Is the Xoom 2 (Xyboard) a downgrade?

[diesteldorf]

Obviously, I am posting this in the Xoom forum and not Xoom 2 but wanted to get some opinions.

Based on my observations, it seems that the Xoom is actually a superior device to the Xyboard (Xoom 2).

I know the Xyboard has a better screen and processor, but doesn't seem to have nearly the developer support. To be fair, the original Xoom seemed to get more publicity, so that may have something to do with it. However, it seemed to be like the OG Droid of tablets--a MOTO device with an easily unlocked bootloader and easily rootable.

As I understand it, the Xyboard's bootloader is locked down tight and has no SD Card support. I currently have the Verizon Galaxy Nexus and know that an SD card is not required for my purposes, but it's definitely a bonus.

The original Xoom has already received Jellybean and seems to still have direct support from Google.

I know the Xyboard may have better hardware, but I am assuming that the original Xoom is more than capable to run any new Android app/game, play Youtube/Netflix etc.

With the unlocked bootloader, is it logical to think it may actually have a longer developer life and usability than the Xyboard?

Now that the Xoom is considered old tech, I've even seen the price of used ones listed for $200-$250. That's even approaching the price of a new Nexus 7.

When the Nexus 7 was released, people said it would be a legitimate competitor to the IPAD. I always thought it was more likely to be a competitor to the Kindle Fire and was designed to be an introductory tablet at a bargain price.

It may have a better screen than the Xoom--according to what I read, but the Xoom has a larger screen, a big plus for me, and the same hackability and developer support. Build quality and hardware may even be considered better, though I haven't used either.

At this point, between the Nexus 7, Xyboard, and original Xoom, it seems like the Xoom is the better device.

However, I have another problem.....

I was able to score a 32 GB Touchpad for $132 + Tax when HP was clearing them out.
I've been running the CM 9 Nightlies and been pretty happy.

It would be nice to have a Nexus 7, Xyboard, or original Xoom, but I don't really know if I have a need for it. At the time I bought the HP Touchpad, I bought it only based on the price, let it sit unopened until a usable ICS port was designed, now I use it daily.

Just don't know if I really need to get another tablet, but any advice is welcome.

 

[NewAge]

You've got it all covered and did your homework well. The OG Xoom WiFi will receive its updates from Google. The VZW will not but if you are going to unlock its bootloader and install the latest ROM then it doesn't matter WiFi or 4G.

I would not touch a Xyboard with a ten foot pole. Even if it had a diplay that was twice the Xooms and was guaranteed my Motorola to receive updates.

If You are happy with your Touch pad then try and save some resources for your children. If you really have $200 burning a hole in your pocket I would probably get the N7. You already have the 10" with the HP and the N7 will at least give you a form factor you don't have. The Xoom is bomb but two 10" tablets? Or wait for Nexus 10" but I don't think that will be $200

And N7 could be competition for the iPad. It just needs that one person...

 

[diesteldorf]

Anything is possible, but I just have a feeling that we won't be seeing a 10" Nexus 7 anytime soon. I hope I am wrong but it just seems like Google tends to be very deliberate with there device features.

It would be no different in my mind than to wait for the next Nexus phone to have SD Card support and/or capacitive buttons. Whether I agree with it or not, I understand Google's reasons for forgoing physical buttons, SD Card support, and USB support (vs MTP support).

Google also doesn't seem to typically to release products with again with "minor" upgrades, like Motorola has been doing with it's Droid Razr, Razr Maxx, upcoming Razr Maxx HD.

If Google chose 7" for the size of their tablet, they did so for a reason and I won't be waiting for a 10" version anytime soon.

With Moto products in general, the OG Droid and original Xoom seems to be the exception when it comes to unlockable bootloaders. Maybe it was done at Google's request since both came with the latest version of Android at the time of their release.

I'm still a little surprised when i read the the Xyboard, even the Wifi version, was locked down tight.

Now that Motorola is a Google company, hopefully their stance on locked bootloaders will be relaxed.

 

[completenewbee]

I came from Sprint over to Verizon. With Sprint I had the EVO and two Samsung Transform phones. Samsung really got me on the Transforms as they were garbage right out the gate and only received one minor update. I said I would not go back with another Samsung device and haven't. I loved my EVO but Verizon and HTC didn't have a comparable model when I switched. I made the mistake of moving everything over to Motorola. Purchased two Droid 4's and one Razr Maxx. Also purchased direct from Motorola a 10.1 XYBoard. Hugh mistake. I absolutely love the hardware and design element that Moto puts into the devices (all of them). The software side is nothing short of a joke. I just received ICS on the Razr a few weeks ago. The Droid 4's are still under development. The XYBoard is on 3.2.2 with a release that moved from early Q3 (which has came and gone) to Q3.

Unless Google makes some changes like really, really fast Motorola is about to be on the same list as Samsung and come hell or high water I will not purchase another Motorola tablet or phone.

Sadly I am also the type person who buys the devices out right because I like the added control so I have quite a chunk of change tied to Motorola. But I cannot understand why I paid the amount of money for something with so many limits even on the devices (XYBoard WiFi) which came directly from the manufacturer. It wont happen again, at least with a Motorola device.

Should I also add that all the devices came loaded, and I mean loaded with non-removable bloatware even the WiFi XYBoard not tied to a carrier. Everyone is quick to jump on the bloatware helping pay for the subsidized devices but none of mine were subsidized and all were bought and paid for so explain why I have to tolerate the non-removable bloatware, locked bootloaders and nose up by Motorola?

Ah.. after my rant... I would advise to go w/the N7. At least you should be happier with the up to date software for a while.

 

[weave majjik]

I don't think there is a world of difference between the touchpad running CM9 and my Xoom honestly. I interchange them pretty freely and don't notice any performance differences. I think the xyboard is garbage. The nexus 7 is nice for the kindle crowd, but I don't see anything I would use it for. My phone handles mobility and my xoom/touchpad handles home use when I don't need the desktop. And I need both because my girlfriend uses the tablets as portable radio and netflix devices.

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