What's all the freaking fuss about? - Xoom Pricing

[khov07]

[RANT]

Hello All,

I've been taking look at the threads here and frankly, there is way too much whining and complaining about pricing on the Xoom, and how Moto is now losing customers, and how they have ruined the product launch, blah blah blah.

The 32 GB WiFi + 3G iPad is $729 retail. Xoom is set at $799 - what do you get for an extra seventy bucks? Android HC, VZ network, Tegra 2, the ability to drop an SD card in there for loads more storage, and so on. Is that really so unreasonable? Apple has sold millions of iPads at that price point.

And so what if a new iPad (with new, even more 'magical' properties) will be released this summer, dropping the price of the first one...it's still an Apple device, meaning it runs a locked-down OS. If you love Apple and their designs, hey, more power to you, I'm not here to flame your choice. For me: no thanks.

Some have said that they have a rig at home that cost around 800 bucks and it does so much more than a tablet, so the cost for the Xoom is unjustified. Perhaps...but can you take that rig with you everywhere you go? Portability is a premium, so that comparison is an epic fail - it's apples and oranges. "Hey, my bicycle is better than your treadmill!" - huh, really?

And sure, there's a markup because it's new and it's a first, but that is true for every other new piece of tech. The first iPhone adopters paid $600 for their phones! Have we forgotten that little tidbit?

I will admit, it is disappointing that leaks indicate that the Xoom will not receive subsidized pricing through VZ (though I'd like to remind folks that, as far as I have seen, there has yet to be any official word from Big Red on that).

But seriously...if you are disappointed because the price point places this device out of your reach, too bad so sad, go flash another ROM or something, and don't fill these forums with pages of complaints. I'm definitely looking forward to the days after this device is released, so that actual Xoom users can post their reviews, questions, advice, tips, workarounds, and solutions.

[/RANT]

[FLAMING] ...no doubt it's coming.

 

[r0guenj]

i agree.

although I think that the attitude would be a lot different if we were all used to the non-US way of buying cellular devices.

the price is not so much an issue to me considering the hardware. I am not saying I don't have sticker shock, but the price is not the determining factor for me. if the device does everything i need it to then i will buy it. if it lacks something I need, I won't buy it.

 

[csseale]

[RANT]

Hello All,

I've been taking look at the threads here and frankly, there is way too much whining and complaining about pricing on the Xoom, and how Moto is now losing customers, and how they have ruined the product launch, blah blah blah.

The 32 GB WiFi + 3G iPad is $729 retail. Xoom is set at $799 - what do you get for an extra seventy bucks? Android HC, VZ network, Tegra 2, the ability to drop an SD card in there for loads more storage, and so on. Is that really so unreasonable? Apple has sold millions of iPads at that price point.

And so what if a new iPad (with new, even more 'magical' properties) will be released this summer, dropping the price of the first one...it's still an Apple device, meaning it runs a locked-down OS. If you love Apple and their designs, hey, more power to you, I'm not here to flame your choice. For me: no thanks.

Some have said that they have a rig at home that cost around 800 bucks and it does so much more than a tablet, so the cost for the Xoom is unjustified. Perhaps...but can you take that rig with you everywhere you go? Portability is a premium, so that comparison is an epic fail - it's apples and oranges. "Hey, my bicycle is better than your treadmill!" - huh, really?

And sure, there's a markup because it's new and it's a first, but that is true for every other new piece of tech. The first iPhone adopters paid $600 for their phones! Have we forgotten that little tidbit?

I will admit, it is disappointing that leaks indicate that the Xoom will not receive subsidized pricing through VZ (though I'd like to remind folks that, as far as I have seen, there has yet to be any official word from Big Red on that).

But seriously...if you are disappointed because the price point places this device out of your reach, too bad so sad, go flash another ROM or something, and don't fill these forums with pages of complaints. I'm definitely looking forward to the days after this device is released, so that actual Xoom users can post their reviews, questions, advice, tips, workarounds, and solutions.

[/RANT]

[FLAMING] ...no doubt it's coming.

Most are more pissed about the forced carrier activation. You add that on top of the price it truly becomes unreasonable. I was willing to pay the 800 although it would hurt but I understand. But if they force me to get something I don't want then its a no go. That's the majority of the issues.

 

[eallan]

The fuss is about being almost one hundred (!!!!) dollars more than the market leader that basically created the market.

Ignoring the ipad 2 is absolutely idiotic. Its unreleased just like the xoom. The ipad 2 will be much closer in terms of specs at the same price points as now.

The fuss is over the xoom just flat out being overpriced. Sorry, Moto is 0/2 this year so far. Lots of people let down by the atrix and xoom pricing. Just look at their Facebook or twitter. Its not an accident.

 

[feron]

I agree with the OP for the most part.
I also agree with the second post.

I should be able to walk into a non carrier store and purchase the device without paying 20-55 extra bucks to activate it.

That said, I think the ad being spread around was either a pre print mockup or a hoax.
It has spelling mistakes so it can't be the final print version or they'll look like morons - easily fixed before print of course, we'll see.

800 for a choice piece of kit? I'll probably bite but I will wait a few days for the reviews and teardowns to happen, to make sure this is indeed the geek gadget I have been waiting for.

 

[Sirchuk]

I think it's that there isn't a "middle ground." Sure, it's the same as a 32GB 3G iPad, but at least with the iPad you had the option of a 16GB WiFi-Only iPad, here there isn't an option, take it or leave it. I think that's the main issue. The iPad was available to different levels of consumer spending, the Xoom isn't. You just don't have the option, it's top of the line or nothing, and that's the issue.

Plus, $799 is misleading if the fine print is true. To activate WiFi you need at least a month of a data plan. So tack on $35 activation and $20 for a month of slow-ass service, and it's another $55. Plus, whatever it takes you as far as time to cancel the plan, you know Verizon isn't going to just make it a quick 30 second phone call to cancel the monthly service.

Honestly, just this data plan to enable WiFi is enough to make me say no. What the hell good is a tablet with zero internet connection. They should have given 1 month free service, not this additional $55 crap.

So yeah, true price is $855 for a tablet.

Another issue I have is the MOtorola Cliq. For a year they said they would update the OS, and it was in testing, and this and that, and then last week...Nothing. They canceled the update and gave a big "screw you" to their customers. That kind of attitude isn't really a company I wish to support. In 6 months from now, when they anounce the Xoom 2 and Honeycomb 3.5, will the Xoom get an update or will we be left high and dry? The companies track record leaves much to be desired.

I just have a feeling Xoom customers are going to get shafted by Motorola, and this WiFi data thing is just the beginning. It's making me very hesitant to pick up a Xoom.

You know that feeling you get when you're about to do something really stupid and at the moment you do it a loud "OH $HIT, BAD IDEA" resounds in your head? I get that feeling when I consider buying a Xoom.

 

[generic.imitation]

well, I'm not too worried about the price. I doubt the price will be $800 anyway. When the ipad was announced everyone was speculating on the price between 800 - 1200, and it ended up not even being close.

I am an avid stock trader, and keep my ear to the street... Wall Street that is! I took a gander at Motorola Mobility (MMI) and their stock is down a little over 3% today on that pricing fear, so it isn't only people in our community that thinks it's a little high.

But like I said, I'm not worried about it costing $800, because in their Q4 earnings conference call they hinted at the price of the Xoom should be $700. Either way I'm getting this bad boy.

They are also releasing several different tablets this year ranging from 7inch to 11 inch, along with wifi only models.

Here is the article I was paraphrasing.

http://www.trefis.com/articles/3836...-up-20-of-motorola-mobilitys-value/2011-02-07

Hopefully this helps get the word out about pricing.

 

[britoso]

Comparing anything to an apple product doesn't make sense. Apple products are over priced, over hyped and meant for the non tech-savvy/sheep. /rant
I'll only consider the xoom if there are custom roms for it, and also at a lower price as the OS is free.
Dual core laptops have been under $400 for years now.

 

[generic.imitation]

Comparing anything to an apple product doesn't make sense. Apple products are over priced, over hyped and meant for the non tech-savvy/sheep.
I'll only consider the xoom if there are custom roms for it, and also at a lower price as the OS is free.
Dual core laptops have been under $400 for years now.

well, overpriced apple products seem to be cheaper than the xoom according to the Best Buy ad...

I do agree that custom ROMs will be awesome, but for me not the deciding factor. I just really like the new OS, and if I like it, then other people will too. I'm not too picky.

I think the deciding factor will be either the bootloader, or if I cannot activate it where I am currently. (I'm deployed to Iraq, and no VZW cell towers lol)

 

[khov07]

I think it's that there isn't a "middle ground." Sure, it's the same as a 32GB 3G iPad, but at least with the iPad you had the option of a 16GB WiFi-Only iPad, here there isn't an option, take it or leave it. I think that's the main issue. The iPad was available to different levels of consumer spending, the Xoom isn't. You just don't have the option, it's top of the line or nothing, and that's the issue.

Plus, $799 is misleading if the fine print is true. To activate WiFi you need at least a month of a data plan. So tack on $35 activation and $20 for a month of slow-ass service, and it's another $55. Plus, whatever it takes you as far as time to cancel the plan, you know Verizon isn't going to just make it a quick 30 second phone call to cancel the monthly service.

Honestly, just this data plan to enable WiFi is enough to make me say no. What the hell good is a tablet with zero internet connection. They should have given 1 month free service, not this additional $55 crap.

So yeah, true price is $855 for a tablet.

Another issue I have is the MOtorola Cliq. For a year they said they would update the OS, and it was in testing, and this and that, and then last week...Nothing. They canceled the update and gave a big "screw you" to their customers. That kind of attitude isn't really a company I wish to support. In 6 months from now, when they anounce the Xoom 2 and Honeycomb 3.5, will the Xoom get an update or will we be left high and dry? The companies track record leaves much to be desired.

I just have a feeling Xoom customers are going to get shafted by Motorola, and this WiFi data thing is just the beginning. It's making me very hesitant to pick up a Xoom.

You know that feeling you get when you're about to do something really stupid and at the moment you do it a loud "OH $HIT, BAD IDEA" resounds in your head? I get that feeling when I consider buying a Xoom.

OK, so there is no wifi-only version yet, a reasonable objection. There likely will be, just like with the Galaxy Tab, so a little patience is all that's needed.

I do agree that requiring payment of at least one month of data with VZ is unreasonable for those that aren't looking for 3G data service, but again, a wifi-only version will likely be released.

Regarding the iPad 2, someone earlier said that ignoring it would be 'idiotic'. I strongly disagree - it doesn't really matter what specs/pricing/magic it will have, it's still iOS. The market leader doesn't necessarily make the best product for every potential customer, wouldn't you agree?

As I mentioned in another thread, I believe this device will be more successful in the corporate arena. For mobile workers, 3G data service is a necessity, so the lack of a wifi-only option is moot. A tablet is supremely useful for a mobile workforce, especially one with an open OS.

My only true disappointment is that it seems (so far, but once again, no official word yet) that there will be no carrier-subsidized pricing.

 

[Sirchuk]

I do agree that requiring payment of at least one month of data with VZ is unreasonable for those that aren't looking for 3G data service, but again, a wifi-only version will likely be released.

I wonder though, can they really make the WiFi only model that much cheaper than the 3G model? I mean, if you're paying $55 to "activate" WiFi (which, this is essentially what you're doing if you aren't interested in 3G) then shouldn't the WiFi only model be the same price, $800, but with WiFi already turned on? I guess you could reduce the price a little, but it shouldn't be very much if that's the only difference.

Currently, Motorola is making people pay for a standard feature. I wonder how the disclosure will work. If it doesn't say "Monthly data plan required for WiFi access" on the package, aren't they setting themselves up for a lot of returns or a lawsuit?

 

[Xevilious]

Most are more pissed about the forced carrier activation. You add that on top of the price it truly becomes unreasonable. I was willing to pay the 800 although it would hurt but I understand. But if they force me to get something I don't want then its a no go. That's the majority of the issues.

This.

I'm disappointed but unsurprised by the Xoom price. I've said on this and other forums that the price is comparable to the iPad, but I had still hoped that it would be a little less ($6-700).

Really though, I'm more annoyed by the Verizon nastiness than anything else. Forced activation? I also think that their cost/gigabyte is way too high.

I'm still excited for the Xoom, but I'm no longer planning on being a day-one purchaser. Instead I'll wait to see how the G-Slate and T-Mo's data pricing compares.

 

[robbiev80]

I just read this in the Engadget comments:

Igor Kovalenko 43 minutes ago
I work for MOTO and I have no idea what is this about.

My best guess is that this actually refers to the WiFi Hotspot feature - turning that on does actually require "entitlement check" with a carrier. But there is no SW provision (known to me anyway) to somehow block turning on simple WiFi. The initial setup does not require Verizon activation either - you can "skip" and use WiFi for Google setup. At least that is the case on all preliminary SW builds I have tried so far. I don't think that will change.

If Verizon and/or BestBuy have invented something like this, then the best they can do is simply not sell it to you without Verizon account.

 

[feron]

Some guy that claims to be a Moto tester over on the engdaget thread about this says it's probably talking about the wifi hotspot functionality which would cost 20$ plus the activation fee.
According to him he's seen nothing in the builds that would prevent basic wifi from working.

Hearsay of course, but it sounds logical.

 

[asianxtreme]

First of all, I disagree with the original poster's comments about people complaining too much. I think people should complain if they think products are overpriced. Although this might not change Moto's price strategy in the short term, I'm sure the sale figures will eventually reflect the public's discontent. This will make companies like LG, HPalm, etc reconsider their future tablet prices.

Honestly, I don't mind the complaining at all because it lets me know who is going to buy and not going to buy. I, at this point am not planning to buy, feel better that there are others like me that can't afford it. Actually it's not about the price (i actually can afford it); because honestly what's the difference between 700 and 800? I think it's all about value. People want to get a device that they can justify getting.

I think others complaining about the pricing is just as valid as the original poster's complaint about Verizon charging initial service fees. It's all cheap shots that ultimately will work only for dedicated Android developers, rich people, and people who can't take the pressure.

Now I gotta go to class. I'm Late!

 

[khov07]

First of all, I disagree with the original poster's comments about people complaining too much. I think people should complain if they think products are overpriced. Although this might not change Moto's price strategy in the short term, I'm sure the sale figures will eventually reflect the public's discontent. This will make companies like LG, HPalm, etc reconsider their future tablet prices.

Honestly, I don't mind the complaining at all because it lets me know who is going to buy and not going to buy. I, at this point am not planning to buy, feel better that there are others like me that can't afford it. Actually it's not about the price (i actually can afford it); because honestly what's the difference between 700 and 800? I think it's all about value. People want to get a device that they can justify getting.

I think others complaining about the pricing is just as valid as the original poster's complaint about Verizon charging initial service fees. It's all cheap shots that ultimately will work only for dedicated Android developers, rich people, and people who can't take the pressure.

Now I gotta go to class. I'm Late!

Far be it from me to restrict anyone's 1st amendment rights, but shouldn't complaints about product pricing be fielded in the right forum? A tech forum geared toward the development community filled with pages of complaints about pricing seems like wasted space.

How about a discussion here on XDA regarding, you know, the actual technology at hand?

I look forward to getting the device in my hands and discussing issues like performance, battery life, the Honeycomb UI, features, glitches, Exchange synchronization, and all the great things XDA is known for.

 

[Xevilious]

Far be it from me to restrict anyone's 1st amendment rights, but shouldn't complaints about product pricing be fielded in the right forum? A tech forum geared toward the development community filled with pages of complaints about pricing seems like wasted space.

How about a discussion here on XDA regarding, you know, the actual technology at hand?

I look forward to getting the device in my hands and discussing issues like performance, battery life, the Honeycomb UI, features, glitches, Exchange synchronization, and all the great things XDA is known for.

Which would be the right forum? The forum description says: "Discussion about the Motorola Xoom tablet (general Q&A, tips & tricks, etc)". Seems like this is the perfect place for this sort of talk.

 

[asianxtreme]

Which would be the right forum? The forum description says: "Discussion about the Motorola Xoom tablet (general Q&A, tips & tricks, etc)". Seems like this is the perfect place for this sort of talk.

exactly what I was going to say^^^.
There isn't a forum for "ranting" and there isn't even one for you for "ranting about ranting (but still really ranting)" lol.

Also, the right forum for you to discuss the specs and such should be development.

 

[Eclair~]

No, judging from other devices.. development is for things such as ROMs, and kernels. Not specification discussion. That would also go in General. Anything referencing the Xoom in a general sense (may that be discussing it's specs, bashing it's prices, etc. would go in General.

I think.

If you look over to the Nexus One General section, you'd see they actually discuss tablets and whatever else there. Without the threads being deleted. "General" seems really for you to discuss Android with people who own the same device as you.

 

[khov07]

exactly what I was going to say^^^.
There isn't a forum for "ranting" and there isn't even one for you for "ranting about ranting (but still really ranting)" lol.

Also, the right forum for you to discuss the specs and such should be development.

LOL - thanks for the lecture and the laughs, noobs. When you have contributed to the community, let us know.

Back to the subject at hand...

This looks to be a great piece of hardware that may or may not be priced well. In three weeks we should know whether or not it lives up to the hype, and VZ gives you 30 days anyway to try it out (corporate customers anyway).

The G-Slate really doesn't seem to thrill me much. The 3D thing is pretty gimmicky, and is sure to carry a price premium of its own, for a very limited use.