Motorola Xoom Review

Users Ratings:  

Motorola Xoom 

Not sure what all the fuss is about since the Motorola Xoom hit the marketplace? Not only is the Xoom the latest tablet to challenge the iPad 2, but it is a great tablet despite some shortcomings. In most tests, it is giving the iPad 2 a run for its money because it is faster than the iPad 2 and it has so many more features that makes consumers give it serious consideration when deciding on which tablet to purchase that will fit their needs.

This tablet invites you to have fun and engage with friends with its fast processor and other awesome features. The Motorola Xoom has a super powerful Tegra2 dual-core processor (means each core runs at 1 GHz), 1GB RAM and Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) which is an OS specifically designed for tablet computers.  The operating system offers a multi-touch, holographic user interface that improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization. It also offers the latest Google Mobile innovations, including Google Maps 5.0 with 3D interaction, access to over 3 million Google eBooks and Google Talk with video and voice chat.

Anyone purchasing the Xoom tablet will be able to enjoy a thin, light and powerful video experience because of the 10.1 inch HD widescreen display and 1280 x 800 display resolution.  The display delivers console-like gaming performance and features a built-in gyroscope, barometer, e-compass, accelerometer, and adaptive lighting for new types of applications.  Other features of the Xoom include a front facing 2-megapixel camera for video chats over Vi-Fi or 3G/4G lTE via Google Talk, as well as a rear facing 5-megapixel camera that captures video in 720p HD.

Other features of the Xoom include 32 GB internal memory, memory expansion via optional microSD card up to 32 GB (functionality requires future software upgrade), Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking with Mobile Hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, access to personal and corporate e-mail, HD 1080p video playback and HDMI output for connecting to a compatible HDTV or monitor. The Xoom has a sealed 3250 mAh battery that lasts up to 10 hours for Wi-Fi internet browsing. Further, there is also a removable back and a SIM card slot that can be used only if the device is upgraded to 4G. The Motorola Xoom offers consumers the choice of  owning either a  3G  or  Wi-Fi  only enabled model.

Upgradeable to 4G LTE Mobile Broadband

The Motorola XOOM will offer 3G/Wi-Fi-enabled connectivity at launch. Verizon Wireless will offer a free upgrade to its 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network in the coming months. When upgraded, the XOOM’s 4G LTE connectivity will enjoy speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless’ 3G network. Verizon Wireless plans to  expand the network to the company’s entire 3G coverage area over the next three years while currently Verizon services about one third of its customer base with 4G LTE.  Note: The Motorola XOOM is not compatible with the 4G LTE network out of the box, but it will receive a free 4G LTE upgrade in the coming months.

Adobe Flash Support

The iPad, despite its enormous popularity, has one flaw that has been identified by owners: it doesn’t support Adobe Flash. This means that the full Web experience is lacking and for that matter, any site that uses Flash animation or the Flash video player either doesn’t load properly (or at all) or loads but cannot play video content on the iPad or the iPad 2.

This is where the Xoom—the first tablet to run Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb—comes in. One of Honeycomb’s best features that separates it from Apple’s iOS is its support for Flash.  Unfortunately, the Xoom was launched without Flash, but currently, it is being updated with a beta version of Flash 10.2 for the Android 3.0 OS that is disappointing because it is missing some key features.

What’s missing on the Xoom? Basically, the ability to be able to view embedded videos on websites. Also, the support for 720p Web video will not play back  correctly in either embedded or full-screen mode. This means more waiting for Motorola and Adobe to get it right so the Xoom will be ready for prime time and actually work the way it was designed.

Xoom Design and Hardware

• 1 GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor enables web browsing at unprecedented speed and accelerated multi-tasking.
• Integrated NVIDIA graphics delivers smooth, full frame-rate 1080p HD video playback
• 1 GB of DDR2 RAM
• 10.1-inch multi-touch HD display (1280 x 800 pixels; 150p per inch) with native 720p video playback and pinch-to-zoom navigation.
• Onscreen keyboard

Xoom Multimedia

• Music player compatible with MP3 and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+
• Video player compatible with MPEG4 and H.264/H.263

More Features on The Xoom

• HDMI audio/video port enables you to output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (1080p) via HDMI cable (sold separately).
• Micro USB port (not for charging)
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Data encryption ensures the privacy and security of data on your tablet.

Vital Statistics

The Motorola XOOM weighs 25 ounces and measures 9.81 x 6.61 x 0.51 inches. Its 3250 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 10 hours of video playback, up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing, up to 90 hours of 3G web browsing, and up to 3.3 days of MP3 playback. It has a standby time of up to 14 days (336 hours) and an approximate 3.5-hour charge time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G frequencies. The Xoom can also be upgraded to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network in the coming months, but the purchaser will have to send the device in to obtain the update.

What’s in the Box

Motorola Xoom, charger, data cable, quick start guide and  user manual.

Here’s what users are saying about the Motorola Xoom

  I prefer Xoom over iPad 2 and here’s why…., March 27, 2011

In the end, you may prefer one device over the other and it is to each his own.  However, based on the overall factors I mentioned, I prefer Xoom. . .  Read the complete review here.

  Much better Internet browsing device than iPad2. . .

I believe the Xoom hardware is slightly better than the Ipad2 (apart from the screen aspect ratio and the speakers), but the software is terribly lacking. The
Xoom was released FAR too early, it’s just not ready for primetime. But it has great potential. . .  Read the full review here.

What About The Xoom?

Although the Xoom has some great features and operates well especially since it is being touted as the competition for the iPad 2. However, the Xoom has some great functions and a lot of potential, but most techno geeks know deep down it is not ready for mass distribution. One can purchase the Xoom based on the promises of the company. For example, Flash support is now being uploaded to the devices, but still fall short of working correctly. The other sore spot is the fact that the SD micro slot is not functional because it is in need of a software upgrade to make it work. The third factor that is a turn off is the price. Currently, the 3G model sells for $800 without a contract on Verizon, and $600 with a two-year contract. The Xoom Wi-Fi  model is being sold for $599.00 in order to compete with the iPad 2′s  32GB model.

PROs

 

• HDMI-mini output: to connect device to television
• Runs Android 3.0 for smoother tablet OS experience
• Good performance
• MicroSD Card slot allows additional storage: not functional until activated
• Solid design

CONs

 

• Adobe Flash: Currently, Android 3.0 OS is using Flash Beta v10.2.
• Price: More expensive than the iPad 32 GB device.
• New OS has a few stability issues
• Images don’t render properly in Gallery viewer
• Heavy, at 1.6 pounds: This is a minor concern since it weighs one pound more than the first generation iPad. Weight won’t be a factor unless it is held with one hand for a long length of time.
• Display has glare:  The gorilla glass on the display is readable indoors, but it has a serious problem with glare.  Some have described the Apple iPad as a mirror–but compared to the mirror effect of the Xoom, the iPad is as non-reflective as paper. The Xoom’s glare was noticeable both indoors and out. Upon closer inspection, there was revealed an air gap between the glass and the display beneath.
• Video looked grainy and blocky.

Clearly, the device was designed with landscape orientation in mind: In that position, you hold it with two hands, and the front-facing 2-megapixel camera sits at the top middle of the display, just as the Webcam on a laptop typically is. The stereo speakers, at back, appear to the right and left, with plenty of clearance for your fingers (this positioning is unfortunate, however, if you plan to listen to music while the pad is lying flat, with its screen face-up). The micro-USB and HDMI-mini ports are at bottom, perfect for mounting the Xoom in its optional dock (standard dock, $60, Speaker HD dock, $150). The power button is located on the back, to the left of the rear-facing, flash-equipped, 5-megapixel. The button lies where your forefinger naturally lands when you hold the Xoom in both hands.

The display measures 10.1 inches diagonally, with 1280-by-800-pixel resolution. The widescreen’s 16:10 aspect ratio makes it perfect for viewing video; but for folks accustomed to the 4:3 aspect ratio of the 9.7-inch Apple iPad screen, it may take some getting used to. The unit also stands an inch taller than the first-generation iPad, but it feels comfortable when you hold it landscape-style in two hands.

Accessories for The Motorola Xoom

rooCASE (Black) Leather Case Cover with Landscape / Portrait View for Motorola XOOM Tablet

Motorola Wireless Keyboard for Motorola XOOM

Motorola Xoom Anti-Fingerprint, Anti-Glare, Matte Finishing Screen

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