Database Info

Thinking about trading my A500 for a Xoom...

I walked into Best Buy last week with every intention of buying a Xoom Tablet, but while I was sitting there, I started playing with the Acer Iconia TAB A500 and ended up getting it because it was cheaper. I've been playing with it for the last week and have been somewhat disappointed in some of it's downfalls. The GPS is probably the worst I've ever seen, for some reason doesn't like to play half of my music, Acer support is, for the most part, non-existent, and I've yet to be able to find a very protective case for it, and as a Paramedic student, this thing is traveling all over with me.
So my question is as follows: Are there any ground breaking differences between the Xoom and the A500?
I've read just about every comparison article written, but I'd figure that I'd come here and ask the people that use the Xoom the most.
Edit: I'm talking about the wifi only versions.

Your comparing the two worst 3.1 tablets on the market. Go with Samsung 10.1 or better yet, Asus transformer.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App

muzz3256 said:
I walked into Best Buy last week with every intention of buying a Xoom Tablet, but while I was sitting there, I started playing with the Acer Iconia TAB A500 and ended up getting it because it was cheaper. I've been playing with it for the last week and have been somewhat disappointed in some of it's downfalls. The GPS is probably the worst I've ever seen, for some reason doesn't like to play half of my music, Acer support is, for the most part, non-existent, and I've yet to be able to find a very protective case for it, and as a Paramedic student, this thing is traveling all over with me.
So my question is as follows: Are there any ground breaking differences between the Xoom and the A500?
I've read just about every comparison article written, but I'd figure that I'd come here and ask the people that use the Xoom the most.
Edit: I'm talking about the wifi only versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The US Xoom is a Google Experience Device which means you're always going to get OS updates first. The Xoom is also the ONLY tablet that supports 802.11 a/b/g/n that means you can operate on 2.4ghz wifi or 5ghz wifi. The Xoom is built stronger in my opinion.
The samsung is very pretty but after reading about how users are able to just flex them in their hands with little to no effort and reading reports of the glass popping out of the tablet... yeah no thanks. To say that comparing the Acer and the Xoom is comparing the worst two units on the market is short sighted and ignorant at worst.
I'd definately want the Xoom over any other tablet released to date.

So how's the playback & GPS on the Xoom? I'm been having difficulty with a lot of my 1080p videos on the A500, and the gps can't get a lock to save it's own life. I've updated the A500 to 3.1 and while the 1080p video playback has improved (it's not as choppy), the GPS is a worse as ever!

The GPS works like a charm. I've used it as a giant Garmin a few times. As for the video. I haven't tried anything in HD, but flash video can be a little jumpy. Most videos below 1080p are butter, but like I said, you can get the occasional jumpiness in flash videos.

boglwe said:
Your comparing the two worst 3.1 tablets on the market. Go with Samsung 10.1 or better yet, Asus transformer.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your kidding right? The xoom is far better then the galaxy tab, its plastic low Res crappiness. If you don't like the xoom gtfo of our forum. You dumbasses who are just here to talk **** are getting annoying. I'm assuming you own all four tablets and have thouroughly tested their pros and cons right?
The xoom is a very solid, well spec'd well supported piece of hardware.
Oh by the way how are you liking 3.2 on your gtab? Its beautiful on my xoom. Wait Samsung hasn't pushed that update yet? Sorry
Timely updates are important too. Xoom wins again
Kiss mine dude.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

Well, I think that the GPS working just put the nail in the Acer's coffin. I think that a trip back to Best Buy is in my future tomorrow......

muzz3256 said:
Well, I think that the GPS working just put the nail in the Acer's coffin. I think that a trip back to Best Buy is in my future tomorrow......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea. GPS status n tools works well enough to accurately read car speed on my xoom, accurately lol.
The xoom is also pure google, which means its like the nexus line of phones.... you get the latest updates faster, the now 2 year old nexus is still more up to date then most phones you can buy today. So, ice cream sandwich and beyond is all but promised for the xoom. People have different opinions, but I'm enjoying 3.2 right now, before any other tablet. Like the galaxy tab 10.1 for example.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

cwizardtx said:
The US Xoom is a Google Experience Device which means you're always going to get OS updates first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its just a PITFA if you're not in the US.

Your kidding right? The xoom is far better then the galaxy tab, its plastic low Res crappiness. If you don't like the xoom gtfo of our forum.
Kiss mine dude.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no reason to answer like that. I have a galaxy tab and probably I will return it today for a xoom or a refund because of the newton rings problem on the display. But I can guarantee that the galaxy tab display is far superior to any other display actually on the market. Why you say low res? It has the same resolution of the xoom 1280x800. It uses an EPS display and it's much better on brightness and contrast than the xoom one. You shouldn't over react like that providing wrong information just because you like your xoom so much.
Inviato dal mio GT-I9100 usando Tapatalk

i believe he reacted like that because there are a lot of guys coming into this forum to talk crap..... when all is said and done, all these tabs have pretty much the same specs. The 10.1 has no ports or SD but a nicer screen. The iconia is bigger and heavier, but cheaper and has a full sized USB. And the transformer has a nice screen but no USB without the dock. Its all about what's important to the person buying the device. I returned my iconia for the xoom and haven't looked back, and yes I tried the transformer for a few days too. It was nice but having to attach the dock to hook up USB devices was a pain in my opinion. I bought a tab so I didn't need a keyboard and mouse.

cheetah2k said:
Its just a PITFA if you're not in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly if I lived outside the US and had wifi only I'd just flash the US images and be done with it.

I was actually suggesting the transformer over the gt any day..I was not trying to say don't get it but I just found it odd the compare was zoom vs Acer when two knew tabs are on the market. I own the ts and am seriously considering the zoom..the snapdragon is the killer for me for.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App

Well I went and returned the Iconia today and picked up a Xoom. It feels like its better built and more solid, and the GPS receiver is rock solid, which was a deal breaker for me. The folks at best buy were shocked that I was returning it for the Xoom, as they all thought that the Acer was the better tab. I feel much happier with the Xoom, its doing everything that I need it to and more!
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

muzz3256 said:
Well I went and returned the Iconia today and picked up a Xoom. It feels like its better built and more solid, and the GPS receiver is rock solid, which was a deal breaker for me. The folks at best buy were shocked that I was returning it for the Xoom, as they all thought that the Acer was the better tab. I feel much happier with the Xoom, its doing everything that I need it to and more!
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS is one of the biggest reasons I chose the Xoom. The wifi version has a TRUE GPS chip onboard.
It's not assisted (rofl) gps, nor cellular triangulation, but a real gps chip and you don't have to buy the 3G version (cough icrap cough) to get it either.

Daemon1978 said:
There is no reason to answer like that. I have a galaxy tab and probably I will return it today for a xoom or a refund because of the newton rings problem on the display. But I can guarantee that the galaxy tab display is far superior to any other display actually on the market. Why you say low res? It has the same resolution of the xoom 1280x800. It uses an EPS display and it's much better on brightness and contrast than the xoom one. You shouldn't over react like that providing wrong information just because you like your xoom so much.
Inviato dal mio GT-I9100 usando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not that. Its like this, I'm a loyal HTC customer, and not a big fan of samsungs phones. But do I go post in the captivate forum talking crap about a product I don't own, when someone needs help with a valid question? No. That's rude and counterproductive
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

I chose the xoom because I like the nice solid feel, I hate UI overlays and know how google beautifully supports devices they use to launch a new version of android. Also, I purchased mine before there was any competition, Ive played with a few other tabs, the galaxy felt flimsy, the transformer was about equal to my xoom IMO, and the Acer felt.... awkward I guess
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

boglwe said:
Your comparing the two worst 3.1 tablets on the market. Go with Samsung 10.1 or better yet, Asus transformer.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asus Transformer? Are you kidding?
I am on my second TF. There are some major manufacturing issues with this device. The screen bleeds light from around the edges, the battery drain on their dock, speaker issues, Flash 10.3 at 6 frames/sec, etc. IMHO, the TF is not a good device at all. The 32GB TF was $499, the dock was $149. I had to return the device once and the new one, well, it is OK but no better. I think the Asus TF is sexy but overpriced. I got my Xoom for $499 and it just has a better feel and operates better. Once I get my 3.2 OTA update to have a MicroSD, the Xoom will probably be my favorite.

I did and I'm happy I did it.

I just got 3.2 last night. There's not really much use for the SD card. Or, I haven't figured it out, and ive spent alot of time trying, and the only way I can even see files on it was a file manager, but its already partitioned for my evo. So I think I may need to find a new one and try it.
3.2 is even faster and less battery draining, less force closes across all aps, and the portrait home/app screen is now lag free for me. The keyboard feels improved and auto correct and predict seem more intelligent. Zooming apps is nice. Browser is snappier along with most all data using apps. Maybe some updating on that end?
I'm very happy with my xoom after 3.2
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

Best android tablet, preferably one that will be updated to ics

So I'm getting ready to dump my ipad. I personally have narrowed it down to the Acer iconia a500 and the Asus transformer. I was also maybe considering the galaxy tab 7 plus cause I like the idea of a smaller more portable tablet. What are my fellow Atrix users rocking in the tablet space?! Suggestions and comments welcome. I've been researching all day. I'd also like to be fairly certain that what I buy will get ics and/or has an unlocked bootloader. Thanks!
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

EDIT:
Was waay late last night when I somehow surfed to this page. I was the one confused about threads, my bad. Android Central posted a "Will my tablet get ICS?" Maybe that helps.

Wherever it belongs; I'd like to hear peoples thoughts too. Although I want to get a new motorbike before I splurge on a tablet... so I probably wont purchase for at least another 6 months.
All the same... Thoughts?

i have samsung tab 10.1 and its great

I have a transformer and it's really awesome Asus updates it really fast and there is a lot yo can do with it as well as it being cheaper then all other 10.1' tabs

Now I I don't know much about honeycomb. But it isn't all that from what I've read. The Acer has a tft screen and the transformer has an ips screen (Technically better) i think. my issue with the galaxy tabs is their adapters that are needed. Very ipad like in my opinion.
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

What tablet?

I'm looking to get an android tablet and I've narrowed it down to 3. Asus transformer, Acer iconia a500 or Motorola xoom I've chose these 3 as they are fairly cheap and look set to get much cheaper as new tablets come out. The only problem I have is all reviews I read are heavily biased towards an ipad2. I would like some honest opinions from people who have actually used the devices, rooted them installed custom roms and also what apps are like running as I've read apps don't all work at full screen on 10" screens.
Cheers in advance for any advice.
Sent from my Desire S using xda premium

goatimus said:
I'm looking to get an android tablet and I've narrowed it down to 3. Asus transformer, Acer iconia a500 or Motorola xoom I've chose these 3 as they are fairly cheap and look set to get much cheaper as new tablets come out. The only problem I have is all reviews I read are heavily biased towards an ipad2. I would like some honest opinions from people who have actually used the devices, rooted them installed custom roms and also what apps are like running as I've read apps don't all work at full screen on 10" screens.
Cheers in advance for any advice.
Sent from my Desire S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Asus Transformer Prime has the best stats, but I think you're referring to the eeePad Transformer in your list (which IMHO looks like crap from the reviews I've read).
From the 3 you listed, I'd go with the Xoom. But seriously, why not just save for a couple more months and get the Asus Transformer Prime. You'll thank yourself later!

Did look at them and they look nice but its not a matter of saving I just don't want to spend that much on what is really just a toy for me (can't see it replacing my PC). What I'm more concerned with is the report I read that a lot of apps don't scale up to the big screen. Is this true or was it just another apple fanboy slagging of anything non apple.
Sent from my Desire S using xda premium

The whole belief that honeycomb is unfriendly to apps total BS. I have had a Transformer since April and have rooted it and am running Revolver rom and even before i rooted it it was extremely slick. The home screen isn't very good but install ADW EX and you get the best homescreen experience ever. I have over 100 apps on mine and they all work great and look beautiful. You will, of coarse, find some that aren't that great but that happens everywhere.
Now as a transformer owner i can honestly recommend any android tablet to someone ( Who actually knows abut android) and you will enjoy it. I would suggest you get the Prime though because it's much better and you get more for your money. Asus is really great with updates so you shouldn't have to root it for a while
Also also on it being a toy, it can totally replace you destop, you can get the keyboard dock when you want and make it a full on ultrabook

The transformer is my favourite so far in my opinion it looks nice. I love android so its nice to know it runs nice. Thanks for letting me know about the apps it was my main concern. Now which one to chose? Hmmm.....
Sent from my Desire S using xda premium

If you are going for first generation tablets the transformer is the way to go but with CES this week you should wait to see what comes out of there

One thing I forgot to ask if I replace my PC can I still perform adb functions for my phone or do I still need windows.
Sent from my Desire S using xda premium

I also have a OG Transformer, and I like it a lot. It's fast, good looking and the dock is very cool. If you can find it for 300 bucks just buy it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

I have a galaxy tab 10.1 and I really like it. My wife has an ipad2 and here is my take on these things. The galaxy tab is every bit as good as the ipad in many areas. internet browsing, email, etc. Where it falls behind the ipad is the apps.
My wife has Hbogo on her's, but I cant get it on mine. My wife has directv app which can watch some live tv, my same directv app doesn't have this feature. There are some great apps for the android tablets, but not nearly as many as the ipad2. The android apps don't seem to get all the attention as the ipad's.
I still like my tab a lot and I am hoping the apps will catch up.

I've owned a Xoom, Galaxy Tab 10.1, and the original Transformer.
If I had to choose between those three I think I would pick the original Transformer by Asus. Best experience I had out of the box.
Galaxy tab 10.1 was a very close second.
Now it is all about the Transformer Prime for me though. All I have to do is find one for sale.

HP Touchpad
kidding....but honestly if you can find one for ~$100 it can be quite possibly the best tablet available. Android is quite stable, even though currently its running gingerbread.
But I would wait, like someone said above CES is right around the corner, and who knows, ASUS could be like Sony and drop the price on the prime by $100. But if you are really set on a tablet now, do you really want something that is over a year old.
I would also consider that you take a look at the Tablet S with their recent price drop.

HP TouchPad
Not kidding.
Seriously, take a look at the forum for them, CM7 is coming along, CM9/ICS is progressing, and webOS is solid. At least consider it. 1.2GHz dual core, 1GB RAM, 10" screen, wireless charging dock available. The TouchPad had sold more units than any android tablet. The iPad is the only tablet that sold more units period. The cheaper than dirt price helped, but all those units out there mean there is a large userbase, and plenty of support.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)

Best Tablet

Okay guys, I need some advice here. I am going to be forced to buy a tablet for work. I am the salesman of the month and what they do is give $500 or an IPad if you don't have a tablet. This will be used primarily for work with office software, emails, remote desktop, etc.
I am not sure that I want the IPad. I am thinking Android but not very familiar with the tablets. My brother had a Xoom and I am not crazy about it. I was wanting to decide on something so I might be able to get it in the Market Place here on XDA. I also think I want to be able to buy accessories like a dock,etc.to use with it.
Let me know what you guys think.....
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Just FYI, the $500 limit is probably unrealistic. Especially with a dock, etc..
I do love my Samsung Galaxy 10.1" 32GB, but they can't sell them now or something because of a law suit with Apple'
I also have an ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T Tablet 64GB and it is quick! But a TF300T would probably serve you real well!
Just make sure not to go below 32GB. You won't be happy if you do!
The ASUS has a really nice dock, if you're going to do a lot of typing. As for remote, TeamViewer puts the PC's desktop on your tablet.
Hope this helps!

I'd second a recommendation for the Asus TF300 or TF700 series. If you opt for a $700, you can buy a TF201 Prime dock that will work with the new Infinity tablet. I mention this as it will be cheaper than the official TF700 keyboard dock ($30 - 40).

My brother has the original galaxy tab that I could probably pick if for $100 but it has a very small screen and not much storage. It does have an SD card slot though.
Do any of you think the IPad is better than an Android tablet for office stuff? I will not be gaming on it, never really liked it or don't have the time.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

HHF2 said:
Do any of you think the IPad is better than an Android tablet for office stuff? I will not be gaming on it, never really liked it or don't have the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really give a non-biased answer on that. I know people that have iPads and have integrated them with their day-to-day work, but more often than not I see them playing games or checking email and not really do anything that's specific to the platform.
I know I personally would opt for the Android tablet route, but for e-mail, remote desktop, etc I think the apps are good on both sides of the fence and you'll be happy either way you go

Samsung
If you want an android tablet Samsung is probably the way to go

What would be a good price on the original 7" tablet that he has? It is Verizon 3g leather case and dock. He has it on a data plan now but I think I will use WiFi only. Oh it also has the SD card slot and is 8/10.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

I think both samsung and ipad is the best.. Samsung has a good at picture quality and a lots application on market.. Same to ipad.. U can get a lots of application trough cydia..
Sent from my GT-P6200 using Tapatalk 2

i heard that asus transformer tablets are good, you can search for some reviews, also you can put a poll with some tablets to see wich one is the favorite , and lastly, congratulations for being the salesman of the month!!

I have a tf300 with a dock and love it. I got mine for 530 with dock i know you can get it cheaper online as i got mine from best buy.
Sent from my VS840 4G using xda premium

zack0886 said:
I think both samsung and ipad is the best.. Samsung has a good at picture quality and a lots application on market.. Same to ipad.. U can get a lots of application trough cydia..
Sent from my GT-P6200 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new tab2 from samsung is very good one....

You guys are slacking. Nexus 7 16GB and pocket $250 for accessories...beer money...hookers and blow.
7"-8" is where it's at for portability. Who wants to lug around a freaking iPad all day.
If you absolutely need storage then OTG cable or wi-drive such as AirStash or Kingston Wi-Drive...
I don't know how anyone can be on XDA and still stomach it to wake up in the morning owning an Apple product. Wasn't so bad previously, but this latest round of lawsuits has gotten out of hand and I choose to practice what I preach.

Google nexus 7 if you are covered by wifi , if not go for the new Sammy 10.1 note that's going to sell in 2 weeks.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Nexus 7.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

nexus 7 or transformer pad

ipad 2

Well, I'd say Xoom 2. It's beautiful and has a great built quality (and it's also water resistant).

I'd go for the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T.
The display and processor are simply hard to beat!

Asus Transformer is hands down the best.

Usability, the Samsung is the clear winner. The ASUS has no Task Manager (likke in Win). It has no screen captue icon in the Task/Status Bar. The ASUS powers up just from plugging it in to charge and there's no way to see how much charge it has, without starting it up.
These things do make a big difference and they are annoying weaknesses of the ASUS TF700T! In fact, I'm debating returning the ASUS and keeping my slower Samsung because of these things only. But I do like how fast and smooth the ASUS is and how good its screen looks.
However, without ebing able to root this ASUS, I can't do a lot of what I need to do and the DebugFS rooting method acts like it worked, but it doesn't and I can't post to that thread yet, because you have to jump thru hoops here first. So far its been a few days and I'll have a few more to go before I can post there, if I still even can. No offense to the admins, but it really pisses me off! I came here for one reason and one reason only and that was to address the developer about why it's not working for me and that will take a week! I will probably have returned the ASUS by then and say screw it. I wouldn't care if I could find another way to root it, but Google gives me no love there.
I know that last part seems off-topic, but it's not, considering how many people will need to be able to root and that being part of a recommendation and fols having problems with what seems to be the only rooting method available and no way to ask for help here, if they just got the device, find out the developer posts here and have to wait days just to ask a lousy question.
So as weird as it sounds, the ASUS has a mark against it due to XDA-Forums. If the util doesn't work, that is. Again, no offense. That's just the way it is.
Moral of the story? If you need to root, you can try the ASUS if you want. But if the util doesn't work right away and you don't have the privileges here, then just return it and get the Samsung, if you can't wait. Otherwise, just get the Samsung. It will root easy enough. If the situation weren't what it is with access to the developer, then no big deal.

Overall opinions tf300

Bought tablet last nite $279 best buy. Have 30days to return. Not sure if I'm gonna unlock and root device. Not enough tools available. Just looking for some feedback of ppl who have owned the device for awhile. Thanx in advance.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

I've owned my 32gb since the day after Black Friday and I just picked up the dock a little over a week ago. I installed TWRP and a custom ROM the first day I had it and have been very impressed so far. If I had or to do over knowing what I know now, I would not change a thing. This is a great tablet and it also has a great community here at XDA with a lot development going on.
Sent from my Transformer Pad TF300T using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2

this tablet is awesome, until you brick it, then its a nightmare

Tf300 = tf700
Look at it this way. From the current breed of tablets, the Asus Transformer Infinity and Prime are still considered one of the best.
The major difference between those tablets and the TF300 is the display. But if you ask me the IPS panel on the TF300 is really bright and good and I would not spend the extra bucks for just the + (plus) in the IPS .
Of course from the technical aspect, the chipset and the resolution are better in the Infinity but the same in the Prime.
With the current set of ROMs available for TF300 we can overclock up to 1.7 Ghz too.
From the everyday usage point of view, I am really amazed by the good battery life, clear and crisp sound from the speakers and the acceptable device weight all at a killer price.
You have picked the best tablet so cheer up and start installing apps! :good:

Def looking forward to getting home and digging in. As well as unlocking and rooting the device. Is there a one click tool out there?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

No. You're gonna need to install SDK with fast boot on your PC then unlock your tablet with the Asus unlocker tool if it came with Jelly Bean installed on it. There is a good possibility you may need to wait a few days for Asus to enter your information into their data base before the unlocker will work on your tablet. I didnt but many are experiencing that problem.
You will then need to flash a recovery on your tablet.
I highly recommend installing TRWP as your recovery too. CWM doesn't work well for a lot people.
There are quite a few tutorials in here telling you what you'll need to do. Remember to ask questions FIRST!
Best of luck. :thumbup:
Sent from my LG-LG855 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2