OMG/JK: A Kiss For iPad 2, A Slap For Xoom — with Video discussion and Review

TechCrunch ^ | March 5, 2011 | MG Siegler

[Swordmaker]

It’s war!

This week, I went to the unveiling of the iPad 2 and got some hands-on time with the device afterwards. Meanwhile, Jason bought a Xoom and has been extensively testing it out. The consensus? iPad 2: Good. Xoom: Bad. At least for now. I haven’t extensively played with iPad 2 yet, and Google is undoubtedly going to patch the Xoom. But still, first impressions are key.

Jason and I discuss these two products in depth in this week’s episode of OMG/JK, and we also dive into the upcoming group messaging war that is likely to break out at SXSW next week. Now that Facebook has bought Beluga and really kicked everything into a frenzy, the ultimate winners are far from clear.

Watch the episode above and check out some of the links below for more details on what we talk about.

[BobSimons]

Does Apple Pay FR to run Ads, similarly i wonder if they pay Fox News to advertise their current product roll-outs?

[ThunderSleeps]

Siegler reports, “The consensus? iPad 2: Good. Xoom: Bad.”

“I haven’t extensively played with iPad 2 yet...

So he's reporting on the relative merits of products he admits he hasn't even "played with" yet, let alone fully evaluated? Worthless.

[ctdonath2]

All I hear about Xoom (or any competing tablet) is specs - not user experience.
Co-worker keeps buying tablets, showing them to me, and the first words out of his mouth each time is an apology for its poor performance.

Yes there’s a strong Apple fan club on FR. It’s that cool. It just works - even with lesser specs.

[Swordmaker]

TechCrunch review of hands on with iPad 2 and week of owning a Motorola Xoom—PING!

Please note that I am being personally attacked and questioned about why I post by Trolls on every article I post for the list. It seems to be deliberate, organized, and designed to make me stop keeping the list members informed about things they have asked me to do. This has been going on now for about two weeks, and the explanation is ignored each and every time.

Please, No Flame Wars!
Discuss technical issues, software, and hardware.
Don't attack people!

Don't respond to the Anti-Apple Thread Trolls!
 PLEASE IGNORE THEM!!!

 

Apple v. Android Ping!

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.

[Swordmaker]

All I hear about Xoom (or any competing tablet) is specs - not user experience.

Co-worker keeps buying tablets, showing them to me, and the first words out of his mouth each time is an apology for its poor performance.

The TechCrunch guy bought a Xoom at Costco and used it for a week, and is an Android fan. Watch the video review. He is NOT happy with it.

[AFreeBird]

You seemed to have missed the qualifier: “extensively”.

I suspect that a rollout hands on for the hundreds of press in attendance, would necessitate a limited amount of time with the available products. Still, if those there were already familiar with version one, of not only the iPad, but other serious contenders products; the time allotted should have been enough to give a fairly good (or bad), first impression.

Having a 1st gen iPad myself, I can envision the second version just from the specs alone. Double the speed, 9x graphics speed and all the other announced specs and capabilities sound good to me.

[Keith in Iowa]

>>>Does Apple Pay FR to run Ads, similarly i wonder if they pay Fox News to advertise their current product roll-outs?

Who pays you to comment on these threads?

[TheBattman]

Today’s BestBuy Ad lists the Moto Zoom at $799.99. What’s interesting -you are REQUIRED to activate a Verizon data plan and pay for at least one month of service to be able to use YOUR OWN WiFi connection! You can cancel after the first month...but I don’t get the requirement to activate a Verizon data plan to use WiFi in your own home.. Is Verizon subsidizing these things? If so, then $799.99 is WAY over priced.

[ThunderSleeps]

I'm sure it is a good product (iPad 2). Just seems a little unfair and maybe premature to be drawing sweeping conclusions so soon, after admittedly limited exposure.

Full disclosure here - I'm an admitted Linux user, and Android-based phone owner. I'm not prejudiced against Apple (I don't think?) I have an iPod touch I use regularly at the gym.

[Cementjungle]

So he's reporting on the relative merits of products he admits he hasn't even "played with" yet, let alone fully evaluated? Worthless.

Media folks' reporting on all things Apple is like media folks' reporting on all things Democrat. Objectivity is not part of the process.

[PA Engineer]

Check the born on date. ;-)

[stripes1776]

Please note that I am being personally attacked and questioned about why I post by Trolls on every article I post for the list. It seems to be deliberate, organized, and designed to make me stop keeping the list members informed about things they have asked me to do. This has been going on now for about two weeks, and the explanation is ignored each and every time.

You perform a vital service for many of us on FR. Keep on posting. We know the Trolls are just trying to attack you because you have more honesty than than do.

[stripes1776]

So he's reporting on the relative merits of products he admits he hasn't even "played with" yet, let alone fully evaluated? Worthless.

Watch the full program here: http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/05/ipad-2-xoom-fight/

Jason Kincaid is a big Android fan. He bought a Xoom for $800 and was required to activate a carrier in addition for another charge. There are all of 16 apps for the Xoom. He said, "I think it stinks."

[ReignOfError]

So he's reporting on the relative merits of products he admits he hasn't even "played with" yet, let alone fully evaluated? Worthless.

Read the OP again. One reviewer spent a bit of time with the iPad, the other a more substantial amount with the Xoom. Both reviewers are in the video.

[dayglored]

> Fart Sniffling

Nobody forced you to inhale, Noob. :)

BobSimons Since 2011-02-27

If you don't like Apple products, don't buy 'em, and stay off the threads about things you don't like. It'll simplify your life, and make everyone else's more pleasant.

Thanks!

[dayglored]

Hi Sword,

Illegitimus Non Carborundum.

We on the ping list appreciate your posts, and as long as you're willing to put up with the excrement flung by the trolls and Apple-haters, we'll keep encouraging you to do so.

It does seem to be an organized attack. You know the saying: You know you're over the target when you're taking the most flak.

Apple has been kicking everybody's butt for a long time, and seems poised to keep doing so. It's not surprising that here on FR, you as the Apple/Mac Ping List keeper are going to draw the fire of the people who are scared of Apple's success.

Thank you for your continued efforts.

Don't let the bastards wear you down.

[JerseyHighlander]

I got to agree with you here on FR, there has been few if any user experiences posted about Android devices.

So I’ll post mine:
I pre-ordered a NotionInk Adam about 3 hours after they started pre-orders to their forum members.
I have now received three delays in ship dates.
I cancelled my order yesterday because I’m looking at the new tablets coming out in early April and will wait for the price war to heat up...

Here’s the most comprehensive online English-language forum for real hands on reviews of ALL android tablets:
http://www.androidtablets.net/forum/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=564

and another for the Xoom:
http://www.androidtablets.net/forum/motorola-tablets/
http://www.xoomforums.com/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=945

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Thanks for the ping, Sword.

I enjoyed the comments in the source article.

One, and echo of some article you posted previously, suggested that in its iOS competitor Google is emulating Microsoft.

The other points out the serious musical instrument capability of iPad2 w/ Garage Band. That struck me as possibly being a killer app for the iPad. I have been known to sing a little, but am not otherwise a musician. But I think that there are plenty of people who would know what to do with that if they had it.

In the dark ages there was an app for, I think an Apple II, which tried to match a musical score to a vocal input, thereby providing adaptive accompaniment. At this late date, with an app in existence which identifies popular music it "hears" (and offers to sell you a copy of it), that sort of thing could be a real hit as an adjunct to Garage Band.

[AFreeBird]

I’m a Linux user too. There’s a lot to be said for the OSS system, and there’s also a lot of pitfalls.

A lot of people complain about the walled garden approach Apple has in regards to the App Store. Personally, I like it. It gives me some piece of mind to know that apps have been tested and vetted before they hit my system. My iPhone is first and foremost, a phone. A critical device. One device who’s functionality I would not like to see compromised by malware.

It would really suck to have to start running anti-virus/malware software on your phone or tablet. Don’t you think?

Personally, I think were far too lenient on virus/malware creators.

I’m thinking summary execution is more in order.

But that’s just me.

[surely_you_jest]

That’s a nasty accusation for someone that has been registered here for an entire week.

[kevkrom]

Personally, I think were far too lenient on virus/malware creators. I’m thinking summary execution is more in order.

I'm more of the "cruel and unusual punishment" mindset -- put them on help desk for clueless users. They're released based on the number of people they actually manage to help.

[AFreeBird]

Naw... Cruel and unusual would be something along the lines of: tying them down on top of a red ant hill in the midday FLA sun.

[antiRepublicrat]

Objectivity is not part of the process.

True. When Apple slips up it's a big thing, when the others do, not so much. Foxconn suicides, presented as an Apple problem although Foxconn manufactures for HP, Dell and others too. All phones have antenna attenuation when gripped a certain way, Apple's hits front page. Other manufacturers' phones are literally falling apart, doesn't hit the news.

[Cementjungle]

They're all just gadgets, in a world full of gadgets. They'll all be completely obsolete in a couple of years. I buy my stuff for it's cost/benefit ratio, and for me Apple stuff has always been overpriced, over-hyped and over-worshipped. The stuff I use instead is practical, and cost-effective. I don't need or want to acquire labels for their “cool factor”... ain't my style.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

Does Apple Pay FR to run Ads,

Yes, each of us Fanbois get $100 for every favorable comment.

[zeugma]

I got to agree with you here on FR, there has been few if any user experiences posted about Android devices.

I'll see if I can get my wife to write something up. She likes hers.  I'd like to see more side-by-side comparisons of the functions of the tablets that people actually use as opposed to what they think is cool, or think they'll use.

From what I've seen so far, the Android tablets serve a specific niche of the market. Wife uses hers primarily as a book reader with some light web/email usage. I think the smaller form factor makes them a better choice for me (I use a Nook Color), as i want something that is much more the size of a paperback, than a full-sized tablet.

I don't have anything against the iPad specifically, and would probably enjoy using one if I had it, but it's not something I need at the moment. I'm just glad that there is plenty of choice out there. Having Apple and Android competing head-to-head in the marketplace is great for those of us who just dig the tech. I'm sure that like everything else, some with prefer one, and some will prefer the other.

[antiRepublicrat]

I buy my stuff for it's cost/benefit ratio

I do too. That's why I switched to Mac a few years ago. I would have bought an iPhone, by far the best value in itself, but it wasn't the best value for me when coupled with AT&T.

[CharacterCounts]

The consensus? iPad 2: Good. Xoom

Far too simplistic.

I have followed both (as well as the upstart "Notion Ink" lately because I am considering getting one.

Here is my take: In specs and operating system - Xoom is better - for now.

In apps - Ipad is far superior - for now.

For roll out - Ipad wins handily.

The Xoom roll-out is almost going to guarantee it will not be a serious competitor. As another poster comment who want to buy a Verizon plan just to get free WiFi. Also, the added features are not enough even though they are comparable to the most expensive Ipad don't justify the purchase. Essentially, Motorola wrote off everyone that wants a more basic tablet (which is a big share of the Ipad market. If they wanted to be a serious competitor they needed a second model priced lower than $499.00.

Even though I am not 100% happy with the Ipad, I am going to make it my choice primarily because of the Apps.

[Swordmaker]

Here is Ars Technica’s Review of the Xoom...

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/reviews/2011/03/ars-reviews-the-motorola-xoom.ars/

I can’t post the article on FR, because it’s Conde Nast and prohibited. But they have a lot of negatives to say!

[antiRepublicrat]

Here is my take: In specs and operating system - Xoom is better - for now

The SD card doesn't work due to OS limitations, the OS has stability issues, poor browser rendering, weak email client, 4G is missing, no Flash. The product screams "rushed to market." The lack of 4G is especially telling. It will be available for install in a couple of months. That means they knew the iPad 2 was coming out and had to get this on the market before that, even if the product wasn't finished yet.

I do see some serious potential though.

[CharacterCounts]

The SD card doesn't work due to OS limitations, the OS has stability issues, poor browser rendering, weak email client, 4G is missing, no Flash.

Yes, I compared that to the Ipad 2 which has no SD card, a slower OS, and no 4G. That is why I added the words for now.

I am really hoping for some real competition to the Ipad, just to bring prices down, but I think by the time Xoom and others fully enable their features, Ipad3 will be out with a superior OS and maybe an SD slot.

Another reason I am going with the Ipad2 is it has a full year of public testing without any real complaints. In other words, I have confidence it will perform as expected without any glitches.

As for rushed to market - it does look like they went out of their way to have the Xoom on the street before the Ipad2 was released.

[antiRepublicrat]

Yes, I compared that to the Ipad 2 which has no SD card, a slower OS, and no 4G. That is why I added the words for now.

For now it's inferior, especially to people who considered 4G, SD card and Flash as desirable features. For them, it will likely be superior in the future. What do you mean about slower OS?

[CharacterCounts]

People can argue about the OS forever, but from my reading, the Honeycomb 3.0 OS is probably superior.

[Cementjungle]

Personally, I don’t even expect to get a tablet for a few years. I have a desktop, I have a laptop, and I have an Android phone. Between those three, my needs are more than covered.

[antiRepublicrat]

People can argue about the OS forever, but from my reading, the Honeycomb 3.0 OS is probably superior.

I think it's going to have some quite desirable features when it's ready for prime-time, probably late this year. But as far as speed, I doubt it will ever equal iOS, which runs native and gets to be highly optimized for its limited hardware base (especially GPU leveraging for common tasks).

[Swordmaker]

Ars Technica's creative director posted this micro photo in the comments section to show that the Xoom's supposedly "superior" resolution screen was NOT superior at all... In fact, it is nowhere near superior!

"I also found the Xoom screen almost grainy, the pixel grid is too apparent to the naked eye. You don't really notice it so much on a photo, or something with a lot of tonal changes, but on say a white background like Google or an eBook you see faint pixel grid lines. We decided to not include this photo in the Xoom review, but I took this closeup shot of both screens with a 100mm Canon macros lens, same image on both, same distance from camera (tripod), same area of the image focused on. To my eye that Xoom pixel grid explains why I see it from a normal distance too, it's just a much larger gap:

I could talk about a lot of other things I didn't care for, but for me personally and my tablet uses (YMMV) the screen was already a non-starter.

[ThunderSleeps]

It would really suck to have to start running anti-virus/malware software on your phone or tablet. Don’t you think?

Definitely. That's one of the reasons I run Linux - is so I don't have to give up disk space and cycles to AV software, wait for email up/down-loads, etc.

Personally, I think were far too lenient on virus/malware creators.
I’m thinking summary execution is more in order.

Or imprisoned for life with nothing but an old VAX 11/780, one dumb terminal, and a buggy FORTRAN compiler. ;-)

[raybbr]

My wife bought a Cruze Micro Tablet with Android 2.0. It was awful. It kept going back to the homepage and would not play an Mpeg4 video that I processed five different ways. Sent it back to QVC and is getting a full refund.

Saw that Toshiba has a tablet coming out. Curious about that one as I have nothing but nice things to say about my Toshiba laptops.

[raybbr]

I am neither an Apple fan nor hater but I enjoy your posts. It’s just information to me but I appreciate them.