes comparable hardware specs, I sincerely doubt Apple has made the type of consideration of retooling iOS specifically for a tablet form factor. In the last 3 iterations of iOS updates, the changes have been incremental at best; nothing that ever feels remarkably different.
It is safe to be confident that the Xoom is future proofed for at least the next year until we see 3rd gen tablets hitting the market. Whether consumers are willing to upgrade tablets every 1-2 years, like we do with our smartphones, is an entirely different matter though.
It does look pretty cool. Tough part is getting the Xoom right away or wait to see how Toshiba and others butcher Honeycomb with custom skins....
Yea, that's my thing. Google's stock skin is so smooth, I'd rather start with that and the option to customize it with add-ons myself, later down the line.
Has anyone heard anything about LG's G slate Tablet? It's supposed to have a 3D screen and the ability to record 3D movies (although it still requires wearing those awkward goggles).
Personally, I think 3D is just a fad. But I have to admit, it would be a nice feature to have on a tablet for watching the occasional 3D movie (especially since I would never buy a 3D tv).
I am pretty set on getting the Xoom, but wonder if anyone had any thoughts on the G slate?
After seeing the Price for the Xoom, I'm thinking about getting the G Slate. If the price is right, this will be a buy for me. It does require 3D glasses unlike LG's future phone, but with the same specs as the Xoom, plus the 3D, I'm thinking about going for it.
I have a feeling it'll be out in march/april.
After seeing the price on the Xoom I pulled the trigger on a Nook color. For what I believe my uses will be for a tablet the Nook Color will be just enough. With an update supposed to bring 2.2 to the device and the XDA community that is behind it, the ability to function as an Android tablet is right there. Sure it will require a little bit of work, but for the cost savings I will be looking for the next big phone on Sprint to go with it.
Xoom is ridiculously priced. If I were to get a tab it I would just get a Nook Color and hack the mess out of it. My big bucks are going towards a laptop.
I guess shouldn't have used word "tab" since it's also slang for tablet. I was talking about buying a "galaxy tab" if there was hack to add honeycomb. That link will only work for nook color.
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Well, this is not an Android tablet, but I guess is an Alternative to the XOOM. the HP TouchPad running new WebOS 3.0 was unveiled today. Not for me, but looks interesting.
i picked up the Archos Ten 1. 16gb, wanted the Eeepad Transform due to the fact that i love me eeepc (Asus netboot with works great) but couldn't wait 3 more months for their tabs. Recieved and unboxed my At 101 today froyo was already loaded, haven't got to do to much spent a little while trying to get my wifi tether to work haven't loaded the gapps yet i wanted to see how much i could do before i decide to root. this thing is so light compaired to the cruz tablets kept for 3 days slow and waste of money unless you want to use for ebooks. i payed $343 for free 2day shipping from amazon($.60 for the mini hdmi plus shipping) haven't played with it but jumping from my rooted hero to this thing was at home. i'll be reporting back soon once i get the gapps and BT tether working. but hey it's gonna happen happy tablet hunting guys
I would assume that Transformer is going to come sans keyboard. I think I remember reading somewhere that it will be like $200-$300 to add it - along with a keyboard it adds in like 16 hours of battery life in addition as well.
If Notion Ink would come out and say 100% for sure that they will upgrade to 3.0 I would get in on pre-order 2. I have been following in the last week or so, but there is to much ambiguity surrounding it at this time to pre-order.
Awesome if the transformer does come sans keyboard. Otherwise I think the pricing goes the way of the Atrix.
Notion has confirmed that they are going to be working on Honeycomb. Course they have had problem with information giving in the past. But this was from the blog post yesterday (Eden being the OS on the Adam):
"The current OS is Android 2.2 with necessary components borrowed from Gingerbread. Notion Ink will NOT be updating to Gingerbread, but will be directly migrating to Honeycomb in future. There will be constant updates on the OS and most of the new updates will be for the new applications from our partners. Eden will have timely updates for more feature additions and 3rd party softwares which will be provided. You can install any application (Android 1.6 and above) on Adam."
The Samsung Tab II is going to be announced at 12 noon EST. The leaked specs and pictures so far look rather promising, also rumored to have 16, 32 and 64 GB sizes. If this is priced better than the Xoom and it is coming out within the next month I would consider getting it over the Xoom
Finally got my Archos 101 up and running with market and have bluetooth tethering through my sprint hero running CM6 rc1. i haven't played to much on it i'm working on getting my wii remotes set up correctly (works but want to change button config). I downloaded the nesoid lite from the market and checked out a couple games both work great.i'm really starting to like this thing I believe it may be a little while before i root. i do have to reboot at least twice a day but i haven't managed to run the battery out yet. Oh one thing i have run into is that i can't find all of the apps on the Market but have found them though various xda searches or what not. i do have all the files if one may need.... peace
I am eyeing the galaxy tab 2 and the unnamed toshiba tablet. Both have very similar tech specs to the xoom (10.1" same res screen, tegra 2, etc).
The xoom looks great and is certainly coming out first, but I'm willing to wait a month or two and get an equal device for a lot less $$.
Some points in the alternatives' favor:
* samsung builds and manufactures most of its own parts, so the price could be lower than xoom
* samsung already announced 16gb model, which should be cheaper
* samsung is noticeably lighter than xoom and toshiba tablet
* toshiba tablet has nice ergonomic exterior surface with interchangeable colors (meant to be durable, spill resistant, and easy to hold)
* toshiba tablet has confirmed removable battery
It will be interesting to see reviews of all 3 head to head, but I dont think you can lose with any of them. All are pretty similar in terms of size and specs.
Last edited by bioluminous; February 13th, 2011 at 07:58 PM.
I am eyeing the galaxy tab 2 and the unnamed toshiba tablet. Both have very similar tech specs to the xoom (10.1" same res screen, tegra 2, etc).
The xoom looks great and is certainly coming out first, but I'm willing to wait a month or two and get an equal device for a lot less $$.
Some points in the alternatives' favor:
* samsung builds and manufactures most of its own parts, so the price could be lower than xoom
* samsung already announced 16gb model, which should be cheaper
* samsung is noticeably lighter than xoom and toshiba tablet
* toshiba tablet has nice ergonomic exterior surface with interchangeable colors (meant to be durable, spill resistant, and easy to hold)
* toshiba tablet has confirmed removable battery
It will be interesting to see reviews of all 3 head to head, but I dont think you can lose with any of them. All are pretty similar in terms of size and specs.
Don't forget that the toshiba has a full sd card slot as well as full size usb with usb host. Of course it lacks a rear camera if you're into that.
The LG G-Slate looks pretty comparable. I wonder what N/A means. If that means that it doesn't have expandable memory, that is a big one for me. I need the microSD slot...
If that means that it hasn't been announced yet then I will continue looking at it. I also wonder how 3d will affect the battery life. Probably a major hog.
The LG G-Slate looks pretty comparable. I wonder what N/A means. If that means that it doesn't have expandable memory, that is a big one for me. I need the microSD slot...
If that means that it hasn't been announced yet then I will continue looking at it. I also wonder how 3d will affect the battery life. Probably a major hog.
If you take close look N/A = not annouced, if the device doesn't have it they use "no".
The LG G-Slate looks pretty comparable. I wonder what N/A means. If that means that it doesn't have expandable memory, that is a big one for me. I need the microSD slot...
If that means that it hasn't been announced yet then I will continue looking at it. I also wonder how 3d will affect the battery life. Probably a major hog.
TechRadar's walk-around shows no signs of a memory card slot, so it's highly doubtful, unless you can remove the back or something.
In defining alternatives to the Xoom, you have to be fair and agree that there are multiple tiers of tablets and at the moment I think the Xoom is in the top tier of android tablets. You can consider one of the many $200 - $300 tablets out there instead of the Xoom, but its not an equal alternative. You would be settling for a lesser tablet.
In the Xoom class of tablets, I think there is the Toshiba and the LG. Maybe the ASUS tablets but I don't know much about them. If size is not important you can add in the new HTC Flyer too maybe and the Samsung.
Tablets like the adam and the Nook are no where in the same category as the Xoom. and in fact, I think they are two or three tiers below the Xoom.
You get what you pay for and the pricing of these tablets does seem to aling to the quality of the tablet.
Last edited by gamul1; February 15th, 2011 at 06:01 PM.
Alternatives to Xoom!!
free 2day shipping from amazon($.60 for the mini hdmi plus shipping) haven't played with it but jumping from my rooted hero to this thing was at home. i'll be reporting back soon once i get the gapps and BT tether working. but hey it's gonna happen happy tablet hunting guys
