Since the iPad’s release early last year, there has been a flood of tablet computers released onto the market – all touting media capability and on the move entertainment. So it was no surprise when Motorola announced its Xoom device – together with Android’s Honeycomb operating system.
Specifications:
- CPU: 1GHz Dual-Core (with nVidia Tegra 2)
- Platform: Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
- Memory: Internal (32GB), RAM (1GB)
- Display: 10.1-inch touch screen
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (b/g/n), 3.5 mm stero, micro-USB
- Camera: 5 megapixel with flash, 2 megapixel front camera, 720p HD video recording
First impressions
Opening the door to a courier holding a large package is always a sight for sore eyes, and it certainly was for me this morning. Gently tearing open the packaging I came across an extremely well presented red box – in which couldn’t help but gleam with glory as to the contents inside. Picking up the Xoom, I was midly surprised at the weight – it was more than I had expected. Not a huge amount of weight, but still enough to notice.
Peering around the design of the Xoom, you can certainly see the effort that’s been put in – together with relatively slim sides and contoured edges. It’s extremely easy to carry, and a breeze to hold. I do however, find it strange that the power button is located on the rear of the device. Maybe with time I’ll realise this is a blessing.
Turning the device on, I was pleasantly surprised as the sheer speed. Flicking in and out of applications was seamless – letting you get straight to the good stuff! Start up and shut down was also relatively good, with the start up taking around 45 seconds and shut down in around 5.
What’s next?
Over the next few days I’ll be delving into the applications available on the Xoom, including navigation and business tools, and will be testing the practicality of the device as an entertainment companion (including the battery life, size, and screen display). Be sure to keep an eye out, and feel free to shoot through any questions you have via the comment box below, via Twitter (@MiCCAS) or via the contact form. I’ll be sure to answer them all!
I’d like to thank the Social Team at Optus for loaning me this unit for the purpose of reviewing, and I’d love to give them all a huge shout out for all the fantastic customer service and communication they provide using social media channels – keep it up guys! 
