Known issues for the Xoom at Launch

[gamul1]

With the various news of issues on the upcoming Xoom I am trying to get my head around all of them to help me decide how long I wait on this device.

To this end I thought I would try to compile the list of known issues. If you are aware of others, please add them below and I will add them to this list. Also, a few items I have are open questions. If you have better info let me know and I will delete.


Known/Suspected Issues with the Xoom:
- No Flash support at launch, coming within a couple weeks of launch though in an OTA
- Micro SDHC card port not working at launch, sw update to enable "soon"
- No USB host? Needed for input devices and thumb/hard drives to work
- Rumors of locked bootloader appear false as it now appears to be unlockable.
- 4G not enabled at launch - will required free sw and hw update at store.


Known issues "about" the device:
- Cost of $800 for the 3G. Lots of mixed feels around this one on if it is worth it or not. But you can get the 3G on a data plan for $600 if you want, or wait for the wifi only.
- Wifi only not released right away. No date on when.
- Required 1 month data activitation to enable the wifi that we paid for already ($55 cost). Not an issue if you have read the return policy and cancel the service within 3 days. But this is a problem for the majority who wont read that.



What else am I missing?

 

[rushmore]

Flash = Very clear. Not shipping with device, as per Motorola and VZW. Official response from Adobe is "early 2011", which can be anywhere up to May.

Microsd = HUGE issue if internal space not mapped as microsd 1 (location for app data and apps2sd function).

USB Host = Needed for input devices and thumb/hard drives to work. Still unclear ATM, but manual only shows mass storage, MTP and thethering for USB 2.0 function. Been a post showing a cable for picture transfer, but that sounds an awful lot like Picbridge.

Locked boot loader = Considering wifi is locked at launch, it is almost a given the boot loader is locked down.

4G = This could be a big issue too, since no clear understanding how the update will take place.

The net combination of issues suggests a rocky launch, but no need in speculation anymore, since reality is soon at hand

Added: Hope I am joking about Picbridge and the $800 Xoom actually has USB host.

 

[zetroc]

What are the implications/disadvantages of a locked bootloader?

 

[rushmore]

What are the implications/disadvantages of a locked bootloader?

If you are not a modder- nothing much at all.

 

[joeski27]

USB Host = Needed for input devices and thumb/hard drives to work. Still unclear ATM, but manual only shows mass storage, MTP and thethering for USB 2.0 function. Been a post showing a cable for picture transfer, but that sounds an awful lot like Picbridge.

Added: Hope I am joking about Picbridge and the $800 Xoom actually has USB host.

In what way does this sound like Picbridge? Picbridge is a means of connecting a camera directly to a printer, whereas the description of the Xoom Camera Connection Kit clearly describes a camera-to-Xoom connection for transferring pictures.

 

[joeski27]

- Required 1 month data activitation to enable the wifi that we paid for already ($55 cost)

You can take this one off the list right away. Please see Verizon's Return/Termination Policy Page, first paragraph under "Return & Service Termination" section. As long as you call to cancel the monthly service within 3 days you will not be responsible for the $35 activation fee (it will basically be taken off your bill) AND you'll only be responsible for any data used during that period, on a prorated basis (which should amount to little to nothing, assuming you canceled before surfing the web, downloading, etc.)

 

[rushmore]

In what way does this sound like Picbridge? Picbridge is a means of connecting a camera directly to a printer, whereas the description of the Xoom Camera Connection Kit clearly describes a camera-to-Xoom connection for transferring pictures.

I said I was joking

 

[zetroc]

If you are not a modder- nothing much at all.

And if you are?

 

[rjoudrey]

Funny thing if Motorola came out and said we will not launch until we have everything right, everyone would go bonkers. Screaming why can't they release what they have now! We can wait for the rest!

Just like CM7 roms.

 

[Raptor912]

I heard it is shipping without a screen...

Spoiler

Ha, just kidding

 

[gamul1]

USB Host = Needed for input devices and thumb/hard drives to work. Still unclear ATM, but manual only shows mass storage, MTP and thethering for USB 2.0 function. Been a post showing a cable for picture transfer, but that sounds an awful lot like Picbridge.

OK - so here is my ignorance. If you cant use a USB port for input devices and thumb drives, what the heck can you use it for? I guess just talking to the computer?

 

[gamul1]

You can take this one off the list right away. Please see Verizon's Return/Termination Policy Page, first paragraph under "Return & Service Termination" section. As long as you call to cancel the monthly service within 3 days you will not be responsible for the $35 activation fee (it will basically be taken off your bill) AND you'll only be responsible for any data used during that period, on a prorated basis (which should amount to little to nothing, assuming you canceled before surfing the web, downloading, etc.)

Well - I agree with you that this is true. But I am leaving it on the list because based on the 42 forums I read, its clearly an issue for a lot of people who have not and will not read the return policy.

Besides - to be honest - I am not yet comfortable that VZ won't have their hands on your throat on that and some how have it covered that you must keep/pay for the full 30 days.

 

[gamul1]

Funny thing if Motorola came out and said we will not launch until we have everything right, everyone would go bonkers. Screaming why can't they release what they have now! We can wait for the rest!

Just like CM7 roms.

I totally agree. I don't think most of the list above is a show stopper. All (most) are expected to be resolved "soon" and I do believe them. I wanted to have a single list of issues so I and others can go forward with our eyes open.

 

[rjoudrey]

I totally agree. I don't think most of the list above is a show stopper. All (most) are expected to be resolved "soon" and I do believe them. I wanted to have a single list of issues so I and others can go forward with our eyes open.

It would be nice if the return policy was contingent on receiving some the items on this list.

 

[zetroc]

Well - I agree with you that this is true. But I am leaving it on the list because based on the 42 forums I read, its clearly an issue for a lot of people who have not and will not read the return policy.

Besides - to be honest - I am not yet comfortable that VZ won't have their hands on your throat on that and some how have it covered that you must keep/pay for the full 30 days.

For what I understand, if you already have an account and add the Mobile Broadband after your cycle restarted, you will be billed (in advance) the prorated amount, then the second month would bill fine. If you are opening a new account, then you would pay for the full month even if you cancel before it's over, since they bill you in advance.

I hate how Vzw does this, but it makes some sense: You pay for March in advance, and then April in advance plus any March overages, etc.

 

[joeski27]

Funny thing if Motorola came out and said we will not launch until we have everything right, everyone would go bonkers. Screaming why can't they release what they have now! We can wait for the rest!

Just like CM7 roms.

LOL, yes very good call there, that's exactly what would happen. The situation is what it is - the product is basically 95% ready, so you either release it now with the finishing touches coming in the next several weeks, or you hold off the release.

 

[joeski27]

OK - so here is my ignorance. If you cant use a USB port for input devices and thumb drives, what the heck can you use it for? I guess just talking to the computer?

Yeah agreed, that would be pretty lame if thats the only you have the USB port (considering the Xoom does not charge via USB). If the only reason for the USB is for transferring files from the computer to the tablet, why not just rely on bluetooth (which the Xoom and most newer computers now have) file transfers like most smartphones???

 

[dwboston]

Yeah agreed, that would be pretty lame if thats the only you have the USB port (considering the Xoom does not charge via USB). If the only reason for the USB is for transferring files from the computer to the tablet, why not just rely on bluetooth (which the Xoom and most newer computers now have) file transfers like most smartphones???

Because USB file transfers are much faster than via Bluetooth.

 

[bgrutter]

Yup, I'm happy they are moving forward with the release. AS the consumer, we have the option to either accept the temporary shortcomings or wait. Typically, we're required to wait.

Unfortunately, I think I might be waiting a little while. I recently picked up a NookColor. I'm having fun playing around wuth that for now. The real killer for me is the lack of Flash. I use that regularly and can use it on my NC right now.

I'm sure y'all will have lots of great feedback when you're able to pick it up. I look forward to it and how to by one soon.

 

[rushmore]

And if you are?

Best to wait and see