On a primary level, the Apple iPad 2 and Motorola Xoom happen to be fairly similar. The iPad 2's 9.7-inch screen isn't much smaller than the Xoom's 10.1" (albeit different ratios deliver fairly differing dimensions). They each are packaged with 1GHz, dual-core processors. They've each got front and back cameras, Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth, along with connections to big app markets: the iOS App Store on the iPad 2, and the Android Market on the Xoom.
But there are a few key differences between the units, which you might want to take into consideration. Most considerable is the operating system: Android is a somewhat more open, easy to customize platform than iOS, yet also has some drawbacks. iOS gizmos tend to be updated more frequently, since the full system is under Apple's charge. On the other hand, you'll need to depend upon Google, Motorola, and Verizon for getting your Xoom updated.
The Xoom is unquestionably the best Android tablet you can buy at this moment. Its dual-core processor renders it genuinely fast and reactive (something a few other Android models have struggled with), and Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) was developed specifically to work with tablets, in contrast to previous versions of Google's operating system. There are several glaring omissions relating to the Xoom - there's at the moment zero Flash facility, the SD card slot doesn't function presently, and the 4G radio is not even active yet - but despite such snags (ones Motorola commit to fix) it's still a robust choice.
The iPad 2 is a small evolution from the original, possessing a handful of specification upgrades and a few additional features, such as dual cameras. Version 2 of the iPad is more compact and lighter than the Xoom, and has upgraded computing power across the board. That said, user experience won't be much different from the previous iPad - which is either good or bad, depending upon your view of the original iPad.
Here are some specs to help you understand which device suits your needs:
1. The Display
It might be a tiny discrepancy, but it is relevant for individuals to remember that the Motorola Xoom has a fractionally larger display than the iPad. The Xoom showcases a 10.1" screen, while the iPad comes with a 9.7-inch display. Theoretically, that might not seem important, but when you hold the pieces of kit it's certainly noticeable. The additional space is useful when viewing video or surfing the web.
2. 4G
Motorola's Xoom currently only provides customers the option to connect to Verizon's 3G mainframe if they're away from home. Of course, Motorola has said that it will give users a free upgrade to 4G during the not too distant future. After that upgrade, Xoom users will be able to connect to Verizon's lightning-fast network. Apple iPad 2 users, meanwhile, won' get that luxury. While Xoom buyers will be web surfing at uber speeds, iPad 2 people will be bogged down with 3G.
3. Android 3.0 Honeycomb Versus iOS 4.3 Operating System
When Apple Boss Steve Jobs showed off his iPad 2, he suggested that the device would be distributed with iOS 4.3. The Xoom, however, is presented with Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb. That platform comes with a group of key updates, including a reworked design, far better browsing, upgraded multi-tasking, and several other features. Whoever has gotten their hands on the platform say it's a hefty step up over Android 2.2. Brought on by Google's wish to make the OS a good deal more like a desktop in its operation, iOS 4.3 may very well feel rather outdated alongside it.
4. The Apps
Apple explained that the iPad 2 includes 65,000 applications available for end users. The company said that the Android Market at this time only supports about one hundred applications viable for tablet people. However, Apple decided not to point out that increasing amounts of coders are switching to Android to get their apps to tablets. Ultimately, the discrepancy in mobile applications won't be even close to as great as Apple would love users to believe. It's a concern at the present, however it won't be described as a serious problem near the end of this year.
In conclusion, Motorola's Xoom and the Apple iPad are really alike when it comes to general components as well as functionality. Where they vary is in display proportions and definition, operating systems, in addition to their proficiency for international usage. Most significantly, the Xoom will allow 4G high-speed connection, where the iPad isn't going to. The biggest distinction between tablets is how they feel to you - so, given that, I consider the Motorola Xoom is the best tablet out there today.
Author Resource:
Here's our Appraisal of the Kinect , or Discover How to Obtain a Free iPad 2