And charge more for the upcoming 4G upgrade, instead of including it?
Sure, that could make sense for those outside of 4G coverage.
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i spent a hour playing with the xoom.
- Thread starter AppleGoddess
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And charge more for the upcoming 4G upgrade, instead of including it?
Sure, that could make sense for those outside of 4G coverage.
I spent some time with the Xoom at my local Best Buy today as well. I was actually impressed of its capability. Not so that I wanted to buy one, but that it was miles ahead of the Samsung Galaxy, which they also had.
The screen was just 'ok'. You could see some blockiness on some of the fonts, which is not impressive for $800. I'd say that the iPad has an edge here. As far as the touch screen and smooth operation, it gets some high marks, but contrary to the OP, I think that the iPad still has an edge here as well. I detected some stuttering of the swiping back and forth, but I never had any issues with having to tap something twice or even three times like the Galaxy.
I did notice pages opening rapidly on most sites, and that was nice. I also liked the multi-tasking to the last 5 programs you had opened. Overall, not bad at all.
However, when compared to the iPad, I guess if I didn't have a whole host of other Apple devices like an iMac, iPod Touch, iPhone, it might make sense to look at the Xoom seriously, but the fact of the matter is that I want a device that seamlessly integrates with all the above. The Xoom is more of an outsider device, and an in no way compete in this department. The available apps are also another HUGE problem for the Xoom when compared to the iPad. The iPad is just simply too far ahead, and the Xoom will always be playing catch up in this department.
I failed to mention where they had the Xoom merchandised. It wasn't by the iPad, but all by its lonesome in the back of the store. I had to ask two BB associates just to find it. If this is any indication, the Xoom will be losing lots of face to the iPad, as Apple has nicely lit, designated spot that easy to get to from anywhere in the store. If the Xoom loses sales to the iPad, it will also lose developer interest, so although nice, I won't be considering a Xoom for purchase.
The screen was just 'ok'. You could see some blockiness on some of the fonts, which is not impressive for $800. I'd say that the iPad has an edge here. As far as the touch screen and smooth operation, it gets some high marks, but contrary to the OP, I think that the iPad still has an edge here as well. I detected some stuttering of the swiping back and forth, but I never had any issues with having to tap something twice or even three times like the Galaxy.
I did notice pages opening rapidly on most sites, and that was nice. I also liked the multi-tasking to the last 5 programs you had opened. Overall, not bad at all.
However, when compared to the iPad, I guess if I didn't have a whole host of other Apple devices like an iMac, iPod Touch, iPhone, it might make sense to look at the Xoom seriously, but the fact of the matter is that I want a device that seamlessly integrates with all the above. The Xoom is more of an outsider device, and an in no way compete in this department. The available apps are also another HUGE problem for the Xoom when compared to the iPad. The iPad is just simply too far ahead, and the Xoom will always be playing catch up in this department.
I failed to mention where they had the Xoom merchandised. It wasn't by the iPad, but all by its lonesome in the back of the store. I had to ask two BB associates just to find it. If this is any indication, the Xoom will be losing lots of face to the iPad, as Apple has nicely lit, designated spot that easy to get to from anywhere in the store. If the Xoom loses sales to the iPad, it will also lose developer interest, so although nice, I won't be considering a Xoom for purchase.
This is more or less off-topic. But I digress. I saw the Xoom commercial today, and I have to say it does look impressive. Granted that they probably simulated screen shots, but the thing did look awesome- sexy almost. However, I am married to the iPad and would have a hard time purchasing another product- especially of the android kind.
My real question is: For someone who does not own an iPad, but is fully aware of it- what do they think when they see the Xoom? Does it impress them enough too not buy the standar(iPad)?
I suppose a complete answer to this question might indicate the success of this product.
My real question is: For someone who does not own an iPad, but is fully aware of it- what do they think when they see the Xoom? Does it impress them enough too not buy the standar(iPad)?
I suppose a complete answer to this question might indicate the success of this product.
At $800 for a device that is attempting to break into the tablet market; is a deal breaker for me. The Android Marketplace needs to grow before I can see any Android tablets flying off shelves.
Aside from the above paragraph, I'm far too invested in iPad apps that I use everyday, some for work, some for personal organization, others for entertainment. My guess is that most iPad owners are going to hold out for the iPad 2. The Xoom is a nice step forward for Android Tablets though, now get the marketplace going.
Aside from the above paragraph, I'm far too invested in iPad apps that I use everyday, some for work, some for personal organization, others for entertainment. My guess is that most iPad owners are going to hold out for the iPad 2. The Xoom is a nice step forward for Android Tablets though, now get the marketplace going.
Absolutely. In my time spent playing with the Xoom I have been really impressed. I will definitely get it if the Ipad 2/iOS 5 doesn't impress. I prefer the Xoom's Browser, Email Client, and that in my opinion, it's slightly more of a stand alone device than the Ipad. Really for me, if I'm honest, I just like that it feels different from my iphone 4. It's refreshing to use. I don't feel that Honeycomb is unstable or in "BETA". I've used it for about a total of 2 hours since it's release.
Having used both the Ipad and the Xoom, they both just work. It's just a matter of which you prefer. I can see why most will prefer the ipad, and I can see why some will prefer the Xoom. Not worth arguing about for me, cause in the end, which one you prefer is your opinion.
I'm going to agree with you and say honeycomb as an os is very appealing. I'm impressed by the browser. You can actually download and upload files. Facebook also allows you to upload pics. Overall feels like a desktop experience.
The biggest drawback is the lack of apps. In honeycombs current state, any honeycomb tablet feels like the original iPhone. The lack of apps is a downer. No sling, hulu or Netflix. Putting your own content is also chore if you don't have any copied media.
I agree. Apple needs to update this on the next iPad. I love my iPad in terms of multimedia, apps and for reading. I want the browser to be more of a desktop experience now.
if you have a chance go play with one i was impressed and it might not be for everyone but it a change.
the buttons were fine was nice not to have a home button.
the buttons were fine was nice not to have a home button.
I actually think the Xoom is rather sluggish. I find the software does not complement the hardware as well as it could, and because of that find it to be overpriced. Honeycomb leaves a lot to be desired, and the lack of tablet-specific apps on Android right now does hurt it. That being said, I think Android has a promising future on the tablet. It will get better. I just can't help but feel this is a giant beta test.
It's more than the hardware
How can you say it was sluggish it seemed 2X as fast as the iPad ,opened windows in half the time?
Sometimes I think people on forums like this look at things a bit narrow minded. Some people, the normal consumer, wants something that works, looks good and doesn't cost too much.
Now, the Xoom's price points (in dollars) I understand are very similar to equivalent models of the iPad. So, then it's down to looks, well they both look great (in my humble opinion), but then there's brand identity, and that has a big play in things like that. Think about what Apple conjures up in your mind, then think about Motorola, well...
I think that the new Android is fantastic, almost to a sense that I would rather have something running it over a new iPhone/iPad. My very technophobic parents have had a go with some phones running it (we don't get any of these snazzy tablets in the UK), and they prefer it? They really couldn't care less about the screen, does it show photos? Yes. Does it browse the internet? Yes. Can I do my work on it? Yes. That is all they want to know.
I think that people really need to see the wider picture outside of Apple before slating this tablet. Go have a go with it with an open mind, not a preconceived opinion!
Amen.
Now, the Xoom's price points (in dollars) I understand are very similar to equivalent models of the iPad. So, then it's down to looks, well they both look great (in my humble opinion), but then there's brand identity, and that has a big play in things like that. Think about what Apple conjures up in your mind, then think about Motorola, well...
I think that the new Android is fantastic, almost to a sense that I would rather have something running it over a new iPhone/iPad. My very technophobic parents have had a go with some phones running it (we don't get any of these snazzy tablets in the UK), and they prefer it? They really couldn't care less about the screen, does it show photos? Yes. Does it browse the internet? Yes. Can I do my work on it? Yes. That is all they want to know.
I think that people really need to see the wider picture outside of Apple before slating this tablet. Go have a go with it with an open mind, not a preconceived opinion!
Amen.
I couldn't agree more with you. I'm also worried about the overall quality of the apps to come. I own both Android and iOS devices and there's no denying that the Apple App store has more and better overall apps. There's also the obvious suppprt issue. How long can we expect Motorola and other tablet makers to make the latest Android version compatible with their devices?
Competition
We can all here agree, that Moto, Google and others are about to catch up Apple, is a GOOD thing... I would bet, that Apple wouldn't have given it 110% to make iOS 5.0 the thing it's gonna be, if none of the big players were producing tablets and more and more iPhone-competitors.
The Xoom looks good no doubt, but must say the Apps and battery of my iPad makes me love my 1st gen a LOT still....
We can all here agree, that Moto, Google and others are about to catch up Apple, is a GOOD thing... I would bet, that Apple wouldn't have given it 110% to make iOS 5.0 the thing it's gonna be, if none of the big players were producing tablets and more and more iPhone-competitors.
The Xoom looks good no doubt, but must say the Apps and battery of my iPad makes me love my 1st gen a LOT still....
Why ?
Price compatablity ? What happened to choice (like you get with Apple) ? Mine was $599.
Hype Flash enabled browser and then release it, and the small print says Flash at a later date. Stick a non working card reader on it. With the iPad you pay $29 IF you want a card reader, if not, nothing extra.
But you got one thing right.
Which is why I'll stick with an iPad. Some of these other people might do better on an Andriod forum.