Motorola Xoom

• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 162 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 8 stars

  See summary

  by AB2112 on April 26, 2011

  Pros: See summary

  Cons: See Summary

  Summary: True unbiased review of the iPad 2 Vs. Xoom.
  Ok, Cnet editors you have had time with both the iPad 2 and Xoom as have I. Here is the true ...

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  Summary: True unbiased review of the iPad 2 Vs. Xoom.
  Ok, Cnet editors you have had time with both the iPad 2 and Xoom as have I. Here is the true bottom line on which your readers should buy.
  I am not going to touch on everything just what stands out to the buying public.
  While Cent continues to complain that the cost of the Xoom is too much so they lower the rating to benefit other Android tablets which I think is wrong because the Xoom Wi-Fi cost the same as the iPad 2 Wi-Fi yet they don't seem to be bothered by that even though the Xoom offers more features than the iPad 2. As, to the other Android I have yet to pick one up but from what I know they are made with more plastic parts which reduces cost and durability.
  First off let's get some of the needless arguments out of the way.
  Cameras: these are tablets not cameras so who really cares if the camera is good or not I really don't see someone going on vacation and pulling out their tablet to take a picture of the Eiffel Tower these two tablets are not made for that.
  3G vs. 4G: The idea of paying more for a wireless connection these days is just a waste of money. It cost a $100 plus on both machines then there is monthly fee on top of that. Let's be real here the majority of consumers buying tablets have a smartphone that can tether and be a personal Wi-Fi hotspot. Most of the time this service is free with a high of $15.99 added to your mobile bill still cheaper than what ATT and Verizon are charging. Wi-Fi only is the way to go and with that iPad 2 Wi-Fi and Xoom Wi-Fi are dead even at $599.99 for the 32GB models.
  Size and weight: Yes, the iPad 2 is thinner and lighter the Xoom but not by much, another let's get real moment, you just threw down $600+ on a portable device it is highly unlikely that you are going to hold with one hand at arm's length to use it. Like, me you will probably cradle it like a baby in your arm, place it on your lap, or hold it with two hands in this case the weight does not matter. Also, most will wind up having a case that will stand the tablet up on a desk.
  IPad 2 .34in and 1.33lb
  Xoom .5in and 1.61lb
  A difference between .16in and .28lb not matter how you want to spin it there is not much difference to make this one of the be all end all arguments on why the iPad is better than the Xoom so, stop it.
  Prediction for the iPad 3: it will be announced in March of 2012 it will be as thick as a piece of cardboard and weigh as much, it will come with a smart cover that will protect it blowing away on windy days (sold separately of course).
  Now, let's get down and dirty on which is a better bang for your buck. I own both the 32GB models of the iPad and the Xoom.
  Screen:
  The iPad 2 did not even offer Apples retina display guess you will have to wait until the 3rd to throw more money Apples way. The iPad 2 native resolution is 1024x768 that is a max of 720p HD and the Xoom is 1280x800 also 720p HD. There is not much difference between the two to call a clear winner. The iPad has an odd screen size, 9.7in that works great in portrait but landscape is not true widescreen and when watching widescreen movies you get those annoying black bars. While the Xoom is true 16x9 widescreen and is made to be used that way (just look at where the front facing camera is located iPad top/portrait, Xoom top/landscape) however, when in portrait with the Xoom it very awkward to hold and I really don't like that.
  Screen Size bigger is better: Winner the Xoom 10.1in
  Resolution: Tie
  Rotation: The black bars aside the iPad is more functional in portrait and offers decent landscape function, winner iPad 2
  Tiebreaker: Winner iPad 2, there coating causes less fingerprint smudging.
  Screen Winner: iPad 2
  Browsing:
  Tablets are made for one thing and really one thing only full portable web browsing even Apple was advertising that with the original iPad. However, Apple does not support Flash a key element in full web browsing. Even though, companies like Hulu are cutting support to tablets unless you pay Flash is still a big player. Apple states that there is no need for Flash because of their App store you can find whatever you need in an app. Well, searching the App Store just to find an app that will play the video I want to watch seems very unproductive when if iPad had flash I could just push play. Hey, Brain Tong, how can an iPad user view your wonderful and witty Apple Byte segments from there iPad when the video is Flash supported. Well let's see they will most likely have to get the Cnet app or search through the YouTube app to find it and play. Wouldn't it be easier to play from your website? On the other hand the Xoom now has full Flash support where one can experience the web as it was intended to be and also the Xoom has tabbed browsing a gigantic plus for people who love to surf the web. Another big key element is speed in browsing and as Cnet pointed out the Xoom is faster than the iPad 2 (sorry iPad users you did not see the video on Cnet because it was a Flash video however, you can find it on YouTube or through their App).
  Speed: Winner Xoom
  Full browsing support: Xoom
  Winner: Xoom
  Components:
  While both tablets offer more than what I have listed below most users only really care about how fast there systems are and how they can connect them.
  iPad:
  Chip: 1GHz duel core A5
  Memory: 512mb
  Storage: 32GB not expandable
  Connection: Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
  Connectivity: 30pin dock connector (all items sold separately besides the USB cable) 3.5mm headphone jack.
  Xoom:
  Chip: 1GHz duel core Tegra 2
  Memory: 1GB
  Storage: 32GB (expandable to 64GB)
  Connection: Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
  Connectivity: HDMI, USB, 3.5mm headphone jack and SD slot
  Take out the Chip and wireless connections and the Xoom is the clear cut winner.
  Components: Winner Xoom
  OS:
  Android 3.0 vs. iOS 4
  The most annoying thing about Honeycomb is the obvious fact that even with a duel core chip the UI is still sluggish. However, the fact that you can make it fit you personality in more ways than just changing the wallpaper is another huge plus. Unlike, the iPad in which the only thing you can change is the wallpaper and move the tiles around. Personally I am quite tired and board with the same old tiles Apple is on its fourth version of iOS and nothing has really changed in the UI which had become mundane and is not productive. Android has constantly changed the user experience each time they have updated their OS. As, someone who likes to make things their own the Honeycomb OS allows you and me to create a completely personal experience, be more productive with their widgets. With Honeycomb you can see your calendar, e-mail, books, weather, popular videos, and much more on your home screens without opening the app. Also, Xoom and Android have a wonderful notifications system so you don't miss out on important events. The force close is single most annoying thing about Android all versions and both OS's freeze from time to time which is also quite annoying.
  Clear cut winner: Xoom:
  App store Vs. Android Market:
  This one is simple (sort of) the App Store has thousands of apps way more than the Android Market, however, not all of them are good or even worth downloading. The majority great apps are available on both stores and as Android continues so will their apps. I will still have to hand this one to the iPad because they have (at this time) more productive apps to make the tablet more useful than just an entertainment device. Since Double Twist for Android came out so one can use their iTunes playlist on Android OS it kind of nullifies the whole which is the better Mp3 player.
  For now: Winner iPad.
  
  Battery life:
  I am sure there have been a lot of test out there on battery life on both machines but we only here praises for the iPad when both tablets have about the same battery life. In my normal everyday used of the tablets I had to charge my iPad before I did my Xoom.
  I am going to call this one a tie.
  I am not a portable gamer I have Xbox 360 and PS3 for gaming, however, I do play Angry Birds when I am on the move and I know it is not the ultimate test on frame rates and graphics but it looks good on both tablets.
  Bottom Line:
  Both tablets are very good but not yet excellent both have their drawbacks but overall the Xoom has a better feature set for the same price as the iPad 2. It also has a ton of features that are more notebook/netbook like. The Xoom is also faster in the areas where you want it to be and the iPad is .28lb lighter so you can carry it longer. Anyway, the best buy would be the Xoom because it will have a longer life span giving you more bang for your buck because we all know that the iPad 3 will be out next year with a retina display and better camera and everyone will flock to it but be saddened that not enough changed to drop another $600+. On the other hand I am sure that Google and Android continue their advancements with their OS and developers will add more apps and you will more change unlike Apple where they keep on giving you the same Kool-Aid to drink just in a lighter thinner glass.
  I am going to give to the Xoom 3.75 stars to 3.25.

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  3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 8 stars

  Awesome Tablet

  by quiltfanatic1 on April 7, 2011

  Pros: Fast, easy OS to learn if you aren't familiar with android; lots of options for customizing and file management. Love the rectangular shape. Dual cameras/video function with large comfortable size screen.

  Cons: SD card slot not functioning. If it had been sold with the SD card working, I would have given it 5 stars

  Summary: I have the original Ipad and worked on it for over a year. I gave it to my husband since he doesn't know how to surf the net or ...

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  Summary: I have the original Ipad and worked on it for over a year. I gave it to my husband since he doesn't know how to surf the net or do anything other than read books on it and I debated getting the new Ipad2. What stopped me was the WiFi connection problems I had with the Ipad. No amount of tweaks and troubleshooting with support would fix the problem and Apple refused to acknowledge it was their software problem leaving thousands of us stranded with WiFi problems. So rather than risk that happening again I researched other tablets coming out. The Xoom won because it had Flash, a large screen, SD card slot and Honeycomb OS. I have had Xoom for a couple of weeks now and it's awesome. It never drops my WiFi connection. I can load my books and other files onto it quite easily. It is a sharp clear screen and the apps being developed are multiplying daily, although I do think unless you are a gamer, apps are overrated. How many do you really really need?????
  I would highly recommend Xoom over the Ipad any day. Ipads are great if you are a newbie and need a real easy interface. Xoom is for the rest of you. At $599 for the 32gig WiFi model it's the same price as the alternative Ipad 2 32 gig. When Zagg comes out with the keyboard case for Xoom it'll be perfect!

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 8 stars

  nice--and I'm an apple fan

  by teitei636 on March 9, 2011

  Pros: Great UI---VERY FAST

  Cons: ---getting used to it over my iphone---that's it!

  Summary: Very fast, best bang for the buck as far as not needed to replace in 2 years for the next upgraded model--flash and sd are there--just waiting on an update--not ...

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  Summary: Very fast, best bang for the buck as far as not needed to replace in 2 years for the next upgraded model--flash and sd are there--just waiting on an update--not complaining at all!

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Best Connected Device Yet

  by stevemeans on March 5, 2011

  Pros: Cloud aware and capable, as complex & expandable as a PC, brilliant touch screen with full interface, competent cameras, extensive FREE software, nice support devices, easy activation with little to enter by hand for Google account holders.

  Cons: Android 3.0 is NOT a full OS by computer standards, so Android apps are often limited compared to PC apps. Otherwise this device takes over completely as a single central HUB for all computer based communications. Telephony MUST be added.

  Summary: Xoom is at least briefly by itself, the defining device of 2011. Xoom points the way for iPad and PCs, phones and TVs. Providers must accept and incorporate the competition ...

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  Summary: Xoom is at least briefly by itself, the defining device of 2011. Xoom points the way for iPad and PCs, phones and TVs. Providers must accept and incorporate the competition so that use is totally convenient and choice based on the device, not who sells it, who supports it, who would profit from second tier support. Our Droid phones, our iPhones, our Macs and PCs seek honored places on the bookshelves of history, Xoom on.
  
  Updated on Mar 5, 2011

  Voice input is smooth and capable. A big time saver. The keyboard becomes an editor. Get the media stand and travel case. Your desk clutter will disappear. Try Google Talk/Chat for video conferencing. Low quality video but quick and to the point. The Xoom provides most of the capabilities Bill Gates challenged Microsoft techies to develop ... they are still working on it. Xoom moves me from my 30 years of preferring Apple products. The iPad does not even have future promises which compete. Remember, the Xoom is not tethered, not like the iPad to iTunes. The Google Cloud development continues to outpace MobileMe (both of which I use since their inceptions). Next Step: imbed video, audio, text capabilities in each app. End the day when user has to step into an App, then use App specific modifications to achieve usability: Try setting up Google for Talk and Chat, note what and where different pieces work, note the downloads and settings modifications necessary.

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Tested Xoom for a few hours

  by joraanma on February 24, 2011

  Pros: it is super fast. fast response to touch, swiping, opening and closing windows.

  Cons: Price, Bestbuy would NOT let me have it without the contract. Slot for microSD not active yet, no flash yet, to upgrade to 4g it has to be sent to Verizon and wait 6 days to get it back.

  Summary: I had an iPad I returned it because I couldnt do much with it. I was going to buy this one but if you try to get service from Verizon ...

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  Summary: I had an iPad I returned it because I couldnt do much with it. I was going to buy this one but if you try to get service from Verizon you have to paid for activation if you cancel service any time. everytime you activate the service you have to pay an activation fee. But I'll wait for the WiFi if I dont buy the iPad2.

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 6 stars

  2nd thoughts about my XOOM

  by dpfenig on March 1, 2011

  Pros: It's beautiful, snappy and all the other things you hear - it has many wonderful feature, BUT . . .

  Cons: The charger port is poorly located. It's as heavy as it's price. Worst, Android isn't quite ready yet - websites think it's a phone and you get phone-sized display or stretched. The SD card doesn't work yet.

  Summary: All of this I could live with, but to get it to display Ancient Greek you have to root it (says the web) It's a return to the dark ...

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  Summary: All of this I could live with, but to get it to display Ancient Greek you have to root it (says the web) It's a return to the dark ages. Even my iTouch can do fonts right. Come on, Google. I teach this stuff and my gold plated toy can't display the texts - should I have given more money to Apple?

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  2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 3 stars

  Verizon Dropped the Ball issuing this too early!

  by rtfisherjr on February 27, 2011

  Pros: - E-mail interface is very good.
  - Design of Desktop

  Cons: - It completely DIED after two days
  - No Flash Player yet (no date specified)
  - No MicroSD support yet (no date specified - tied to 4G rollout???)
  - Seen as mobile phone by many sites (most initially, but still many even after "fix")
  - Cost/Value

  Summary: Specifically, it is very obvious that this device was not yet ready for release. The fact that it died after just two days is simply the final straw. The Flash ...

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  Summary: Specifically, it is very obvious that this device was not yet ready for release. The fact that it died after just two days is simply the final straw. The Flash Player Plug-in (a big selling point used by Verizon) is not yet available (no information as to when it will be. Also, another big selling point is the ability to insert a MicroSD card, which I was told by a Verizon Rep today will not work until the 4G rollout which, you guessed it, does not have a specified release date. To add to the problems, the device is recognized as a phone. There is a setting (why isn't it the DEFAULT setting?) that "fixes" this. HOWEVER, the device is STILL recognized by some sites as a phone ANYWAY. Not many apps for it yet either. Phone apps aren't much fun on a tablet.
  
  Since the device is already at a somewhat cost-prohibitive price point anyway, these problems make it a "stay away from it" device. Bear in mind, there is a $70 re-stocking fee if you return it (we'll see how far I get, arguing the point that these "selling points" were not made clear at the point of sale, not to mention the fact that the equipment is defective).
  
  On the plus side - for the little bit of time that it actually worked for me:
  1. The e-mail interface is excellent;
  2. The MAPS feature works well;
  3. The Desktop layout was very good.
  
  Wait for the next release or until all the bugs are worked out. This was a disaster of a decision on my part.

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  4 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Read reviews a bit ignorant of a few details

  by dubyajaysmith on February 6, 2012

  Pros: Now $349, seen $249
  
  You DON'T NEED the dock for HDMI
  GOOD tablets are AC/wall charged. USB is only 5v (volts) a GOOD tablets needs 12 Volts. Its NOT VERY MOBILE when a 10" diplays for 5 minutes max.
  The 12V BATTERY lasts forever
  
  One SEXY BEAST

  Cons: Had to use honeycomb, no one buying one now has to worry about this.
  
  Bit heavy for some over time. For me, I enjoy a good build quality, metal not plastic, fake-feeling devices(phone or tablet) so a bit heavy but I wouldn't have it any other way.

  Summary: If you have NOT used Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich on the Xoom, you really haven't used a Xoom in my honest opinion. It's not an ...

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  Summary: If you have NOT used Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich on the Xoom, you really haven't used a Xoom in my honest opinion. It's not an update, it's transcendence.
  The price falls close to the Kindle Fire price point at times and you get SO Much more. Android tablets that don't have the ANDROID MARKET isn't because they think Amazon App store is better, it's because the tablet is cheap, NO GPS and NO CAMERA, etc. Some apps NEED GPS or CAMERA so most tablets are not up to par enough for the Android Market. The Xoom WILL run ANY of the highest resource needing apps made for the Android OS for YEARS to come.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 2 stars

  Device is Great, Operating Software is Awful

  by bennie234 on August 2, 2011

  Pros: Awsome device,
  great screen resolution
  plays avi movies with 3rd party app
  Supports SD card and USB Devices

  Cons: Telstra 3.1 update is buggy
  no real support from motorola in Australia
  Telstra is very slow to pass on critical updates (3 months behind Europe and US)

  Summary: Wait 6 months for Telstra to pass on 3.2 update before purchasing the Xoom
  or
  Wait for Samsung galaxy TAB vesion 2 with fully developed software, and avoid Telstra ...

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  Summary: Wait 6 months for Telstra to pass on 3.2 update before purchasing the Xoom
  or
  Wait for Samsung galaxy TAB vesion 2 with fully developed software, and avoid Telstra if possible

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Great iPad Competitor

  by NJbadboy on May 26, 2011

  Pros: Speed of Dual Core Processor
  Flash Support
  Multi-Tasking Capabilities
  Speaker Volume

  Cons: Battery life can be drained quickly from heavy use.
  Not yet upgradeable to Verizon's blazing fast 4G LTE.

  Summary: I switched from the orginal iPad 16gband decided to try out the Xoom because mainly of Flash support before going out and getting the iPad 2. While the iPad was ...

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  Summary: I switched from the orginal iPad 16gband decided to try out the Xoom because mainly of Flash support before going out and getting the iPad 2. While the iPad was nice because I own a iPhone, etc. I hated the way Safari handled webpages (they had to reload everytime you reopened Safari) The Xoom has beat my expectations from Flash, to Speaker volume to great speed and coverage on Verizon's 3G network. It even allows you to be able to view webpages in Desktop format instead of the mobile format it and the iPad defaults too.
  
  I am very pleased and I think I will stick with this device over purchasing the iPad.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

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