Something we may have overlooked:

[Cretz]

Does the extra $70 (when comparing the Xoom to the equivilently priced iPad) cover the 4G LTE upgrade?? Obviously LTE isn't up and running as it should be for devices and network side, but motorola was set on getting it out early, probably to get a jump on the rest of the tabs. Now, since a data plan is required for the 3G model, maybe this is to register each device on Verizons network so when the 4G LTE upgrade is available the process will be smoother.

 

[cparker5]

Does the extra $70 (when comparing the Xoom to the equivilently priced iPad) cover the 4G LTE upgrade?? Obviously LTE isn't up and running as it should be for devices and network side, but motorola was set on getting it out early, probably to get a jump on the rest of the tabs. Now, since a data plan is required for the 3G model, maybe this is to register each device on Verizons network so when the 4G LTE upgrade is available the process will be smoother.

So you don't think they will try and charge you for the 4G LTE upgrade? From what I have seen from both Motorola and Verizon, this will want to charge you for anything they can. And you might even have to deal with some idiot pimpled face Verizon store tech too.

 

[wynand32]

Personally, I think the Xoom is well worth the $70 premium to the iPad. Maybe that will be less true when the iPad2 comes out, assuming it's at the same price, but companies price things for the market today, not as it'll be tomorrow.

Consider what we're getting: 32GB upgradable to 64GB (vs. 32GB only), dual cameras, dual-core processor, barometer (I don't get what it'll be used for, but it's there nonetheless), higher resolution screen, etc. Personally, I think the Xoom is worth far more than the iPad when comparing the two.

 

[cparker5]

I agree with wynand about the Xoom being worth at least $70 over the iPad. My only contention is that the iPad is overpriced. So while it may be worth more then $70 of an iPad I wouldn't pay the iPad price for the Xoom comparable iPad.

 

[wynand32]

I agree with wynand about the Xoom being worth at least $70 over the iPad. My only contention is that the iPad is overpriced. So while it may be worth more then $70 of an iPad I wouldn't pay the iPad price for the Xoom comparable iPad.

I hear you, but that's the way things work. Motorola's obviously not trying to be a price leader here on the downside, so essentially matching the iPad (+ a bit of a premium) is a viable pricing strategy. Whether it works or not, of course, will remain to be seen, and if not then expect the Xoom's price to fall pretty quickly.

That's why I'm buying at Costco. The 90-day return policy provides tremendous security in case something crazy happens like a precipitous drop in price...

 

[cparker5]

I hear you, but that's the way things work. Motorola's obviously not trying to be a price leader here on the downside, so essentially matching the iPad (+ a bit of a premium) is a viable pricing strategy. Whether it works or not, of course, will remain to be seen, and if not then expect the Xoom's price to fall pretty quickly.

That's why I'm buying at Costco. The 90-day return policy provides tremendous security in case something crazy happens like a precipitous drop in price...

The 90 day return policy is a great benefit. I am in New York and we don't have Costco, otherwise I would be right there with you. Hell in 3 months a better tablet might be out and just return it and get the new one! Cycle and repeat

Good plan!

 

[Nchaka]

Try to order from Costco.com: Offering thousands of items you won’t find in your local Costco. and you can get the 90 day return policy. Also, Costco adds an extra year on your manufacturers warranty.

 

[mykpfsu]

So you don't think they will try and charge you for the 4G LTE upgrade? From what I have seen from both Motorola and Verizon, this will want to charge you for anything they can. And you might even have to deal with some idiot pimpled face Verizon store tech too.

Not saying Verizon is a benevolent company. But both Verizon and Motorola have said you simply bring the Xoom into the store and they do the upgrade. Saying that, then charging for the upgrade would create an outrage and they know it. Could even lead to a fraud lawsuit.

 

[Cretz]

If their internet wasn't tiered I'd consider getting the 3G/4G version, but the fact that LTE is so fast people can hit their caps within a few days. Also it is probably going to murder battery life. Ill just stick with my smartphones HSPA+ and tether that.

 

[Kyle Gibb]

Personally, I think the Xoom is well worth the $70 premium to the iPad. Maybe that will be less true when the iPad2 comes out, assuming it's at the same price, but companies price things for the market today, not as it'll be tomorrow.

Consider what we're getting: 32GB upgradable to 64GB (vs. 32GB only), dual cameras, dual-core processor, barometer (I don't get what it'll be used for, but it's there nonetheless), higher resolution screen, etc. Personally, I think the Xoom is worth far more than the iPad when comparing the two.

Motorola will have to drop the price once the iPad 2 comes out to be competitive. It is pretty easy to assume it will have front/rear cameras, higher res screen, better processor, more memory/RAM, etc.

 

[frenzy757]

from what I read the 4g upgrade is free

 

[E_man]

Not saying Verizon is a benevolent company. But both Verizon and Motorola have said you simply bring the Xoom into the store and they do the upgrade. Saying that, then charging for the upgrade would create an outrage and they know it. Could even lead to a fraud lawsuit.

The people at the local store are the LAST people I want upgrading my tablet. I had a friend apply to Geek Squad. The technical know how necessary to be hired is so low it's pathetic.

 

[Chris Kerrigan]

The people at the local store are the LAST people I want upgrading my tablet. I had a friend apply to Geek Squad. The technical know how necessary to be hired is so low it's pathetic.

And don't forget about the numerous scandals involving people coming home with their "fixed" computers only to find loads of adult material on them.

 

[Cretz]

And don't forget about the numerous scandals involving people coming home with their "fixed" computers only to find loads of adult material on them.

Usually when I bring my pc to them and get it back I find loads of adult material missing...seriously though, I'm willing to bet its either going to be afree usb drive from verizon, require mailing the xoom in to motorola for a week, or no upgrade at all. The device is too expensive for verizon and moto to be responsible for covering any mishaps the average salesman who received the xoom_lte_instructions.pdf yesterday, and it would be pretty costly for them to send techs to verizon stores for this sole purpose.

 

[rajones19]

My VZW guy tells me it will be a case of shipping it to Motorola for the update; promised 5- to 8-day turnaround time.

 

[Maikai.Guy]

Personally, I think the Xoom is well worth the $70 premium to the iPad. Maybe that will be less true when the iPad2 comes out, assuming it's at the same price, but companies price things for the market today, not as it'll be tomorrow.

Consider what we're getting: 32GB upgradable to 64GB (vs. 32GB only), dual cameras, dual-core processor, barometer (I don't get what it'll be used for, but it's there nonetheless), higher resolution screen, etc. Personally, I think the Xoom is worth far more than the iPad when comparing the two.

I agree completely. Today's fair price is $799. When the market changes, I'm sure the price will too, but I'm not waiting around for that. The XOOM will be mine as soon as possible. The benefits I'll enjoy (both work and pleasure) are well worth any extra I may pay for being one of the first.

 

[moosc]

also I read there is a separate gps chip. instead of normal embedded into the radio. that is nice