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

[amitks]

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?

Being an Android geek for an year plus now, I doubt that we can see Moto diff from Apple. iOS sucks majorly also because of Apple's lockdown... sounds familiar? Agreed Android as an OS is more flexible even stock, but what makes it fun is the ability to install your own ROMs, keep it running the latest greatest out there, and exploring new possibilities. Don't see that happening if Moto puts this out the Atrix way - locked bootloader and what not. And add to that Verizon's manipulations...

Hmmm... Time to rethink Toshiba or LG, or even Asus

 

[amitks]

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.

Hope this is true, and not some blogger seeking popularity hits

 

[khov07]

Being an Android geek for an year plus now, I doubt that we can see Moto diff from Apple. iOS sucks majorly also because of Apple's lockdown... sounds familiar? Agreed Android as an OS is more flexible even stock, but what makes it fun is the ability to install your own ROMs, keep it running the latest greatest out there, and exploring new possibilities. Don't see that happening if Moto puts this out the Atrix way - locked bootloader and what not. And add to that Verizon's manipulations...

Hmmm... Time to rethink Toshiba or LG, or even Asus

amitks, you are right, Moto has been locking down their devices for some time now, but even out of the box, a Moto running Android has far more flexibility than any iOS device.

Something as simple as being able to plug in your device into any computer and transferring data without having to have some bloated software installed is already an advantage, especially in a corporate environment.

 

[feron]

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.

I'll be taking the 30 day plunge on this one.. Really nice piece of kit, lets hope the devs back it nicely.

 

[muyoso]

Its priced well if Motorola is looking to sell a few tens of thousands of units to absolute enthusiasts. If they are looking to take a chuck of market share from the iPad, then its an absolute joke. Apple has 6 different models which range from $500 to $829. The AVERAGE selling price of an iPad is $600, which means their most popular model is the 16gb wifi model by FAR. Motorola chose not to compete with this most popular version of the iPad, but instead the most expensive and probably the least popular version, all while offering half the storage space.

It doesn't make a bit of difference to the average consumer that the Motorola tablet has a dual core processor or a gig of ram or any of that other internal nonsense. They care (maybe) about the camera and the nice screen and how the OS operates. Trying to sell a newcomer without the Apple name for 50% more expensive than the iPad, which is how a majority of consumers will see it no matter the difference in specs, is RIDICULOUS.

I can't fathom how anyone thinks this is a good business move.

 

[crachel]

One thing to consider too is that Motorola has done basically no work developing the open source OS featured on the Xoom. Apple has to recoup iOS development cost

 

[feron]

Its priced well if Motorola is looking to sell a few tens of thousands of units to absolute enthusiasts. If they are looking to take a chuck of market share from the iPad, then its an absolute joke. Apple has 6 different models which range from $500 to $829. The AVERAGE selling price of an iPad is $600, which means their most popular model is the 16gb wifi model by FAR. Motorola chose not to compete with this most popular version of the iPad, but instead the most expensive and probably the least popular version, all while offering half the storage space.

It doesn't make a bit of difference to the average consumer that the Motorola tablet has a dual core processor or a gig of ram or any of that other internal nonsense. They care (maybe) about the camera and the nice screen and how the OS operates. Trying to sell a newcomer without the Apple name for 50% more expensive than the iPad, which is how a majority of consumers will see it no matter the difference in specs, is RIDICULOUS.

I can't fathom how anyone thinks this is a good business move.

I honestly think they expect the tens of thousands of units to the enthusiast and dev quad... and if they get that they roll with the various form factors and specs a la ipad.. kind of a toe in the water approach.

That mindset said, I'd rather pay a premium and get a pure device (if that is what this is, this remains to be seen), vs one with motoblur craptastic overlays which would most likely be on the 'lesser' varieties.

 

[eallan]

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?

Well, I think that thinking that you can convince anyone, let alone e average consumer, that the xoom is worth more than $300 than the basic iPad (2 which will likely be close in specs) is going to be extremely tough, if not impossible. This is a market created by apple thus far. Attacking them at a price premium is suicide. The average consumer wants the shiny apple product IMO.

 

[feron]

Well, I think that thinking that you can convince anyone, let alone e average consumer, that the xoom is worth more than $300 than the basic iPad (2 which will likely be close in specs) is going to be extremely tough, if not impossible. This is a market created by apple thus far. Attacking them at a price premium is suicide. The average consumer wants the shiny apple product IMO.

Avg consumer point, agreed.. But i don't think the launch is necessarily aimed at Joe Blow, the app market isn't there yet.

During the demo of honeycomb and the xoom, google said they were working on that stable, so I'm speculating here, but I think the real consumer push for wide, cheaper adoption will come towards the summer months.
Fits right with the launch of the other tablets, and the tablets moving towards the holidays.
By then Google and company could deliver a strong list of apps and games, with standardized+ hardware to foot the bill and might actually make a run on iOS and the average Joe.

Pie in the sky thoughts considering, but Goog has stated that as an agenda, of sorts.

 

[fetalp]

DEVS

Well my concern with the product is how many DEVs are gonna buy this tablet over lets say a cheaper more cost efficient tablet like maybe the G-Slate (optimus pad) to work on. I want a Xoom but wow price and forced activation. If more Devs are looking to buy a more OPEN tablet like the LG one then I would rather go that route. Just my 2 cents really!

I know some devs get devices donated or helped paid for to start Cooking ROms for that device, I just see more people going with a product more easier to purchase then the XOOM.

 

[fetalp]

Also like someone said before, Apple is known to overcharge for their products no matter what it is..god even there chargers are expensive. Android was the alternative to a more affordable device with option of more openness and personalization.

 

[eallan]

Avg consumer point, agreed.. But i don't think the launch is necessarily aimed at Joe Blow, the app market isn't there yet.



During the demo of honeycomb and the xoom, google said they were working on that stable, so I'm speculating here, but I think the real consumer push for wide, cheaper adoption will come towards the summer months.

Fits right with the launch of the other tablets, and the tablets moving towards the holidays.

By then Google and company could deliver a strong list of apps and games, with standardized+ hardware to foot the bill and might actually make a run on iOS and the average Joe.



Pie in the sky thoughts considering, but Goog has stated that as an agenda, of sorts.

May be correct on your time frame, to which I suggest that these manufacturers better hurry the hell up before they lose more opportunity.

 

[dapoktan]

I have been anticipating the Xoom since it was announced.. but the pricepoint of 800 dollars plus a required Verizon contract to unlock wifi is disgusting..

Also.. As an avid Android supporter I'm not even that worried that there will still be the core audience looking for an Android over the iOS.. but the general public IS important.. this is where developers look to when developing a new program.. this type of pricing will not allow for the Honeycomb platform to catch up to the already giant lead that the iPad has in user base.. and Especially after the catchy or talked about superbowl XOOM commercial.. announcing this type of price point will only disappoint consumers and give a negative first impression.

 

[eallan]

Also like someone said before, Apple is known to overcharge for their products no matter what it is..god even there chargers are expensive. Android was the alternative to a more affordable device with option of more openness and personalization.

Interesting that Apple is now the far cheaper option isn't it?

 

[eallan]

Got a response from Moto. Most likely throwaway material, but they say pricing is not official for the Xoom at least:

"Dear Eric,

Thanks for reaching out to Motorola.

We understand your concern about the new products of Motorola. Regarding the price and launch date, we do not have the exact information when will the product be released in the market. For updates about these products, please click on the link provided:

To register for atrix updates: https://www.motorola.com/worp/campaigns/coming-soon/USA/
For Motorola XOOM:
www.verizonwireless.com/xoom
or
www.motorola.com/xoom

Media Notes with Specs:
http://mediacenter.motorola.com/Pre...Largest-and-Most-Reliable-3G-Network-353f.asp

We hope that you find this information useful

Thank you for contacting Motorola e-mail support.

Best Regards,

Kurt"

 

[MrDva]

the pricing is ridiclues, 800 and a 'mandatory' data plan.

Here's to Motorola going the way of Atari or the Amiga.

best case is I look for a used one down the road if the price is right and flash the device with something that actually gives me control.

seriously the excitment over all this new stuff is really driving people to pay insane amounts of money and loss of control. It's like being at an auction where people get more caught up with the bidding rather than what their actually buying.

 

[generic.imitation]

well, everyone needs to chill out. The price hasn't been confirmed by anyone that has control over it. Motorola and Verizon both have not said a word, and there is probably a reason for it.

Also, when the Droid X was released it's unsubsidized price was $569. That is the phone I have currently, and I enjoy it (minus the bootloader, but thats a different thread.)

All I'm trying to do is shine some perspective here for everyone. IF.. and this is a big IF -because I'm not convinced- the price does turn out to be $800, then it is $231 more than the Droid X was at launch. The only reason people are bitching is because there is no sign of a subsidized price from Verizon, and noone is used to paying for "mobile" devices unsubsidized in the US. (the mobile term is used loosely for this device)

While I wish there was a wifi only version at launch, I'm not going to miss out on a new cool gadget that I feel can help me out. I hate lugging my laptop on a plane, trying to open it up in coach to watch a movie and have the fat guy in front of me lean his chair back.. We've all been there, and I hate it. I like the ebook reader also, so it hits every need I have as far as a device is concerned. The only thing I do on my PC (that I can't currently do on a tablet) is use GNS3, packet tracer, Eclipse and a few games that I open once a month.

I'm getting it either way, because I like the device, and I have a need for it. (go figure)

This up in arms thing is good tho, because trust me if they bend to the general consensus about the price being too high, it will save me a few bucks!

 

[khov07]

well, everyone needs to chill out. The price hasn't been confirmed by anyone that has control over it. Motorola and Verizon both have not said a word, and there is probably a reason for it.

Also, when the Droid X was released it's unsubsidized price was $569. That is the phone I have currently, and I enjoy it (minus the bootloader, but thats a different thread.)

All I'm trying to do is shine some perspective here for everyone. IF.. and this is a big IF -because I'm not convinced- the price does turn out to be $800, then it is $231 more than the Droid X was at launch. The only reason people are bitching is because there is no sign of a subsidized price from Verizon, and noone is used to paying for "mobile" devices unsubsidized in the US. (the mobile term is used loosely for this device)

While I wish there was a wifi only version at launch, I'm not going to miss out on a new cool gadget that I feel can help me out. I hate lugging my laptop on a plane, trying to open it up in coach to watch a movie and have the fat guy in front of me lean his chair back.. We've all been there, and I hate it. I like the ebook reader also, so it hits every need I have as far as a device is concerned. The only thing I do on my PC (that I can't currently do on a tablet) is use GNS3, packet tracer, Eclipse and a few games that I open once a month.

I'm getting it either way, because I like the device, and I have a need for it. (go figure)

This up in arms thing is good tho, because trust me if they bend to the general consensus about the price being too high, it will save me a few bucks!

+1

10 chars

 

[eallan]

The only reason people are bitching is because there is no sign of a subsidized price from Verizon, and noone is used to paying for "mobile" devices unsubsidized in the US. (the mobile term is used loosely for this device)

Trust me when i say that, this is not the only reason people are bitching. The (much cheaper) iPad isn't, and won't be, subsidized either.

Having said that, I certainly hope you're right and it turns out being cheaper, it isn't official just yet, you're correct.

 

[SmokeMasta]

i think most ppl are bitching about the lack of options for the xoom.

more versions like 16/64 gig or wifi only versions are most likely the core of the frustrations