[Q] Debating Xoom... - Xoom Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Would you guys say it'd be wise getting a Xoom at this point? I love the connectivity and dont mind the weight. Its the screen im not sure about...u guys happy with it?
Now that its been around for a wile do you guys have any regrets or would you recommend it instead of other, more recent and lightweight tablets?
I'd appreciate your thoughts...

tivchev said:
Would you guys say it'd be wise getting a Xoom at this point? I love the connectivity and dont mind the weight. Its the screen im not sure about...u guys happy with it?
Now that its been around for a wile do you guys have any regrets or would you recommend it instead of other, more recent and lightweight tablets?
I'd appreciate your thoughts...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll jump right in and say that I love mine. I've got a great screen, and there are some that seem a bit washed out, so you might want to look at the one you're getting just to make sure you like the colors and saturation is ok. Xoom has a more natural level of saturation than some of the other tabs that are going for drama. I think this is a great time to get a Xoom because Ice Cream Sandwich is coming and I think it will solve many of the issues people have been having with stock Honeycomb. Those of us who are rooted and use custom Roms/kernels already have a taste of ICS as the developers have tweaked and added lots of functionality to the basic Honeycomb OS, but with the ICS source code to be released, we'll have lots of great custom roms, because the xoom is a developer's tablet. This tab is only getting better. Still has great hardware specs, is tough, almost un-brickable and does just about all I could ask for. There is room for improvement though, especially on the software side, so it will be an exciting time.
If you can get a good deal on a new or gently used Xoom, I advise that you go for it.

Don't have a xoom wish i had wait a week later, i do enjoy my acer 500.

I just bought one from Ebay - UK one originally from John Lewis. It has 3g and Wifi - very excited and it only cost me £280.
I currently have a rooted, overclocked and tweaked HTC Desire HD and absolutely love it. I get 2 days battery life out of it, lots of great tweaks and am so glad that I had my iPhone stolen 8 months ago! I would have ignored Android if it weren't for those theives!
I am now looking forward to rooting and tinkering about with my Xoom once it arrives.... Monday hopefully!
Any recommendations root and rom wise for a complete and utter noob?

32G, right? I hope so!
Looks like you guys are getting the 3.2 update OTA for those that are not rooted. You could accept the update and then unlock, fastboot flash CWM recovery (I prefer the solarnz R4c v3.2.0.0, myself) and then root using solarnz' Universal Xoom Root zip and then flash Tiamat Moray Rom, etc...
here is a guide that can help...it's a lot to digest but it sounds like you have experience:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1249798
Also, check out this thread for lots of great info, and app suggestions:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1209341
Happy Xooming!

Related

Xoom users

got a trade offer for a Xoom, I was just curious being a new Android user over the past 5 months and loving my HTC Inspire how you guys like your Xoom tablet ? I got till tomorrow to make the trade any input would be much appreciated
I love my tablet, much easier to use the browser and the bigger screen is great for games and documents.
CompCrash said:
I love my tablet, much easier to use the browser and the bigger screen is great for games and documents.
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Click to collapse
We've produced a large number of "why I love my Xoom" threads...well it's really great. I can do so much with it and it's always with me. My family's actually jealous of my relationship with it, lol.
There's a great community of developers and enthusiasts and everyone tries to help each other root and mod and test new stuff. The Xoom's great as a stock pure Google Experience tab, but it really shines when it's rooted and running custom roms/kernels. It's also built like a tank and is really hard to brick. So yeah, I think it would be a good trade.

xoom or next motorola tablet?

so i got my mom an ipad 2 over the weekend. and seeing her use a tablet is making think that i should invest in a tablet.
haven't really played with a xoom before. but from the ipad, the ui is so smooth. i'm hoping that the xoom will be somewhat as smooth.
but functionality wise, i think the xoom is a better fit for my everyday needs. however, since the xoom is already a few months old, should i just wait for the new motorola tablet or bite the bullet and play the wait and see game?
+1 I too would like to know..
To wait for the Xoom 2? or get the Xoom?.
Will the current Xoom still be rolling with the big shots in 6 months time??
Knock Knock.... said:
+1 I too would like to know..
To wait for the Xoom 2? or get the Xoom?.
Will the current Xoom still be rolling with the big shots in 6 months time??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we all expect that the original Xoom will get Ice Cream Sandwich OTA pretty soon, or it will at least be ported as any number of roms from our fabulous development team. There's no way of knowing how good or how much better any near future tablet releases will be, and while the original Xoom is by no means a one-click root machine, it has an oem unlockable bootloader and it's really pretty fast and easy to root it if you follow instructions and don't "invent" your own methods...it's actually hard (though not impossible) to brick it; that said, there's no telling what future tablets will be like...will they be locked-down or unlockable like the current (oiginal) Xoom?
The original Xoom is a fantastic device: built like a tank, really good specs, and great performance, especially with some tweaks. Some people don't like the screen, but I love mine, so no complaint there. Actually, beween the great Moray 2.2.2 Rom, the overclocked gpu kernel, and the ADW EX Launcher, I can't really ask for too much more. The ICS specs look incrementally better than Honeycomb, and new hardware is usually faster and better than older hardware, but I'm not tempted by anything else I've seen so far.
Also, would you really rather wait two-three months for something unknown to materialize or get something great to use right now?
my rule of thumb for gadgets and whatnots is not to get the 1st gen of anything because there are always kinks and other things that need to be worked on.
i think i'm going to wait for the new xoom tablet. ICS looks amazing. and if moto comes out with a new xoom with better hardware backed up with a vanilla ICS, i think that would be a clear winner.
arcticreaver said:
my rule of thumb for gadgets and whatnots is not to get the 1st gen of anything because there are always kinks and other things that need to be worked on.
i think i'm going to wait for the new xoom tablet. ICS looks amazing. and if moto comes out with a new xoom with better hardware backed up with a vanilla ICS, i think that would be a clear winner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's your rule of thumb, then by all means "to thine own self be true."
I've read that the new xoom is still going to be running a dual core processor. Im not sure how much better in performance it is to the dual core processor in the current xoom, but considering the money you'll be spending maybe that factor should be thrown in too. Besides you can always overclock the original xoom for better performance.
Also Kal-el quad cores aren't too far off either. If you've got the patience of a saint you could save your money and get one of them
looks like the new asus transformer 2 might have that new nvidia chipset - tegra 3. seeing how asus have better price point for basically the same hardware, might just go with asus for my next tablet. hopefully they don't skin their own version of honeycomb or ics for the transformer 2.
Exactly ..if anyone has been following what i said way back months ago about Asus dropping their tablet in October.Now it makes perfect sense.Asus was waiting on ICS.Now they're about to release their tablet just in time with ICS on it.If they do it..it will bye bye Xoom.Motorola better step up to the plate!!!
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/asus-jonney-shih-unveils-transformer-2-at-asiad/
And there we go. Release details in November. Tho it doesn't seem it'll have ics at launch
the sleek design on the tablet with the fact that it has tegra 3 quad core processor with 14 hours of life makes this #1 on my tablet wishlist.
looks like it will be a good enough netbook as well. my 1st gen macbook pro with intel processor is super slow these days.
I'm getting one.Motorola looks like they're going to drop the ball with the new XOOM. So it will be bye bye Verizon.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
If the weight is not big to you, go ahead and get it. I have one and think it is great.
Please thank me if I helped.
For me the deciding factor for considering a Xoom 2 will be if hardware/firmware showcases the new ICS digital input API so apps for scribe, annotation, and pressure sensitive drawing. I have come to use my Tiamat Xoom WiFi as an "at home" device and MoDaCo/HC-leak HTC Flyer WiFi as my "at work" slate for the often used scribe tools. Though the HTC Sense is a well done UI, I prefer vanilla Android so an ICS port will turn the Flyer in to cool 7" showcase of new input API but the new mid screen size Xoom might fit my work needs perfectly.
...xoom posted...

development dead?

now, i understand that development takes time, but given the potential of this tablet, i am somewhat dissapointed. i haven't really seen much progress past getting root, unlock, a recovery, a few roms based on stock, and one guy trying to port cm10. i guess what we are waiting for is the official jellybean upgrade before development picks up.
tweeklulz said:
now, i understand that development takes time, but given the potential of this tablet, i am somewhat dissapointed. i haven't really seen much progress past getting root, unlock, a recovery, a few roms based on stock, and one guy trying to port cm10. i guess what we are waiting for is the official jellybean upgrade before development picks up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel you buddy, I'm coming from the Epic Touch forum that is very active in the development area. I too am disappointed with the lack of devs and ROMs for this tablet, but you have to realize its still fairly new and pretty expensive. I imagine most tablet devs would gravitate toward the Nexus 7 instead. Give it some time though, more will come.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch.
SuperSwagSauce said:
I feel you buddy, I'm coming from the Epic Touch forum that is very active in the development area. I too am disappointed with the lack of devs and ROMs for this tablet, but you have to realize its still fairly new and pretty expensive. I imagine most tablet devs would gravitate toward the Nexus 7 instead. Give it some time though, more will come.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, and they released this iteration way too soon (<6 months i think) for devs to leave their primes
I think a lot of the devs have sent theirs back. I'm kind of wishing I had with mine. Pretty disappointed with the device so far.
One of the AOKP devs is working on a port to the tf700, and judging by his twitter the only major things holding him back from a release are issues with Bluetooth and some visual glitches. Once we have that, roms should follow since we'll have a working AOSP base.
His twitter account is here:
www.twitter.com/_mrbirdman_
Actually to me, having custom ROMS on tablets is a little overrated. Root I can understand but seeing as I have owned the Xoom, Prime, and new the Infinity, must of the ROMS I have played with didn't add that much to the experience that stock already had. Outside of being able to use Sixaxis app, I have had little interest in rooting this Infinity. I think the wait for Jellybean is going to be with it.
Add in the fact that people are doing this on their free time, taking time away from their families, waiting a little bit won't hurt too bad.
SuperSwagSauce said:
I feel you buddy, I'm coming from the Epic Touch forum that is very active in the development area. I too am disappointed with the lack of devs and ROMs for this tablet, but you have to realize its still fairly new and pretty expensive. I imagine most tablet devs would gravitate toward the Nexus 7 instead. Give it some time though, more will come.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and if you were in the e4gt forums from the beginning you will remember that it took several months for anything worth while to show up and how long for stable cm9? it took that forum quite a while to really get going.
legendary1022 said:
Actually to me, having custom ROMS on tablets is a little overrated. Root I can understand but seeing as I have owned the Xoom, Prime, and new the Infinity, must of the ROMS I have played with didn't add that much to the experience that stock already had. Outside of being able to use Sixaxis app, I have had little interest in rooting this Infinity. I think the wait for Jellybean is going to be with it.
Add in the fact that people are doing this on their free time, taking time away from their families, waiting a little bit won't hurt too bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well to each their own, but to me, it's in custom development that you really begin to use the device to it's full potential. For instance, the OG Xoom has been literally given new life with EOS Jellybean builds. Yes, the Xoom wifi did get the JB OTA update, but stock JB is nowhere near as great as the EOS nightlies. They have tweaked it to capacity. The same will happen with the TF700 in time, I hope.
I also have the Nexus 7 and it's true that development has exploded for it, but honestly, it's a really limited device. For that reason, devs are in a performance competition...pushing things to the max. The TF700 though needs to be able to work really well...we'll need to be able to find the balance between high performance and stability. The fact that it's not really skinned is in its favor. It's not a Nexus device though and so some devs will not be interested in working with it.
Part of the problem in developing custom roms - which I have been doing for the Galaxy S 2/3 - is that currently you cannot decompile/recompile the SystemUI.apk file for the TF700T. XDA user iBotPeaches has taken over development of the apktool (tool to decompile/recompile APKs) project and is aware of the problem I and others are having. He is working to fix it.
As soon as it is fixed, I will be releasing a custom rom for the TF700T, but I need to make changes to the SystemUI.apk file. I can decompile/recompile the framework-res.apk file (have added CRT OFF effect already - and it works better than on my Galaxy S3).
So please have a little patience while the development tools are fixed and improved.
One other point to consider is that the Jelly Bean update is right around the corner, so putting much effort into modifying the current ICS version or actually making Jelly Bean work on the tablet is a waste of time.

Still worth buying as a budget device?

Hi Blaze friends,
I'm looking for a budget device for some family members and am curious if the Blaze still fits the bill. I'll be able to buy them new at $130 off contract and am looking to upgrade from a Galaxy S 4g, mostly because they're having some hardware issues.
My goal is something less than $150 and I think this is the best Android option I'm able to find. I'm mostly considering this or a Lumia 521 (no need to warm me about WP8 ).
Also, if you guys still suggest buying a Blaze, could you also recommend a rock solid ROM (stock is a valid option if y'all say it's good) that won't require regular tech support?
Many thanks from a Nexus/AOKP guy!
-Jax
Jaxidian said:
Hi Blaze friends,
I'm looking for a budget device for some family members and am curious if the Blaze still fits the bill. I'll be able to buy them new at $130 off contract and am looking to upgrade from a Galaxy S 4g, mostly because they're having some hardware issues.
My goal is something less than $150 and I think this is the best Android option I'm able to find. I'm mostly considering this or a Lumia 521 (no need to warm me about WP8 ).
Also, if you guys still suggest buying a Blaze, could you also recommend a rock solid ROM (stock is a valid option if y'all say it's good) that won't require regular tech support?
Many thanks from a Nexus/AOKP guy!
-Jax
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend getting this phone! It's amazing. Especially with all the new ROMs we are receiving from the amazing developers on here! A good solid ROM is Dirty Unicorns (my opinion) but it would vary among other users. Always read the bug list though. Its fairly stable now and I'm sure most of the bugs are squashed. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask this spectacular community!
xWolf13 said:
I recommend getting this phone! It's amazing. Especially with all the new ROMs we are receiving from the amazing developers on here! A good solid ROM is Dirty Unicorns (my opinion) but it would vary among other users. Always read the bug list though. Its fairly stable now and I'm sure most of the bugs are squashed. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask this spectacular community!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I really appreciate the feedback!
Jaxidian said:
Thank you. I really appreciate the feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this phone is good and bad.
figure out if you need the size. If you don't want to go larger, this is about the best phone you can find.
There are some restrictions though. This isn't one of the mainstream CyanogenMod phones so doesn't get updates as fast as some others, even older ones. Also since it's been orphaned by Samsung, we probably will have a kernel problem within the next few generations of OS.
Also. The tiny internal storage has been a problem. Mostly this means you have to use a SD card and then install a 3rd party Camera app to allow for storage to the SD card, which can't be done automatically. I'd suggest Snap Camera or Camera JB+ for this (both $).
I have one with a cracked screen that I'm selling for $50. It's on T-Mobile right now though.
I wouldn't pay $130 for it since they are going on Craigslist for about $90 in good or near new shape. But I'm okay buying and selling used and do it regularly so that's a factor.
Overall. I'd go with a SGS II instead of the Blaze if size and the small price difference isn't a big deal for you. The SGSII has similar specs and a larger screen but with better XDA support as well as a lot more people out there with them, so the community is a bit stronger.
Just my not so humble opinion.
Just bought this phone for $130 new from HSN for my mom (her very first smartphone). What's the latest official update for this phone, I know it at least has ICS correct? Is it still stuck on that or has it been officially updated to JB? Thanks guys!
mackster248 said:
Just bought this phone for $130 new from HSN for my mom (her very first smartphone). What's the latest official update for this phone, I know it at least has ICS correct? Is it still stuck on that or has it been officially updated to JB? Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're stuck on ICS unless you go aftermarket. They've stopped releasing updates for this phone. That said, ICS isn't too shabby.
Jaxidian said:
You're stuck on ICS unless you go aftermarket. They've stopped releasing updates for this phone. That said, ICS isn't too shabby.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! Tempted to root it... But I suppose ICS will suffice.
mackster248 said:
Thanks man! Tempted to root it... But I suppose ICS will suffice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it were for me, I'd root it. If for somebody I don't want to provide tech support for, I'd leave it.
Jaxidian said:
If it were for me, I'd root it. If for somebody I don't want to provide tech support for, I'd leave it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol yeah my thoughts exactly. Does it require a micro SIM or regular one?
mackster248 said:
Lol yeah my thoughts exactly. Does it require a micro SIM or regular one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regular
I'm in the same boat as mackster in that I bought it on HSN and am now waiting for the shipment... on the bright side it's not for my mom.
I'm not one to spend as mush as I might on a laptop for a phone so this will be a step up from my Exhibit II 4g from two years ago. Faster processor and larger screen... I'm happy with that for $129.00
I've rooted and tried various roms on my Exhibit so I'm scannig the roms availalbe here now. If anyone has already done the heavy lifting I'm open to suggestions for your opinions on the best rom. My needs in order of importance are:
1. STABILITY
2. Battery life
3. Photos (and ability to save to external DS)
4. Bloat removal (in rom if possible)
4. Wi-Fi calling still functioning
5. Root would be nice (i have many apks)
6. Mapping (aka driving directions) works
I see many roms listing problems with the compass and the camera. I guess I would like a newer version of droid but if ICS meets all of my above needs then I'd be perfectly happy with that too.
Anyone have suggestions?
I have a feeling that you should be looking at mature ICS ROMs. I don't have the phone so I can't say for sure, but that's my gut feeling based on your requirements.
If I remember right, you might want to stay on stock ics. Wifi calling is a no-go on jb. Not sure if it's up and running on jb 4.3, but know for sure it's not on 4.1.2.
Sent from a Blazing PACMAN devouring ALL...
njstein said:
If I remember right, you might want to stay on stock ics. Wifi calling is a no-go on jb. Not sure if it's up and running on jb 4.3, but know for sure it's not on 4.1.2.
Sent from a Blazing PACMAN devouring ALL...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think WiFi Calling has been ported to any non-stock-based JB ROMs for any devices. Definitely not available for general use.
Thanks for the replies... I don't suppose there's a bloatfree stock ROM like I had found for my Exhibit? Otherwise I guess it's time to dust off Titanium and start freezing/uninstalling bloat
gmolds said:
Thanks for the replies... I don't suppose there's a bloatfree stock ROM like I had found for my Exhibit? Otherwise I guess it's time to dust off Titanium and start freezing/uninstalling bloat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several AOSP-based options. I can't vouch for the quality of them so you'll have to play with them to find out. But I'd stick with what seems like mature ICS offerings though.
Where is this thank button... I don't seem to see it.
Found it

Thinking of getting one, is it right for me? (questions about rooting)

So I'm a noob when it comes to root/flashing. I did update my Verzion Nexus 6 though.. Thinking of getting this since they are cheap enoufe on Ebay but only if I can get a stockish rom up and running on it. Is there good noob friendly guides for doing this? My use case for the tablet is movies/youtube/internet browsing. Seems like it's the only "big" tablet that is affordable.
Fahrenheit85 said:
So I'm a noob when it comes to root/flashing. I did update my Verzion Nexus 6 though.. Thinking of getting this since they are cheap enoufe on Ebay but only if I can get a stockish rom up and running on it. Is there good noob friendly guides for doing this? My use case for the tablet is movies/youtube/internet browsing. Seems like it's the only "big" tablet that is affordable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much development for these tablets so stockish or CM is all you'll get. What variant you looking at, WiFi or LTE (if LTE what carrier)? Why root?
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
muzzy996 said:
Not much development for these tablets so stockish or CM is all you'll get. What variant you looking at, WiFi or LTE (if LTE what carrier)? Why root?
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to ditch touchwiz and have a newer OS
It comes -- or can be safely updated -- to stock Lollipop. And it is actually quite nice, touchwiz and all. That didn't stop me from rooting and installing the CM 12 version of Android.... the fellah that's worked on that is also working on a Marshmallow CM version for our tablets. But it ain't here yet.
As far as the tablet goes... sweetness. You should sort out what you're gonna use it for, and if the list makes sense, jump.
Blessings on this Good Friday.
I'm of a mind to ask "why root?" What little you gain seems unbalanced to potential issues you create. I am a power user of this tablet and while there are some minor benefits to rooting (minor enough not to bother), the first consideration out the gate, even before getting it is 'whatcha gonna do with it?" You little list of things you want to do is no problem for this tablet "as is". I would be primarily concerened about getting a clean bright display, no dead pixels, excellen response to touch and pen, reliably long battery life.
Its like buying a sports car. You want to play mechaninc and endlessly tweak it or you want to get out there and drive? I am primarily driver oriented. Yes, if down the road you want to play mechanic, you can. But in the mean time, don't waste time on time consuming operations that will not help with the driving experience that much.
Its all about priorities. LIfe is short.

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