Motorola has yet to release any official pricing on their new Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet. However, it has now appeared up for pre-order on one online retailer for a rather steep price of £719.99 including taxes, which works out at about $1,120.15.
We are hoping this is just an enthusiastic retailer putting the tablet up for pre-order with a yet-to-be-confirmed price, rather than the official price of the Motorola Xoom, as it would end up being one of the most expensive tablets on the market.
Potential Competition for the Apple iPad
The Motorola Xoom tablet with Android 3.0 Honeycomb could end up being serious competition for the Apple iPad. The Xoom boasts a range of impressive features, including a dual-core processor, a 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels, and support for Adobe Flash, which the iPad lacks. Additionally, it includes front and rear cameras, which are essential for video conferencing and taking high-quality photos and videos.
However, if it ends up costing this much, which is about $400 more than the iPad, then we suspect it may be too expensive for many buyers. The iPad has set a benchmark in the tablet market, not just in terms of functionality but also in terms of pricing. Apple’s aggressive pricing strategy has made the iPad accessible to a broader audience, and any competitor looking to dethrone the iPad must consider this aspect seriously.
Market Implications and Consumer Expectations
The high pre-order price listed by the online retailer Handtec could have several implications for the market and consumer expectations. If the Motorola Xoom is indeed priced at over $1,100, it could limit its market penetration. Consumers are generally price-sensitive, especially in the current economic climate, and a high price tag could deter potential buyers who might otherwise be interested in the advanced features of the Xoom.
Moreover, the tablet market is becoming increasingly competitive, with new entrants like Samsung, HTC, and others launching their own Android-based tablets. These companies are likely to offer competitive pricing to attract customers, making it even more crucial for Motorola to price the Xoom strategically.
Another factor to consider is the potential for price drops post-launch. Often, initial pre-order prices are higher, and prices tend to stabilize once the product is officially released and more widely available. Retailers may also offer promotional discounts or bundle deals to entice buyers, which could make the Xoom more affordable in the long run.
Lets hope Motorola releases the official pricing soon, and it doesn’t cost as much as this one listed on online retailer Handtec. An official announcement from Motorola would help clear up any confusion and set realistic expectations for consumers eagerly awaiting the Xoom.
In conclusion, while the Motorola Xoom has the potential to be a game-changer in the tablet market with its advanced features and Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS, its success will largely depend on its pricing strategy. A competitive price point could make it a formidable rival to the Apple iPad and other tablets, while an exorbitant price could limit its appeal. We look forward to Motorola’s official pricing announcement and hope it aligns more closely with consumer expectations.
via Ubergizmo
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