Motorola Xoom: Complete FAQ

By JR Raphael

Has been months in the making, but it's finally here: the Motorola Xoom, inaugural Tablet of honeycomb Google Android.

Launching today, the Xoom will be the first in a flood of Android tablets set to hit the market this year. Google is essentially, kickstarting the flagship device category and setting a golden standard for all products of honeycomb high-end on the road. Android engineers actually used Xoom to test and develop the operating system of honeycomb, and is considered a product of "pure Google"--meaning that you get what Google created, with no producer-added skins or interfaces that are always in the way.

As I've covered the Xoom and Honeycomb these past several weeks, I've heard many questions--questions about everything from the nitty-gritty technical for the truth about those plans Verizon data irksome. It's time for some answers simple, straight forward. Here's a Q&A style guide to everything you need to know.

What is the Motorola Xoom?

Come on--which is just too easy. The Motorola Xoom is an Android-based Tablet that runs on a new platform from Google honeycomb.

As the Motorola Xoom is different from previous Android tablets, similarly to the Galaxy?

Aside from the differences in shape, Honeycomb--debuting on Xoom operating system--is the first version of Android that Google actually built with tablet in mind. The software was written from the ground up to optimize the Android experience for larger screen devices.

With honeycombs, hardware devices, buttons are gone and replaced with screen buttons that change location based on your orientation. There is a whole new notification system that puts desktop-style warnings at the bottom of the screen. Multitasking the Android system is revamped to make it easier to switch between running applications. And speaking of apps, honeycomb allows developers to divide their programs into several panes--as in the Gmail app of honeycomb, where you can scroll through actively through the your Inbox while simultaneously viewing (and scrolling) individual messages.

Put simply, is a very different--and if you ask me, a drastically improved. Check out my honeycomb Android impressions for a deep dive experience Xoom.

How ' bout specific hardware--that plays this bad boy have?

The Xoom has a 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 screen. Works on Nvidia Tegra processor dual core 2 1 GHz with 1 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal memory and support for SD card for extra storage. Now, the Xoom supports 3 G and Wi-Fi connections; Verizon promises, however, that you will be able to get a free hardware upgrade that you can enable access 4 G from this spring.

The Xoom comes with a 5MP camera and a 2MP camera facing to the front for video chat (which Honeycomb natively using Google Talk Google system). The Tablet records 720 p HD video and supports playback of 1080p. It has HDMI ports and USB 2.0. And according to Motorola, Android battery life can give you 10 hours of video playback on a single charge.

How can I buy this Xoom, and how?

The Xoom is on sale in the United States as of today, February 24. Is available for $ 800 on Verizon Wireless or Best Buy stores. Verizon also offers the Xoom for $ 600, signing a two-year contract for data services; those you do a minimum of $ 20 per month.

I have to get a data plan?

Verizon is required to sign up for one when you buy a Xoom--annoying, I know--but you can cancel immediately after. So basically, you will have to pay $ 20 for a month, plus an activation fee of $ 35 (sigh). But there is no obligation to continue paying for data beyond that point; Once the first month is up, you can use only your Xoom via Wi-Fi and Verizon never pay another nickel.

So what happens if I cancel my data after the first month, then decide I want to re-enable it? You will get charged everytime turn data?

I've been wondering what very me (as a coincidence!). Yesterday I checked with Verizon Wireless. The answer annoying is that Yes, they will charge you $ 35 every time you reactivate the service data--even if you only for casual here and there. So you can turn on your data plan as you need, but you must pay this fee each time.

Go ahead and take a moment to give a single finger salute. I'll wait.

There should be a Xoom Wi-Fi-only, too?

Yes--but not yet here. Motorola CEO Sanjay JHA mobility said that a Wi-Fi-only Xoom will sell for about $ 600; He did not say, but when it starts. So if you want the Xoom now you spring for the full 3 G/4 G, even if you're planning to use it only on Wi-Fi; otherwise, you can expect, but is anyone's guess, the wait time might be.

Can I use my data plan only mobile phone to get my Xoom online?

Perhaps. Wire standard Android--where you use a program like PdaNet to connect your phone to another device via USB or Bluetooth--no will do the trick, as those connections require a Windows-based client or Mac at work.

If you are able to create a wireless hotspot from your phone, though--or by subscribing your hotspot option or Manager going underground path and rooting phone--then Yes, you can use that connection to get the Xoom online. It is no different than Xoom's connection to any other wireless hotspots.

What is with all this talk about Flash? Flash will support Xoom or not?

The Xoom will support Flash, but not immediately; Adobe is still putting the finishing touches on his software Flash Player 10.3, who needs the Xoom to play Flash-based content. Adobe promises, however, that the software will be sent to Xoom, as updating over-the-air "within weeks" today's launch.

I have to get the Xoom or wait for one of the other upcoming tablets?

My friend, who is a sensitive issue; I take a stab at answering here.

Okay, Mr. Smartypants, tell me this: you can eat the Motorola Xoom?

Technically, Yes, but it is not recommended.

You can drop by a 40-story building?

Of course, but you probably don't want.

Can you legally marry in the State of California?

Right--I think we're done here.

JR Raphael writes on Smartphones and other technologies. You can find it on Facebook, Twitter or on eSarcasm, his escape geek-humor.

Article copyright 2011 JR Raphael. All rights reserved.