Pricing?

gamul1 said:

To me? Nothing. If I recall - the 10.1 inch Samsung has no ports. No GPS. No expandable memory (not sure on this one). But basically - if I recall the 10 inch galaxy is no where near as good as the Xoom.

Of course - the new one is worth something. Just not for me. I *WANT* the ports and GPS and all the other stuff. So the Galaxy is not a consideration for me.

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Haven't seen anything about expandable memory, but its supposed to have a USB 2.0 port.

marctronixx said:

you had a very compelling response however how can you say with such certainty that MOST people will not have a superior experience with the xoom? how can anyone say they will have any kind of experience with the product? its not yet released to the masses...

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Its actually quite simple to say that. Remember, MOST people. What are most people going to use a tablet for? Web browsing? Email? Looking at pics? Some Angry Birds? Maybe a movie here and there. Basically nothing that is going to tax either a Xoom or Ipad. So because of that the Xoom's spec advantage is kinda moot. Heck even for movies, despite a better resolution, the Xoom will only play back 720p on its screen (1080p is through the hdmi port I think), same as the Ipad.
So then the question is, will the apps on the Xoom do a significantly better job then the Ipad? You're right in that Honeycomb maybe changes part of this and its not out yet. But is it leaps and bounds different then 2.2? For the most part I don't imagine the Android apps will so outperform the Ipad to make up for the price, name brand, and model choice. Not to mention the Ipad/iphone setup is basically kindergarden for interactivity. All your apps are there. Page after page. No widgets, launchers or scenes to get in the way of finding your recipe app. Just little boxes right after the other, ad naseum.

Why do people keep comparing the Xoom to the highest priced iPad and saying it's only $70 more. Guess what, nobody gives a damn about the highest priced iPad. The majority of iPad owners bought the $500 model (all the iPad owners I know bought this model). As far as the general population is concerned a tablet is $500 (whether you like it or not this is reality). The Xoom is going to fail as a $800 niche device, especially in this crappy economy. If tech heads and early adopters are saying it's too much, then the Xoom is going to have issues selling. I can get a Nook Color for $250, root it and do 90% of the things that the Xoom can do for a whole lot less. Let's not fool ourselves, the iPad2 will meet the Xoom spec for spec (for the most part) and Apple will sell a 16gb WiFi only version for $500 that will destroy the Xoom in the marketplace. Come Black Friday the Xoom will be discounted heavily because the iPad2 will once again be king of the tablet market. Moto NEEDED a 16gb WiFi only unit for $500 to compete. Who the Hell buys a Tablet on contract and the PAYS TO HAVE WiFi Activated. This is a complete joke. You are paying extra to have a feature that is already on the device turned on. That's insane and anyone who defends this is insane as well. I guess time will tell. Samsung learned the hard way (had to reduce the price of the Galaxy Tab within two months of release) and it looks like Moto will learn this as well. You cannot go up against the monster known as Apple and sell your comparable product for alot more money.

Zaggs said:

Its actually quite simple to say that. Remember, MOST people. What are most people going to use a tablet for? Web browsing? Email? Looking at pics? Some Angry Birds? Maybe a movie here and there. Basically nothing that is going to tax either a Xoom or Ipad. So because of that the Xoom's spec advantage is kinda moot. Heck even for movies, despite a better resolution, the Xoom will only play back 720p on its screen (1080p is through the hdmi port I think), same as the Ipad.

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Would you agree though that the same reason people buy luxury cars, and high end PC is because there's a market for it? I'd agree the Xoom is looking to fill a niche that doesn't exist for MOST users, but there is a market for tablets like the Xoom. The same people who buy a Lexus, and an Alienware PC. A car is going get you from point A to point B, but the extra things that you will find in that luxury car your not going find in your base Honda.

gamul1 said:

I guess I meant "keep" the activation. I know I have to pay 1 month. Fine, I'll play with it for 29 days and then cancel it. Some day I may turn it back on.

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At least you will have the option for 4G.

ghodzilla5150 said:

Why do people keep comparing the Xoom to the highest priced iPad and saying it's only $70 more. Guess what, nobody gives a damn about the highest priced iPad. The majority of iPad owners bought the $500 model (all the iPad owners I know bought this model). As far as the general population is concerned a tablet is $500 (whether you like it or not this is reality). The Xoom is going to fail as a $800 niche device, especially in this crappy economy. If tech heads and early adopters are saying it's too much, then the Xoom is going to have issues selling. I can get a Nook Color for $250, root it and do 90% of the things that the Xoom can do for a whole lot less. Let's not fool ourselves, the iPad2 will meet the Xoom spec for spec (for the most part) and Apple will sell a 16gb WiFi only version for $500 that will destroy the Xoom in the marketplace. Come Black Friday the Xoom will be discounted heavily because the iPad2 will once again be king of the tablet market. Moto NEEDED a 16gb WiFi only unit for $500 to compete. Who the Hell buys a Tablet on contract and the PAYS TO HAVE WiFi Activated. This is a complete joke. You are paying extra to have a feature that is already on the device turned on. That's insane and anyone who defends this is insane as well. I guess time will tell. Samsung learned the hard way (had to reduce the price of the Galaxy Tab within two months of release) and it looks like Moto will learn this as well. You cannot go up against the monster known as Apple and sell your comparable product for alot more money.

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Do you have an iPad? Do you have an iPhone? Why are you so convinced the iPad experience is superior to Android 3.0. You might be on the wrong forum.

And why would you think the iPad2 will be the same price as iPad1. Do you work for Apple?

Zaggs said:

Haven't seen anything about expandable memory, but its supposed to have a USB 2.0 port.

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I believe that's only because Samsung's propietary connector has USB on the other end, or they make an adapter cable for it.

I have read tons of "first looks", and they pretty much all confirm that Samsung reps stated it was to "save room". No HDMI, no SD slot, and no USB port; only Samsung's propietary port. Why you need to save room on a 10.1" tablet is beyond me.

melantus said:

Would you agree though that the same reason people buy luxury cars, and high end PC is because there's a market for it? I'd agree the Xoom is looking to fill a niche that doesn't exist for MOST users, but there is a market for tablets like the Xoom. The same people who buy a Lexus, and an Alienware PC. A car is going get you from point A to point B, but the extra things that you will find in that luxury car your not going find in your base Honda.

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I spend 3 -4 hours a days reading news, email, web etc. $800 for a device with specs that won't be exceeded for a year is a deal!

800 / (4 x 365) = 54 cents and hour. Can't do much for that!

Not to mention I could sell it for $400 at the end of the year.

melantus said:

Would you agree though that the same reason people buy luxury cars, and high end PC is because there's a market for it? I'd agree the Xoom is looking to fill a niche that doesn't exist for MOST users, but there is a market for tablets like the Xoom. The same people who buy a Lexus, and an Alienware PC. A car is going get you from point A to point B, but the extra things that you will find in that luxury car your not going find in your base Honda.

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But would you agree going for the high end niche isn't really going to get Motorola anywhere? Sure, some people will buy it simply because its Android and Honeycomb. But again Apple has 95% of the tablet market. Going for the big spenders is going to get Motorola a majority share of the market? Not hardly. Yes people will buy a BMW over a Honda. But thats not the comparison. The comparison is a BMW over a Mercedes. If the BMW is $5,000, what makes it worth that much more? it goes 10mph faster? has more presets for the stereo? Female instead of male voice for the GPS? Would all that be worth $5000 more to most people in the luxury car market?
Thats why I don't like the price of the Xoom. If I wanted it, I could afford a Xoom without using a credit card or delaying paying bills (though the gaming PC build goes out the window). But what does the Xoom do that is 2 times better then what a rooted Adam will do? Once the Xoom is released, Honeycomb roms will be available if not earlier. Its a lack of value and a sense that Motorola isn't going after Apple aggressively enough that I have a problem with.

I will let everyone here know next Thursday whether it is worth it or not!

rjoudrey said:

Do you have an iPad? Do you have an iPhone? Why are you so convinced the iPad experience is superior to Android 3.0. You might be on the wrong forum.

And why would you think the iPad2 will be the same price as iPad1. Do you work for Apple?

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No I don't. I have a 32gb iPod Touch (3rd Gen). It's just I am NOT some blind fanboy of any product and realize what Apple brings to the table. I know and understand the Apple hate BUT they do make some fine products. I NEVER said the iPad experience is better than Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). I have an EVO (rooted with MYN's Warm 2.2 RLS5) and know all to well what Android is about. I prefer Android as a techie BUT most of the population are not techies and the iPad is great for what the general population needs from a Tablet. It's there to watch some Youtube Vids, Movies, Play Angry Birds (or any other Apple based games) and scour the Net all the while sitting on your couch, sitting at the DR's office OR driving in the car (kids). What fanboys don't seem to understand is that Apple caters to the LCD and hence makes alot of money catering to the Joe Blows of the world. The Xoom while a fantastic niche device is NOT going to appeal to the Mass Market. You have fun paying $925 out the door (Tax, Activation Fee, 1 month of Data) and I will wait until Black Friday when they are in the bargain bin because Apple dusted it off with the iPad 2. It's hard to pay $800 for a device that does alot less than my $500 laptop. That's just not added value.

Zaggs said:

But would you agree going for the high end niche isn't really going to get Motorola anywhere? Sure, some people will buy it simply because its Android and Honeycomb. But again Apple has 95% of the tablet market. Going for the big spenders is going to get Motorola a majority share of the market? Not hardly. Yes people will buy a BMW over a Honda. But thats not the comparison. The comparison is a BMW over a Mercedes. If the BMW is $5,000, what makes it worth that much more? it goes 10mph faster? has more presets for the stereo? Female instead of male voice for the GPS? Would all that be worth $5000 more to most people in the luxury car market?
Thats why I don't like the price of the Xoom. If I wanted it, I could afford a Xoom without using a credit card or delaying paying bills (though the gaming PC build goes out the window). But what does the Xoom do that is 2 times better then what a rooted Adam will do? Once the Xoom is released, Honeycomb roms will be available if not earlier. Its a lack of value and a sense that Motorola isn't going after Apple aggressively enough that I have a problem with.

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This guy gets it. +1000 Inter Webz to you good sir. I could purchase the Xoom as well if I wanted to. It's just not added value when I can get a Nook Color for $250, Root It WITH Honeycomb and do the majority of the things the Xoom can do. All I want out of a tablet is to play a few games, watch some vids and scan the Net all from my couch or while I am out and about. I can tether it to my Rooted EVO for free, so I don't need a Xoom with a Radio(s) or Data plan.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions. I agree and disagree.

I am looking for a LAPTOP replacement. I have (3) laptops in house and a $10,000 HP system at work. I find that when on my laptop at home, it is always on my lap. I personally do not mind spending ~$900 on the XOOM. If I wanted a Walmart $500 laptop, I'd just use my sons Netbook. If I need to get to a PC, I will have access.

Now that being said, this thread could turn ugly. Please tread lightly.

Zaggs said:

Thats why I don't like the price of the Xoom. If I wanted it, I could afford a Xoom without using a credit card or delaying paying bills (though the gaming PC build goes out the window). But what does the Xoom do that is 2 times better then what a rooted Adam will do? Once the Xoom is released, Honeycomb roms will be available if not earlier. Its a lack of value and a sense that Motorola isn't going after Apple aggressively enough that I have a problem with.

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Then doesn't that mean Moto has more to fear from Android based manufactures than an iPad? Lets face it Apple will maintain a large share of the tablet market for long while. I truly believe there is zero possibility after this year they will maintain that 95% hold on market. So the question becomes how much will they lose and to who. Each manufacture (Sammy, HTC, Moto) want be number two in tablet realm.


I don't see the Tab 10.1 price being different from Xoom, or the G-Slate. The HTC flyer isn't fighting the spec war maybe to cut cost, and put out that 500 dollar tablet everyone wants. None them stand a chance to the fan base Apple commands. Going back to what I've been harping on if one these companies can be the "face" of android in the tablet realm they stand a chance to become a powerhouse. I'm sure if Moto could offer the Xoom lower they would, I can't begin to know what it costs them to make a Xoom, and I'm sure we can all take guesses. Right now they, and it seems other have made a choice to offer the highest end tech they can put into a tablet, and see if works. This is really trial and error for these guys if it flops I'm sure they will try another approach.

melantus said:

Then doesn't that mean Moto has more to fear from Android based manufactures than an iPad? Lets face it Apple will maintain a large share of the tablet market for long while. I truly believe there is zero possibility after this year they will maintain that 95% hold on market. So the question becomes how much will they lose and to who. Each manufacture (Sammy, HTC, Moto) want be number two in tablet realm.


I don't see the Tab 10.1 price being different from Xoom, or the G-Slate. The HTC flyer isn't fighting the spec war maybe to cut cost, and put out that 500 dollar tablet everyone wants. None them stand a chance to the fan base Apple commands. Going back to what I've been harping on if one these companies can be the "face" of android in the tablet realm they stand a chance to become a powerhouse. I'm sure if Moto could offer the Xoom lower they would, I can't begin to know what it costs them to make a Xoom, and I'm sure we can all take guesses. Right now they, and it seems other have made a choice to offer the highest end tech they can put into a tablet, and see if works. This is really trial and error for these guys if it flops I'm sure they will try another approach.

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I would say Moto has less to fear from the other Android Tab makers then Apple since its first our of the gate. Just by being the first 3.0 device it'll get all the press that carries. Just like it got a boost from the OG Droid. Yet HTC has also made severe inroads with Android because Motorola couldn't beat their software. Motorola has already given them a great sales pitch. If I were LG or Toshiba I'd just leak a lower price for their tabs now before the Xoom goes on pre-order. Cut Motorola's legs out.
As for Apple 95.5% of the tablet market does not equal their fan base. Ipad has been without challenge since it launched (Thanks Samsung for over pricing the G-tab). Hence no real choice if you wanted a tab. Sure as much as I dislike it they'll be major players for awhile. But they could easily be knocked to less then the majority hold by Android tab makers if they were smart.
As for cost. I'll assume that Motorola pays a 100% markup on parts over what Apple pays (using the site below). Figuring that, the Xoom should cost $574 to make. That means Motorola is still pulling down $200+ profit per unit sold before any software fees. But whats the chance Motorola pays twice as much for parts as Apple does?
Cost to build iPad: iSuppli says as little as $229.35 | Crave - CNET
But even the Xoom tech is not heads and shoulders above the rest. 1GB ram, Tegra 2 and GPS (least I think) can be found in the Adam right now at a much lower cost. Heck if it came to a Sears outlet near me I can get a G-tablet that has Tegra 2, will only have 1/2 the ram a lower spec screen, but will only cost $280. Its the software that really gives the Xoom it's edge, which won't be an edge for much longer because of root. I mean who buys an Android device purely for software anymore?

ckeegan said:

I believe that's only because Samsung's propietary connector has USB on the other end, or they make an adapter cable for it.

I have read tons of "first looks", and they pretty much all confirm that Samsung reps stated it was to "save room". No HDMI, no SD slot, and no USB port; only Samsung's propietary port. Why you need to save room on a 10.1" tablet is beyond me.

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Leave it to Samsung to mismanage a device like that.
Unless you're using the tab only for 1 specific use who chooses thin-ness over ports?

gobluejd said:

Everyone is entitled to their opinions. I agree and disagree.

I am looking for a LAPTOP replacement. I have (3) laptops in house and a $10,000 HP system at work. I find that when on my laptop at home, it is always on my lap. I personally do not mind spending ~$900 on the XOOM. If I wanted a Walmart $500 laptop, I'd just use my sons Netbook. If I need to get to a PC, I will have access.

Now that being said, this thread could turn ugly. Please tread lightly.

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I highly doubt your son's netbook can do what my $500 Walmart laptop can do. Matter of fact my $500 Walmart can do more than the Xoom can do like say play Blu-Ray movies on the go Just saying

ghodzilla5150 said:

I highly doubt your son's netbook can do what my $500 Walmart laptop can do. Matter of fact my $500 Walmart can do more than the Xoom can do like say play Blu-Ray movies on the go Just saying

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Point is I do not need another laptop, and if I should happen to need a PC, I have access to a few. A Netbook or a $500 laptop, does not matter.

I am quite aware what the difference is between a laptop and a tablet.

I am back in the game! I took my wife's old as heck Mac Book to Best Buy yesterday and they gave me $321 for it. I feel like I just ripped them off. It was a single core processor that had a chip on the edge that was covered with Duct tape so that she wouldn't cut herself while using it. I mean, this laptop was probably 4 years old. I don't know what the guy was doing, but he definitely entered in some wrong info.

I think that I am going to take some of our other laptops tonight to see what we can get.

Anyways, now I just have to make the decision to go after the Xoom when I go to Seattle next month or wait to see what else comes on the market...

marctronixx said:

gamu

i certainly understand where you are coming from sir. i knew i was going to purchase this gadget on day one. its an investment. you are right, the xoom looks like it will rock and i want my first tablet experience to be the best it can be.. i feel the xoom will fit the bill.

i will be comparing this to my laptop i carry around.. if i can use this in place of my laptop 100%, then this cost will have worked for me in the end.

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Maybe I am delusional, but when I get my tablet I intend to put software that will help me use this much like my laptop. For example, my understanding is if I put a copy of Open Office on it I can view, save and do some casual editing of office docs. There are other things I can put on to make my laptop basically obsolete. I am not a power systems user. This tablet should allow me to do much of what I want but in a more flexable way than my laptop. even though I bought my laptop so I can port it around - the suckers heavy and I don't move it unless I am traveling or I really need to.

Anyway - I'm just pretty excited about the Xoom. I may choose the Toshiba or a phantom HTC 10 inch tablet - but the Xoom has set the bar for me right now and I'm not settling.

gamul1 said:

Maybe I am delusional, but when I get my tablet I intend to put software that will help me use this much like my laptop. For example, my understanding is if I put a copy of Open Office on it I can view, save and do some casual editing of office docs. There are other things I can put on to make my laptop basically obsolete. I am not a power systems user. This tablet should allow me to do much of what I want but in a more flexable way than my laptop. even though I bought my laptop so I can port it around - the suckers heavy and I don't move it unless I am traveling or I really need to.

Anyway - I'm just pretty excited about the Xoom. I may choose the Toshiba or a phantom HTC 10 inch tablet - but the Xoom has set the bar for me right now and I'm not settling.

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Thats a very good point. I don't really use my laptop that much because its kind of a pain using it when I am sitting on the couch. A tablet should fix this problem. I also just saw a good video on youtube about LogMeIn Ignition. Looks like it works really well on the Xoom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CtgOlpcung

jcash3 said:

Thats a very good point. I don't really use my laptop that much because its kind of a pain using it when I am sitting on the couch. A tablet should fix this problem. I also just saw a good video on youtube about LogMeIn Ignition. Looks like it works really well on the Xoom.

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Hey - thats pretty nice. Not sure how it works but I would be willing to bet my companies firewall would prevent me from connecting to work. But that looked very nice indeed.

Android does not have to take any of the current iPad users. Their current 95% share represents less than 10% of the potential tab market. It's getting the other +90% that's the key. Unlike the iPad there will be plenty of product at varying prices to grab market share for Android. Much like what happened with the cell market.

p8ntballah21 said:

In the release date thread there is a post by a BB Mobile employee who said that if you cancel the service in the first three days you dont have to pay an activation fee or for the first months data.

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I have confirmed this in the return policy on verizonwireless

http://www.verizonwireless.com/ReturnPolicy.shtml