Motorola Xoom

Not happy with Apple's locked down ways but looking for a table?  The Motorola Xoom might be what you are looking for.

• A dual-core 1 Ghz processor and Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) - powerful Google software developed specifically for tablets - ensure the best possible operating experience
  

• 2MP front and 5MP rear-facing cameras let you record HD videos, snap shots, or chat with online contacts

• The 10.1-inch widescreen HD display delivers stunning visuals with its 1280x800 resolution
  

• Store up to 32GB of photos, videos, songs, documents and more on the internal memory

• Easily find your way around town with integrated GPS capabilities and Google Maps

• Quickly type messages or make notes on the touchscreen display's virtual keyboard

• Enjoy your favourite videos and tunes with the built-in media player

• Access the Internet wherever there's a wireless connection with built-in W-Fi and play games, enjoy Adobe Flash-enabled everything, and visit the Android Market to find great apps too

Physical
The Xoom isn't massive at 9.8 inches wide by 6.6 inches tall the device isn't massive and its 1.5 pound weight gives it heft without killing your arms.

The display on the Xoom is a bit larger than the iPad's 9.7-inch screen, and higher resolution (1280 x 800 to the iPad's 1024 x 768). 

Sound
The sound on the Xoom is mediocre at best, but again it's a tablet so we can't expect much here

Battery
Excellent.  The life is roughly 8.5 hours, which is about an hour less than the iPad's battery actually lasts.

Cameras
The rear camera is 5 Megapixel and can shoot 720p video, but you'd look pretty ridiculous doing so, as with all the other tablets.  The front camera is standard resolution so don't expect miracles there.

Operating System
Unlike Apple and it's locked down iOS, Android is filled with variables and choices which makes general navigation a learning experience.  That being said, it's far more customizable than iOS and has the potential for thousands of more apps since it's running Android.

Browser
If you've been using Google Chrome on your Windows or Mac, you'll notice you're using Google Chrome here.  Pages displayed quickly and cleanly,  and.. wait for it... FLASH!  This is one of the real advantages Android devices have over Apple's insanity about Flash.

Standard
Per usual for tables, you'll have access to Email, video chat, youtube, music, photos, etc.  Not much different here.


Pricing
You can pick up a wifi enabled Xoom at Best Buy for $599.99 CDN.

 

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