We are testing different tablets at work to see what will work for field staff as laptop replacements, because for most all they need is e-mail and a phone, maybe some office apps, which can be achieved through Citrix. So that’s why the Xoom looked like a good contender.
I have a wifi iPad now (that I tether to my phone for 3g when needed) and I love it, nothing wrong with it, but it is a little on the large side for carrying around and somewhat slow when it comes to things like working with documents, not to mention that Job’s hates Adobe and so we are unlikely to see proper Flash support. The size is great for around the house but not so great for carrying around outside.
We tried the Samsung Galaxy which has a nice size, but then they gimped it for North America, removed the phone feature, so half its functionality is gone. Next its still running Android 2.x, and its more expensive than the iPad, though the Gorilla glass feature is nice, so we have given a couple to field staff who only need e-mail instead of laptops and they like them.
So finally that leaves the Xoom which has the power and size to be truly useful plus storage expandability, yes it is overpriced from what we are hearing, but I am hoping that comes down once we actually see it and maybe more so if I wait for the quad core. In any case its still cheaper than a decent laptop, but almost as powerful for business needs.
We will also be testing the Blackberry Playbook soon as those are out. HTC’s new tablet with an actual usable pen/stylus system looks interesting too so if those become available might have to look at them. There are so many players in the field now that we won’t truly know till we test the promising ones. Cost is only one factor in the consideration, we need durability too which again the iPad is not best suited for, compared to things like the Galaxy, these a big construction worker type guys who will be using the devices and tossing them into their trucks :) Motorola has had issues with quality in the past so will have to see how the Xoom fares on this point too.
I mentioned the Atrix phone which may end up being the better all round solution above all these tablets given its power and ability to dock and be used sort of as a laptop or pc, depending on the dock you get.
Of course there is also that factor of wow a new toy, I wouldn’t be in the tech field and not have that feeling :)
I am not sure all of the players have arrived as yet.
Wow! Thanks for the in depth answer. I shall habve to look back at ot in the future to refresh my memory on the points you’ve raised.