Motorola Xoom Tablet (Android 3.0 Honeycomb)

[ChazUK]

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Not with phones anymore. Android outsells the iPhone now.

I hate when Android gets compared against the iPhone since you're comparing an OS vs a hardware. Wh don't they say HTC outsells iPhone or Motorolla Droid. It's like you're comparing a while range of products vs one. How is that a fair comparison?

From a pure "smartphones in the U.S" metric, the numbers currently show that Android outsells iOS and there is no other way to compare platforms.

No individual manufacturer outsells the I iPhone but no other manufacturers limit themselves to 2 devices per life cycle like apple do so what would you like done with the numbers?

No amount of seperating phones and manufacturers affects the whole OS marketshare metric so I don't understand why people complain about it.

OS marketshare is os marketshare.

 

[tbayrgs]

While I love my Apple products, including my iPad, I have to agree that on paper the Xoom has the iPad beat, at least hardware wise. Better connectivity options (USB, HDMI), larger and high resolution screen, LTE upgradeable, 1080p output, dual core processor, 1 GB RAM, front and rear cameras--anyone claiming otherwise is just in denial.

However, as previously mentioned, software is often the key difference and while iOS may be a bit dated in appearance, for the masses it simply just works. And for people like me who live in a predominantly Apple ecosystem, the ease at which is integrates and interacts with other Apple device outweighs some of the shortcomings. I can share apps across devices at no additional cost, media playback is super simple and easily shared (AirPlay), and third party support is second to none. And lets face it, for many of us (myself included) the 'wife' factor comes into play and I for one do not want to even attempt to train my wife on how to use an new tablet--iOS was painful enough.

As tempting as this tablet appears, it still wouldn't be enough for me to switch, especially considering we still do not know what changes are in store for iPad 2.

 

[jekjones1558]

And lets face it, for many of us (myself included) the 'wife' factor comes into play and I for one do not want to even attempt to train my wife on how to use an new tablet--iOS was painful enough.

For some of us it is the "husband" factor.

 

[Night Spring]

For some of us it is the "husband" factor.

My significant other self-trains, but I do have to train my mom and our boss.

 

[acastic]

While I love my Apple products, including my iPad, I have to agree that on paper the Xoom has the iPad beat, at least hardware wise. Better connectivity options (USB, HDMI), larger and high resolution screen, LTE upgradeable, 1080p output, dual core processor, 1 GB RAM, front and rear cameras--anyone claiming otherwise is just in denial.

However, as previously mentioned, software is often the key difference and while iOS may be a bit dated in appearance, for the masses it simply just works. And for people like me who live in a predominantly Apple ecosystem, the ease at which is integrates and interacts with other Apple device outweighs some of the shortcomings. I can share apps across devices at no additional cost, media playback is super simple and easily shared (AirPlay), and third party support is second to none. And lets face it, for many of us (myself included) the 'wife' factor comes into play and I for one do not want to even attempt to train my wife on how to use an new tablet--iOS was painful enough.

As tempting as this tablet appears, it still wouldn't be enough for me to switch, especially considering we still do not know what changes are in store for iPad 2.

Key is "on paper". AND you're also comparing the Xoom to the first gen iPad, which is a mistake. I think we all need to stop comparing an unreleased product to a product that been out for almost a year. Once the iPad 2 is announced, then we can start comparing models and brands, etc. The iPad started the whole tablet explosion and other manufacturers are so far behind its not even funny. If the iPad 2 leaves everything the same but bumps the processor speed by 200MHz and adds a camera, then everyone can start the funeral procession. Until then, lets wait and see.

 

[Piggie]

Key is "on paper". AND you're also comparing the Xoom to the first gen iPad, which is a mistake. I think we all need to stop comparing an unreleased product to a product that been out for almost a year. Once the iPad 2 is announced, then we can start comparing models and brands, etc. The iPad started the whole tablet explosion and other manufacturers are so far behind its not even funny. If the iPad 2 leaves everything the same but bumps the processor speed by 200MHz and adds a camera, then everyone can start the funeral procession. Until then, lets wait and see.

It is also true, that it's not till a product has been out for real, with the mass general public do some glaring issues come to the front.

Apple have, or will of had 1 year to listen to real customers and add/modify things that customers on mass will have asked for.

Of course they won't as we know Apple

Honeycomb, whilst they will have done group testing, is not the same as it will be on it's 1st public launch, and there will be issues that don't come out till millions start using them.

I still think iPad2 with a year of feedback vs Honeycomb1 with no public release is a little unfair.

If anything, I'd give them at least one major revision, such as Apple from 3. to 4.2 on the iPad before a reasonable comparison.

 

[Night Spring]

I still think iPad2 with a year of feedback vs Honeycomb1 with no public release is a little unfair.

If anything, I'd give them at least one major revision, such as Apple from 3. to 4.2 on the iPad before a reasonable comparison.

These companies aren't being graded for a class, they are producing products for mass consumption. As a consumer, I'm not going to pay money for a product then excuse its faults (if in fact there are any) because it's a first gen product. I'll return it, then take my money and buy the more mature product, in this case, the iPad2. If Honeycomb/Zoom is around for another round next year (2012), I'll take another look at Zoom2 vs iPad3 then.

 

[Eso]

If the iPad 2 leaves everything the same but bumps the processor speed by 200MHz and adds a camera, then everyone can start the funeral procession. Until then, lets wait and see.

You forget that this is Apple we are talking about. Remember the original iPhone to the iPhone 3G? "Yay, we changed the form-factor and and added 3G, yay!"

We already know they changed the form factor, we can check that off the list...

 

[Night Spring]

You forget that this is Apple we are talking about. Remember the original iPhone to the iPhone 3G? "Yay, we changed the form-factor and and added 3G, yay!"

.

But they also added the app store with iPhone OS 2. I had the first gen touch at the time, and it was like getting an entirely new device. I know at least two people who passed on the original iPhone who bought the 3G, because of 3G + app store.

 

[Eso]

But they also added the app store with iPhone OS 2. I had the first gen touch at the time, and it was like getting an entirely new device. I know at least two people who passed on the original iPhone who bought the 3G, because of 3G + app store.

And the original phone got access to the app store as well, your point?

 

[Night Spring]

And the original phone got access to the app store as well, your point?

That Apple may not have made a drastic change in hardware, but they stayed ahead of the competition, or at least kept them at bay, by changes in software.

 

[tbayrgs]

Key is "on paper". AND you're also comparing the Xoom to the first gen iPad, which is a mistake. I think we all need to stop comparing an unreleased product to a product that been out for almost a year. Once the iPad 2 is announced, then we can start comparing models and brands, etc. The iPad started the whole tablet explosion and other manufacturers are so far behind its not even funny. If the iPad 2 leaves everything the same but bumps the processor speed by 200MHz and adds a camera, then everyone can start the funeral procession. Until then, lets wait and see.

I feel pretty comfortable saying that the next gen of iPad will still likely not fully match the Xoom in hardware specs and point is, I'm OK with that because it's the overall implementation that matters. My response was primarily directed at this post:

Honeycomb and Xoom are well ahead of the iPad in terms of software and hardware.

It's going to take a significant upgrade by Apple on both fronts to stay ahead in the tablet wars.

Apple needs to:

- Make significant improvements in the processor (dual core)
- Add significantly more ram (1gb should be minimum)
- Better graphics (on the level of Tegra 2's)
- Lighter (dunno how there)
- Improve the multi tasking abilities, not just simply switching between apps, but letting apps directly communicate with each other
- Widgets... I simply cannot believe the "inventor" of widgets doesn't have them in their mobile devices, yet every other device does
- Better hardware access for software makers
- USB/SD slots
- Higher resolution screen (unlikely to happen until they can double the pixel count)

Dorkington obviously is not very familiar with Apple products, specifically the iPhone. The first 3 generation of iPhone were inferior in any number of ways, both in hardware (camera, 3G connectivity) and software (copy and paste, multi-tasking) and it didn't seem to hurt sales. Apple makes products that cater to the masses, not geeks who demand full open access and every feature under the sun (who also happen to be the largest group of complainers and probably a small percentage of customers). There products may not have every feature but no other smartphone/tablet is as easy to pick up and just use--that's why they have and will continue to sell millions. Total sales of all Android tabs next year will not match the iPad, mark my words.

 

[safetyobc]

It's true the iPad will outsell all other tablets.

However, I have yet to buy a tablet. I didn't have the money for the iPad when it was released. Then after about 6 months I decided to wait for iPad 2. Now with the Xoom, I am seriously considering a Xoom. I really like how it looks (hardware and OS).

With that said, I will likely stick with iPad 2 for one reason. I am already invested in the Apple universe. Music, movies, apps (for my iPhone), etc. I think that in itself will sell a lot of iPads. People have been buying music and movies in iTunes and want to keep that media.

 

[Dorkington]

I feel pretty comfortable saying that the next gen of iPad will still likely not fully match the Xoom in hardware specs and point is, I'm OK with that because it's the overall implementation that matters. My response was primarily directed at this post:




Dorkington obviously is not very familiar with Apple products, specifically the iPhone. The first 3 generation of iPhone were inferior in any number of ways, both in hardware (camera, 3G connectivity) and software (copy and paste, multi-tasking) and it didn't seem to hurt sales. Apple makes products that cater to the masses, not geeks who demand full open access and every feature under the sun (who also happen to be the largest group of complainers and probably a small percentage of customers). There products may not have every feature but no other smartphone/tablet is as easy to pick up and just use--that's why they have and will continue to sell millions. Total sales of all Android tabs next year will not match the iPad, mark my words.

I'm very familiar with Apple products.

They have historically sold less than their competitors outside the iPod and iPhone. The iPod was easy because no one else really entered the market. The iPhone, is now the second leading smartphone system, losing out to Android. I suspect the iPad will be the single best selling device, but the platform will lose out to Android in time as well, unless Apple handles it a bit differently.

I suspect, though, that Apple doesn't care about being in the lead as long as they sell millions at a decent profit margin.

 

[azentropy]

I don't understand all the excitement over the Xoom when pricing and availability hasn't even been announced. Honeycomb hasn't even been fully live demoed yet, what they were showing on the Xoom was a video.

Sure if the Xoom came out then end of the month and was priced at what the iPad is ($499) or less and doesn't require a contract then I'd be excited. But what if it doesn't come out for another 3-6 months and/or ends up starting at $799, or requires a 2yr contract, or both? Then not so much...

I previously worked at Motorola for 9+ years. They are the king of vaporware and missing target dates and prices. The number of products/projects (both externally and internally announced) the company came up with that never reached fruition because of various reasons was startling. That they haven't released pricing or availability yet is a huge red flag to me.

 

[StarLog]

I have enjoyed Android on my phone, and on a China tablet, for some time now, but I will stay with my ipad for daily use, because it JUST WORKS.

 

[sciwizam]

I don't understand all the excitement over the Xoom when pricing and availability hasn't even been announced. Honeycomb hasn't even been fully live demoed yet, what they were showing on the Xoom was a video.

10 mins of live demo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YiXlkiq8Y0

 

[azentropy]

10 mins of live demo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YiXlkiq8Y0

That is a timed/scripted video.

 

[Eso]

That is a timed/scripted video.

It was obviously scripted, just like any demo that Steve Jobs does of the iPhone, but he was actually using the device in real-time.

I'm not even sure what your point is, really. The Xoom is certainly a real product and this is exactly what Honeycomb is going to look like when launched (if not even more polished).

 

[sciwizam]

That is a timed/scripted video.

So? They previewed what's in Honeycomb and it's not like Google said it is ready but you can't see it.

 

[NebulaClash]

"when launched" being the operative words. We'll see when they are in the real world being used by consumers. Until then we wait to see what the price will be, and what the real-world performance will be, etc.

 

[Piggie]

"when launched" being the operative words. We'll see when they are in the real world being used by consumers. Until then we wait to see what the price will be, and what the real-world performance will be, etc.

I fully agree

I want to see, say a top end game that's been written and optimised for both devices before I would say which is the best.

Is one version has better textures, a higher frame rate and/or more things moving on screen as once then it will be obvious which is the technically better device.

I you can move games around faster then you can move everything else around faster also.

 

[Night Spring]

It was obviously scripted, just like any demo that Steve Jobs does of the iPhone, but he was actually using the device in real-time.

I'm not even sure what your point is, really. The Xoom is certainly a real product and this is exactly what Honeycomb is going to look like when launched (if not even more polished).

When Jobs demos a product in real-time, we know that's exactly how the product works, because he is really using it. Yes, the demo is scripted, but the product is actually working and performing the steps outlined in the script.

With the Xoom video, it's just a video showing how Mortola/Google hopes Xoom/Honeycomb will work. We don't know that they will actually be able to achieve it. Until they come up with a real working model, that video is worth as much as a phaser in Star Trek. Just because somebody "made" a phaser for a movie, doesn't mean it's possible to build one in real life.

 

[Joseph Kool]

When Jobs demos a product in real-time, we know that's exactly how the product works, because he is really using it. Yes, the demo is scripted, but the product is actually working and performing the steps outlined in the script.

With the Xoom video, it's just a video showing how Mortola/Google hopes Xoom/Honeycomb will work. We don't know that they will actually be able to achieve it. Until they come up with a real working model, that video is worth as much as a phaser in Star Trek. Just because somebody "made" a phaser for a movie, doesn't mean it's possible to build one in real life.

You guys are in denial, the Xoom is going to be a kickass tablet just accept it and move on. It's like your ego's can't handle the fact that your Ipad will no longer be the best tablet. who cares really, it's not like you can't still enjoy your Ipad. Why do you guys have to discredit everything? leave that to Steve Jobs.

 

[Eso]

With the Xoom video, it's just a video showing how Mortola/Google hopes Xoom/Honeycomb will work. We don't know that they will actually be able to achieve it. Until they come up with a real working model, that video is worth as much as a phaser in Star Trek. Just because somebody "made" a phaser for a movie, doesn't mean it's possible to build one in real life.

...What are you talking about?

What he was using was a real, working model. The presenter was really using it. They even had a working model and demonstrated google maps 5.0 on it live over a month ago.

Did you even watch the video?