iPad2 vs Xoom – Why I Prefer Motorola Xoom

iPad2 vs Xoom – Why
I Prefer Motorola
Xoom
A user shares his views on the Motorola Xoom vs the iPad2 and why he prefers
the Motorola Xoom.

5.0 out of 5 stars I prefer Xoom over iPad 2 and here's why....,
March 27, 2011
By Lenny D (Akron, OH)

First of all I want to say that I own both Apple and Google/Android devices. I own
iPod Touch and have played with iPad of family member who own the device. I
also played with iPad 2 quite a bit at the store as well as from a friend who got it
on launch day. I currently own original Motorola Droid and looking to upgrade to
newer Android phone this summer. It is difficult not to compare Xoom to its
competitor aka iPad 2. Therefore, this review will entail Xoom features (Wifi
version) along with comparison to iPad 2.

Operating System - An iPad is more akin to a smartphone where as a Xoom is
more akin to a laptop (Best Buy actually has it in laptop section instead with other
Android tablets like Samsung Galaxy). Honeycomb feels more like a tablet. It's not
just a row of apps and wasted space like iOS. Plus, you have room for
customization (widget, live wallpaper, theme etc).

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There is also little detail that tech savvy will appreciate (outline grid, advanced
settings, google labs etc) Honeycomb is still a bit buggy but not to the point that it
becomes annoying. I only have several force close (app closed due to error) once in
a while (Not all phone apps work with Xoom..yet). Obviously iOS which is a
proven OS and was out almost 4 years ago is more stable than the Honeycomb, a
brand new OS (optimized for tablet use) that was out a month ago along with its
SDK. Google know Honeycomb still needs improvement, I know Honeycomb is
unfinished and I don't mind waiting for even better experience.

Also, it's easy to transfer files between computer and Xoom. Just plug in USB and
it acts as a hard drive then you drag and drop the files you want. There's also apps
like ES File Explorer and Astro File Manager that help manage files/folder (like
Window explorer). I believe iOS requires other softwares unless you just do
music/movies through iTunes. Oh and I forget to mention that I hate having to
everything tied/synced through iTunes. On Xoom, there's more freedom and you
are not stuck with one software like iTunes.

Winner: To each his own but I like Honeycomb better.

Design/Apperance/Screen - Xoom is heavier but that is due to a solid build
quality which I love. It is also thicker and has wider screen (more appropriate for
movies than iPad 2). Although Xoom has higher screen resolution, iPad 2 still has
brighter screen and more vivid look.

Winner: iPad 2 by little bit

User Interface - Some people say Honeycomb is too complicated to use. Well
maybe to those who has been using only iPad. For someone who use both, I have
to say it is pretty simple to use. iOS is more intuitive and foolproof but there is
much more detail/option on Xoom that many people will appreciate.

Winner: Tie
Multitasking - One button and it takes you to 5 most recent apps for easy
switching on Xoom. iPad 2 sort of have multitasking but not a true multitasking
experience.
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Winner: Xoom

Browser - If you use Chrome browser before, it is pretty much like that on Xoom.
I prefer tabbed browsing over having to press button to open various windows on
Safari on iOS device. You can type search directly on address bar like Chrome.
You can sync bookmarks through your Google account. And yes I know there are
other browser apps in the market. But for a stock browser app, Xoom has a better
experience.

Winner: Xoom

Apps - iPad is way ahead in term of apps and it is because original iPad had at
least 1 year head start vs Xoom. Not to mention Honeycomb is unfinished and
SDK was recently released. However, the tablet apps that are available on Android
market, most of them work great and look awesome. UPDATE: It turned out
there're lots more Honeycomb compatible apps (I'm talking 1,000+). You just have
to use keyword search such as "tablet" "xoom" "honeycomb" to discover the apps.
Note that you can still use Android phone apps. The phone apps get stretched out
but still keep the high resolution thus they don't look bad on the screen whatsoever.
Give it time.

Winner: iPad 2

Customization - This is my favorite part about Android. You have open
customization from themes, widgets to customized home screen and live
wallpapers. iOS has none of that unless you jailbreak the device.
Winner: Xoom

Notification - If you have iPhone and iPad, you know how notification can be
quite painful. Xoom has better notification system that show up briefly in bottom
right corner as you get new email, app update etc. You can press it to view all
notifications or remove them. Additionally, there is also LED light blinking
notification on top right of the device.

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Winner: Xoom

Hardware Performance - A5 vs Tegra 2 is still up for debate. Xoom seems to be
as powerful as iPad 2 with exception of GPU (difference can be seen with gaming
and screen brightness). iPad 2 has 512MB RAM vs 1 GB RAM on Xoom.

Winner: ???

Camera/Video/Audio - Better camera and video on Xoom thanks to its higher
spec vs VGA front and lower MP back camera on iPad 2. Camera app gets a little
bit of time to get used to on Xoom. Speaker on Xoom is decent and could have
been louder. I wish the volume rocker is more visible on the side. It feels like the
button can become stuck into the device.

Also I use DVD Catalyst 4 to convert and transfer movie to Xoom. It can convert
most file types as long as it's not DRM protected (like "Digital Copy"). The
software is pretty neat, simple to use and the pictures look great. You have option
to customize the pictures, add subtitles, and get rid of black bars.

Winner: Xoom OVERALL

Flash - Yes, Flash is still in beta but it works great so far with a little bit of lagging
but barely noticeable. Pretty smooth most of the time. I tested it on sites that use
Flash like Engadget (video), Honda (car animation), Vice Versa restaurant in NYC
(heavy flash site), Myspace and bandcamp (with music player on artist page). iOS
has no Flash AT ALL as we all know when it comes to browsing.

Winner: Xoom by a mile (until HTML5 is fully functional)

Battery Life - Xoom gets about 8 - 9 hours for heavy multitasking usage. Will
have to test standby time but I expect it to be less than iPad 2. iPad 2 gets at least
10 hours of heavy usage.

Winner: iPad 2

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GPS - Just want to mention that GPS and full Google maps navigation is available
on Xoom wifi. While on iPad 2, it is only available if you get 3G+wifi version.
And if you use Google maps app before on Android you know that it is more
extensive than map on iOS (turn-by-turn voice navigation, layers etc). Since this is
a Wifi version, THERE IS cache settings on Google Maps where you can prefetch
map tiles by panning over the city/region while on Wifi (up to ?? MB. Need to
verify the cap). Then you can navigate to desired destination just like normal with
voice navigation. You cannot change the destination halfway obviously since there
is no 3G connection. The other alternative will be to tether the device with 3G/4G
smartphone.

Winner - Xoom

Nitpick - SD card slot on Xoom is still not enabled at this moment. Also, I wish
Xoom can be charged through micro USB but I believe it may be because micro
USB doesn't supply enough current to charge a tablet.

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 above in this Motorola Xoom vs
iPad2 comparison, I prefer Xoom.

Click here or the image below to buy the Motorola Xoom and get a whopping
27% discount – while stocks last.

Page 5 of 16

What Other Users Say about the Motorola Xoom vs iPad2?
5.0 out of 5 stars Some people say its better than the iPad2, March 31,
2011
By M. J Ricard "tech ceo" (Chicago, IL)

I own both. I bought the iPad2 the day it came out... and I
bought the Xoom just a couple days ago. The iPad2 is sexier on
the outside for sure. In typical Apple fashion, it is wrapped in its
packaging and hardware like Art.

The Motorola Xoom packaging is lackluster and the visual
aspects of the hardware side by side with the iPad leave a lot to
be desired. HOWEVER, the Xoom's Google Android Honeycomb
Operating System is far superior to the iPad2's iOS. So much so,
that the iPad2 when you use it "feels" old and outdated next to
the Xoom. Unlike other Android touch pads I have played with,
the screen slides real smooth.

Fortunately, I am in a position where I can own both. However,
if you are trying to decide between which to buy, it largely
depends on if you are a mac fan. If you are, then the iPad is the
way to go. Regardless of how much better I tell you the Android
Honeycomb Operating System is on this Xoom tablet, it will not
matter. But, if you are not a mac fan and looking to choose the
best device for the money, without question, at least right now,
the best is the Xoom.

Motorola got it right. Good job guys, finally something that
competes and beats the iPad. However, work a little bit on the
design of the outer shell... it could use a little more sexy like the
iPad2.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Xoom is better than iPad 2 (and I own both)!, April
4, 2011
By Daniel Proudfoot (Eugene, OR USA)

The Xoom is NOT perfect, but if the measure is the iPad then the
Xoom WiFi is the best tablet on the market. I've had the iPad
since November and got the iPad 2 the day it came out. I sold it
last weekend because I was disappointed ever since upgrading
to the "new" iPad. I LOVE Apple (own a MacBook Pro, iMac
21.5, Apple TV, and an iPod - my wife has an iMac 27, an
original iPad, and an iPhone 4), however, for my phone and
tablet I am sticking with Google.

Frankly, I'm tired of people rating the iPad high because of the
Apple on the back and apps. Reviews are correct when they say
the comparisons between the two aren't fair. At $599 you get
(above and beyond the iPad):

-1GB of memory
-Real front and rear cameras 2 & 5MP respectively (the ones on
the iPad are almost useless)
-Real widescreen
-Amazing resolution (1280x900)
-HDMI connection (without a $40 adapter)
-MicroSD slot (for future use & expansion)
-Full Customization
-True Multi-tasking
-FLASH, FLASH, FLASH!!!

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-Legit 12 HR battery (have heard individual experiences differ)
-Most important Open Source Platform!

Cons:
-Very reflective screen (iPad is as well, but Xoom slightly worse)
-Apps are lacking (compared to iPad)

Let it be known Honeycomb is NOT a cell phone platform - It's
TRUE dedicated tablet software! My wife's iPhone and iPad are
identical (except for size). My Droid X and Xoom Tablet are
completely different (in feel, functionality, power, and
performance). I LOVE THAT! I found out I don't want a GIANT
PHONE - I want a TABLET! However, my wife loves that her iPad
is the same as her phone, loves the simplicity, loves the
uniformity. If that's how you are go with the iPad. If you like a
true, powerful tablet experience then look to the Xoom.


5.0 out of 5 stars Xoom is options, iPad is restrictions., April 10, 2011
By HogMan

I own both an iPad and a Xoom, and overall the Xoom is a much
more powerful and open device. The user interface is clean,
sleek, and flexible. The Xoom is fast and ideal for multimedia
applications, and has extensive support for office applications. I
love it,

The two things I love best.

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Open

I have enjoyed using the iPad for the last year, but the closed
nature of the iPad has begun to get on my nerves. I hate the fact
that I have to install iTunes in order to do the simplist thing,
such as copying music or video files onto the device. With the
Xoom all you need to do is attach a cable and copy files to the
Xoom. Apple's requirement to have iTunes installed is just their
attempt to force me to their marketplace, which strikes me as
contempt for their customers.

A real file system that I can browse and find files. I can even
copy files off a windows network or share right onto my device.
You have to jump through hoops in order to copy files over wifi
on the ipad.

Mobile hotspot

In addition to all the other features, the android os has the
ability to share the mobile internet via a mobile hotspot feature.
You can easily setup your xoom as a little wireless wifi router
and share the 3G connection.


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5.0 out of 5 stars Xoom is not an iPad, April 6, 2011
By C. Santiago

I technically give this product 4 1/2 stars, but because of the
rating system on Amazon 5 will suffice.

So the big controversy is should I buy a Motorola Xoom or an
Apple iPad? I obviously chose the Xoom and here are my
reasons why.

For $599 I get better hardware than the similarly priced iPad2
32gb version. For example, a dual core Nvidia Tegra chip which
runs at 1ghz vs the A5's 800mhz per core. Superior front and
rear camera that can record in HD and has a flash built in as
well as digital zoom ( along with a nice toggle for lighting
options and video/photo effects ). A higher resolution screen. A
built in HDMI out and access to my files stored on the Xoom
without having to use extra software ie iTunes. Strong and
resilient Gorilla Glass. And the option to use different file
formats, namely flac and avi through apps in the marketplace.

The Operating System on the Xoom is more of a user interface
than iOS is and Honeycomb has been around a month, while iOS
is almost at 5. I can switch between different tasks effortlessly
on the fly and the browsing is phenomenal compared to Safari
on iPad. I've got 5 "deskspaces" that I can customize to my
liking and everything feels smooth and natural. The virtual
keyboard is very good, but I suggest that you purchase a thumb
keyboard...it makes things flow that much better. ( I feel one
step closer to the computers used in Minority Report ). Also,
Flash support!!!!

Page 10 of 16

It does need more apps, and I mean Honeycomb Android specific
apps. Although, that's not primarily why I purchased a tablet,
it's something the detracts from the whole tablet experience
when considering the general consensus.

I feel like the Xoom and the iPad may both be tablets but when I
think of what I want in a tablet, the Xoom is closer to what I
have in mind.

For the record I do own an iPad as well. It's good, but I like the
Xoom better.


5.0 out of 5 stars Makes iPad look like a paperweight, November 22, 2011
By A. M. POWELL (Northern Virginia)

I compared several tablets, including the major competitor from
Apple. I was blown away by the Xoom's speed and functionality.
I did not opt for the 3G version, but have not regretted that
decision. No issues with the operating system, no bugs to
report. I've owned this tablet for four months now, and am as
happy as the day I bought it.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Glad I choose the Xoom instead of the iPad 2,
September 6, 2011
By justamom35 (Arizona)

I love my Xoom. I did a lot of research trying to decide the best
tablet for them money. Before I started my research I was
convinced that I would be getting and iPad but I had to research
my options just in case. I ended up purchasing the Xoom
(pronounced Zoom just in case you are wondering...I was
curious so I looked it up on the Motorola website)and I totally
do not regret it. There are four main reasons why I choose the
Xoom over the iPad 2. These reasons are not in any particular
order.

1. Cost: I purchased the WiFi only Xoom with the 32gig of
memory for just over $500 from walmart (I was to impatient to
wait for shipping so I was willing to pay a little more and have it
right them). The 32Gig, Wifi only, iPad 2 from walmart was
about $600. The 32gig Xoom is the same price as the 16gig iPad.
I did not purchase the Xoom just because it was cheaper.

2. The Xoom has a microSD card slot. I put in a 16gig card so
now I have 48gigs of memory. Do I love the was the Xoom
handles the microSD, well no. It is not as user friendly as I'd like
it to be but I am willing to bet that it will get better as time goes
on.

3. I like Adobe Flash. I think it it cool and the iPad can't...and
probably won't use Flash.

4. I prefer the Android market. I iPad market is way to
proprietary for me. I agree that there are not as many apps
available in the Android market as there is in the Apple

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market...but the Apple products (iPhone, iPod, iPad...) have
been around a lot longer that the Android market. It is only
natural that there would be more available. So far, there hasn't
been a single thing that I've wanted to do on my Xoom that I
haven't be able to find an app for. The Android market is in full
speed and I don't doubt that it will surpass the Apple market
very soon.

5.0 out of 5 stars Android shines!, April 5, 2011
By Chris Ruttencutter

I sold my old iPad and thought I would put the proceeds
towards an iPad 2, however after playing with a Xoom in
person, I just couldn't go back to iOS.

I've had a few iPhones, an iPad, as well as an Android phone.
Android had a few advantages over iOS in the phone world
(notifications being a big one), however in the tablet space,
Android just feels right. Widgets were a bit of a gimmick on a
phone, but having them on a tablet is great... I can see my most
recent e-mails, the song that is currently playing, my browser
bookmarks, and so much more... a little configuration and
everything I want to see or quickly access is right there in my
face. :)

I'm not going to drag this out, I just want to say that so far I'm
loving my Xoom, and Honeycomb is a great step for mobile
computing!

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5.0 out of 5 stars I switched from an iPad to the Xoom, April 10, 2011
By Lou Montulli (Menlo Park, CA USA)

True, my primary motivation was to leave the overly narrow
ecosystem that Apple controls with an iron grip. I have had my
Xoom for about two weeks now and have used it far more than I
ever did the iPad. The iPad is a great game machine and it is still
the best tablet for my kids, but Android is just more useful for
my every day life. Email, Calendar, Browser, weather.

Everything at a glance right when I turn it on. No real problems
so far, although it probably took me a full minute to finally find
the power button, I can't figure out if the placement is idiotic or
brilliant. The app situation is much better for Xoom than it was
for the first generation iPad. Many stock android apps
automatically handle the larger screen size, so you don't have to
rely on a hacky "zoom" mode for apps.

My favorite feature is the "real" chrome browser. It is a huge
upgrade over the iPad browser. Since that is my most used
application, it's a big winner for me.


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These are the things you get to enjoy with Motorola Xoom:
Clean, sleek, and flexible user interface
Real smooth screen slides
Fast response to multimedia applications
Extensive support for office applications
Flexibility – room for customization
Customization without jail-breaking
OS which is optimized for tablet use; not a mobile phone OS
Not tied to only iTunes; easily transfer files between your computer and the
Xoom
A solidly build tablet
A wider screen for enjoying movies more
Better notification systems – you get notification showing up briefly in
bottom right corner as you get new email, app update etc and also LED light
blinking notification on top right of the device.
Better camera and video
You have Flash; iOS has no Flash AT ALL

Click Here To Buy Motorola Xoom

27% Discount! Click now to buy while stock last.

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iPad2 vs Xoom – Why I Prefer Motorola Xoom

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