If you are in the market for a new tablet, you may have a hard time deciding what tablet to go with now that the new iPad 2 has been unveiled. Motorola unveiled its slick Xoom tablet back at CES, and the device will come in both 3G and WiFi-only versions. The big downside has been that the tablet is expensive, with hints that the WiFi version would go for $599.
Price Comparison and Market Position
If the Xoom had landed at $599 in the US, it would have been $100 more than the entry price of the iPad 2 WiFi. Some geeks at Droid-Life have spied the WiFi-only Xoom at a local Sam’s Club with a $539 price. That price would make the Xoom about $40 more than the starting price of the iPad 2.
That will be a negligible price difference to many folks that want to buy the new tablet. That said, the tag in the photos is flat wrong on some things it shows, so if the specs are off, the price might be too.
Features and Specifications
The Motorola Xoom boasts several features that make it a strong contender in the tablet market. It comes equipped with a 10.1-inch display, which is slightly larger than the iPad 2’s 9.7-inch screen. The Xoom also features a dual-core processor, which promises faster performance and better multitasking capabilities compared to its competitors. Additionally, the Xoom runs on Android’s Honeycomb OS, which is specifically designed for tablets, offering a more optimized user experience.
The Xoom also includes front and rear cameras, with the rear camera capable of recording 720p HD video. This is a significant advantage over the iPad 2, which also has front and rear cameras but with lower resolution. The Xoom’s higher resolution cameras make it a better choice for video calls and photography enthusiasts.
Another notable feature is the Xoom’s expandable storage. While the iPad 2 comes in fixed storage options of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, the Xoom offers a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand their storage as needed. This flexibility can be a deciding factor for users who require more storage for apps, media, and documents.
Software and Ecosystem
When it comes to software, the Xoom’s Android Honeycomb OS provides a different experience compared to Apple’s iOS. Android is known for its customization options, allowing users to personalize their home screens with widgets and shortcuts. This level of customization is not available on the iPad 2, which offers a more uniform and controlled user interface.
The Android ecosystem also offers a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store. While the Apple App Store is known for its extensive library of high-quality apps, the Google Play Store is rapidly catching up, offering a diverse selection of applications for various needs. Additionally, Android’s open-source nature means that developers have more freedom to create innovative apps and features.
In conclusion, both the Motorola Xoom and the iPad 2 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Xoom offers a larger screen, higher resolution cameras, expandable storage, and a customizable Android experience. On the other hand, the iPad 2 is known for its sleek design, robust app ecosystem, and seamless integration with other Apple products.
Ultimately, the choice between the Xoom and the iPad 2 will come down to personal preference and specific needs. If you value customization, expandable storage, and higher resolution cameras, the Xoom may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more polished user experience and access to a vast library of high-quality apps, the iPad 2 might be the way to go.
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