• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

2 Questions - WiFi only? PC Replacement?

nashfh said:
So, I'm wondering if I'll be able to buy the Xoom without a plan so I can just use it over WiFi. I read a bunch of articles but not one definitively clarified that point.

Also, is there any evidence that this can be a laptop/desktop replacement?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

The reason why I don't think anyone has answered that question yet, is no one knows yet. Perhaps after today's CES release more will be known. I can't see me carrying a $30 SmartPhone plan AND a $30 or even $20 Xoom plan. If they price it like their netbooks, expect to get it for next to nothing with contract and data plan and offering it without either for $500-$600.
 
Thanks, and that leads me to my second question. I would absolutely be willing to pay the 5 or 6 hundred bucks if it can function as a laptop replacement. I don't see why it wouldn't. It seems powerful enough, but I don't know if it's built with the same intentions or possibilities in mind. Any thoughts on that aspect of it?
 
nashfh said:
Thanks, and that leads me to my second question. I would absolutely be willing to pay the 5 or 6 hundred bucks if it can function as a laptop replacement. I don't see why it wouldn't. It seems powerful enough, but I don't know if it's built with the same intentions or possibilities in mind. Any thoughts on that aspect of it?
Click to expand...

I think if you are OK with using cloud computing then yes it can be a replacement. It is going to be a netbook replacement for my family. We got used to cloud computing with the netbook. 32GB of space isn't much when it comes to a true replacement. If you want to use it as a full replacement I suggest buying an external hard drive. They are dirt cheap for mega space. At Wal-Mart you can get 500GB of space for virtually nothing now. I pay Google $20/year for drive space to store all of my pictures and most of my movies. I know it's a bit jacked up to pay for it, but I like the convenience of having it work with all of my other Google accounts flawlessly.

I love the fact that there is already a wireless keyboard that is made for it on Motorola's website. If you are looking for a full computer replacement, that's a must.

So to recap, if you:

1) Get used to cloud computer most of the time
2) Buy an external hard drive
3) Get the wireless keyboard

Then yes, I'd say it's a viable computer replacement. Of course that's IMHO, and not a fact.;)
 
Cincybearcatfan said:
I think if you are OK with using cloud computing then yes it can be a replacement. It is going to be a netbook replacement for my family. We got used to cloud computing with the netbook. 32GB of space isn't much when it comes to a true replacement. If you want to use it as a full replacement I suggest buying an external hard drive. They are dirt cheap for mega space. At Wal-Mart you can get 500GB of space for virtually nothing now. I pay Google $20/year for drive space to store all of my pictures and most of my movies. I know it's a bit jacked up to pay for it, but I like the convenience of having it work with all of my other Google accounts flawlessly.

I love the fact that there is already a wireless keyboard that is made for it on Motorola's website. If you are looking for a full computer replacement, that's a must.

So to recap, if you:

1) Get used to cloud computer most of the time
2) Buy an external hard drive
3) Get the wireless keyboard

Then yes, I'd say it's a viable computer replacement. Of course that's IMHO, and not a fact.;)
Click to expand...

The Xoom has USB host? I have not seen that if it does. Need that for hard drives.

My gTablet has

1. USB Host
2. Rooted out of box
3. Adhoc wifi
4. Tegra 2
5. 16gb (but USB host)
6. Micro sd slot

$350

Not seeing how paying so much for a tablet beyond $400 makes sense, but if you have the money- all is good!
 
rushmore said:
The Xoom has USB host? I have not seen that if it does. Need that for hard drives.

My gTablet has

1. USB Host
2. Rooted out of box
3. Adhoc wifi
4. Tegra 2
5. 16gb (but USB host)
6. Micro sd slot

$350

Not seeing how paying so much for a tablet beyond $400 makes sense, but if you have the money- all is good!
Click to expand...

One of the MAIN reasons (but not only) is Honeycomb. Icons and apps that are made for a tablet and not a phone. Eventually, I'm sure it will be released for all tablets, but generally being 1st with anything new means paying more for it. It does have micro-usb support. That means any micro to USB cable will work. (SOURCE)

Also here are your GTablet specs:


  • 1 GHz Dual ARM Cortex-A9 processor
  • 512MB DDR2 memory
  • 2D/3D Graphics processing
  • HD Video encode and decode
  • Ultra-low power GeForce GPU
  • 1080p video playback processor
  • OpenGL ES 2.0
  • 32-bit LP-DDR2, DDR2
Here are the specs for the Xoom:


  • Android 3.0
  • 10.1 inch display
  • Dual Core 1 Ghz CPU NVIDIA Tegra 2
  • 1GB RAM
  • 32 GB inbuilt memory with microSD Card slot
  • 10 hr video playback battery life
  • 5 MP Rear camera with Flash and 720p HD video capture
  • 2MP video calling camera
  • Wifi👎 Bluetooth 2.1, 3G , 4G

32GB on board vs. 16GB, 2mp front facing camera vs. 1.3mp front facing camera, 5mp rear facing camera vs. ? (No camera), 1280x800 vs. 1024x600, and oh yeah Honeycomb vs. Froyo.

The truth is the gTablet and the Xoom will both be obsolete this time next year. It's the way technology goes. I understand why saving the $$$ is important, but you really can't say the two are the same. One is the ONLY one built designed along side Google to be the model tablet showcasing their OS, the other is put together to try to have something on the market to capitalize on people that want a tablet but hate Apple and don't want to buy their overpriced crap. ;)
 
Cincybearcatfan said:
One of the MAIN reasons (but not only) is Honeycomb. Icons and apps that are made for a tablet and not a phone. Eventually, I'm sure it will be released for all tablets, but generally being 1st with anything new means paying more for it. It does have micro-usb support. That means any micro to USB cable will work. (SOURCE)

Also here are your GTablet specs:


  • 1 GHz Dual ARM Cortex-A9 processor
  • 512MB DDR2 memory
  • 2D/3D Graphics processing
  • HD Video encode and decode
  • Ultra-low power GeForce GPU
  • 1080p video playback processor
  • OpenGL ES 2.0
  • 32-bit LP-DDR2, DDR2
Here are the specs for the Xoom:


  • Android 3.0
  • 10.1 inch display
  • Dual Core 1 Ghz CPU NVIDIA Tegra 2
  • 1GB RAM
  • 32 GB inbuilt memory with microSD Card slot
  • 10 hr video playback battery life
  • 5 MP Rear camera with Flash and 720p HD video capture
  • 2MP video calling camera
  • Wifi👎 Bluetooth 2.1, 3G , 4G

32GB on board vs. 16GB, 2mp front facing camera vs. 1.3mp front facing camera, 5mp rear facing camera vs. ? (No camera), 1280x800 vs. 1024x600, and oh yeah Honeycomb vs. Froyo.

The truth is the gTablet and the Xoom will both be obsolete this time next year. It's the way technology goes. I understand why saving the $$$ is important, but you really can't say the two are the same. One is the ONLY one built designed along side Google to be the model tablet showcasing their OS, the other is put together to try to have something on the market to capitalize on people that want a tablet but hate Apple and don't want to buy their overpriced crap. ;)
Click to expand...

Good points :) One positive at least for the G is it is here now. Xoom has potential. Does it have USB host? I do not know.
 
rushmore said:
Good points :) One positive at least for the G is it is here now. Xoom has potential. Does it have USB host? I do not know.
Click to expand...

I truly don't know. I'm not sure if the micro-USB will only allow read only via another computer or if it will allow the Xoom to read another device (aka an external hard drive). I would say it will come down to driver support in Honeycomb. If it's possible and if the demand is there and money to be made, then someone will find a way. Using Google Docs for office work, Picasa/Flickr for photos, streaming videos via Netflix and HuluPlus, streaming music from Pandora and my home PC the need for a lot of storage will be mostly moot.
 
Take a look at the docks on the motorola web page. at least one has a full size usb port which might allow connections to an external hard drive. Hopefully the software allows it
 
Just about. Adding to above posters, you might want the HD dock that has 3 usb full size ports. Not sure if the OS supports everything you might want to do, but you will be close to being able to completely replace your laptop with the above additions, ie wireless keypad, etc.
 
I am the original poster. Is there a moderator around that can change the title of the thread? I originally discussed WiFi as well, but there are other threads for that. I think a discussion of how the Xoom might be used as a PC Replacement makes more sense and what this thread seems to have turned into anyway.

Maybe just change the thread title to "PC Replacement?"

Thanks.
 
I will try using as a laptop replacement. My laptop is fading fast. If I need a PC, I have several others (kids/GF's) in the house.
 
gobluejd said:
I will try using as a laptop replacement. My laptop is fading fast. If I need a PC, I have several others (kids/GF's) in the house.
Click to expand...

I'm looking to do the same. If I can get the XOOM without a data plan (or cancel it w/in 30 days) and use it exclusively on WiFi I'm going to be all over this. I'm not a fan of Motorola, but this thing is bad ass and would be much easier to tote around (and show off) then my laptop. Pricing is going to be a huge factor as well. I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay over $500 for this seeing how in a year it will more than likely be over shadowed by a bigger, better, tablet. God, I love and hate technology at the same time
 
WormDoes said:
I'm looking to do the same. If I can get the XOOM without a data plan (or cancel it w/in 30 days) and use it exclusively on WiFi I'm going to be all over this. I'm not a fan of Motorola, but this thing is bad ass and would be much easier to tote around (and show off) then my laptop. Pricing is going to be a huge factor as well. I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay over $500 for this seeing how in a year it will more than likely be over shadowed by a bigger, better, tablet. God, I love and hate technology at the same time
Click to expand...

Interesting. WiFi only possibly coming?

WiFi only Xoom coming in April? | Android Central
 
The iPad is currently $499/$599/$699 wifi-only depending on hard-drive size and $130 more to add 3G. Currently, our smart-phones retail for well over $500. I'd be stoaked if it was anywhere near $600.

Back in December, there was an article that rumored about a February 14 Verizon release date. CES confirmed a Q1 release. It would be wonderful if the two lined up.

This would make a great Birthday present (February 13). :)
 
bgrutter said:
Back in December, there was an article that rumored about a February 14 Verizon release date. CES confirmed a Q1 release. It would be wonderful if the two lined up.

This would make a great Birthday present (February 13). :)
Click to expand...

I second this. My birthday is February 14 :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom