XOOM VS. iPAD 2

The Apple iPad 2 and Motorola Xoom are very similar. At first glance they look almost exactly the same but there are some differences to think about before buying either.

Each features a unique operating software but similar in many ways. The Motorola Xoom runs it's business through Androids 3.0 software compaired to iPad's iOS 4.3. Each software has customizable pages but the Xoom is limited to only five while the iPad does not have a number limit but the iPad does not support widget support. With Apple's A5 processor the iPad moves at a walking pace compaired to Motorola's 1Ghz of pure processing power. Each is available with 32 Gbs of internal memory while the iPad is also available with a 16 Gb internal memory. While many users will say 32 Gb of internal memory is plenty but others also say its no where near enough, which was covered by the Xoom's SD card reader slot. While both units are available WiFi compatible, the Xoom is also available on Verizon's mobile network and the iPad is available on AT&T's mobile network. The Xoom is available 3G and 4G compatible but the iPad is only available as a 3G version.

The Motorola Xoom has a stunning 10.1" touchscreen. The iPad has a slightly smaller 9.7" touchscreen. In the right corner weighing in at a sturdy 1.6lbs is the Motorola Xoom, and in the left at a featherweight 1.2lbs is the Apple iPad. Both have a 5.1 surround sound stereo but with the iPad's speakers projecting down instead of the Xoom's rearward facing speakers make for an easier listening experience. Which brings me to the main thought behind the design of each tablet. The iPad was created, like all Apple designs, with a music base where as the Xoom was created as a user friendly mobile version of a computer.

The Xoom's release date was 2/11 and the iPad's release date was 3/11 but the iPad is in the second generation version which gives a more informative learning curve. The Xoom is linked to the Android market which has over 100,000 apps already but is still growing rapidly as many designers find endless opportunities to express their design skills. The iPad is connected to Apple's iTunes which has 200,000 plus apps.

Pricing can be a definite deciding factor when attempting to expand your technological inquiries. Best Buy lists various versions of each device. The iPad does have a introductory rate of $499 for a bare minimal WiFi only 16Gb but you get what you pay for, very little space and limited World Wide Web connection. iPad also has its meat and potatoes version of a 32Gb hard drive with WiFi and AT&T's mobile 3G network for a heafty $799 price tag only the diehard tablet users will appreciate. The Xoom has a little more expensive introductory model at $599 for the WiFi only 32Gb and a much more evenly weighted $799 version WiFi, 32Gb internal memory, Verizon mobile empowered network.

There are many things to consider when debating on which device to buy. "To each his own" is a popular statement many people use when thinking about dropping at least $499 on a new piece of technology. There are many connections to find out information about each device to help in the decision making process.