10k question Is it worth it?

[dblake15]

Ok I am really on the fence with this. I currently have an ipad that I got last year and got a lot of use out of. But my wife has been using that and we will need another tablet for traveling. Is this one worth it? I am just worried about the multimedia portion of this? I have an evo and love android. Just want to see what ever thinks. Wait or buy?

Thanks

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[Cory S]

I'd wait. There is little to do with it currently other than use it to browse the web (which I was not impressed with at all, personally) for the time being. If you care to read the impressions of two of my friends and I comparing it to an iPad we wrote a summary at XDA Xoom vs Gtab vs iPad impressions from three IT nerds - xda-developers My personal biggest gripe was not the rampant bugs in the OS, as those can be resolved, but the screen quality. The screen isn't bad...it just isn't great, and for 800 dollars I wanted "amazing". Now many people point out the Xoom has a higher resolution screen than the iPad, so therefore it is better. But resolution is only a small part of it..kind of like megapixels on cameras, it's an advertising bullet point. The contrast ratio is what gives you that eye popping color, and the xoom lacks a little there.

In raw specs it beats the iPad, and it looks like it will beat the iPad 2. In actual everyday use I think the iPad is superior in many ways. It makes better use of it's hardware, and has a massive app dev community. I am a die hard android fan, who came from an iPhone 3GS...and I will be buying an android tab in the future. Not because I think it is better than an ipad, but because I like to tinker and android is more open for that.

 

[Don S]

You might want to wait it out a bit if you can. It's only been out for 1 day now and it might be a bit hard to parse all of the info likely to come in. You can get some good first impressions here, but I wouldn't make a decision based on just these yet if I were you.

I say this because typically with new products, and particularly for those which are this highly anticipated, you'll have folks who may experience issues, but won't bring them up or might downplay them to justify the purchase. That said, with a brand new OS, issues are certainly to be expected, and also forthcoming fixes for such as well as improvements should (likely) be expected. So this early on might not be the perfect time to assess overall.

My experience has been pretty good so far. I am pretty happy overall, but it's not perfect. As for multimedia, hard to say this early on really. I see some issues with the photo viewing gallery for some reason, it's odd. Pictures on web pages look fine, pictures in the Gallery app don't look great (fuzzy) to me. Video seems pretty good overall, including Youtube. It's not outstanding, but it seems good. If you identify what specific aspects of multimedia are important to you, perhaps some early impressions here might help.

 

[dblake15]

Thanks so much for the feedback this is great.

Really what do I do with the iPad, I read news feeds, surf the web, maybe use Citrix receiver or splashtop to do work. Check email and would like to video chat. I also would like google voice to work on this, and I know it does not yet. The iPad is nice because i have movies for my kids on it and can shoot it up via apple tv or when we go out they can watch a movie. But let's say we are in the car and they dont want to watch the same things, I would like to be able to load a movie or tv show on the device so they can watch.

I think my problem is or what scares me is there is no "one stop shop" yet for android. I want to go to an app buy a movie, tv show or song and download it. Also has anyone tried slingplayer?

But bottom line the iPad has been great and I can use it to compliment each other, and especially since my wife is using it to play games. I just know the flood gates are opening and we have a lot coming. But since google and moto were so entwined with this, is this the best one we will get?

Thanks

 

[Vehtemas]

I am waiting for spring, when the Toshiba Tablet, Acer 500 thing, and many others come out with their tablets. Competition will make sure the absolute best is best priced and there will be many more apps out there for them when that comes to fruition.

 

[james_bw]

The posters above me are dead wrong

Don't wait. It's worth it!

(Full disclosure, I'm biased)

 

[reiththestud]

Thanks so much for the feedback this is great.

Really what do I do with the iPad, I read news feeds, surf the web, maybe use Citrix receiver or splashtop to do work. Check email and would like to video chat. I also would like google voice to work on this, and I know it does not yet. The iPad is nice because i have movies for my kids on it and can shoot it up via apple tv or when we go out they can watch a movie. But let's say we are in the car and they dont want to watch the same things, I would like to be able to load a movie or tv show on the device so they can watch.

I think my problem is or what scares me is there is no "one stop shop" yet for android. I want to go to an app buy a movie, tv show or song and download it. Also has anyone tried slingplayer?

But bottom line the iPad has been great and I can use it to compliment each other, and especially since my wife is using it to play games. I just know the flood gates are opening and we have a lot coming. But since google and moto were so entwined with this, is this the best one we will get?

Thanks

If you're looking for the "one stop shop", then the iPad 2 (being announced on March 2nd) might be the better option for you. Android is definitely lacking in the iTunes-esque store category. However with web browsing you might find you like the Xoom (or any other android tablet for that matter) better because of its inclusion of flash (the update will be out in a matter of weeks). The iPad 2 will more than likely have a webcam for video chatting which would be nice, and flash videos can be supplemented by use of the skyfire browser which would allow you to view flash videos on an iPad.

It sounds like you're using airplay to get video onto your apple tv. It really seems you exist well within the Apple ecosystem and a break from it might be difficult for you. Especially since gaming is so well fleshed out on the iPad already. One thing to consider is that the Xoom has a HDMI port on it. Not as convenient as Airplay, but a feature I prefer considering I don't have an Apple TV nor do I want one.

I would say wait until March 2nd to get a better lay of the land. And even then maybe wait another month as more honeycomb tablets land on store shelves. This is shaping up to be an interesting year in the tablet market. Don't get too far ahead of yourself. Just remember that if you impulse purchase something but you keep it in good condition, you might be able to sell it on craigslist without losing much money so you can fund that next "shiny object".

 

[rushmore]

The $600 version- yes, once microsd and Flash are working. If you prefer apps over Flash and do not mind being forced into using iTunes for everything, the iPad / 2 are hard to argue against. I prefer the relative "freedom" of Android, but also appreciate the great apps. Perhaps do what I did:

Bought $350 gTablet and $364 iPod 4 64gb for $750 (tax included). Both are almost $100 less than the VZW Xoom and I have the good Android stuff and the good Apple stuff.

Then again, waiting for the wifi version Xoom will probably be two months, but $200 less than VZW version is nice.

 

[reiththestud]

One thing to consider is just buy one and give it a week to see how it goes. If during the next week you find yourself grabbing for the iPad more than the Xoom out of mere preference, I think you'll have your answer. You can return the Xoom and wait for the iPad 2. I think that will really be the best test for you. Let real world use be your guide.

 

[parrotheadmjb]

Worth it for me. Plenty of bugs, but they'll be fixed very soon... that's the good thing, its great but will get better. Paid $800 then got it online for $600 from moto. Either way I would keep it but since I got it cheaper ill either return this one or sell it for $700 whenever the other comes in the mail... but I am very happy I got... $600 or $800. And btw I didn't have the money to get it.. went straight to a credit card.

 

[Don S]

One thing to consider is just buy one and give it a week to see how it goes. If during the next week you find yourself grabbing for the iPad more than the Xoom out of mere preference, I think you'll have your answer. You can return the Xoom and wait for the iPad 2. I think that will really be the best test for you. Let real world use be your guide.

Well, given that the XOOM will be updated PLENTY in the next few months, this may not be a good idea at all - unless the OP needs the tablet very soon. The current XOOM experience will not resemble the experience in a few months (flash, SD, 4G, more tablet apps) on the XOOM very much ...

 

[faith4more]

It's worth it.

I had an ipad. Apple builds a very nice device. But I do not like the way they want to monopolize your pocket book. At times the business model is conflicting with freedom of the consumer. Thing is Apple does not want you to have a choice and they are locking it down more. I want a device that I can put what I want on it without Apple getting in the way just like I expect on my computers.

As far as the device goes I like the form and os much better than iPad.

That being said it is nice we can all choose because we all have different tastes.

 

[dblake15]

I am not, and I repeat not buying another iPad. Dont get me wrong, I really like the ipad but one is enough. I am looking for an android tablet to compliment the ipad. My wife can use the ipad and I can use the android. My question is I have not seen any thing other than google music centered around a multimedia experience. Unless I am missing something, then what is this android tablet experience geared toward.

I am going to Costco to go play with one now. I need some hands on.

 

[Teegunn]

If the screen quality is just so so, I won't be a Xoom owner. I'd rather get a sammy with their beautiful screens. Or hell, just get a Nook Color and the really nice IPS screen it has now for $250 from Walmart.

 

[slopokdave]

Out of all the tablets out, if the Ipad2 screen is no better than the first ipad, Xoom will be the best out there.

Until something better comes along.

I am loving it so far.

 

[Teegunn]

Apparently the brightness and viewing angles on the xoom are lacking. Disappointing for what is supposedly the top dog of tabs.

 

[reiththestud]

Apparently the brightness and viewing angles on the xoom are lacking. Disappointing for what is supposedly the top dog of tabs.

My local best buy had the xoom placed right around the corner from their iPad. I was really happy with the screen until I turned around and saw the iPad. The iPad screen is much more vivid and lifelike. More like a clear windows than a screen if that makes sense.

With that said, I remembered Engadget(and a few others) saying that the auto brightness was a little overbearing. I turned off auto brightness and cranked it to max. It made the screen look MUCH better. Pretty close to iPad quality. Although I think Sammy is using better screens though. I'll have to see what the Galaxy Tab 10.1 looks like. But that apple-esque all in one connector is a major turnoff.

 

[Cory S]

Everything I've read is the 10.1 is using a larger version of the panel in the original Galaxy Tab...which not all that great IMO. It's brighter, but has a super blue hinge to it.

 

[RCPD Rookie]

I apologize in advance for the length of the post, I just wanted to make sure I got the pertinent info in.
I'm going to be purchasing a tablet this Friday 4/1, and like most people I'm deciding between the iPad 2 and the Xoom. I've read a ton of reviews on both devices, but I figured actual users would be able to give me the real scoop much better than reviewers.
First off, what I THINK I'll mainly do with it: web browsing, email, netflix streaming (I know Xoom doesn't currently do it, but let's face it- Netflix streaming will eventually be on every piece of tech, ever.), maybe a few games. Basically I'm looking at doing a lot of things I used to do on my laptop. We got a puppy and I would like something that I can put down on the endtable next to my recliner in a hurry, so that I can stop said puppy from doing evil.
Next, what doesn't matter to me: cameras- my phone takes good pictures, is easier to hold than a tablet and I'm not the sort to video chat. If either device (Xoom or Ipad 2) didn't have cameras it wouldn't matter to me. Music- I really don't see myself listening to music on a tablet, again, that's why I have a phone. Specs- I don't care how many bajillion triangles a device did in some benchmark- from what I've read, the two are pretty much on par in real world applications. Lineage- I'll never be a fanboy who buys something because a certain company puts it out. I don't trust Google. I don't trust Apple. (For that matter i don't trust Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Ford, Chevy, etc.) I think they are all trying to steal my money.
Finally the concerns I have about the Xoom- with rumors about a Nexus tab, will the Xoom continue to be updated quickly, when Google updates the Honeycomb? Is the weight difference between the iPad 2 and the Xoom really that noticeable? (I haven't been able to lay hands on a Xoom, I have held an iPad 2, I gotta say, it's a thin, light, sexy device.) For someone like me, with no prior Android experience, going to be able get the most out of a Xoom?
Anyways, once again, I appreciate any guidance you can give me- $600 is not an inconsequential amount to me, so I'm looking for advice from as many people as I can get it from.

 

[clb2196]

Some key points to consider:

-One of the plusses of Android is the customization. How much of a concern is it to you to customize?

-You can watch Netflix, Hulu, etc. on the Xoom through PlayOn

-How much flash do you use in your web browsing?

Weight-wise- yeah, you can tell the Xoom is heavier. Something to consider, but it's certainly not heavy enough to be a deal-breaker or anything like that.

 

[3devious]

I dunno, with as little as you're doing with it, you'd be better off with a rooted cheap android tablet or the cheapest iPad 1 you can get. There's really no point in spending all that money if you don't need anything better than a Droid 1.

 

[TJoseph]

I have had the Xoom for almost 24 hours now. I have no experience with the iPad. So far I am finding that I prefer to work on my laptop, but I am trying to use it and maybe I will get used to it. I need to reference stuff (documents, old emails, etc) stored on my laptop frequently for work and I like to have multiple windows open next to each other. I think the Xoom might be better suited for my wife who just surfs the Internet, checks email, and watches Youtube.

 

[RCPD Rookie]

Thanks for the feedback, folks. In response to some of the points raised:
Customization is not the be all end all for me, but a very very very great perk. (Actually it's some other term that is greater than perk but less than the be all end all.)
I don't do a lot that requires flash, but I like that with the Xoom I could.
I'm not worried about the lack of netflix- like I said, it's coming. (It's tougher to find a piece of tech that doesn't stream netflix)
I don't think I'll get a cheap rooted android tablet or old ipad. I don't always buy new tech but when I do buy a new device, I try to get the most advanced I can afford, that way I can avoid obsolescence a lttle longer. Plus, I probably will do more than the things I mentioned with the tablet- those are the things THINK I will do. Who knows what I'll do when I get it in my hands.
Finally- what are people's thoughts about if Google/Moto will keep the Xoom updated? Will they? I went with an iPhone over the Captivate (the best AT&T android phone at the time) partly because the upgrade wasn't certain. I know it shouldn't bug me, but if I knew I chose the tablet that didn't get the update, it'd bug me.
I should also say that I am leaning heavily towards the Xoom- I've used iOS (still use it), I'm curious about the other side. (Really all I need is one person to say, "Get the Xoom, it will be the greatest purchase of your life." and I'd be convinced. I started out looking for advice, now I want rationalization.)

 

[3devious]

I can't say that but I'm pretty confident that it will get updates. My husband's Droid 1 got an update last week even after the world has moved on to flashier phones with more RAM. Pick it up from some place that you can return it to somewhat painlessly and decide for yourself.

 

[dvandam]

The main advice I can give if you're really worried is to get it from Costco if that's an option. The 90 day no questions asked return policy is very handy for purchases such as these. That's exactly why I got mine from Costco as opposed to just going on Amazon and saving $36 on sales tax.