Database Users

Why I'm returning my Xoom after just 24 hours

I would consider myself as an Android advanced user. I've had the G1, MyTouch 3G, NexusOne and Droid X. I've purchased each device the day it was released and I've helped dozens of people switch from dumbphones and Iphones to Android. I've rooted, used custom ROMs, etc. Additionally, my company is very much google-based (Gmail, docs, and talk are all core components to how we do business).
I really expected the Xoom to deliver greater capabilities than my Android phones, primarily for consuming media and viewing AND editing spreadsheets.
I pre-ordered the Xoom and picked it up yesterday morning (2nd in line out of 12+) and after less than 24 hours I've decided to return it. Primarily it is because I can actually do MORE with my Driod X than I can with the Xoom based on my daily usage. The biggest pains/frustrations I have with the Xoom are:
Lack of flash support/real browser: I know it's coming "in a few weeks" but in the meanwhile when I want to read news items with flash videos, browse "real" sites or play flash games, I have to actually pull out my phone because the Xoom can't do it! I should be able to pull up my browser, visit any media site and start consuming media. Instead I'm limited to standard browsing. With this much processing power and the huge screen it's absolutely ridiculous that the device doesn't include a full-featured browser!
Apps: The lack of tablet-optimized apps is extremely frustrating. All the apps I need to use work just fine on my Droid X. I was hoping for additional functionality on the Xoom, but it's actually worse because some of my regular-use apps are quite buggy on the Xoom (e.g., spreadsheets in DocumentsToGo simply does not work).
Having to carry both a charging cable AND a USB cable...it's just ridiculous.
Mobile Google Docs: because Google Docs is such an important tool for my business I NEED full google docs capabilities. The processing power in this device is FAR superior to that of my netbook, why can't they put that to use? Spreadsheets in Google Docs mobile is absolutely useless.
Bugs: In the market, clicking on "my apps" always loads the most recently installed app rather than loading the "my apps" list in Market. Additionally, pausing a movie and attempting to browse back to the movie list in Gallery fails, so I have to browse to Home, load Gallery and then browse back to the movie list.
Lack of DLNA. On my Droid X or NexusOne I'm able to access my media, download it, upload it, or stream it from any computer on my home network. With the Xoom I can't. So, if I want to watch a movie while sitting in bed I have to connect the Xoom to my PC, download the movie, disconnect it and then I'm ready to watch. In this case the Xoom is a DISCONNECTED media device...I haven't owned a disconnected media device for 1 1/2 years! Ridiculous! I should be able to jump on the network, browse for media and start streaming, but it's impossible with the Xoom.
I'm frustrated that this device - which cost FOUR TIMES what my cutting-edge phone cost can't even keep up.
What are your thoughts? Are there solutions for the issues above that I'm just not aware of? Have any of you experienced similar frustrations?
P.S. the battery life and screen are really cool, but I don't see any significant improvements in Honeycomb over Froyo...maybe I should go buy a Galaxy Tab?

I'd say give it at least until your 14 day return period.
When the iPad came out, I had a friend who got it first day (He's an Apple fanboy...the annoying kind. lol) He whined and moaned for two weeks about there not being any iPad oriented apps. Now he defends the iPad like it's the holy grail.
Just give it time. The XOOM's main purpose at this point is to give developers a platform for developing on Android tablets. They JUST got the thing, so it might be a little while.
The charger thing is kind of frustrating, but I'm not going to let that ruin it for me. My backpack has plenty of pockets.

mitchweight said:
I would consider myself as an Android advanced user. I've had the G1, MyTouch 3G, NexusOne and Droid X. I've purchased each device the day it was released and I've helped dozens of people switch from dumbphones and Iphones to Android. I've rooted, used custom ROMs, etc. Additionally, my company is very much google-based (Gmail, docs, and talk are all core components to how we do business).
I really expected the Xoom to deliver greater capabilities than my Android phones, primarily for consuming media and viewing AND editing spreadsheets.
I pre-ordered the Xoom and picked it up yesterday morning (2nd in line out of 12+) and after less than 24 hours I've decided to return it. Primarily it is because I can actually do MORE with my Driod X than I can with the Xoom based on my daily usage. The biggest pains/frustrations I have with the Xoom are:
Lack of flash support/real browser: I know it's coming "in a few weeks" but in the meanwhile when I want to read news items with flash videos, browse "real" sites or play flash games, I have to actually pull out my phone because the Xoom can't do it! I should be able to pull up my browser, visit any media site and start consuming media. Instead I'm limited to standard browsing. With this much processing power and the huge screen it's absolutely ridiculous that the device doesn't include a full-featured browser!
Apps: The lack of tablet-optimized apps is extremely frustrating. All the apps I need to use work just fine on my Droid X. I was hoping for additional functionality on the Xoom, but it's actually worse because some of my regular-use apps are quite buggy on the Xoom (e.g., spreadsheets in DocumentsToGo simply does not work).
Having to carry both a charging cable AND a USB cable...it's just ridiculous.
Mobile Google Docs: because Google Docs is such an important tool for my business I NEED full google docs capabilities. The processing power in this device is FAR superior to that of my netbook, why can't they put that to use? Spreadsheets in Google Docs mobile is absolutely useless.
Bugs: In the market, clicking on "my apps" always loads the most recently installed app rather than loading the "my apps" list in Market. Additionally, pausing a movie and attempting to browse back to the movie list in Gallery fails, so I have to browse to Home, load Gallery and then browse back to the movie list.
Lack of DLNA. On my Droid X or NexusOne I'm able to access my media, download it, upload it, or stream it from any computer on my home network. With the Xoom I can't. So, if I want to watch a movie while sitting in bed I have to connect the Xoom to my PC, download the movie, disconnect it and then I'm ready to watch. In this case the Xoom is a DISCONNECTED media device...I haven't owned a disconnected media device for 1 1/2 years! Ridiculous! I should be able to jump on the network, browse for media and start streaming, but it's impossible with the Xoom.
I'm frustrated that this device - which cost FOUR TIMES what my cutting-edge phone cost can't even keep up.
What are your thoughts? Are there solutions for the issues above that I'm just not aware of? Have any of you experienced similar frustrations?
P.S. the battery life and screen are really cool, but I don't see any significant improvements in Honeycomb over Froyo...maybe I should go buy a Galaxy Tab?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, no offense but your entire post you seem like a whiney little kid. Your a early adopter of a device and complaining on this forum about early adopter syndrome.
Flash? Man i'm sick of seeing flash post's as flash is becoming irrelevant. iPad(#1 tablet) doesn't even have flash. Get over yourself.
Apps? O-M-G the Tablet has been out a grand total of 1 day. You surprised they don't have apps? Wow...
Bugs? It's Honeycomb fool it was just released!!!!!!!!!!
Streaming media... Bro the device has been out 1 day.
All your points sound so dumb...

Sorry to hear bout your frustrations. But it is what early adopters are supposed to be. We pretty much for the device to test it. Google will indeed update the software and makes this experience on honeycomb better. Your frustrations are largely because of apps developers have not yet update
their apps. Hope you'll come back here soon once this thing is updated in a few months.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

I don't know, but if I read your reasoning it looks like you already knew before you buy or you need to just postpone your purchase.
1. You can postpone your purchase until Flash 10.2 available
2. You can postpone your purchase until all your apps are available in Honeycomb version
3. I agree with this, but charging this beast via USB will take long long long time!
4. You can postpone your purchase until Google doc updated
5. Hmmm, I think this is normal, right? At least in my Nexus S is like this.
6. You should know this before you buy the Xoom

jamaicansolja said:
Man, no offense but your entire post you seem like a whiney little kid. Your a early adopter of a device and complaining on this forum about early adopter syndrome.
Flash? Man i'm sick of seeing flash post's as flash is becoming irrelevant. iPad(#1 tablet) doesn't even have flash. Get over yourself.
Apps? O-M-G the Tablet has been out a grand total of 1 day. You surprised they don't have apps? Wow...
Bugs? It's Honeycomb fool it was just released!!!!!!!!!!
Streaming media... Bro the device has been out 1 day.
All your points sound so dumb...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AMEN Brotha!

jamaicansolja said:
Man, no offense but your entire post you seem like a whiney little kid. Your a early adopter of a device and complaining on this forum about early adopter syndrome.
Flash? Man i'm sick of seeing flash post's as flash is becoming irrelevant. iPad(#1 tablet) doesn't even have flash. Get over yourself.
Apps? O-M-G the Tablet has been out a grand total of 1 day. You surprised they don't have apps? Wow...
Bugs? It's Honeycomb fool it was just released!!!!!!!!!!
Streaming media... Bro the device has been out 1 day.
All your points sound so dumb...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash is still present on a lot of the internet. People are buying Android tablets because they want Flash. If they didn't, they'd already own an iPad. You can down play it if you want, but it's supposed to be a huge advantage of Android.
The tablet's been out one day, but the iPad had several tablet-specific apps ready on day 1 and from what I hear did a good job of scaling up phone apps so they were at least usable on the iPad. Google has had a year to catch up and to find a way to make most phone apps translate properly to Honeycomb. It's not a big complaint of mine, but it's a valid complaint.
Bugs are bugs. Nobody has to like them, but it's what you get with a new OS.
Streaming media is what most tablets are used for, it should work.
Why are you insulting him for expressing what he doesn't like about it? He's offering constructive criticism about the Xoom.

mitchweight said:
I'm frustrated that this device - which cost FOUR TIMES what my cutting-edge phone cost can't even keep up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it's 1.4 times the cost of your phone. Comparing the subsidized cost of your Droid X to the retail cost of the Xoom is a bit uneven. The retail of the Droid X was $560ish when I bought mine a few weeks ago, making it 1.4 times.

mitchweight said:
I would consider myself as an Android advanced user. I've had the G1, MyTouch 3G, NexusOne and Droid X. I've purchased each device the day it was released and I've helped dozens of people switch from dumbphones and Iphones to Android. I've rooted, used custom ROMs, etc. Additionally, my company is very much google-based (Gmail, docs, and talk are all core components to how we do business).
I really expected the Xoom to deliver greater capabilities than my Android phones, primarily for consuming media and viewing AND editing spreadsheets.
I pre-ordered the Xoom and picked it up yesterday morning (2nd in line out of 12+) and after less than 24 hours I've decided to return it. Primarily it is because I can actually do MORE with my Driod X than I can with the Xoom based on my daily usage. The biggest pains/frustrations I have with the Xoom are:
Lack of flash support/real browser: I know it's coming "in a few weeks" but in the meanwhile when I want to read news items with flash videos, browse "real" sites or play flash games, I have to actually pull out my phone because the Xoom can't do it! I should be able to pull up my browser, visit any media site and start consuming media. Instead I'm limited to standard browsing. With this much processing power and the huge screen it's absolutely ridiculous that the device doesn't include a full-featured browser!
Apps: The lack of tablet-optimized apps is extremely frustrating. All the apps I need to use work just fine on my Droid X. I was hoping for additional functionality on the Xoom, but it's actually worse because some of my regular-use apps are quite buggy on the Xoom (e.g., spreadsheets in DocumentsToGo simply does not work).
Having to carry both a charging cable AND a USB cable...it's just ridiculous.
Mobile Google Docs: because Google Docs is such an important tool for my business I NEED full google docs capabilities. The processing power in this device is FAR superior to that of my netbook, why can't they put that to use? Spreadsheets in Google Docs mobile is absolutely useless.
Bugs: In the market, clicking on "my apps" always loads the most recently installed app rather than loading the "my apps" list in Market. Additionally, pausing a movie and attempting to browse back to the movie list in Gallery fails, so I have to browse to Home, load Gallery and then browse back to the movie list.
Lack of DLNA. On my Droid X or NexusOne I'm able to access my media, download it, upload it, or stream it from any computer on my home network. With the Xoom I can't. So, if I want to watch a movie while sitting in bed I have to connect the Xoom to my PC, download the movie, disconnect it and then I'm ready to watch. In this case the Xoom is a DISCONNECTED media device...I haven't owned a disconnected media device for 1 1/2 years! Ridiculous! I should be able to jump on the network, browse for media and start streaming, but it's impossible with the Xoom.
I'm frustrated that this device - which cost FOUR TIMES what my cutting-edge phone cost can't even keep up.
What are your thoughts? Are there solutions for the issues above that I'm just not aware of? Have any of you experienced similar frustrations?
P.S. the battery life and screen are really cool, but I don't see any significant improvements in Honeycomb over Froyo...maybe I should go buy a Galaxy Tab?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, why not use one of the streaming service apps from the market? I use VLC Stream & Convert Pro. Works for me (haven't tried it yet on my Xoom, but can't imagine why it wouldnt work).
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gmail.traveldevel.android.vlc.license

only the strong survive
Early adopters are a rare breed. especially in the google expereince.
you have to except that google moves fast, but not in a bugless manner. regardless its something people can deal with and are fine with.
i bought it, i enjoy it, and i can see the areas of needed improvement. but im happy, because im all android and trust in google making this a great experience. maybe its not on day one, but through google/dev support it will sure enough be a great package.
my suggestion:if you were expecting perfection. you are not a early adopter. your a brat.

buyers remorse threads from complainers should be deleted on any forum.

falconeight said:
buyers remorse threads from complainers should be deleted on any forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/thread
10chars

I honestly don't see too much reason to complain about some bugs in the device at this early stage. The device hardware-wise is awesome (disliking how much fingerprints get on it, but meh, I carry a cleaning cloth around), and Google will only keep updating Android to make it run better.
Software support from 3rd party developers will catch up quickly. In less than 24 hours, the number of apps in the Android for Tablet section nearly doubled since I bought the Xoom yesterday morning.
It's rootable, the bootloader is unlockable, and once the source goes live, I know some of the really talented devs out here will start picking apart bugs in the source and making some really sick custom ROMS for the Xoom.
Yeah, there's some inconvenience with using the device, certainly Honeycomb has its share of bugs, and some missing features that really should have been a part of the OS at launch. But after showing my Xoom to a couple people at work that have iPads, they were completely blown away by how tablet-like Honeycomb is. In fact the most-used remark was "It's not a giant phone."
All-in-all, I'm very happy with my Xoom, and can't wait to see what the future holds for this device.

Rebuttal:
1- Lack of Flash. You are an early adopter.
2- Apps. You are an early adopter.
3- Charging complaints. Typical of tablets - that's not going to change.
4- Google Docs. Early adopter.
5- Bugs. Early adopter.
6- Lack of DLNA. Early adopter, this could come later (or it might not).
See the pattern? You pre-ordered with assumptions, and those assumptions were wrong. In the case of Flash, it was more of an 11th hour change but it was still before release.
In all honesty, none of the things you've mentioned surprise me in the least. Probably my only real complaint with the device so far is that the microSD isn't working yet - that's something they should have gotten fixed before release since it's a blatant hardware problem.

Thanks for all the feedback. I understand the early adopter pains, and to be fair, Droid X and froyo are pretty mature platforms. When Honeycomb becomes mature I'm sure it will be killer.
While I know Google was trying to steal some thunder from the iPad 2 announcement, I think they would have gotten a lot more mainstream traction if they had addressed some of these issues before release.
Thanks for pointing me to streaming from VLC, I'll take a look at that and post back the results.
Any other ideas on spreadsheets?

Ditto to what everyone else is saying, plus: I think it's clear that they found some issues with Flash and the Tegra 2. I'd much rather they spend a few extra weeks optimizing things than just put out a bug-ridden version (which would have people up in arms about things being buggy).
I mean, really, it's always this way: some people complain if a company delays a product because of bugs, and others complain when they don't. Personally, I'd rather have my Xoom to use now with a few bugs than wait a few weeks for it to be more "perfect." I think offering the device itself with some (I think) minor bugs and without some major bugs is a good compromise.

mitchweight said:
[*]Mobile Google Docs: because Google Docs is such an important tool for my business I NEED full google docs capabilities. The processing power in this device is FAR superior to that of my netbook, why can't they put that to use? Spreadsheets in Google Docs mobile is absolutely useless.[/LIST]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try using "about:debug" in the browser and then going to Settings to change the browser's User Agent String to "Desktop"?
Please try that and let us know if Google Docs works properly after the change.

I usually have major buyer's remorse with everything I buy, but not with the xoom. Nothing you mentioned was unknown. My iSheep friends bithced about the same stuff when the iPad came out. And they are still *****ing about flash .
EDIT: as per jm9843, I can confirm that about:debug does work for change UAString. I'll check if google docs works.
EDIT: Desktop Google Docs warns you that some features may not work, and gives a weird version that looks almost like desktop but is clearly different. I can't say I like it, but it could do in a pinch. It's odd though.

roebeet said:
Rebuttal:
1- Lack of Flash. You are an early adopter.
2- Apps. You are an early adopter.
3- Charging complaints. Typical of tablets - that's not going to change.
4- Google Docs. Early adopter.
5- Bugs. Early adopter.
6- Lack of DLNA. Early adopter, this could come later (or it might not).
See the pattern? You pre-ordered with assumptions, and those assumptions were wrong. In the case of Flash, it was more of an 11th hour change but it was still before release.
In all honesty, none of the things you've mentioned surprise me in the least. Probably my only real complaint with the device so far is that the microSD isn't working yet - that's something they should have gotten fixed before release since it's a blatant hardware problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder why the ipad was able to be released without anyone needing to defend I with the early adopter line?? It released with a thousand apps at launch, no early adopter waiting period. It released without a million bugs throughout the os, no early adxopter waiting period. You people bashing him are hilarious and stupid. Motorola and google completely messed up this release. Regular consumers don't give a **** about your early adopter excuse, they want things working day 1. And why do we care what regular users think??? Because if regular users treat the xoom and honeycomb like the beta software/hardware it is right now, there will be no getting out of your early adopter phase bcause companies won't suport the platform.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

mitchweight said:
Lack of flash support/real browser: I know it's coming "in a few weeks" but in the meanwhile when I want to read news items with flash videos, browse "real" sites or play flash games, I have to actually pull out my phone because the Xoom can't do it! I should be able to pull up my browser, visit any media site and start consuming media. Instead I'm limited to standard browsing. With this much processing power and the huge screen it's absolutely ridiculous that the device doesn't include a full-featured browser!
Apps: The lack of tablet-optimized apps is extremely frustrating. All the apps I need to use work just fine on my Droid X. I was hoping for additional functionality on the Xoom, but it's actually worse because some of my regular-use apps are quite buggy on the Xoom (e.g., spreadsheets in DocumentsToGo simply does not work).
Having to carry both a charging cable AND a USB cable...it's just ridiculous.
Mobile Google Docs: because Google Docs is such an important tool for my business I NEED full google docs capabilities. The processing power in this device is FAR superior to that of my netbook, why can't they put that to use? Spreadsheets in Google Docs mobile is absolutely useless.
Bugs: In the market, clicking on "my apps" always loads the most recently installed app rather than loading the "my apps" list in Market. Additionally, pausing a movie and attempting to browse back to the movie list in Gallery fails, so I have to browse to Home, load Gallery and then browse back to the movie list.
Lack of DLNA. On my Droid X or NexusOne I'm able to access my media, download it, upload it, or stream it from any computer on my home network. With the Xoom I can't. So, if I want to watch a movie while sitting in bed I have to connect the Xoom to my PC, download the movie, disconnect it and then I'm ready to watch. In this case the Xoom is a DISCONNECTED media device...I haven't owned a disconnected media device for 1 1/2 years! Ridiculous! I should be able to jump on the network, browse for media and start streaming, but it's impossible with the Xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats funny is I've been debating returning mine and none of your reasons made my list. After being a day 1 purchaser of a G1 and a Palm Pre, you get used to those things you listed.
My issues are more related to performance. With a tegra 2 processor, I'm really surprised at how sluggish the system gets sometimes. It's only been 24hrs and I'm already counting the days till the first OTA.
BUT, I gotta say, the potential of this device is amazing and that alone is keeping me from acting on any returns. Plus, depending on where you bought it, you'll have at least 14days to return it. No rash decisions...give it a chance.

[Q] Debating a Return before Wednesday

First off, let me say that i'm no fan of Apple and I really can't stand Steve Jobs. Yes, i've bought his products, but I hate being told what to do once I give him my money. I like customization. I like options. Hence, I do not like Steve Jobs.
I was very excited about the Xoom. I checked online every day for information about it since it's announcement. I had very high expectations and, even though the price tag was higher than I wanted to pay, I was the first to buy it at my local Best Buy.
Now, with that being said. I'm coming up on my 14 day return policy and am debating if I should keep it. I am new to this forum and have been reading through all the threads and learned a lot. However, in my learnings, I have also found things that concern me.
To start, let me tell you why I bought it. I had an iPad before and I mainly used it for online browsing around the house. For movies when I go on trips. And I wanted to use the Xoom for all of that, but also as my work and personal organizer. For easy access to business plans and work integration.
Here's where I'm having problems. If these are things that I should expect to be fixed with updates over time, then great. If not, then I'll have to find another option.
1) The Tegra Processor. I read on here that the Tegra Processor is what is preventing the Xoom from playing my divx movies. Now, I have gotten them to work on RockPlayer. But it has that watermark in the top left hand corner and my status bar at the bottom of the xoom never fades out. Also, and this is the biggest problem, the quality doesn't look good. It looks like their is a subtle light grid in the background. Almost like the original LCD's you saw in airports back in the day. When I first heard about the Tegra issues, I was just going to return the Xoom and get another Honeycomb tablet, but then I saw that all of the Android Tablets will have one.
2) The Browser. I did the trips where you go into debug mode and tell the Xoom to view all webpages in Desktop mode, but there are still a few sites that will only show me the mobile mode. Also, I like to have my bookmarks sorted by the order in which I visit them, yet the Xoom seems to randomly organize them for me. Kinda annoying.
3) Accessories. The only thing that I loved about my iPad was not the unit, but the Apple portfolio case. The motorola porfotlio case is just bulky, scratches the unit, and the latch is loose at best. I've found some nice leather cases online, but none that fold over and cover the screen. Yes, I have a screen protector. But, even those I can't find a good one with anti-glare.
4) eMail. I use exchange and apparently my work email is one of the ones that won't work on the xoom. I had to get Roadsync, which is okay, but I just prefer to use the default, integrated email/contacts/calendar programs. My EVO is perfect for this.
5) Widgets. Seriously, what's the deal with having cell phone sized widgets on a 10.1" screen. LauncherPro is nice, but still has custom icons like it's a phone, which I find to be in the way.
I know that most of these things seem small. But when you drop $800 on a device because you expect atleast the same functionality as your smaller cell phone, you come to have higher standards. I knew about Flash and the SD card issue going in, but the rest is bothersome. I know i'm an early adapter and with that comes quirks.
In any case, you all are 1000x smarter than me with this thing. I will take whatever advice you have.

1. Touchdown for tablets is great for email.
2. Some sites might not have updated their pages yet.
3. Apple always gets the third party love but more and more products are coming online everyday check Amazon
4. Being this is Google's flagship devise you have to believe this will be supported with updates and the file types should change

OK, first off, I agree with alot of what you have said, your right the software is a bit buggy at this time, again at this time. What you have to consider is that that this is an android device, and by that I mean it does not have all the overage that alot of companies put out on top of the overall software that make it look nice and neat, to include custom apps and infrastructure, but this also means that it is much easier to update. Half the time lost between when an actual Android update comes out and the time it takes for your device to get that update is due to all the crap that the company puts on top of the original Android infrastructure.
Give it a bit of time and I am sure that most of your problems can be worked out to you satisfaction due to them being software and not hardware problems.
Also take into account that since Motorola chose to use this clean interface it makes it much easier to modify by the hacking community , which is definitely something that an iPad cannot due.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

virgil1528 said:
1) The Tegra Processor. I read on here that the Tegra Processor is what is preventing the Xoom from playing my divx movies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any CPU/GPU can play video so long as it supports the right codecs. Have you tried transcoding to a supported codec?

xlGmanlx said:
1. Touchdown for tablets is great for email.
2. Some sites might not have updated their pages yet.
3. Apple always gets the third party love but more and more products are coming online everyday check Amazon
4. Being this is Google's flagship devise you have to believe this will be supported with updates and the file types should change
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
+1 for Touchdown. It is fantastic for exchange, I use it on both my Evo and Xoom.
If this wasn't a Google Experience device, I'd say your complaints would carry more weight.
However, Google has always done a good job of keeping their GE devices updated and at the forefront.
This device only just came out, I'm fairly sure they will get things handled fairly quickly.
As far as the apps/widgets go. This is still a new device and platform. All android tablets are going to suffer from the same right now. However...again... this issue is largely due to the limited time the device/platform has been available. Within a few weeks...I'm sure we'll see a lot more apps/widgets (even the ipad had limited selection out right). Just think of what it'll be like in a couple of weeks/months with more custom apps/roms/kernels etc...
I had buyers remorse for the first evening...not for any particular reason...and now I can't put it down. Not to mention my wife (who has an iPad), won't shut-up about when she is getting her Xoom
So I would say hang on to it, but that's just me. Do what makes you happy

I've come to the decision that I'll be taking mine back on the 13th day.
I've tried to really give it love and get use out of it, but tablets just don't really fill any niche except "web browsing on the couch".
I'm a sysadmin by day, and although I've carried the Xoom with me every time I step away from my desk, it just hasn't served a single purpose on the job. I had imagined it would be neat to dial into servers using RDP, but the interface is just horrible. I'm much better off just dialing into the server in question at any desk I'm in front of. I'm never more than 8-12 feet from a desktop machine, so there goes that.
Pulse news reader is basically the killer app, but is hardly worth 1000 (799 + tax + extra charger + 129 protection plan against drops for 1yr + case).
Motorola certainly hasn't won me over on the price especially considering I prepaid for it on the first day I could (at two different best buys just to cover bases), and then people who *DIDN'T* do that had a chance at 200 dollars off that was honored in the end. Ridiculous.
I had intended to pick up android development for tablets eventually, but I can hold off and stick with honing my Python until these come way down in price or offer some more functionality.

That's too bad, this has taken over as my laptop and let's me have a mobile office so to speak

For RDP I use Remote RDP light and it works credibly, but if your looking for true RDP functionality then you have to have a mouse and keyboard, and guess what, you bought a tablet with a touch screen interface, you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want, but that just means more devices to carry around. A tablet, any tablet, will not be the proper interface for RDP, it can't, it is not a PC with all the perifials. A tablet, as far as RDP is concerned, is a device to do what you have to do when a PC is not around and a cell phone is impractical. As a network administrator I can do some of the emergency things that I need to accomplish while out on the town with my tablet, reading a book, surfing the web, commenting on a blog, watching a movie, all without lugging a laptop.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

Yeah, unless you wanted to leave the mouse and just use the tablet as a touch screen with a keyboard your better off with a laptop. But like you said in a pinch its tough too beat
richardjr said:
For RDP I use Remote RDP light and it works credibly, but if your looking for true RDP functionality then you have to have a mouse and keyboard, and guess what, you bought a tablet with a touch screen interface, you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want, but that just means more devices to carry around. A tablet, any tablet, will not be the proper interface for RDP, it can't, it is not a PC with all the perifials. A tablet, as far as RDP is concerned, is a device to do what you have to do when a PC is not around and a cell phone is impractical. As a network administrator I can do some of the emergency things that I need to accomplish while out on the town with my tablet, reading a book, surfing the web, commenting on a blog, watching a movie, all without lugging a laptop.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

Usmc7356 said:
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't imagine I'll walk away and never look back, but now I know what they're good for (and not good for) and when the price wars drive these down to 400ish I'll scoop one up again. : /

Not all tablets are create equal, and sometimes it takes having one first hand to validate all the information out there and how it applies to your situation
ixobelle said:
I don't imagine I'll walk away and never look back, but now I know what they're good for (and not good for) and when the price wars drive these down to 400ish I'll scoop one up again. : /
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Return your Xoom and buy it in 6 months for cheaper price
Or probably there will be a new kind of better Honeycomb tablet at that time.
Usmc7356 said:
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

codeman05 said:
Well said.
+1 for Touchdown. It is fantastic for exchange, I use it on both my Evo and Xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded the free version of Touchdown this morning after reading this thread. Could you explain to me why it is so great? I haven't had time to use it extensively but maybe you can quickly list some advantages over the stock mail client?
Thanks!

I understand your frustration and you ultimately need to do what makes you feel most comfortable. Most of your issues are software related and you know things can only get better with updates. Google has a lot riding on Honeycomb so I expect updates to come fast and often.
1) The Tegra Processor - Seems like your issue is not with the Tegra but with how the codecs handle Divx. Software update could fix this but also developers can do wonders.
2) The Browser - Software update again. The browser is a great starting point and, with some minor tweaks, will be fantastic.
3) Accessories - As more Xooms sell, more 3rd parties will have a business case to make accessories for it. I'm thinking that when the Xoom wifi and Xoom for Europe are released (indications say that will happen at the same time) then we'll see a flood of new 3rd party goodies.
4) eMail - Software update. ALTHOUGH, I'm not 100% sure this is a priority for Google. People complain that they wish the AOSP phones went a step further with their Exchange implementations. Still, the chances are you'll be ok moving forward.
5) Widgets - This is a microcosm of the entire app market right now for Honeycomb. Devs need to start updating their apps with Tablets in mind. Again, more people owning Honeycomb, more reasons for devs to get on it.
The point I'm trying to make is the only way for the Xoom to go is up. As more people buy, more attention the aftermarket will pay to it. If previous Android versions are any indication (and they are,) this is a snowball effect. It'll just get bigger and bigger.

As to the RDP: I use the XtraLogic Remote Desktop app and it works wonderfully, completed designed around the touch interface.
Between Remote Desktop and ConnectBot, I've found a million uses for this as a sysadmin. I don't know how you haven't found a single use for it.

Give me some reasons why I should get a Xoom and trade my iPad 2

I want to hear from Xoom users some advantages on getting the Xoom. I currently have an iPad 2 and it's cool but there is no JB for it yet. I saw some articles on Google IO today and was amazed at the USB host support which would make it awesome for emulators.
What are some advantages you guys think would be? I currently own an Evo so I'm familiar with Android. I'm more interested in knowing the cool things you can do with it. I found someone in CL who is interested in trading his Xoom for my iPad 2. Thanks.

Reason #1, it gets you away from Kool-Aide drinking mac-bots who think everything has to be white.

Anyone else have a constructive response?

gqstatus0685 said:
I want to hear from Xoom users some advantages on getting the Xoom. I currently have an iPad 2 and it's cool but there is no JB for it yet. I saw some articles on Google IO today and was amazed at the USB host support which would make it awesome for emulators.
What are some advantages you guys think would be? I currently own an Evo so I'm familiar with the Evo. I'm more interested in knowing the cool things you can do with it. I found someone in CL who is interested in trading his Xoom for my iPad 2. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those of us who show our loyalty to google will be rewarded with land and women once the takeover is complete.
Additionally, flash is neat, USB hosting, I'm fairly siked about google music. Greater customization. I'd wait to see how 3.1 runs but it looks very promising in the dev notes.

you are not bound to itunes, you can customize your UI, your notifications wont interrupt you, its positioned to be compatible with a ****load of other devices, hdmi ready, amazon and sony love android

gqstatus0685 said:
Anyone else have a constructive response?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is that not contructive? Apple confines you to their standards. Time to open up and do what the user wants to do....Coca-cola taste a ton better than Kool-Aide

Best advice I can give you is just read the reviews and see if you like it. Seriously read up.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

Upcoming ice cream sandwich!
Sent from my Evo using XDA Premium App

http://cameradojo.com/2011/04/20/my-take-on-android-tablets-vs-ipad/

dunno why you need convincing ... just check out the features and play with one at a best buy.

Is Google Body available for the Xoom? I'm interested in that. I'll still have my 1st gen iPad so I don't mind trading it in. Are their any cool things you can do with it like connecting bluetooth devices, etc?
One thing I hate about the iPad 2 is the camera. I took a picture of my daughter up close and it was so blurry I thought she was a UFO. I think it's rated at under 1MP.

MitchRapp said:
dunno why you need convincing ... just check out the features and play with one at a best buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I played with one at Best Buy but it was molested beyond recognition. There was so much stuff scattered all over the screen I didn't have the patience to look through it. I wanted input from someone who owns it and has played with it for over a month.
Are the apps catching up? What I mean by this is are there a lot of tablet apps out yet or just phone apps.

gqstatus0685 said:
Is Google Body available for the Xoom? I'm interested in that. I'll still have my 1st gen iPad so I don't mind trading it in. Are their any cool things you can do with it like connecting bluetooth devices, etc?
One thing I hate about the iPad 2 is the camera. I took a picture of my daughter up close and it was so blurry I thought she was a UFO. I think it's rated at under 1MP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see, something you could have easily checked online Google Body is one of the "made for Honeycomb" apps. It was released along with the XOOM.

gqstatus0685 said:
I played with one at Best Buy but it was molested beyond recognition. There was so much stuff scattered all over the screen I didn't have the patience to look through it. I wanted input from someone who owns it and has played with it for over a month.
Are the apps catching up? What I mean by this is are there a lot of tablet apps out yet or just phone apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plenty of tablet apps and "tegra HD" apps available.
Also, pretty much every app I've tried that didn't specify Honeycomb support worked anyways. the "HD" games are spectacular (youtube "pinball HD honeycomb" ... it's 2.99 USD (2.84 CDN haha) and it rocks.

multitasking, much better webexperience than safari, flash support
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Starting a thread like this is just to fan the flames of fanboyism. Don't come on this forum and try to stoke fires. Go try them out and make your own decisions.

I actually purchased the Ipad 2 and received it about 2 weeks ago. It took me less than a week to call Apple and request and return package. I then went into Best buy and purchased a Xoom.
Here are the reasons why:
- FLASH: I watch videos online all the time, and most of them are sites that use flash
- Being able to just download a mp3, an image, or even videos right from the browser and save it wherever I want to
- Being able to open the downloaded file with the app I want
- Being able to connect my Xoom to my PC at work and transfer whatever file I want
- Being able to customize my homescreen to my liking
- Notifications
- Widgets (I just hated that fact that I always had to go to the settings to activate bluetooth or wi-fi for example
- Now with Honeycomb 3.1 announced, I'm really not regretting buying the Xoom

h_zee13 said:
I actually purchased the Ipad 2 and received it about 2 weeks ago. It took me less than a week to call Apple and request and return package. I then went into Best buy and purchased a Xoom.
Here are the reasons why:
- FLASH: I watch videos online all the time, and most of them are sites that use flash
- Being able to just download a mp3, an image, or even videos right from the browser and save it wherever I want to
- Being able to open the downloaded file with the app I want
- Being able to connect my Xoom to my PC at work and transfer whatever file I want
- Being able to customize my homescreen to my liking
- Notifications
- Widgets (I just hated that fact that I always had to go to the settings to activate bluetooth or wi-fi for example
- Now with Honeycomb 3.1 announced, I'm really not regretting buying the Xoom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm going to pull the trigger and do the trade. I still have an iPad 1st gen so I can fall back on the apps I love like Netflix. Hopefully they hack other OS's on the Xoom like Linux. Thanks for all the positive responses from the few of you who weren't just looking to increase your post count.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

In short, it's not quite a slick as the iPad 2 and there are nowhere near enough tablet specific apps, but imo the browser is better, it's more customizable, google maps is far better as is the multi-tasking. But you should know that HD videos will require re-encoding due to the Tegra2 chip and it's limitations.

I think the biggest reason you have already mentioned in your post.
Jail-break.
iPad2 is a Jail. It needs to be broken.
I used to be an iPhone user (3GS and 4G).
I am sick of being told you should do things this way and if you don't , you are screwed.
Xoom and all other android device brings me "freedom" in what I OWN.
Specifically in terms of functions
0. Flash
1. You get much better camera (5mp back, 2mp front facing)
2. You have the rights to root it, install customized roms/themes
3. You can install third party apps freely.
4. You can flash kernels to overclock your CPU to 1.5Ghz while iPad 2 is stuck at 1G max
5. You have strong Dev community to create stuff. as long as there is a need. Apparently it requires certain level of computer proficiency but from what you mentioned, you definitely have it.
6. You have google rolling out more and more exciting updates and with an open source concept, the market share of Android will bypass iOS by much and developer community will definitely notice this part of the market and create apps (commercial apps) around it.
7. many apps you know what is going on because you can see source code.
8. To someone who may worry that iPad apps are more than Honeycomb apps, I think at the current rate of brining new apps to platform, it wont be a problem a few months later at all.
9. Oh, you can install and dual boot Ubuntu in it.

Iconia A500 Vs Ipad (Fun, Joke, Cartoon)

From Thailand, some little cartoon.
What happen when you just buy a brand new external HDD and you own a tablet...
here the daylife of one Ipad User and one Acer A500 User.
Enjoy
No translation now, but if requested I will translate.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=htt...ent/uploads/2011/06/Final-Cartoon.jpg&h=d7593
Translation :
ACER --- 1. got the Korea's series from my friend
IPAD 1. got the Korea's series from my friend
ACER --- 2. plug the USB and loading movies into Iconia tab.
IPAD --- 2. find the slot to plug the USB for loading movies.
ACER --- 3. la la la ...~ lie to a bed so happy
IPAD --- 3. Umm... if must be to use computer must will use i-tune.
ACER --- 4. 555 series're so funny.
IPAD --- 4. (in figure..."after 15 minutes") Download i-tune before. - -"
ACER --- 5. eiei (^_^)
IPAD --- 5. -_-" why don't be install ? must be convert file to mp4 before.
ACER --- 6. Today is ok, going to sleep.
IPAD --- 6. going to convert the series before ... and wait...
ACER --- 7. will going to copy file to HD before to get the series back to my friend.
IPAD --- 7. (in figure..."1 chapter uses time 30 minutes and 10 chapter uses time 300 minutes !!!) going to convert the files to i-tune .... and wait
ACER --- 8. have a slot to plug the SD Card... chill chill ~
IPAD --- 8. Zzzzzzz sleeppp Zzzzzzzzzzz
ACER --- 9. and sleep Zzz
IPAD --- 9. it's end and going transfer series to ipad.
ACER --- 10. Zzzzzzzz
IPAD --- 10. Full memory !!!
Translation will be done asap. be patient.
Notice that อิอิ and 555 mean simply LOL

Apple products are a joke. They're a NO to everything.
No bluetooth
No file manager
No widgets
No memory...

Bec07 said:
Apple products are a joke. They're a NO to everything.
No bluetooth
No file manager
No widgets
No memory...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I disagree, but the iPads, iPhone, and last two Touches have bluetooth. They all have memory as well, just no way to expand it.

Yes but you can't send files or contacts unless you jailbreak and pay for fancy apps.
Why don't they send it out without a sound driver so we have to jailbreak and pay for it too?

4dthinker said:
Not that I disagree, but the iPads, iPhone, and last two Touches have bluetooth. They all have memory as well, just no way to expand it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did they make people pay for a os update to use the hardware alresdy in the phone too
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

I know it's fun to bash Apple but tbh, I think the iPad iOS is far superior to HC.
The tablet experience even on the original iPad is sooo much nicer.
Why do u have an Acer tablet I hear u ask. Cos I have a weird requirement in that I want to have mouse support for RDP.
Tbh, if Apple ever gave the iPad proper mouse support (without jailbreaking), there's no way I'd use HC it's so buggy. They never will tho.
Can't send files to it? Pretty much every single half decent app has a multitude of ways to send over files to it.
For example, Goodreader can use GDocs, Dropbox, other file repositories, wifi, ftp.... you just type the IP into your browser, select your file and press upload.
Even on my Acer, I use that kind of facility if I am in a wifi zone cos it's faster than using memory stick.
Not quite sure why people are talking about paying for iOS updates. Haven't had to pay for a single update since iPads came out.
My point is, don't be critical about iOS/iPad when HC is so buggy that it's laughable. I'm sure some of you will say, but HC has only been out 6 months... but what's that go to do with the price of fish?
I also wonder if we'll be able to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich when that comes out (which I'm guessing is what HC should have been if Google hadn't rushed it).
Don't get me wrong, I'm a Google fanboy. I got rid of MS Exchange at work and implemented Google Apps 2.5 years ago and never looked back.
But to say that HC is as slick as iOS.... not even close.

please stay on the humor tone
do not start an iWar

+ 1 for translation please.

MrBoingy said:
blah blah blah
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no proper way to send files to it. I come from the dial-up age and although you might not realize it wi-fi and 3G isn't everywhere and it always costs money.
For people who do get out much (eg. photographers) Bluetooth, SD cards and USB ports are essential.
For office rats and students they also matter. Don't know ab your teachers but mine were always reluctant to share emails and phone no's. We always got the learning materials via USB sticks.
Also when having bluetooth, why upload and wait for the other lamer to download? Ever heard of streaming?
Then there's smoothness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn3duaQhIOA
See, I don't need an app for that, there's already a cool widget, so no, dragging around a few desktops that work and fell like windows 95 is not smooth for me.
It was ok 15years ago and with a keyboads. On a tablet I need more.

Translation first post.
Stay on the "fun" not on the "flame"

sanaell said:
Stay on the "fun" not on the "flame"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you think the comic itself is "flaming", too ?
One could create a comic where the iPad wins all over the Iconia.
Still nice to see a comic about tablets, thanks for sharing and translating!
edit: regarding the flames in a joke thread: i am so waiting for the day when people will finally realize that no product is perfect and everything has its pro's and contra's, depending on the user's needs.
not sure i will live that long

MrBoingy said:
I know it's fun to bash Apple but tbh, I think the iPad iOS is far superior to HC.
The tablet experience even on the original iPad is sooo much nicer.
Why do u have an Acer tablet I hear u ask. Cos I have a weird requirement in that I want to have mouse support for RDP.
Tbh, if Apple ever gave the iPad proper mouse support (without jailbreaking), there's no way I'd use HC it's so buggy. They never will tho.
Can't send files to it? Pretty much every single half decent app has a multitude of ways to send over files to it.
For example, Goodreader can use GDocs, Dropbox, other file repositories, wifi, ftp.... you just type the IP into your browser, select your file and press upload.
Even on my Acer, I use that kind of facility if I am in a wifi zone cos it's faster than using memory stick.
Not quite sure why people are talking about paying for iOS updates. Haven't had to pay for a single update since iPads came out.
My point is, don't be critical about iOS/iPad when HC is so buggy that it's laughable. I'm sure some of you will say, but HC has only been out 6 months... but what's that go to do with the price of fish?
I also wonder if we'll be able to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich when that comes out (which I'm guessing is what HC should have been if Google hadn't rushed it).
Don't get me wrong, I'm a Google fanboy. I got rid of MS Exchange at work and implemented Google Apps 2.5 years ago and never looked back.
But to say that HC is as slick as iOS.... not even close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just dont like apple products due to their fan base, see they join forums deciated for another product and tell them that the product they like is bad and udderly useless.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

see the slight difference between humor and flame is not given to everyone.
sometimes making fun of someone seems to be sooooooo baddddd...
well.
and sure someone could make something reversing the situation and I will laugh same.
I do like when "comparison" occur with real life situation it's more funny than reading
"my device is the best, yours is a ****"
Note: and this cartoon has been published by ACER Thailand themselves...

ChromiumOS?

I saw a post here a few weeks ago about Hexxeh (the guy behind all the ChromiumOS releases) having a build almost ready for our TF's, live-booted from a USB. Anyone know anything about the project in regards to progress or a possible ETA? As much as I love my Honeycomb, having a real web browser to actually do things like use Google Docs and what not would be really, really great.

Not to be a smart-ass, but why would you want to downgrade your tablet?

Account removal
Deleted

You would be better off waiting for Google to release a proper Honeycomb optimized Docs app. Current Linux ports to Tegra-based hardware are slow and buggy, and not really ready for prime time. Even when fully optimized, most of the inherent snappiness in a Chromebook comes from the fact that it packs a SSD and RAM that are capable of several magnitudes faster I/O than the Tegra. The current Android browser performs a lot better than Chrome/Chromium OS ever could on a Tegra.

Well the people behind chrome are now working with the people in Android to make the browser better.

I narrowed my choices down to a Chrome Book, Netbook, and a Transformer. Bottom line was that the Transformer gives you many more options, plus the 16 hour battery capacity was a big chicken dinner winner!! I have the Chrome OS running on my laptop at work and all it is is installed icons with hotlinks to existing webpages and sites. Microsoft does offer their "skydrive" with a hotmail account. Skydrive is a 25gb account of free "cloud" storage inside your hotmail account, plus cloud versions of Word, Excel, PPoint and OneNote. But you can still get there on the browser on the Transformer. Between my dropbox, sugarsync, and MS Skydrive accounts, plus Google docs (all free), I can't imagine needing anymore cloud storage (32gb+). I also have an unlimited HostGator account for the really big stuff. Can access that on the Transformer also. Wifi is so universal now I can't remember the last time I actually used a tablet or laptop without a connection. I love leaving the house in the mornings and never having to worry about a plugin all day. At lunch, i just grab the tablet off the dock and do all my reading while eating. It's so light and handy. Tether to my Evo cell phone and I'm online anywhere anytime. Awesome!

ExploreMN said:
Not to be a smart-ass, but why would you want to downgrade your tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked that on the other thread if you want a device with an OS installed with ONLY a browser and a cloud app, buy a chrome book!

ExploreMN said:
Not to be a smart-ass, but why would you want to downgrade your tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To have a working brower on the tablet I already bought. Internet is the main reason I bought it based on reviews that the browser was so damn good.
I am hopefull that I will not have to wait for Google to straighten up their Honeycomb browser as that does not even seem like any kind of priority for Android, despite the reorganisation that took place at Google. Saying that the Chrome team is working with the Android team does not equal them working on fixing the browser in a timely manner.

ExploreMN said:
Not to be a smart-ass, but why would you want to downgrade your tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean... don't get me wrong, I love my TF and Honeycomb very much. I wouldn't be abandoning it, just sort of dualbooting between it and ChromiumOS. I really hope they pull themselves together to make a competent browser, I'm guessing for ICS. I want to be able to use the browser just as I do on my computer. No input lag like I'm experiencing right now typing this. The ability to use fullon web apps like Google Docs. No browser force closes after scrolling through my Tumblr dashboard for too long.

I'd let this one go. Hexxeh got rid of his TF.
Also, as a ChromeOS tester, I can say that it's not really worth even installing on devices made for it. The whole OS will be dead soon anyway, Android is clearly the horse Google is betting on.

SilverZero said:
I'd let this one go. Hexxeh got rid of his TF.
Also, as a ChromeOS tester, I can say that it's not really worth even installing on devices made for it. The whole OS will be dead soon anyway, Android is clearly the horse Google is betting on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah... now there's the answer I was looking for. I can stop waiting around for this then. Thanks!