Well, I have owned the Xoom from the first week it came out. I was waiting for the Acer Iconia because I thought it would save me some money but like the $4k I spent on a Plasma TV 9 years ago, I had to have the Xoom.

People can split hairs about features, speed, color saturation blah blah blah, the bottom line is that the Xoom is a great piece of hardware and I don't regret the $600 I spent on it.

Samsung Galaxy is nice but feels cheap and flimsy. I have a 32gb microSD card in my Xoom on top of the 32gb internal. I put all my movies and Howard Stern shows, Dexter etc on the card and keep internal storage lean and mean.

At this price, you cannot go wrong. A friend of mine pulled trigger on Xoom last time woot had it up for $329 and his was new even though it said refurbished. The Xoom is solid and built well. I prefer that to the plastic feel of the Samsung and Acer. Plus it has a smaller case without sacrificing screen size. The all black and gray looks cool. Very masculine and high tech. Go for it.

mwhawks wrote:Okay, please bear with me, I'm gonna play the dumb girl card for a minute.

My husband is dying for a iPad for xmas. He has done his research and has narrowed between an iPad (either new or Best Buy refurb) or the Acer Iconia. He wants to use it to take notes during business meetings, play games, and watch movies.

Will he like this? Would this be an appropriate replacement for the other 2 he's already looked at? We have Android phones and he's really happy with that platform, but he has an old iTouch that he has really enjoyed and knows there is a lot available when its comes to Apple products.

I really appreciate your help. Thanks.

No insult intended; if you sent him to Ulta to get Bare Minerals, but he decided to go to Macy's and get MAC would that be okay? The Xoom doesn't compare to the iPad b/c of the difference in OS. It's similar to the Iconia, but why does he want the Iconia? If this has what he wants then I'd say technically yes it's comparable. However if he's like me and doesn't ask for much, and when he does, he knows what he wants, I'd stick to the two he has chosen. You could compare processor, memory, storage, and I/O to the Iconia he wants and be reasonably safe if they match up, but... well you get the picture.

barbercb wrote:No insult intended; if you sent him to Ulta to get Bare Minerals, but he decided to go to Macy's and get MAC would that be okay? The Xoom doesn't compare to the iPad b/c of the difference in OS. It's similar to the Iconia, but why does he want the Iconia? If this has what he wants then I'd say technically yes it's comparable. However if he's like me and doesn't ask for much, and when he does, he knows what he wants, I'd stick to the two he has chosen. You could compare processor, memory, storage, and I/O to the Iconia he wants and be reasonably safe if they match up, but... well you get the picture.

Okay, the makeup comment made me laugh! Nice!

That's where I'm torn though, he has mentioned the Iconia based on his research of reviews and such. I don't know the specifics otherwise. Sigh. He's not one to ask for much so that's where I'm torn. I'd like to wait for him to wake up (I work overnights while he and my baby sleep peacefully) but at the same time, I am looking forward to surprising him for once.

Thanks for your help everyone, I do appreciate it.

mwhawks wrote:Okay, the makeup comment made me laugh! Nice!

That's where I'm torn though, he has mentioned the Iconia based on his research of reviews and such. I don't know the specifics otherwise. Sigh. He's not one to ask for much so that's where I'm torn. I'd like to wait for him to wake up (I work overnights while he and my baby sleep peacefully) but at the same time, I am looking forward to surprising him for once.

Thanks for your help everyone, I do appreciate it.

im pretty sure the xoom is just as good as the iconia as i have the iconia and my friend did also he sold his iconia for a xoom, i would grab this if i was you and def dont go for the overpriced ipad not worth it.. personal opinion android is where its at apples just that company that charges 2-3x as much for the same thing..

mwhawks wrote:I am looking forward to surprising him for once.

I'm not a newbie but haven't ever bought big electronics. Is the warranty recommended/good/worth it/etc?

Glad I checked Woot tonight! I was bummed when I missed this the last time because I've been in the market for a good tablet for a while, but had no desire to play $500+ for one. This is a great price and while the Tegra 3 chipset might be coming out this month, who cares, this guy still packs plenty of power to handle anything you toss at it. Looking forward to getting this because it's a steal at this price.

toddinfl wrote:... it is a fingerprint magnet.

This is a feature included in all glossy screens by their manufacturers. They also put a code into the driver software to turn off fingerprint magnetism (FM), but tablet manufacturers refuse to enable that feature for users.

The reason is that it would cut into the sale of screen-cleaning accessories by stores, annoying them greatly. Computers have almost no profit margin for stores because they compete with each other on those prices. They make up for this by greatly marking up the price of accessories.

But after testing 178 models of tablets, running 6 operating systems, I've found a code to override FM. With the tablet completely off, hold down the power button and enter up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A (the Konami Code). Then release the power button.

Unfortunately, timing is very critical for entering the code. Doubly unfortunately, it doesn't work reliably on some tablets.

Triply unfortunately, the Xoom is one of those tablets. Sorry!

/massive sarcohumor

mwhawks wrote:Okay, the makeup comment made me laugh! Nice!

That's where I'm torn though, he has mentioned the Iconia based on his research of reviews and such. I don't know the specifics otherwise. Sigh. He's not one to ask for much so that's where I'm torn. I'd like to wait for him to wake up (I work overnights while he and my baby sleep peacefully) but at the same time, I am looking forward to surprising him for once.

Thanks for your help everyone, I do appreciate it.

Did a little looking. Check this link. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1037070&page=7
I'd still be a little hesitant, but then again Motorola having sat in on some forward looking webexs from motorola before they got bought they were heading down the business focused road. I read the first two and last page of the link above. Search Iconia vs Xoom

clcaruthers wrote:I passed on this a few weeks ago only to end up buying the Galaxy last week.

Just got the galaxy today and I'm glad I held out, but my gf is jealous so it looks like I may have to splurge once again. Women...

On a new gf or new tablet?

rcm1301 wrote:What do you mean?

I bought the same thing from Woot not that long ago for $349. I haven't used it yet.

squane123 wrote:Gps works great IF you set it up while connected to internet. Once set up it works great as you go.

thanks

mansoba wrote:if only Motorola would allow the xoom to connect to AD-HOC wifi networks (like cell phone hotspots and cards). it doesn't.

it attaches to my android tmobile phones hotspot just fine

mwhawks wrote:Okay, please bear with me, I'm gonna play the dumb girl card for a minute.

My husband is dying for a iPad for xmas. He has done his research and has narrowed between an iPad (either new or Best Buy refurb) or the Acer Iconia. He wants to use it to take notes during business meetings, play games, and watch movies.

Will he like this? Would this be an appropriate replacement for the other 2 he's already looked at? We have Android phones and he's really happy with that platform, but he has an old iTouch that he has really enjoyed and knows there is a lot available when its comes to Apple products.

I really appreciate your help. Thanks.

Ahh, this is easy. I'd get my love exactly what she wants..even if its a tad more expensive.

Skip this offering :-)

Is there a Netflix app for this?

editorkid wrote:I bought the 32GB Touchpad during the fire sale. The OS is nice, but it's a dead end. You can install hacked Android ROMs on the Touchpad, but I'd rather run Android on a tablet designed to run Android. Also, the Touchpad is larger, thicker, and heavier than the Xoom, and the plastic back is much slicker than the Xoom's, so it's much less comfortable to use after a very short while. I genuinely think the Xoom is worth the extra money -- I use it daily but haven't picked up the Touchpad in days.

Thank you!!

aznsensation627 wrote:The warranty for this refurb is the same as a new unit.

When you say "the same as a new unit", does it mean that i do NOT have to buy the warranty from SquareTrade in order to have coverage for the first year? The woot reads "authorized for _extended_ warranty" - does that mean that SquareTrade would be selling me an ADDITIONAL year, i.e. a total of two years?

badboyhao wrote:Is that the iPad first gen or iPad 2 that you prefer your Xoom over?

Cuz if it was the first gen iPad, I don't think its a very fair comparison.

I have an iPad 2 issued form work and a Xoom at home. I use them both a lot but I like the Xoom better. It has a microSD card slot for expansion, less expensive accessories, stereo speakers, and a mini HDMI port for connecting to HDTV's. A 15' cable was less than $5 online and I didn't have to buy an adapter. The fact that you have a wide array of good browsers is nice too.

yoda999 wrote:Is there a Netflix app for this?

Yes, Netflix runs fine on it.

I'd love one of these just because I love new gadgets like everyone else on here. But from a business decision/budget standpoint, can these tablets really be justified? From what I see, they are primarily game/movie devices, and try to justify their "business" use because they can be used for email.

Someone please tell me I'm wrong, because I'd really love one but can't justify an expensive toy with my current financial status! However, if it's a good business investment, well.....

FalseProphecy wrote:A subjective point of view. I've watched a handful of reviews comparing the top tablets (iPad, Galaxy Tabs, Eee Transformers, Xoom, etc) and the Asus is 1) more expensive, 2) less amazing screen, 3) not confirmed for Ice Cream Sandwich support, 4) better speakers on the Tab.

I think I'd pick the Eee Transformer over the Xoom, but I'm satisfied with the Galaxy Tab purchase I made from this site.

Actually. Asus 1) not always more expensive. Paid $249.00 (16GB) on Black Friday..NEW 2) Screen has no of the "blue tint" that you see on the Xoom, 3) Confirmed for ICS 4) cannot compare the speakers. AND if you get the dock the battery lasts 2.5X longer.

Missed it a couple weeks ago at 329; while I was reading the description it sold out! Snatching it up this time.. Had a chance to use a friend's xoom and WOW. If you're looking for a great tablet, and don't wanna shell out 500 for the new transformer in 2 weeks, this thing is a beast! I don't think I've ever spent that much that quick w/o a little more thought.

All I know is I just told my gf and she's pissed I didn't order two.. go figure lol.

mansoba wrote:if only Motorola would allow the xoom to connect to AD-HOC wifi networks (like cell phone hotspots and cards). it doesn't.

I don't have one, so I don't know if this works, but...

http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/enable-ad-hoc-network-support-on-motorola-xoom-honeycomb-tablet/

Thinking of getting one. One thing I don't like is the proprietary charger. Can We all just use USB and wall adapter to usb for cripe sake?

I'm not an apple devotee but about 18 months ago I bought a Ipod Touch to mess around on and recently picked up a iphone 4s as my first smartphone, so I am familiar with their products and have purchased a few apps, so going with an Ipad at some point is possible. The wife has an Droid X phone and a Kindle Fire but I've never used an android device. I'm 47 and not much of a techie, rooting and planting and raking and all that other stuff probably ain't happening. Decisions, decisions

sodmanout wrote:I'd love one of these just because I love new gadgets like everyone else on here. But from a business decision/budget standpoint, can these tablets really be justified? From what I see, they are primarily game/movie devices, and try to justify their "business" use because they can be used for email.

Someone please tell me I'm wrong, because I'd really love one but can't justify an expensive toy with my current financial status! However, if it's a good business investment, well.....

That depends on your business, of course. Look around at others doing the same job that you do. Nobody using tablets? You probably don't need one. Others are using tablets? Ask them why.

Another way to think about it ... if a notebook or netbook would help you do your job, but even better portability would be even better, then a tablet may be for you.

Business uses besides email include reviewing documents, researching via the internet, keeping track of breaking news or weather, navigating to places you haven't been, sketching, sharing a few quick graphics or a video with a colleague or client (as opposed to making presentations), looking cool, and taking out competitors by throwing the tablet, Frisbee-like, at their heads (similar to how Goldfinger's henchman Oddjob used his hat).

And there are probably other business uses that don't come to mind right now.

mansoba wrote:if only Motorola would allow the xoom to connect to AD-HOC wifi networks (like cell phone hotspots and cards). it doesn't.

I use the Quick Settings app and it works great connecting my phone to the Xoom as a wifi hotspot.

Elucidate wrote:All I know is I just told my gf and she's pissed I didn't order two.. go figure lol.

Create another account with another credit card and go for it!

squane123 wrote:Well, the two tablets that he is interested in are completely different. I will make it easy for you. Since both of you have Android phones, are both comfortable with the platform, I would highly suggest picking this up for him. Movies are great, games (tons of them) and notes can be taken. Go for it. I suggest invisible shield and a otter box for it as well.

Android is crap, get you hubby the iPad, there is nothing like it

Got one the last go-around. I'm sure the iPad is better in many ways, but at half the price, this Xoom does pretty much everything I need it to. Browsing, e-mail, tablet games, Netflix... all work great. It could use a simpler directory-based menu option for those few files you want to save, but that's my only real complaint functionally. Form-wise, it does feel like it's about to slip out of my hand at all times. I haven't dropped it yet, or anything close to that. It just doesn't feel secure when I'm holding it.

mansoba wrote:if only Motorola would allow the xoom to connect to AD-HOC wifi networks (like cell phone hotspots and cards). it doesn't.

looks like there is a solution:

http://androidforums.com/android-applications/207450-bluetooth-tether-android-phone-android-tablet.html

mwhawks wrote:I'm not a newbie but haven't ever bought big electronics. Is the warranty recommended/good/worth it/etc?

I may be late to this exchange, but...

Even though I love my Xoom (see my earlier post), if you want to be 100% sure hubby is happy, you'll go with the iPad. I've never talked to anyone who regretted buying an iPad and wished they had gone Android, but I've talked to plenty who regretted settling for Android.

yoda999 wrote:Is there a Netflix app for this?

Yes. Works great.

deathopie wrote:I'm not an apple devotee but about 18 months ago I bought a Ipod Touch to mess around on and recently picked up a iphone 4s as my first smartphone, so I am familiar with their products and have purchased a few apps, so going with an Ipad at some point is possible. The wife has an Droid X phone and a Kindle Fire but I've never used an android device. I'm 47 and not much of a techie, rooting and planting and raking and all that other stuff probably ain't happening. Decisions, decisions

How about a refurbished iPad 1? It would probably still cost more than this one, but if you're familiar with the environment and like it, that goes a long way to ensuring you'll actually put it to use.

Or ... rooting and all that other fertilizer is absolutely not necessary. I've done it with some tablets (including an iPad 1) but have been too lazy to do it with others.

That is, it's usually not necessary. In the first place, it's likely that a device like this one will meet your needs, and there'd be no point to going to the trouble of messing with it.

In the second place, you probably never feel the need to just to hack on things (a personality defect that strikes me from time to time).

So don't worry about not wanting to do all those nerdy hacker things you hear about.

mansoba wrote:if only Motorola would allow the xoom to connect to AD-HOC wifi networks (like cell phone hotspots and cards). it doesn't.

It totally lets you connect to your phone without any trouble. I have a xoom and I connect it to my Incredible without any hitches.

fevans1980 wrote:Form-wise, it does feel like it's about to slip out of my hand at all times. I haven't dropped it yet, or anything close to that. It just doesn't feel secure when I'm holding it.

You might want to get a case or cover for it made out of some grippier material just to ward off any chance of the dropsies.

Or get some of that paint-on rubbery stuff from the hardware store and slap it on the back.

collett73 wrote:Who chose the image on that tablet? The vegetables are missing from the meal.

If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding. How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?

fevans1980 wrote: Form-wise, it does feel like it's about to slip out of my hand at all times. I haven't dropped it yet, or anything close to that. It just doesn't feel secure when I'm holding it.

My question, for you folks that have this or any other 10" tab, is using it as an eReader. The above comment worries me. Apparently, you don't feel comfortable holding it to read. If you can hold onto it, is it fatiguing? Eye strain? Is there a Kindle app? Should I just hold off for a 7" tablet?

fevans1980 wrote:Got one the last go-around. I'm sure the iPad is better in many ways, but at half the price, this Xoom does pretty much everything I need it to. Browsing, e-mail, tablet games, Netflix... all work great. It could use a simpler directory-based menu option for those few files you want to save, but that's my only real complaint functionally. Form-wise, it does feel like it's about to slip out of my hand at all times. I haven't dropped it yet, or anything close to that. It just doesn't feel secure when I'm holding it.

I have both an iPad and the Xoom and they each have their pros and cons. Personally, I like the look of the Xoom more because I appreciate "industrial" design. It plays flash without a hitch and is generally more stable over the web because of its flash capabilities. It is not as wide as the iPad which makes holding it easier. I like the android design and the fonts and all they are very masculine and the ability to lay out your home pages with Widgets is light years ahead of the Apple OS but I do feel that iOS is more "baked" in terms of stability and user friendliness. At this price, the Xoom is a STEAL.

Wow.. big thanks to whoever posted the Motorola homepage w/sales on accessories!!! Its way better than half off..

Bluetooth keyboard.. cost me 40 usually 70 but includes free Bluetooth mouse! 40$ value.

Then, the dock w/speakers. Cost me 65, normally 130 but comes w/free GEL case protector (dock has attachment to work w/gel case) and that's another 30$ value. Then free two day shipping on orders over 75..

So, I got all that w/tax and shipping for a grand total of a few cents over 110.00$ instead of almost 300.

If you wanted a full accessory setup for your new tablet, hit up store.Motorola.com ASAP while they're in stock :-) best of luck to all you deal shoppers!

fishermanswife wrote:My question, for you folks that have this or any other 10" tab, is using it as an eReader. The above comment worries me. Apparently, you don't feel comfortable holding it to read. If you can hold onto it, is it fatiguing? Eye strain? Is there a Kindle app? Should I just hold off for a 7" tablet?

Hit Motorola's page and get that nice soft gelcase for 15$and it'll feel just great all the time! Or get a dock or the portfolio case and enjoy hands free angled viewing.

I was pissed I missed the Galaxy tab a few days ago....but I'm in for one of these for a family Christmas present. OK, it's for me but they can use it I guess.