Xoom vs. iPad2: Part 1

Since I am a huge Android fan, I decided to purchase the Motorola Xoom Tablet from Verizon. My business partner purchased the iPad2 at the exact same time, so it was a great way to compare the devices.

My first impressions of the Motorola Xoom were extremely positive. It's a great looking device with all the bells and whistles from a hardware standpoint. However, comparing it to the iPad2, I could instantly tell that the iPad2 had a nicer screen. The iPad definitely has a cleaner, sharper and clearer image.

I was nervous I had made the wrong decision already.....

The greatest advantage of the Xoom over the iPad2 is the ability to install widgets on your home screen. When I turn on the device, I have all my shortcuts as with the iPad, however, but I also have an email widget, a weather widget, a tasks widget, etc. It's basically a quick snapshot of my day, and I can quickly and easily get information. You do not have the ability to add widgets to your home screen on the iPad2. Sad to say, but this is perhaps the ONLY advantage the Motorola Xoom has over the iPad.

For the Xoom, the app store seems very immature when it comes to apps ready for Honeycomb. Most of the apps (to be clear I am only referring to the apps I use) are all configured for the smart phone screen resolution, not for the larger honeycomb screen resolution. There are some that were great, but most are not ready for prime-time on the Xoom, yet. I am sure this will improve with time, but I am currently disappointed.

The web browsing experience on the Xoom is supposed to be fantastic.  I saw in many reviews that this was one of the better qualities of the Xoom with the tabbed browsing. When I first got going with the browser this was indeed the case. But now I find the browser force quitting on almost a daily basis. I am sure this is a software glitch that can be fixed with time, but annoying nonetheless.

The standard case that comes with the Xoom is very cool. Only one problem, when the case is closed on the Xoom, it blocks the charging port. The only way to charge the Xoom is to have the case fully open so the charging port is exposed. Not a deal breaker, but definitely annoying especially if you are at a hotel with a small night stand.

Additionally, every Android device in the world is using the Micro USB to charge. I have one at the office, next to the bed, next to the couch etc., etc. For some stupid reason Motorola decided to use a new charger format with this little thing that sticks into the Xoom, and tends to fall out if you are using it while charging. Very annoying...... and I will have to buy more. I hate when companies change their charging adapters for no good reason.

Motorola has some learning to do for it's second generation tablet, which I am sure will be kick ass. Honeycomb definitely needs some work, and the App store needs time to mature as well. I look forward to the awesome Android devices that are released in the next 6-12 months, because that's what I think Motorola, Google, and the application developers need to catch up. I plan on returning the Xoom this week, not sure if I will buy my first Apple device since 2002 (I bought the first iPod ever in 2002), or wait another 6-12 months for an Android tablet that is truly ready for prime-time.

If you need a tablet now and simply can't wait, go for the iPad2.