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Alternatives to Xoom!!

Which?

  • Asus Eee Pad Slider

    Votes: 2 25.0%

  • Motorola Xoom

    Votes: 6 75.0%
  • Total voters
    8
  • Poll closed .
bgrutter said:
Don't forget the massive bezel on the Transformer and Acer's lackluster history. Otherwise, spot on.

Great write-up!
Click to expand...

Thanks. I just started thinking and in the end the Xoom is all that I need in a tablet. It does it's job well and will only get better.
 
I suspect that Google's implementation will be just as sloppy but I kept my Xoom because I have 2 cases, too. Just teasing. My reasons for not chasing the latest and greatest aren't quite the same as yours but it's interesting to hear someone else's point of view unless they spend more time "venting" about their unhappiness than doing anything about it and expecting comfort. :-)
 
I just saw a video showing the Tranformer supporting external usb devices, don't understand what the reasoning is to disable that on the Xoom.

As a photographer I really could use the usb feature to review photos in the field.
 
I am not sure. I've had my xoom for about 3 weeks. I absolutely love it as its my laptop replacement.

However, the price of the Transformer is nice.. The screen tech also looks good. And of course there is working SD card and USB.

But damn, that bezel is ugly as hell on the Transformer. Reviews are also saying its plasticy.

Lastly, its hard to find a definitive answer on the software. Does Asus have a custom skin on there? I've told myself I will never ever buy a tablet or phone with a custom skin again. I am tired of waiting for updates from OEMs. This is one of the main reasons Im swapping my EVO for a Nexus S as soon as it drops on Sprint in the coming weeks.

What do all my fellow Xoom peeps think?
 
I'm happy with the Xoom. Sure the transformer keyboard / laptop arrangement is neat but I didn't want another laptop.

There's always something newer/different/better around the corner...
 
I envyed it when I first saw it but when I compare it to my Xoom I think I've gotten the better product, xooms build quality is strong and sturdy, has a dual led flash on the rear cam, sure the power button is in a weird spot but I can live with it
 
IMO, not much competition, though the Xoom is a solid tab:

1. Better display.

2. Working microsd (short term advantage- surely)

3. With KB, two full USB 2.0 ports and sd reader (64gb extra space if needed with the reader).

4. Extra battery and the KB price with tablet is similar price to Xoom (average of 16 and 32gb versions).

5. Without KB, $100 to $150 less

6. One thing the Xoom may have is AGPS. Rumors rolling that the NA version of the Asus does not have GPS....

7. Xoom is almost a full inch less wide, so that IMO favors Xoom.

To get all the extra functions, you have to use the keyboard and there will be folks that do not want to. Still the Asus is apparently better, due to better display and $100 or $150 less price.

Xoom is a good tab, but overpriced out of the gate. Kind of surprised Motorola has not dropped the price ahead of time. IF Asus floods the channels with the Asus, the Xoom is dead.

Asus is loading into EVERY main retailer and etailer that exists in NA and including Walmart. I say IF, since seems not likely they can cover that many channel partners, considering they are delaying a more broad roll-out in Europe until June (due to supply).

In spite of all of this, I would rather have a tablet with full USB on the tablet, rather than an add-on. The new Toshiba OEM product may be the only option for that, but is late summer release.
 
rjoudrey said:
Based on this article why does the Toshiba look better than the Xoom or Transformer to you?

I see the Xoom and transformer about equal because of the size vs screen differences. I guess in the very rare exception that you don't have a laptop the keyboard is attractive!
Click to expand...

Because it seems that to get all the bells/whistles (i.e. USB host, extra battery life) with the Transformer you really need to dock. However, the Toshiba has all of that built in to the tablet itself (you can take an extra battery with you...much easier than hauling a dock I think?) Also, I usually trust Toshiba's build more than ASUS's build, but who knows for future hardware?

Both look nice, just for ME, I'd prefer the Toshiba I think. Even though I now have an ipad 2, I'm just waiting for HC to get pushed a bit more and then I'll give my ipad 2 to my fiancee, and I'll pick up an android tablet. I REALLY miss the things the Android OS brings with it.

I keep checking this forum as I'm curious when Moto/Google are going to update the HC OS. Hopefully soon!
 
See below:
rushmore said:
IMO, not much competition, though the Xoom is a solid tab:

1. Better display. Asus IPS display like the iPad.

2. Working microsd $60 - 32GB, $25 - 16GB

3. With KB, two full USB 2.0 ports and a second battery, USB for Flash drive, mouse, etc.

and sd reader $50 for 32GB, $120 for 64 GB at amazon

4. KB price with tablet
$575 Transformer: 400+150+25 (16GB), netbook and tablet
$680 Xoom: 600+70 still tablet only, no USB
-----
$105 extra for Xoom tablet, no netbook option

5. Without KB, $100 to $150 less
$425 Transformer: 400+25 (16GB microSD, 32GB total)
$600 Xoom
-----
$175 extra for xoom

6. One thing the Xoom may have is AGPS. Transformer has GPS

7. Xoom is almost a full inch less wide to match a full netbook keyboard

...IF Asus floods the channels with the Asus, the Xoom is dead.
Amazon.com, BestBuy, Buy.com, Frys, J&R, Newegg.com, OfficeMax, OfficeDepot, Sears, Staples, Target, and Walmart at launch, all already sell Asus computers

...The new Toshiba... thickest, heaviest tablet, 1 SD, no microSD, no netbook option
Click to expand...
 
In the unlikely event that something better comes out, I'm more than happy to sell my Xoom. I really like my 3g service. I ditched my R2 D2 D2 and now use data for less. If we get the 4g upgrade, it will be the cheapest 4g plan out there. I doubt there will be a better LTE tablet anytime soon and I suspect that VZW won't be as reasonable with the data plan.
 
Hello Xoomers,

I have a quick question. I am an Ipad 1&2 user and looking to switch to the Android on the tablet arena as well.

I bought the Xoom the day it came out and returned after a few days for the obviious reasons back than:

Apps (lack of)
Lag
No SD support
No 4G
Buggy OS

Some of these are addressed since 3.1 I hear.

I now purchased the HTC Flyer. I am trying it out. What I like so far:

Size
Built
Pen
HTC Sense UI (Although much prefer a clean OS, I really like the Sense UI)

Bad:
So far, supposedly camera sucks. (Id does on IPAD 2 as well).

So what do you guys think? Any questions for me while I have the flyer?

Thanks
 
I am a first-day Motorola Droid owner and had been planning on buying a tablet, specifically a Xoom, right before my summer vacation travels.

However I tread that VZW is killing unlimited data tomorrow, so if I want it on my Xoom, I need to buy it today. No worries - except I haven't been paying attention to Android/Tablet news for 2 months.

So here's what I see in my quick reading today:
- CNet and many others consider the new Galaxy Tab sleeker, sexier and even better than the Xoom.
- From my quick research, NO other serious competitor to the Xoom has any cellular modem.
- Price isn't that big an issue in that they're all not-cheap and an extra $50-100 isn't a big deal to me on this purchase

So my first question is about 3G - I want to be able to use this in my car, on the train, etc. i.e. cellular network coverage is a must, along with the monthly fees. Considering my desires to be able to read a web page or download a movie/tv show, etc. on the road, at the pool, etc. - are there any competitors to the Xoom? I don't think the 10" Galaxy Tab is cellular ready. Am I wrong? Are people using tablets with WiFi only? To me, this is a big deal? Am I in left field or does everyone just have different needs?

I also would like HDMI output and the expandable SD slots. Esp while on vacation to be able to show the movies to relatives, etc.

If anyone can pop in here with some quick advice so I can go get this today if it's still the right choice. The only other issue is my standard, "is there anything in the near-term pipeline that I should wait for?" I'll wait a month or two if something big is coming down the road, and deal with data charges later. Is there anything coming out worth waiting for? The Xoom has been out for a long time in tech-years.

PittCaleb
 
hello,

there has been plenty of discussion on your same questions you ask. I will post my responses for you to help.

you can use 3G in the car just as you use 3G on your handset. if verizon has coverage in the area you are in.. you should have 3G.

there are MANY alternatives to tablets.. galaxy, asus, acer, etc etc. i would not disqualify the google chrome book either.. its so close to what these tablets can do.

HDMI works just fine. you are only limited to 32 GB on board for the xoom. the SD card is not yet activated however you can root your device and install a ROM that allows access to the SD card. if you do not want to root then you are limited to the on board flash and/or you can utilize server/cloud storage (amazon, dropbox, google cloud service, playon, etc etc)

no one can tell YOU if YOU should purchase the xoom today. I can tell you i have had it since its launch back in feb and i totally enjoy it. people who see it always want one and it has been a workhorse. the HC OS has matured albeit slowly for some.

however to you it may not be the one for you for YOUR needs. the xoom has a huge following and if you are familiar with the android OS then you should not have any issues learning how to use the xoom.

you can also purchase the xoom sans 3G and pick up a wifi only version and add a mifi or you can use hotspot on your handset for those times when you want to connect. again large followings for both 3G and wifi only.

its in your best interest to stop by a store and test drive one.. they are everywhere. staples, costco, best buy, etc etc.
 
From day 1, the Xoom has never been on the same plans as phones. The Xoom has always had a tiered data plan pricing. So, purchasing today or purchasing next won't have any large effect on data pricing.

From a SD card perspective, it doesn't work yet without rooting the Xoom. To date, neither VZW or Motorola has given any timeline for enabling the SD card slot or 4G connectivity beyond "coming soon."

Would I buy it again today? Good question and I am nnot sure I know he answer. I have not really stayed abreast of the most recent tablets coming out, but I am fairly certain VZW has a tablet from Samsung called the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 that is currently in pre order status a that will be 4G capable on launch, but will not have a SD card slot. It comes in 16 gig and 32 gig flavors
 
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