yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Xoom General] britoso:
Comparing anything to an apple product doesn't make sense. Apple products are over priced, over hyped and meant for the non tech-savvy/sheep. /rant

I'll only consider the xoom if there are custom roms for it, and also at a lower price as the OS is free.

Dual core laptops have been under $400 for years now.
[Xoom General] generic.imitation:
well, overpriced apple products seem to be cheaper than the xoom according to the Best Buy ad...

I do agree that custom ROMs will be awesome, but for me not the deciding factor. I just really like the new OS, and if I like it, then other people will too. I'm not too picky.

I think the deciding factor will be either the bootloader, or if I cannot activate it where I am currently. (I'm deployed to Iraq, and no VZW cell towers lol)
[Xoom General] khov07:
OK, so there is no wifi-only version yet, a reasonable objection. There likely will be, just like with the Galaxy Tab, so a little patience is all that's needed.

I do agree that requiring payment of at least one month of data with VZ is unreasonable for those that aren't looking for 3G data service, but again, a wifi-only version will likely be released.

Regarding the iPad 2, someone earlier said that ignoring it would be 'idiotic'. I strongly disagree - it doesn't really matter what specs/pricing/magic it will have, it's still iOS. The market leader doesn't necessarily make the best product for every potential customer, wouldn't you agree?

As I mentioned in another thread, I believe this device will be more successful in the corporate arena. For mobile workers, 3G data service is a necessity, so the lack of a wifi-only option is moot. A tablet is supremely useful for a mobile workforce, especially one with an open OS.

My only true disappointment is that it seems (so far, but once again, no official word yet) that there will be no carrier-subsidized pricing.
[Xoom General] Sirchuk:
I wonder though, can they really make the WiFi only model that much cheaper than the 3G model? I mean, if you're paying $55 to "activate" WiFi (which, this is essentially what you're doing if you aren't interested in 3G) then shouldn't the WiFi only model be the same price, $800, but with WiFi already turned on? I guess you could reduce the price a little, but it shouldn't be very much if that's the only difference.

Currently, Motorola is making people pay for a standard feature. I wonder how the disclosure will work. If it doesn't say "Monthly data plan required for WiFi access" on the package, aren't they setting themselves up for a lot of returns or a lawsuit?
[Xoom General] Xevilious:
This.

I'm disappointed but unsurprised by the Xoom price. I've said on this and other forums that the price is comparable to the iPad, but I had still hoped that it would be a little less ($6-700).

Really though, I'm more annoyed by the Verizon nastiness than anything else. Forced activation? I also think that their cost/gigabyte is way too high.

I'm still excited for the Xoom, but I'm no longer planning on being a day-one purchaser. Instead I'll wait to see how the G-Slate and T-Mo's data pricing compares.
[Xoom General] robbiev80:
I just read this in the Engadget comments:

Igor Kovalenko 43 minutes ago

I work for MOTO and I have no idea what is this about.

My best guess is that this actually refers to the WiFi Hotspot feature - turning that on does actually require "entitlement check" with a carrier. But there is no SW provision (known to me anyway) to somehow block turning on simple WiFi. The initial setup does not require Verizon activation either - you can "skip" and use WiFi for Google setup. At least that is the case on all preliminary SW builds I have tried so far. I don't think that will change.

If Verizon and/or BestBuy have invented something like this, then the best they can do is simply not sell it to you without Verizon account.
[Xoom General] feron:
Some guy that claims to be a Moto tester over on the engdaget thread about this says it's probably talking about the wifi hotspot functionality which would cost 20$ plus the activation fee.

According to him he's seen nothing in the builds that would prevent basic wifi from working.

Hearsay of course, but it sounds logical.
[Xoom General] asianxtreme:
First of all, I disagree with the original poster's comments about people complaining too much. I think people should complain if they think products are overpriced. Although this might not change Moto's price strategy in the short term, I'm sure the sale figures will eventually reflect the public's discontent. This will make companies like LG, HPalm, etc reconsider their future tablet prices.

Honestly, I don't mind the complaining at all because it lets me know who is going to buy and not going to buy. I, at this point am not planning to buy, feel better that there are others like me that can't afford it. Actually it's not about the price (i actually can afford it); because honestly what's the difference between 700 and 800? I think it's all about value. People want to get a device that they can justify getting.

I think others complaining about the pricing is just as valid as the original poster's complaint about Verizon charging initial service fees. It's all cheap shots that ultimately will work only for dedicated Android developers, rich people, and people who can't take the pressure.

Now I gotta go to class. I'm Late!
[Xoom General] khov07:
Far be it from me to restrict anyone's 1st amendment rights, but shouldn't complaints about product pricing be fielded in the right forum? A tech forum geared toward the development community filled with pages of complaints about pricing seems like wasted space.

How about a discussion here on XDA regarding, you know, the actual technology at hand?

I look forward to getting the device in my hands and discussing issues like performance, battery life, the Honeycomb UI, features, glitches, Exchange synchronization, and all the great things XDA is known for.
[Xoom General] Xevilious:
Which would be the right forum? The forum description says: "Discussion about the Motorola Xoom tablet (general Q&A, tips & tricks, etc)". Seems like this is the perfect place for this sort of talk.
[Xoom General] asianxtreme:
exactly what I was going to say^^^.

There isn't a forum for "ranting" and there isn't even one for you for "ranting about ranting (but still really ranting)" lol.

Also, the right forum for you to discuss the specs and such should be development.
[Xoom General] Eclair~:
No, judging from other devices.. development is for things such as ROMs, and kernels. Not specification discussion. That would also go in General. Anything referencing the Xoom in a general sense (may that be discussing it's specs, bashing it's prices, etc. would go in General.

I think.

If you look over to the Nexus One General section, you'd see they actually discuss tablets and whatever else there. Without the threads being deleted. "General" seems really for you to discuss Android with people who own the same device as you.
[Xoom General] khov07:
LOL - thanks for the lecture and the laughs, noobs. When you have contributed to the community, let us know.

Back to the subject at hand...

This looks to be a great piece of hardware that may or may not be priced well. In three weeks we should know whether or not it lives up to the hype, and VZ gives you 30 days anyway to try it out (corporate customers anyway).

The G-Slate really doesn't seem to thrill me much. The 3D thing is pretty gimmicky, and is sure to carry a price premium of its own, for a very limited use.
[Xoom General] amitks:
Being an Android geek for an year plus now, I doubt that we can see Moto diff from Apple. iOS sucks majorly also because of Apple's lockdown... sounds familiar? Agreed Android as an OS is more flexible even stock, but what makes it fun is the ability to install your own ROMs, keep it running the latest greatest out there, and exploring new possibilities. Don't see that happening if Moto puts this out the Atrix way - locked bootloader and what not. And add to that Verizon's manipulations...

Hmmm... Time to rethink Toshiba or LG, or even Asus
[Xoom General] amitks:
Hope this is true, and not some blogger seeking popularity hits :)
[Xoom General] khov07:
amitks, you are right, Moto has been locking down their devices for some time now, but even out of the box, a Moto running Android has far more flexibility than any iOS device.

Something as simple as being able to plug in your device into any computer and transferring data without having to have some bloated software installed is already an advantage, especially in a corporate environment.
[Xoom General] feron:
I'll be taking the 30 day plunge on this one.. Really nice piece of kit, lets hope the devs back it nicely.
[Xoom General] muyoso:
Its priced well if Motorola is looking to sell a few tens of thousands of units to absolute enthusiasts. If they are looking to take a chuck of market share from the iPad, then its an absolute joke. Apple has 6 different models which range from $500 to $829. The AVERAGE selling price of an iPad is $600, which means their most popular model is the 16gb wifi model by FAR. Motorola chose not to compete with this most popular version of the iPad, but instead the most expensive and probably the least popular version, all while offering half the storage space.

It doesn't make a bit of difference to the average consumer that the Motorola tablet has a dual core processor or a gig of ram or any of that other internal nonsense. They care (maybe) about the camera and the nice screen and how the OS operates. Trying to sell a newcomer without the Apple name for 50% more expensive than the iPad, which is how a majority of consumers will see it no matter the difference in specs, is RIDICULOUS.

I can't fathom how anyone thinks this is a good business move.
[Xoom General] crachel:
One thing to consider too is that Motorola has done basically no work developing the open source OS featured on the Xoom. Apple has to recoup iOS development cost
[Xoom General] feron:
I honestly think they expect the tens of thousands of units to the enthusiast and dev quad... and if they get that they roll with the various form factors and specs a la ipad.. kind of a toe in the water approach.

That mindset said, I'd rather pay a premium and get a pure device (if that is what this is, this remains to be seen), vs one with motoblur craptastic overlays which would most likely be on the 'lesser' varieties.
[Xoom General] eallan:
Well, I think that thinking that you can convince anyone, let alone e average consumer, that the xoom is worth more than $300 than the basic iPad (2 which will likely be close in specs) is going to be extremely tough, if not impossible. This is a market created by apple thus far. Attacking them at a price premium is suicide. The average consumer wants the shiny apple product IMO.
[Xoom General] feron:
Avg consumer point, agreed.. But i don't think the launch is necessarily aimed at Joe Blow, the app market isn't there yet.

During the demo of honeycomb and the xoom, google said they were working on that stable, so I'm speculating here, but I think the real consumer push for wide, cheaper adoption will come towards the summer months.

Fits right with the launch of the other tablets, and the tablets moving towards the holidays.

By then Google and company could deliver a strong list of apps and games, with standardized+ hardware to foot the bill and might actually make a run on iOS and the average Joe.

Pie in the sky thoughts considering, but Goog has stated that as an agenda, of sorts.
[Xoom General] fetalp:
DEVS

Well my concern with the product is how many DEVs are gonna buy this tablet over lets say a cheaper more cost efficient tablet like maybe the G-Slate (optimus pad) to work on. I want a Xoom but wow price and forced activation. If more Devs are looking to buy a more OPEN tablet like the LG one then I would rather go that route. Just my 2 cents really!

I know some devs get devices donated or helped paid for to start Cooking ROms for that device, I just see more people going with a product more easier to purchase then the XOOM.
[Xoom General] fetalp:
Also like someone said before, Apple is known to overcharge for their products no matter what it is..god even there chargers are expensive. Android was the alternative to a more affordable device with option of more openness and personalization.
[Xoom General] eallan:
May be correct on your time frame, to which I suggest that these manufacturers better hurry the hell up before they lose more opportunity.
[Xoom General] dapoktan:
I have been anticipating the Xoom since it was announced.. but the pricepoint of 800 dollars plus a required Verizon contract to unlock wifi is disgusting..

Also.. As an avid Android supporter I'm not even that worried that there will still be the core audience looking for an Android over the iOS.. but the general public IS important.. this is where developers look to when developing a new program.. this type of pricing will not allow for the Honeycomb platform to catch up to the already giant lead that the iPad has in user base.. and Especially after the catchy or talked about superbowl XOOM commercial.. announcing this type of price point will only disappoint consumers and give a negative first impression.
[Xoom General] eallan:
Interesting that Apple is now the far cheaper option isn't it?
[Xoom General] eallan:
Got a response from Moto. Most likely throwaway material, but they say pricing is not official for the Xoom at least:

"Dear Eric,

Thanks for reaching out to Motorola.

We understand your concern about the new products of Motorola. Regarding the price and launch date, we do not have the exact information when will the product be released in the market. For updates about these products, please click on the link provided:

To register for atrix updates: https://www.motorola.com/worp/campaigns/coming-soon/USA/

For Motorola XOOM:

www.verizonwireless.com/xoom

or

www.motorola.com/xoom

Media Notes with Specs:

http://mediacenter.motorola.com/Pre...Largest-and-Most-Reliable-3G-Network-353f.asp

We hope that you find this information useful

Thank you for contacting Motorola e-mail support.

Best Regards,

Kurt"
[Xoom General] MrDva:
the pricing is ridiclues, 800 and a 'mandatory' data plan.

Here's to Motorola going the way of Atari or the Amiga.

best case is I look for a used one down the road if the price is right and flash the device with something that actually gives me control.

seriously the excitment over all this new stuff is really driving people to pay insane amounts of money and loss of control. It's like being at an auction where people get more caught up with the bidding rather than what their actually buying.
[Xoom General] generic.imitation:
well, everyone needs to chill out. The price hasn't been confirmed by anyone that has control over it. Motorola and Verizon both have not said a word, and there is probably a reason for it.

Also, when the Droid X was released it's unsubsidized price was $569. That is the phone I have currently, and I enjoy it (minus the bootloader, but thats a different thread.)

All I'm trying to do is shine some perspective here for everyone. IF.. and this is a big IF -because I'm not convinced- the price does turn out to be $800, then it is $231 more than the Droid X was at launch. The only reason people are *****ing is because there is no sign of a subsidized price from Verizon, and noone is used to paying for "mobile" devices unsubsidized in the US. (the mobile term is used loosely for this device)

While I wish there was a wifi only version at launch, I'm not going to miss out on a new cool gadget that I feel can help me out. I hate lugging my laptop on a plane, trying to open it up in coach to watch a movie and have the fat guy in front of me lean his chair back.. We've all been there, and I hate it. I like the ebook reader also, so it hits every need I have as far as a device is concerned. The only thing I do on my PC (that I can't currently do on a tablet) is use GNS3, packet tracer, Eclipse and a few games that I open once a month.

I'm getting it either way, because I like the device, and I have a need for it. (go figure)

This up in arms thing is good tho, because trust me if they bend to the general consensus about the price being too high, it will save me a few bucks!
[Xoom General] khov07:
+1

10 chars
[Xoom General] eallan:
Trust me when i say that, this is

not

the only reason people are *****ing. The (much cheaper) iPad isn't, and won't be, subsidized either.

Having said that, I certainly hope you're right and it turns out being cheaper, it isn't official just yet, you're correct.
[Xoom General] SmokeMasta:
i think most ppl are *****ing about the lack of options for the xoom.

more versions like 16/64 gig or wifi only versions are most likely the core of the frustrations
[Xoom General] generic.imitation:
the IPad2 is going to come in the same flavors that the original came in, tiered models. That shouldn't be a suprise. I like choice don't get me wrong, but that is where choice ends with idevices.

The only reason the original ipad was so cheap was because it's a phone without the phone part... It had the same chipset as the iphone, just a larger screen. If they made the Xoom like the Droid X then it would probably cost $600.

I wish everyone would stop making the comparison to the original ipad being so inexpensive, it's like comparing the PS2 vs. the SNES.

****EDIT****

Lol I just called VZW and asked about the Xoom. I figured I might find out something, and find out i did!! (more or less)

Initially, I asked if I could pre-order the Xoom... knowing full-well that I cannot. He looked up the info for the device, and came back to the phone and said "I can't find anything about the pre-orders, let me look in this other system we have here." Then, I asked him what the price was listed for. He replied "it's listed here at $799.99" I said Orly?! and he said hold on, then put me on hold... came back 3 minutes later sounding a little worried about confirming a price like that... and reversed course completely lol. He said "I'm sorry actually the price hasn't been confirmed yet, but I can direct you to our website vzw.com/xoom and sign up for the news letter, you'll probably know before me because obviously our system isn't up to date." It sounded like he had just gotten yelled at by his boss. Gives me reason to believe the price isn't going to be $800.
[Xoom General] jm9843:
The Xoom pricing isn't final because you can bet that Motorola is waiting to see what HP announces at the WebOS event tomorrow.
[Xoom General] youareme7:
The reason comparing to the original ipad makes sense is because when they released it last year it was cutting edge hardware and they still managed a good price. There's no reason to believe that the "ipad 2" is going to change their pricing. Comparing the (theoretical, but likely) ipad 2 to the xoom means the xoom isn't going to fare well against a similarly specced ipad 2 coming in at $499 for wifi only.

Oh, and you can directly compare the Xoom to the Atrix, (basically same SoC, same RAM, a bit less flash memory, similar cameras, etc etc) and it's going to be $499 off contract. (according to AT&T reps anyway) What is the price for the Motorola ATRIX 4G without a contract?

Granted, larger screen and bigger battery on the xoom of course, but there's little other difference between it and the Atrix.

I'm with most people here and hope this pricing leak turns out to be "market research" and not indicative of the true price when it comes but I'm not getting my hopes up
[Xoom General] amitks:
Nice move. Actually, your experience makes me believe it is likely to be 800 and the guy was yelled at for revealing it without Verizon making an official public announcement :D
[Xoom General] eallan:
Well let us hope that you are wrong!
[Xoom General] elcap373:
If all the chatter about the Xoom price is true, my guess is that some bean counting MBA is employing a short term profit maximizing strategy here:

Set the price as high as us gizmo fools are willing to pay. Then skim the cream from the million (or millions worldwide) of us willing to pay the extra $100 for the next cool toy.

Then in a month drop the price – maybe with some Verizon service plan bells and whistles – to let the more cost sensitive get a ‘deal’ on the coolest tech device.

That way they skim a quick $100,000,000 and still settle in at a competitive price point. The guy in charge doesn’t give a hoot about offending a bunch of tablet geeks. He is just interested in his next quarter bonus…

And there is an old pricing adage that goes – “Start high – you can always bring the price down.” It’s almost impossible to reverse course and raise the price.
[Xoom General] kenyu73:
BestBuy and Verizon are 14 days now (unless your a BB silver member). You better spin up or your 30 day plunge may end up being a lifelong partner!! ;)

BestBuy: Laptops, Desktops, iPads and Tablets -- 14 days

Verizon: dropped from 30 day to 14 day return policy
[Xoom General] kenyu73:
PLEASE... please... dont jump the gun on the price and activation stuff... here is WHY...

The 'leaked' BestBuy ad that started ALL THIS CRAP is either bogus or a crappy draft. It has at least (2) crazy typos "activative required" and "lighting fast". Find the forums where the ad is posted and look for yourself!

A MOTO dev/tester already stated that for

4G WiFi tethering

, you might have to unlock with Verizon activation to use . THAT makes sense as you need 4G to tether in the first place (unless you want to tether your phone to the Xoom that's connected to your home WiFi...lol). He also said that they always skipped activation and regular WiFi worked fine.

It's easy to RANT about what might be, but dont put yourselves in a 'blue-pill' coma until we get more official word on price and requirements.

Verizon cant 'force' activation for a month-to-month plan....really... think about it. :rolleyes:
[Xoom General] feron:
Fair warning, thanks.. I'll toy with it for a week or so and return it if not enamored (and then get another if the price drops and roms are available).

What can I say, I'm a geek that likes shiny things.
[Xoom General] kenyu73:
Me too friend... me too!
[Xoom General] feron:
Course from your sig we'll both be juggling the xoom and the thunder at the same time.

Good time to be alive lol
[Xoom General] gogol:
Come on people ...

This is just early adopter price. For that reason alone, they will set the price as high as possible (but still reasonable though).

Believe me, when the other competitors released their product, the price will go down.

So, just relax ... enjoy the show ... enjoy the REVIEWs ... and wait until Toshiba G-Slate, Galaxy Tab2, iPad2 are released. The price will go down sharply. They are not stupid on this.
[Xoom General] Bonuman:
I can't wait! I NEED IT! NOW NOW NOW

I'M GOING MAD
[Xoom General] Xevilious:
Back when I worked at Best Buy (albeit a few years ago), they did have a 15% restocking fee when returning cameras and laptops that weren't defective. Might want to check on their policy on tablets before purchasing.
[Xoom General] kenyu73:
I just returned the Galaxy Tab and didnt get a restocking fee. However, I did get the $20 data plan (so I could be the Tab at $399) so I'm sure I'll be eating the $35 activation on top of the $20 for the 1st month of data. :rolleyes:
[Xoom General] Sirchuk:
They removed the restocking fee entirely as of last month, across the board. It was in the news.

I think motorola is waiting to see what HP comes out with today and I'm sure they will compete with them on price. Their secret tablet is rumored to actually go on sale today, and it could hurt the xoom launch even though its palmOS.
[Xoom General] youareme7:
That's a good point, I'm not a huge fan of webOS because it lacks a real ecosystem, but if they can undercut moto's pricepoint by a fair margin then that's pressure from yet another source to bring their price down.

EDIT: Scratch that hope, the webOS tablet isn't coming out until summer.
[Xoom General] Sirchuk:
Yeah, and no word on price. It looks good though.
[Xoom General] Xevilious:
I was hoping they'd release some price that would absolutely shame Motorola. Guess not.