Apple and their ridiculous price scheme - Nexus One General

I just have to ask, why do apple feel the need to charge $130 just to add a 3G chipset?!
And another $100 to double the capacity to a tiny 32GB?!?!
They have plenty of room for larger drives, an SSD may merit that kind of expense, but when you can buy an 16GB sd card for £20, it should mean apple could buy the flash memory for a pittance.
Seriously, a tablet should not be capped at that measly amount of space, when I have films that big on my PC.
It cost $12 for the camera on the iPhone.. Apple is just a pretty name for thief.
FAIL?
Why do they do it?

The weird part to me is that they are not subsidizing the 3g model. So now I have to pay more to have a monthly fee...riiigghhhtttt.
I've asked around to iphone owners and non-owners and cannot find a single person interested in the ipad. Thank god!

That's actually a pretty standar price for inclusion of 3g. Check out any netbook that has optional 3g and you'll see similar add on prices of $130.

They charge that because people are willing to pay that much for it. Simple business I suppose.
Take muncheese for example, if more people like him refused to pay so much for 3G add-ons the price would inevitably come down ... unless they just stopped making them due to lack of interest :-/

Not hating on apple my following response is strictly based on principle.
But I hope the ipad turns out to be another appletv. I hope it fails.
Apple's business strategy is the worst for consumers.
I seriously dont think apple is a company without future plans. What I mean by it is that they dont have a roadmap laid out.
They know this ipad release is to make money they know this ipad eventually will drop to 299 or 399. If this is succesful apple will continue to rape their customers and doing so other companies will follow.
We are in so much power to either brake or make a company but 90% of us are uneducated so they look for a goverment to guide them in this case is apple.
Apple could have easily included a camera bigger storage. With todays technology with chips being as small as RFID apple really have no excuse.
But their business model always lets them get a way with it. They are always the first to implment new technology that is readily available to all companies but the difference is other companies really do think about whats best for the buck or the consumer. Apple jumps in on thsi technology knowing that no matter the price people will buy an iphone/ipad maybe 2-3 times a year etc.
I bet my nexus one by December a new ipad is out at a cheaper price.
And people did not like microsoft because?

My mom is a huge Apple fangirl and she is dead set on getting the 3G model. I asked her if she really planned on using anywhere that didnt have wifi and she was like "no." She has an iphone to use when she is not near wifi but she still wants the 3g version....Steve has brainwashed her lol.

I've just had a thought, could you tether the iPhone to the iPad instead of paying an extra $130 and and internet bundle?
In fact, could any phone tether, or would apple try and block it?

I don't think they could block it, the iPad would just recognise it as a router.
Atleast my iMac thinks my phone is a router when i tested it ;-)

cymru said:
I don't think they could block it, the iPad would just recognise it as a router.
Atleast my iMac thinks my phone is a router when i tested it ;-)
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Actually, Steve Jobs has pretty much confirmed that this wont be possible:
http://mashable.com/2010/03/06/iphone-ipad-tethering/

Dai323 said:
Actually, Steve Jobs has pretty much confirmed that this wont be possible:
http://mashable.com/2010/03/06/iphone-ipad-tethering/
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Just like "the people" don't want flash 10 on their iPhones, "the people" don't want tethering on their iPads. Wasn't that the reasoning

He also said, at some point, that people "don't read anymore", no? Heh.

Oh, awesome, an Apple thread concerning the iPad. This is exactly what I come onto a Nexus One forum for. Thanks for making this topic since there are no other outlets to discuss this subject.

A lot (not all) people buy iPhone beacuse they are "the thing", quality, functionality is not important. Its the apple symbol on the back that is important. Had anyone else brought out this same device in this time period, it would not be anywhere near a big deal.

Just noticed this too:
"The Linksys iPhone is a line of internet appliances from Cisco Systems. The first iPhone model, released by Infogear in 1998, combined the features of a regular phone and a web terminal. The company was later purchased by Cisco and no new products were marketed under the name between 2001 and 2006. At the end of 2006, Cisco rebranded its Linksys VoIP-based phones under the name, shortly before Apple released an iPhone of its own. This led to a trademark dispute between the two companies, which has since been resolved."
LOL

So, let me get this straight. You're complaining about a standardized pricing scheme that most netbook/tablet retailers use, but for some reason find more objectionable because you're ignorant and have a bone to pick?

Actually the 3G model is the model most tech sites are recommending to get because you can cancel at any time and restart at any time...there is no contract.
http://gizmodo.com/5491994/how-ipad-3g-service-works-or-why-you-should-buy-the-3g-ipad

Related

Nexus One first week sales = weak.((20k))

http://www.pcworld.com/article/1867...irst_week_of_sales_were_weak_report_says.html
Thats a ton of complaints coming out for only 20k sales.
Not being available in T-Mo stores really hurt sales. I think being able to see this screen and hold it in person would move a hell of alot more units.
he Nexus One didn't benefit from such a strong marketing push like the Motorola Droid (estimated $100 million), despite Google's phone featuring so-far unique Android features. This has reflected in poor first week sales for the Nexus One, as per the table below. (Click image above to enlarge)
Instead, Google chose a soft launch for the Nexus One, selling it through their website. But the steep $500 Google is asking for the unlocked device and the mixed reviews the Nexus One received didn't help to maximize first week sales.
Flurry's report mentions that the Nexus One lacks the "wow factor" and the general perception that the device is not seen as revolutionary, but rather just evolutionary from other Android phones.
Om Malik, of GigaOm, notes that Flurry's estimated sales numbers for the Nexus One might even be a bit far fetched. He mentions Google has been giving away the Nexus One to its employees and also lent it to many members of the media for reviews, which could have bumped up Flurry's analytics.
Next to the poor first week sales figure, the Nexus One has also seen mounting complaints over the 3G connectivity of the device and the lack of developer tools for the Android 2.1 platform.
In her review of the Nexus One, my colleague Ginny Mies notes that Google's phone "isn't quite the game-changer people hoped it would be, though it certainly trumps other phones in performance, display quality, and speed." Next to pros like a dazzling OLED display, snappy performance and sleep, slim design, she marks the lack of multitouch support and the software keyboard as cons.
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I'm actually glad. I dont want the nexus one to become a fashion icon like the iPhone did.
EDIT: YOU! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE
melterx12 said:
I'm actually glad. I dont want the nexus one to become a fashion icon like the iPhone did.
EDIT: YOU! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE
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awww Fuuudgdeeee
Had to be 2 new yorkers didnt it. lol
Agree with this though. Ive been saying I hope a ton of people want it but few get it. That way Google is pressed to resolve there customer service and HW issues and early adopters dont look like bandwagon jumpers for the latest fashion device.
On the flip side... I hope Google doesnt turn around and blame Tmobile. Tmo and Google have been continually bringing out Android sets I hope that relationship doesnt sour because of this.
Actually 20k in sales for a phone that has reportedly had the vast majority of users buy the unlocked version is pretty damn good (Leo Laporte mentioned it on TWiT on Sunday)
melterx12 said:
I'm actually glad. I dont want the nexus one to become a fashion icon like the iPhone did.
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As much as I give credit to Apple for what they've done with the iPhone, the iPhone has become the "razr" of phones.....the "Wal-Mart" of phones....
The bad press on this phone is silly. It takes nothing into consideration, bends around the truth, and just sounds misinformed. This phone had a soft launch, wasn't available in stores, no television ads, and wasn't really advertised by Google until the day of it's launch.
These soft launches make an impact. Word will spread and then it will pop up and explode on Verizon. I'm not even trying to defend the device, it just makes me angry seeing so much misinformed crap popping up on the web.
"But the steep $500 Google is asking for the unlocked device and the mixed reviews the Nexus One received didn't help to maximize first week sales."
Mixed reviews meaning angry fanboys? I don't get it. The thing runs Android really well, is fast as hell, looks great, has a good camera, etc. I have no idea what people were expecting. Android has been out, and this was stated to be an Android device.
mark925 said:
As much as I give credit to Apple for what they've done with the iPhone, the iPhone has become the "razr" of phones.....the "Wal-Mart" of phones....
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+1
everybody and their dog has an iphone. i'd rather have something few others do
To be honest, and trying to be unbiased, I think these numbers are ok for Google. Here's why I say that... given the marketing channel used here (online only sales and advertising), I suspect that Google is banking on a moderate rate of sales early on, with an increase a little later. Most people like to see and touch something prior to dropping hundreds of dollars on it. I think Google is counting on the early adopters to buy the phones, and then once we have them and others start seeing and playing with them, they will start buying. In theory, this should work the same as if the N1 would have been sold in stores, except the initial sales would be lighter and the rate of sales would be steeper after the first few weeks.
My proverbial 2 cents...
#1. It's hard for someone to drop that much cash on a phone unseen. Like others have pointed out, it's hard to sell a mobile phone without being able to "touch" it and play with it at a retail store.
#2. The N1 is one of the first handsets relatively available for purchase which has the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. I honestly think the "hacking" community for the N1 will be similar of what the G1 (HTC Dream) has seen... In other words, the HTC Passion is basically the next great hacking platform as the HTC Dream experienced.
Cheers,
Kermee
So essentially 1 in 150,000 Americans (ROUGHLY, only considering domestic sales) are packin the N1 - Sounds like a pretty elite/exclusive group if you ask me
booloobunny said:
..."But the steep $500 Google is asking for the unlocked device and the mixed reviews the Nexus One received didn't help to maximize first week sales."
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Also, to add onto this...I don't think the price is steep at all. In fact it is cheaper than many other unlocked devices with lesser hardware. Also, it has been pointed out in many places that getting the unlocked version is cheaper than going with the subsidized version and mandatory plan.
When a phone can be purchased only from one location and one URL only gadget freaks like us know about it's existence. Some of my friends who think they are gadget freaks were shocked to see my phone over the weekend. They didn't even know about it yet. Forget the common man. Unless, the phone is sold in T-mobile, and B&M stores, it will be hard to sell like Driod.
Except for lousy T-mobile 3G inside buildings, I love this phone. But I am seriously thinking about returning just to go back to AT&T as I would like to stay with the best GSM carrier who gets most unlocked 3G phones so I can keep changing my phones every few months.
uansari1 said:
To be honest, and trying to be unbiased, I think these numbers are ok for Google. Here's why I say that... given the marketing channel used here (online only sales and advertising), I suspect that Google is banking on a moderate rate of sales early on, with an increase a little later. Most people like to see and touch something prior to dropping hundreds of dollars on it. I think Google is counting on the early adopters to buy the phones, and then once we have them and others start seeing and playing with them, they will start buying. In theory, this should work the same as if the N1 would have been sold in stores, except the initial sales would be lighter and the rate of sales would be steeper after the first few weeks.
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I agree. This seems similar to Gmail when it was in Beta....and Gvoice. Only certain people had it and it was invite only. This seems to make a launch more manageable (less volume) and the inital adopters are the ones who typically want it the most and spread the word to others for free.
I want one... I just don't want to pay $530 to be a beta tester. I think once the 3g issues are solved we'll see alot more people pay for the phone
once Verizon and vodaphone get this phone. Sales will SKY rocket.
Instore sales
The only way for a big change in sales would be to sell the Nexus One in stores, mainstream buyers are not going to spend premium money on a handset that they can not handle first.
There are not enough early adopters and tech heads like most of us on this site to make a major impact on sales. Plus many of us are holding off to see how the 3G issue gets handled before buying.
since they didnt really air commercial for the phone and it is only available online. the numbers are pretty good.
melterx12 said:
The HARDWARE to produce the Nexus One costs $175$. This price does NOT include licensing, manufacturing, advertising, shipping, Government Taxes, etc.
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Yeah... Putting the parts together... probably costs more than the parts themselves, including labor.
Sure, I could get the "parts" for my car too for less than a quarter of what it sells for... I wouldn't want to try to assemble it though!
Cheers,
Kermee
melterx12 said:
The HARDWARE to produce the Nexus One costs $175$. This price does NOT include licensing, manufacturing, advertising, shipping, Government Taxes, etc.
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...not to mention R&D
I still have people ask me when its coming out when I show them mine, this phone is still very "underground"
melterx12 said:
The HARDWARE to produce the Nexus One costs $175$. This price does NOT include licensing, manufacturing, advertising, shipping, Government Taxes, etc.
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Can you send me a link to where you found out the hardware only cost $175 for the nexus one. I would like to see how much the snapdragon proc costs, and the 512mb of ram, and all the other components in the phone, and just the cost of putting it together.
And I am not referring to licensing, manufacturing, advertising, shipping, Government Taxes, etc.
Just the hardware and the costs to put the phone together. I call bull**** on the $175 dollars.
That is how much it might cost to put together the iphone 3gs with much cheaper hardware. But the Nexus One hardware is another story.

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

[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.
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.
khov07 said:
[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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
britoso said:
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.
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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)
Sirchuk said:
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.
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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.
khov07 said:
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.
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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?
csseale said:
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.
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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 ($6-700).
Really though, I'm more annoyed by the Verizon nastiness than anything else. Forced activation? I also think that their cost/gigabyte is way too high.
I'm still excited for the Xoom, but I'm no longer planning on being a day-one purchaser. Instead I'll wait to see how the G-Slate and T-Mo's data pricing compares.
I just read this in the Engadget comments:
Igor Kovalenko 43 minutes ago
I work for MOTO and I have no idea what is this about.
My best guess is that this actually refers to the WiFi Hotspot feature - turning that on does actually require "entitlement check" with a carrier. But there is no SW provision (known to me anyway) to somehow block turning on simple WiFi. The initial setup does not require Verizon activation either - you can "skip" and use WiFi for Google setup. At least that is the case on all preliminary SW builds I have tried so far. I don't think that will change.
If Verizon and/or BestBuy have invented something like this, then the best they can do is simply not sell it to you without Verizon account.
Some guy that claims to be a Moto tester over on the engdaget thread about this says it's probably talking about the wifi hotspot functionality which would cost 20$ 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.
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!
asianxtreme said:
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!
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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.
khov07 said:
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.
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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.
Xevilious said:
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.
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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.
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.
asianxtreme said:
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.
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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.

Negative posting on the Atrix and ATT&T!!!!

All you guys that are posting all the negative stuff here about AT&T and the Atrix....... Get a life..... If you don't want the Atrix then don't get it! If you don't like AT&T then don't get the Atrix! There are TONS of great android phones out there from every wireless carrier.
Seriously you are guys are just too much! No one is FORCING you to buy the phone or have AT&T if you don't want to this is controlled by your choices.
Give it a rest...I have 3 lines on AT&T and one on Sprint. I never have a problem with either one...... Every carrier charges a premium for there high end phones and 4G ALL of them do!
and by posting this you start a flame war. was it really necessary?
Also, you misspelled AT&T in the title.
I don't think a post of this type is necessary; while I agree 100%, I doubt that this thread will stop any of the activity that it is meant to.
johnnydeathmatch said:
Also, you misspelled AT&T in the title.
I don't think a post of this type is necessary; while I agree 100%, I doubt that this thread will stop any of the activity that it is meant to.
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Lol...yes I did misspell AT&T in the title.....
I just was frustrated with all the troll postings about this phone. People come to learn about this phone. Not have to wade through all the negative postings about AT&T and the new phone. Its almost as if by design they are trying to discourage interest in the Atrix.....
Sorry, nothing wrong with voicing disappointment. You can continue to spend tons of money on overpriced stuff if you want. The rest of us will give them feedback and hope they learn.
eallan said:
Sorry, nothing wrong with voicing disappointment. You can continue to spend tons of money on overpriced stuff if you want. The rest of us will give them feedback and hope they learn.
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i agree with you about constructive feedback. But none of the posters have even seen the phone yet. Its not available for demo in the stores until the 13th. So how can they be so negative about it? Has anyone seen it yet? Does anyone have service with the phone that can tell us exactly what the charges and plan looks like? I will wait until I can actually see the phone and talk to an at&t rep and get more info.....
eallan said:
Sorry, nothing wrong with voicing disappointment. You can continue to spend tons of money on overpriced stuff if you want. The rest of us will give them feedback and hope they learn.
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I suppose, although I'm not sure how anything posted here has been useful or a benefit to anyone in any way whatsoever.
I'm not sure how it's tons of money on overpriced stuff. Besides the obvious fact that value is subjective, which means that something may not be worth even $200 to you, but may be worth $300 to me.
Aside from that, top of the line phones cost around $200 these days. At least third party retailers are allowed to discount Android phones, unlike iPhones. I paid $150 for my Captivate last year at BB (it was still $200 @ AT&T), and I'll be paying $150 for the Atrix (or $200 if the Costco/BB leaks weren't true, which IMHO they are). Not sure how the Atrix is overpriced.
If you are referring to the laptop dock, then personally I would have to agree with you regarding its price. However, that is an accessory. Accessories are always overpriced. If you don't want it, don't buy it. I suspect most people won't, and I suspect it will drop in price pretty quickly. It is the first device of its kind, so if you buy it you are being an early adopter, and it costs a lot to be an early adopter. That's just life. Wait a few months, perhaps there will be third party solutions, or the price will have dropped to something that you can afford. No use crying over spilled milk.
Honestly, it doesn't seem like it would be too hard to build something like the laptop dock. Have a base that holds a bluetooth keyboard and a docking slot for the Atrix where you want your trackpad to be, attach one of those PS LCDs to the top and throw in some batteries. I'm sure it could be done for a couple of hundred bucks. Less, if you're creative.
johnnydeathmatch said:
I suppose, although I'm not sure how anything posted here has been useful or a benefit to anyone in any way whatsoever.
I'm not sure how it's tons of money on overpriced stuff. Besides the obvious fact that value is subjective, which means that something may not be worth even $200 to you, but may be worth $300 to me.
Aside from that, top of the line phones cost around $200 these days. At least third party retailers are allowed to discount Android phones, unlike iPhones. I paid $150 for my Captivate last year at BB (it was still $200 @ AT&T), and I'll be paying $150 for the Atrix (or $200 if the Costco/BB leaks weren't true, which IMHO they are). Not sure how the Atrix is overpriced.
If you are referring to the laptop dock, then personally I would have to agree with you regarding its price. However, that is an accessory. Accessories are always overpriced. If you don't want it, don't buy it. I suspect most people won't, and I suspect it will drop in price pretty quickly. It is the first device of its kind, so if you buy it you are being an early adopter, and it costs a lot to be an early adopter. That's just life. Wait a few months, perhaps there will be third party solutions, or the price will have dropped to something that you can afford. No use crying over spilled milk.
Honestly, it doesn't seem like it would be too hard to build something like the laptop dock. Have a base that holds a bluetooth keyboard and a docking slot for the Atrix where you want your trackpad to be, attach one of those PS LCDs to the top and throw in some batteries. I'm sure it could be done for a couple of hundred bucks. Less, if you're creative.
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$200 for the phone is fine. It's a standard that seems to hold.
The trackpad and the tethering plan are the ridiculous greedy practices no one should support. Subjectivity of value or not, an extra $20 a month to use that data you already pay for in a cradle is asinine.
jamezr said:
i agree with you about constructive feedback. But none of the posters have even seen the phone yet. Its not available for demo in the stores until the 13th. So how can they be so negative about it? Has anyone seen it yet? Does anyone have service with the phone that can tell us exactly what the charges and plan looks like? I will wait until I can actually see the phone and talk to an at&t rep and get more info.....
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Well you don't need to hold the device to know about the tethering rip off. Or double a netbook price for a screen, battery, and keyboard.
The phone itself isn't garnering much $ complaints as far as I've seen.
eallan said:
$200 for the phone is fine. It's a standard that seems to hold.
The trackpad and the tethering plan are the ridiculous greedy practices no one should support. Subjectivity of value or not, an extra $20 a month to use that data you already pay for in a cradle is asinine.
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So don't support them if you don't want it. I don't see how complaining about it on XDA is helping anyone, though.
All the comparisons that people are drawing here, comparing the dock to a netbook (e.g., why not just get a netbook) are missing the point: it is most definitely not a netbook. If it was, it would be priced like a netbook. It is different than a netbook, different functionality, although they do serve a similar purpose. Lots of people buy Macs (not me ), despite the fact that they cost more than an equivalent PC would. For some of us, not everything is about what the cheapest alternative is.
This is a completely new category of product, and being the first person to own it will cost a lot, similar to the original iPhone.
The tethering plan isn't required if you buy the dock separately, and even if you buy them together, you can just cancel tethering. There's nothing to stop you.
If it turns out that the laptop dock (or any other dock, or use of the webtop environment), has some feature to alert AT&T of your usage without a tethering plan or block you from using it without a tethering plan, then I would agree. However, nobody has shown that to be the case at this point. My guess would be that the security measure would be defeated to allow this without paying for tethering within a few days.
johnnydeathmatch said:
So don't support them if you don't want it. I don't see how complaining about it on XDA is helping anyone, though.
All the comparisons that people are drawing here, comparing the dock to a netbook (e.g., why not just get a netbook) are missing the point: it is most definitely not a netbook. If it was, it would be priced like a netbook. It is different than a netbook, different functionality, although they do serve a similar purpose. Lots of people buy Macs (not me ), despite the fact that they cost more than an equivalent PC would. For some of us, not everything is about what the cheapest alternative is.
This is a completely new category of product, and being the first person to own it will cost a lot, similar to the original iPhone.
The tethering plan isn't required if you buy the dock separately, and even if you buy them together, you can just cancel tethering. There's nothing to stop you.
If it turns out that the laptop dock (or any other dock, or use of the webtop environment), has some feature to alert AT&T of your usage without a tethering plan or block you from using it without a tethering plan, then I would agree. However, nobody has shown that to be the case at this point. My guess would be that the security measure would be defeated to allow this without paying for tethering within a few days.
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Don't want to lose my unlimited. And bad publicity is only a good thing or the consumer. I guess I don't understand defending those trying to milk you for tons of $$. I'd rather have a good deal on these things than defend a high price.
eallan said:
Don't want to lose my unlimited. And bad publicity is only a good thing or the consumer. I guess I don't understand defending those trying to milk you for tons of $$. I'd rather have a good deal on these things than defend a high price.
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I don't know anyone who wouldn't rather have a good deal. I'd love it if the dock came for free with the phone, along with a free keg and some strippers. But, unfortunately, we live in reality where stuff costs money and companies have to make money to keep coming out with cool products like the Atrix. If Motorola wants to charge $500 for the dock, then more power to them. I'm happy for it, and you know why? Because they invented the damn thing! Do you see any other phones with laptop docks? No.
Will I buy it for $500? No, because to me $500 is better than that dock. If the dock drops to $50, will I buy it? As long as its hackable. But if Motorola left it to you or me to decide what we wanted to pay for their stuff, they wouldn't ever make a profit. Then they couldn't make things like this any more. Do all the parts and pieces in the dock come to a total of $500? Definitely not, otherwise they wouldn't be able to make any money off of it, and therefore wouldn't make it in the first place. Does it bother you how much higher the retail price is than what the parts cost is? Then why don't you build something better for less.
Why is it that if Motorola spends millions of dollars on R&D, they shouldn't be able to make a profit off of that work and investment? If they can't do that, then why would they bother to create things like the Atrix & dock in the first place? Would you work for 6 months or a year for free so that you could sell a laptop dock for a phone at cost? Nope. So stop whining.
How does bad publicity automatically equal good for the consumer? That's probably one of the dumbest statements I've ever seen on this forum. 60 Minutes gave lots of bad publicity to Audi for unintended acceleration which turned out to be fake, how was that good for consumers? Or anyone outside of 60 Minutes? It hurt consumers, because Audi was almost killed off as a brand in the US, which would have offered fewer choices, and it influenced consumer buying decisions away from a product which may have been superior to the choice they ultimately made due to bad information.
johnnydeathmatch said:
I don't know anyone who wouldn't rather have a good deal. I'd love it if the dock came for free with the phone, along with a free keg and some strippers. But, unfortunately, we live in reality where stuff costs money and companies have to make money to keep coming out with cool products like the Atrix. If Motorola wants to charge $500 for the dock, then more power to them. I'm happy for it, and you know why? Because they invented the damn thing! Do you see any other phones with laptop docks? No.
Will I buy it for $500? No, because to me $500 is better than that dock. If the dock drops to $50, will I buy it? As long as its hackable. But if Motorola left it to you or me to decide what we wanted to pay for their stuff, they wouldn't ever make a profit. Then they couldn't make things like this any more. Do all the parts and pieces in the dock come to a total of $500? Definitely not, otherwise they wouldn't be able to make any money off of it, and therefore wouldn't make it in the first place. Does it bother you how much higher the retail price is than what the parts cost is? Then why don't you build something better for less.
Why is it that if Motorola spends millions of dollars on R&D, they shouldn't be able to make a profit off of that work and investment? If they can't do that, then why would they bother to create things like the Atrix & dock in the first place? Would you work for 6 months or a year for free so that you could sell a laptop dock for a phone at cost? Nope. So stop whining.
How does bad publicity automatically equal good for the consumer? That's probably one of the dumbest statements I've ever seen on this forum. 60 Minutes gave lots of bad publicity to Audi for unintended acceleration which turned out to be fake, how was that good for consumers? Or anyone outside of 60 Minutes? It hurt consumers, because Audi was almost killed off as a brand in the US, which would have offered fewer choices, and it influenced consumer buying decisions away from a product which may have been superior to the choice they ultimately made due to bad information.
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Feedback is invaluable. Good or bad. If most consumers think something is a terrible value, then the company ought to know, period.
Nobody said anything about profit. Of course we understand that. Should a Honda civic cost 12 million dollars because someone else didn't do the r&d and make it?
Continue to defend obvious ridiculous pricing. I will do the opposite. Thanks.
It seems as though all those that continuously beet down the Atrix secretly like it, because if I don't like something I move on. Why some need to be negative over and over and over with every post is beyond me.
jamezr said:
all you guys that are posting all the negative stuff here about at&t and the atrix....... Get a life..... If you don't want the atrix then don't get it! If you don't like at&t then don't get the atrix! There are tons of great android phones out there from every wireless carrier.
Seriously you are guys are just too much! No one is forcing you to buy the phone or have at&t if you don't want to this is controlled by your choices.
Give it a rest...i have 3 lines on at&t and one on sprint. I never have a problem with either one...... Every carrier charges a premium for there high end phones and 4g all of them do!
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then what the hell is this forum for? Why are we all here? This is part of it.
eallan said:
Feedback is invaluable. Good or bad. If most consumers think something is a terrible value, then the company ought to know, period.
Nobody said anything about profit. Of course we understand that. Should a Honda civic cost 12 million dollars because someone else didn't do the r&d and make it?
Continue to defend obvious ridiculous pricing. I will do the opposite. Thanks.
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You are right feedback is invaluable to companies and existing and potential consumers. Now how can you give feedback for something you have NEVER used?
Do you have a bill showing us how overcharged you have been from AT&T? Can you show us how much a rip off the data plan is for this phone? Can you show us you invaluable feedback on the phone and difference the bill was on your existing FamilyTalk plan you have with AT&T? So how valuable is your feedback considering you have never used the phone and cannot say what the billing impact was to your new or existing wireless bill/plan?????
You can't do any of those so what value can you criticism be????
sdlopez83 said:
then what the hell is this forum for? Why are we all here? This is part of it.
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You have a point,,,we are all here to discuss and exchange info on the new phone and everything involved or about it. But it just seems like most of what I have been seeing was so negative. Thing is no one knows yet. No one has a bill saying this is what it was before and this what it is now....There just seemed to be a lot posters trolling with negative posts when no one knows yet. I want to discuss the phone and its new technical aspects and the carrier but not have to wade through all the blatant negativity.....
eallan said:
Nobody said anything about profit. Of course we understand that. Should a Honda civic [sic] cost 12 million dollars [sic] because someone else didn't do the r&d [sic] and make it?
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The Honda Civic isn't the world's first car. Guess what, even if the Civic cost $12 million, it isn't up to you what it costs. If you don't like it, you are free to start your own company and build your own car. Failing that, you can shop elsewhere. Trolling the Honda Civic forums is probably not the best idea you could come up with, however. Perhaps you could visit the forum of a car that you do own, or a car that you can afford to buy when it comes out.
Continue to defend obvious ridiculous pricing. I will do the opposite. Thanks [sic].
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The pricing is what it is. If you can't afford it, get a better job so that you can. Anyone can find out the price of the Atrix and its accessories, and you calling their pricing 'ridiculous' doesn't help anyone here. Everyone can make up their own mind about the pricing, and decide for themselves whether or not they would like to buy the phone and/or its accessories.
jamezr said:
You are right feedback is invaluable to companies and existing and potential consumers. Now how can you give feedback for something you have NEVER used?
Do you have a bill showing us how overcharged you have been from AT&T? Can you show us how much a rip off the data plan is for this phone? Can you show us you invaluable feedback on the phone and difference the bill was on your existing FamilyTalk plan you have with AT&T? So how valuable is your feedback considering you have never used the phone and cannot say what the billing impact was to your new or existing wireless bill/plan?????
You can't do any of those so what value can you criticism be????
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Customer perception of value can only occur if I have had personal hands on time with the device? Like the build quality of the keyboard will suddenly make it worth 500 bucks? Get out of here.
I don't get to set the atrix accessories price, or the honda civic. However, as a consumer interested in these product I can damn sure state my dissatisfaction with their current price points on some items. I can actually do it all day long, without starting my own cell phone company.
You don't know what I do, how much I charge or anything. Just because my expertise lies elsewhere doesn't mean I don't have the right to tell a company or a forum of users how I (I'm also not alone, all the press has ripped them for the dock pricing) feel.
I'll continue to state my opinions, you do the same. Trust me, I don't need a better job. Thanks though!
eallan said:
Customer perception of value can only occur if I have had personal hands on time with the device? Like the build quality of the keyboard will suddenly make it worth 500 bucks? Get out of here.
I don't get to set the atrix accessories price, or the honda civic. However, as a consumer interested in these product I can damn sure state my dissatisfaction with their current price points on some items. I can actually do it all day long, without starting my own cell phone company.
You don't know what I do, how much I charge or anything. Just because my expertise lies elsewhere doesn't mean I don't have the right to tell a company or a forum of users how I (I'm also not alone, all the press has ripped them for the dock pricing) feel.
I'll continue to state my opinions, you do the same. Trust me, I don't need a better job. Thanks though!
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You're welcome!

Will the Xoom fail at Launch?

http://briefmobile.com/will-the-xoom-fail-at-launch
Arcadia310 said:
http://briefmobile.com/will-the-xoom-fail-at-launch
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I hope it doesn't bomb, but I think it will. If it is a success, I will be surprised.
My hope is that the other companies planning on launching Honeycomb tablets learn a little from this (likely) failed launch and try to avoid the many mistakes made by Verizon, Best Buy, and Motorola. I'm more interested in Honeycomb succeeding than the Xoom or any one device, but this has not been a good start.
I posted the first comment there, to me he seems to be a huge Apple fan lol.
"You got it all wrong, they have been vocal winning best of CES a bit over a month ago when it was announced and then again during MWC a few days ago. Meanwhile we heard directly from the CEO a week back on the exact pricing of the 3G model and WIFI version. Meanwhile commercials have been airing regularly.
Also if you want to compare this next gen tablet to the old dominant one, I feel you must compare at least the price of the WIFI only model with the same 32gb gives you the exact same $599.99, I feel you are giving an overly Apple biased argument when you put a dual core 1ghz CPU up against a single core as well as the Xoom having 4 times the ram, expandable data space through a microSD slot, HDMI out, a front and rear facing camera a true widescreen with 16:10 aspect ratio running at a higher resolution on what some are saying is the best tablet operating system to date.
Yes I'm planing on picking one up on Thursday and I feel it will more then likely out feature the iPad 2 as well.
Typed from my iPad."
The video of the last Engadget podcast had a valid point. When Android first came out, the iPhone was thought to be an insurmountable force. It was believed that there was no chance of it succeeding against the iPhone. Not only did it exceed expectations, it seems to have exceeded the iPhone period.
The XOOM is a real tablet, moreso than anything in existence. It is more capable than the iPad in both functionality and in the fact that it's a tablet OS designed on a tablet for a tablet. It's not a desktop OS on a tablet like Windows 7, or a phone OS lazily modified for a tablet like iOS. This means that, while the XOOM 3G may not be ringing true to the tune of some people's wallets/budgets, it will do well among many of the people who have been waiting for a real tablet, like me. I don't know how many of me there are, but we will know in a month. Also, we will know even moreso when the WiFi-Only version is released, which I pray is no later than the end of Q1 2011 b.k.a March. The first thing I will be doing is making a series of videos showcasing the power of video streaming on the device. My phone can handle streaming of AVI.. but I haven't managed to stream 1080p MKV yet.
Your question should be more will XOOM fail period, because launch is not a fair indicator. By price alone, the original launch will possibly be underwhelming. Many people will be waiting for the cheaper WiFi-only version. Others will be waiting to see if the device has a locked bootloader, while some may be waiting for LG, Samsung(though I can't see why anyone would trust them after they abandoned the Galaxy Tab 1 after less than 6 months), or the multitude of other tablets. Some people will also be waiting(futilely) for the sure to be underwhelming iPad 2 announcement of 1 or 2 real improvements and a bunch more fancy bull. The last group will still be on the fence about needing a tablet. You might see a fair uptick in a few months before the next school year if any of these proves useful for students.
The sheer amount of options in the next 6 months is really going to make it hard to gauge the success of Honeycomb, which is the real question. It's about Honeycomb, not the XOOM.
The Xoom will fail. I don't even know if I'll buy one anymore, and I was the biggest fan of it after CES. If I buy one, it will likely be the wifi version. The nail in that coffin is the ridiculous restrictions on activation. Requiring 3g activation, plus charging $200 more for a 3g/4g radio is outrageous. I don't think I would have even taken a second look at the $800 price tag if I 1) didn't have to pay more to activate, and 2) didn't know that they're charging $200 just for the 3g radio.
We have to vote with our wallets, and my wallet says that a 3g/4g radio isn't worth $200 and carrier restrictions will not be tolerated.
setite said:
The video of the last Engadget podcast had a valid point. When Android first came out, the iPhone was thought to be an insurmountable force. It was believed that there was no chance of it succeeding against the iPhone. Not only did it exceed expectations, it seems to have exceeded the iPhone period.
The XOOM is a real tablet, moreso than anything in existence. It is more capable than the iPad in both functionality and in the fact that it's a tablet OS designed on a tablet for a tablet. It's not a desktop OS on a tablet like Windows 7, or a phone OS lazily modified for a tablet like iOS. This means that, while the XOOM 3G may not be ringing true to the tune of some people's wallets/budgets, it will do well among many of the people who have been waiting for a real tablet, like me. I don't know how many of me there are, but we will know in a month. Also, we will know even moreso when the WiFi-Only version is released, which I pray is no later than the end of Q1 2011 b.k.a March. The first thing I will be doing is making a series of videos showcasing the power of video streaming on the device. My phone can handle streaming of AVI.. but I haven't managed to stream 1080p MKV yet.
Your question should be more will XOOM fail period, because launch is not a fair indicator. By price alone, the original launch will possibly be underwhelming. Many people will be waiting for the cheaper WiFi-only version. Others will be waiting to see if the device has a locked bootloader, while some may be waiting for LG, Samsung(though I can't see why anyone would trust them after they abandoned the Galaxy Tab 1 after less than 6 months), or the multitude of other tablets. Some people will also be waiting(futilely) for the sure to be underwhelming iPad 2 announcement of 1 or 2 real improvements and a bunch more fancy bull. The last group will still be on the fence about needing a tablet. You might see a fair uptick in a few months before the next school year if any of these proves useful for students.
The sheer amount of options in the next 6 months is really going to make it hard to gauge the success of Honeycomb, which is the real question. It's about Honeycomb, not the XOOM.
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I think the launch will fail as far as selling a high amount of units and establishing a brand name. Once the iPad 2 and other Honeycomb tablets hit the market, the playing field will be a lot different than it is now. The Xoom will be forgotten about. Even if it isn't forgotten about, it'll be VERY hard for Motorola to get a good amount of sales with it. Since the G-Slate and GT 10.1 are so evenly matched, the sales will basically be split. Unless one of the tablets are much cheaper than the others and has decent television marketing.
Arcadia310 said:
I think the launch will fail as far as selling a high amount of units and establishing a brand name. Once the iPad 2 and other Honeycomb tablets hit the market, the playing field will be a lot different than it is now. The Xoom will be forgotten about. Even if it isn't forgotten about, it'll be VERY hard for Motorola to get a good amount of sales with it. Since the G-Slate and GT 10.1 are so evenly matched, the sales will basically be split. Unless one of the tablets are much cheaper than the others and has decent television marketing.
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This is not true. Something I watched today, maybe the Engadget podcast, said that the G-Slate is going to be 1000$. This is perfectly believable because its got what the XOOM has + useless 3D features. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is not evenly matched. It has a smaller size but IIRC it's missing a microSD card slot, hdmi, and usb. The only way to get USB, and maybe HDMI is to use hard to find PDMI cables. It might be cheaper out the gate, but any discount will be mitigated or obliterated by the need to pay high price pdmi adapters that 99.9% of us don't have.
I think we will see the WiFi-Only 32GB version released around iPad 2 time for 600$. I am hoping they release a 16GB version too to compete at the 500$ price point, but I don't think it will matter. Honeycomb will not be for people who are happy with the iPad, as such I don't think the 500$ price point is as important as people think.
Of course, only time will tell.
setite said:
This is not true. Something I watched today, maybe the Engadget podcast, said that the G-Slate is going to be 1000$. This is perfectly believable because its got what the XOOM has + useless 3D features. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is not evenly matched. It has a smaller size but IIRC it's missing a microSD card slot, hdmi, and usb. The only way to get USB, and maybe HDMI is to use hard to find PDMI cables. It might be cheaper out the gate, but any discount will be mitigated or obliterated by the need to pay high price pdmi adapters that 99.9% of us don't have.
I think we will see the WiFi-Only 32GB version released around iPad 2 time for 600$. I am hoping they release a 16GB version too to compete at the 500$ price point, but I don't think it will matter. Honeycomb will not be for people who are happy with the iPad, as such I don't think the 500$ price point is as important as people think.
Of course, only time will tell.
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$1000 converted from UK currency?
Devices in other countries always cost much more than they do in the US. Heck, the Optimus 2X is like $750 if you convert Korean currency to US dollars. I hardly believe that will be the final price. Was $1200 the final price of the Xoom? No it wasn't. Even with 3D technology, it still won't release anywhere around that.
Arcadia310 said:
$1000 converted from UK currency?
Devices in other countries always cost much more than they do in the US. Heck, the Optimus 2X is like $750 if you convert Korean currency to US dollars. I hardly believe that will be the final price. Was $1200 the final price of the Xoom? No it wasn't. Even with 3D technology, it still won't release anywhere around that.
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Well no one really thought the XOOM was 1200$. Apple fanboys perpetuated that nonsense to hurt the device, but it was obviously a placeholder price as they always are.
About the 1000$.. I just heard it on Engadget podcast, I expected them to use US money. If its 1000$ GBP.. that's crappy reporting. Though I have to say I don't see the LG being competitive with 3G. I'm going to be so i can preorder a xoom in 9 hours
setite said:
Well no one really thought the XOOM was 1200$. Apple fanboys perpetuated that nonsense to hurt the device, but it was obviously a placeholder price as they always are.
About the 1000$.. I just heard it on Engadget podcast, I expected them to use US money. If its 1000$ GBP.. that's crappy reporting. Though I have to say I don't see the LG being competitive with 3G. I'm going to be so i can preorder a xoom in 9 hours
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If they're "Apple" fanboys what does that make you? I can't stand when people are biased like this its immature as hell dude.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
There is a huge "Netral" camp of comsumers out there, who should really be the primary target of both Apple and Non-Apple tablet producers.
From this perspective, if , assuming Apple follows the same style by releasing iPad 2 at 499/599/699 for wifi-only version and reduce iPad 1 by 100 USD for each level, XOOM has a VERY VERY hard time to justify its 800 price tag with comparable iPad 2, whose functionality is rumored to be comparable to current "state-of-art" tablets.
And one important point, from marketing point of view,
1. Still a lot of people are seen as very cool by carrying an apple product around, but not by carrying a Dell/Motorola around. Sony may be better.
2. Was there ever/is there going to be a long line like the one on first launching day of iPhone 4 for Motorola's XOOM? where it is gonna be? Best Buy's store front???
Again, I am not an Apple fanboy, and in fact, I hate their arrogant attitude and monopoly behavior (subscription policy etc etc), but just at the time I am about to happily find the best Android tablet come out to compete with iPad, I saw the price tag... ouch! Unfortunate decision, They thought their brand carry such a premium???
Arcadia310 said:
If they're "Apple" fanboys what does that make you? I can't stand when people are biased like this its immature as hell dude.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
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Correction. LG won't be competitive with 3D, not 3G.
I am simply stating that anyone who thought the 1200$ price was legit is either an idiot, a noob, or intentionally fear mongering. I knew instantly that 1200$ was the typical price holder we always see initially in BBY and other retailers systems in the month(s) leading up to a release. When the HTC EVO first showed up in systems it was listed at well over 1500$, thought I don't recall the number. So if someone is knowledgeable of the industry, and thought 1200$ was legit, they are an idiot. If they were knowledgeable and perpetuated the price, like most of the Engadget raging commenters, they are a fearmongering Apple/Palm/Nokia-boy. Or simply a troll.
I currently choose Android. I do not pretend that Apple is complete crap. They serve a purpose, and I can see that. A fanboy is someone who can't see that.
I wonder what your issue is that you call me immature.
setite said:
Correction. LG won't be competitive with 3D, not 3G.
I am simply stating that anyone who thought the 1200$ price was legit is either an idiot, a noob, or intentionally fear mongering. I knew instantly that 1200$ was the typical price holder we always see initially in BBY and other retailers systems in the month(s) leading up to a release. When the HTC EVO first showed up in systems it was listed at well over 1500$, thought I don't recall the number. So if someone is knowledgeable of the industry, and thought 1200$ was legit, they are an idiot. If they were knowledgeable and perpetuated the price, like most of the Engadget raging commenters, they are a fearmongering Apple/Palm/Nokia-boy. Or simply a troll.
I currently choose Android. I do not pretend that Apple is complete crap. They serve a purpose, and I can see that. A fanboy is someone who can't see that.
I wonder what your issue is that you call me immature.
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The fanboy comments are always so immature. I just skip past them.
keitht said:
The fanboy comments are always so immature. I just skip past them.
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I'm confused. Am I being labeled as a fanboy?
setite said:
I'm confused. Am I being labeled as a fanboy?
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No no no... not you
keitht said:
No no no... not you
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Ok good. I mean I love Android, but I have always considered myself reasonable in my assessments. I have switched allegiances too willy nilly to be a true fanboy. I was swinging the apple banner till the evo release.
jiwengang said:
There is a huge "Netral" camp of comsumers out there, who should really be the primary target of both Apple and Non-Apple tablet producers.
From this perspective, if , assuming Apple follows the same style by releasing iPad 2 at 499/599/699 for wifi-only version and reduce iPad 1 by 100 USD for each level, XOOM has a VERY VERY hard time to justify its 800 price tag with comparable iPad 2, whose functionality is rumored to be comparable to current "state-of-art" tablets.
And one important point, from marketing point of view,
1. Still a lot of people are seen as very cool by carrying an apple product around, but not by carrying a Dell/Motorola around. Sony may be better.
2. Was there ever/is there going to be a long line like the one on first launching day of iPhone 4 for Motorola's XOOM? where it is gonna be? Best Buy's store front???
Again, I am not an Apple fanboy, and in fact, I hate their arrogant attitude and monopoly behavior (subscription policy etc etc), but just at the time I am about to happily find the best Android tablet come out to compete with iPad, I saw the price tag... ouch! Unfortunate decision, They thought their brand carry such a premium???
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I hate to compare anything with the idevices. But when you first see the $800 price tag. It makes everybody thinks motorola over price it compared to the ipad. but come on, the ipad has only half the features in the xoom. 64 gb ipad with wifi plus 3g is $829. that's $30 more than the xoom. The only thing that version has over the xoom is storage. Xoom on the other hand has sd card slot.
For the record, I just check best buy site yesterday. pre order is now on back order, so are the accessories. I'm just not sure if I can trust that source though. Seemed pretty fast.
ps: I was the first one pre order the thing at my local best buy.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
wang1404 said:
I hate to compare anything with the idevices. But when you first see the $800 price tag. It makes everybody thinks motorola over price it compared to the ipad. but come on, the ipad has only half the features in the xoom. 64 gb ipad with wifi plus 3g is $829. that's $30 more than the xoom. The only thing that version has over the xoom is storage. Xoom on the other hand has sd card slot.
For the record, I just check best buy site yesterday. pre order is now on back order, so are the accessories. I'm just not sure if I can trust that source though. Seemed pretty fast.
ps: I was the first one pre order the thing at my local best buy.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
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The Xoom accessories were "backordered" right off the bat at BB.com. They were never in stock.
It comes with no flash.... So yes.
You have to download flash 10.1 from the market. Flash will work w/ this tab.

The thing that makes me nervous...

Is that I have not seen a review of the Xoom anywhere. Has anybody else? Somehow Motorola was able to get a Xoom in Chad Ochocinco's hands a month ago but I haven't seen any evidence that Motorola has shipped review units to media members. Will we have to wait until after release on Thursday to see any reviews? This release has been so shady that I'm waiting until after I see a credible reviewer verify all of Motorola's claims before I consider purchasing.
Jrockttu said:
Is that I have not seen a review of the Xoom anywhere. Has anybody else? Somehow Motorola was able to get a Xoom in Chad Ochocinco's hands a month ago but I haven't seen any evidence that Motorola has shipped review units to media members. Will we have to wait until after release on Thursday to see any reviews? This release has been so shady that I'm waiting until after I see a credible reviewer verify all of Motorola's claims before I consider purchasing.
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There have been countless reviews. You mean you want an in-depth detailed review from someone who gets to use the device "in the wild". That is not out yet, and that is normal for a new device of this sort. The devices we have seen so far aren't ready for primetime, and we can only hope that the XOOM I pick up in 4 days is ready.
The release isn't shady, it's just a little rushed. They are trying to bring the device to market ASAP. Would you rather they push the release by a month and send out samples to reviewers? I think the review I put on YouTube will be better than most professional reviews, except for the methodical, if anecdotal, reviews Engadget and other upper echelon tech blogs post.
setite said:
There have been countless reviews. You mean you want an in-depth detailed review from someone who gets to use the device "in the wild". That is not out yet, and that is normal for a new device of this sort. The devices we have seen so far aren't ready for primetime, and we can only hope that the XOOM I pick up in 4 days is ready.
The release isn't shady, it's just a little rushed. They are trying to bring the device to market ASAP. Would you rather they push the release by a month and send out samples to reviewers? I think the review I put on YouTube will be better than most professional reviews, except for the methodical, if anecdotal, reviews Engadget and other upper echelon tech blogs post.
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I disagree. It is shady in the way they are forcing people to pay an extra $35 activation fee plus $20 min service just to activate WiFi. Yes, it is stated in the small print but still, bad business and shady in my mind.
keitht said:
I disagree. It is shady in the way they are forcing people to pay an extra $35 activation fee plus $20 min service just to activate WiFi. Yes, it is stated in the small print but still, bad business and shady in my mind.
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If you consider that Verizon has put money into this project, it's fair to expect them to make a profit on each unit. I think that they should have worked something out with Best Buy that allowed them to take a cut from the 800$, but the result would have been the tablet costing 850$.
Hasn't a rumor been floating around that buying direct from Verizon would require no activation? As counter-intuitive as that may sound, it tracks as Motorola is selling the XOOM 3G wholesale for 550$. So if BB sells it, they keep the 250$ difference, if Verizon sells it, they don't need you to pay for a month of service because they have already made 250$.
It's not shady, but arguably bad business from a consumer image angle. People who don't understand what is going on, or people who simply don't care will look poorly upon the policy. Knowing that there is a WiFi Only version for 200$ less down the road should assuage any issues. But you still have the right to be mad, even if it just gives you heartburn
setite said:
If you consider that Verizon has put money into this project, it's fair to expect them to make a profit on each unit. I think that they should have worked something out with Best Buy that allowed them to take a cut from the 800$, but the result would have been the tablet costing 850$.
Hasn't a rumor been floating around that buying direct from Verizon would require no activation? As counter-intuitive as that may sound, it tracks as Motorola is selling the XOOM 3G wholesale for 550$. So if BB sells it, they keep the 250$ difference, if Verizon sells it, they don't need you to pay for a month of service because they have already made 250$.
It's not shady, but arguably bad business from a consumer image angle. People who don't understand what is going on, or people who simply don't care will look poorly upon the policy. Knowing that there is a WiFi Only version for 200$ less down the road should assuage any issues. But you still have the right to be mad, even if it just gives you heartburn
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You sound like a lawyer It is bad business and consumers will speak with their wallets. This price point will not ultimately work. And we still do not know actual issues with the device including what is going on with the SD support. I was all excited about this before but now, I cannot see paying $900 without a single accessory.
keitht said:
You sound like a lawyer It is bad business and consumers will speak with their wallets. This price point will not ultimately work. And we still do not know actual issues with the device including what is going on with the SD support. I was all excited about this before but now, I cannot see paying $900 without a single accessory.
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Yup. I am planning to go to law school . I agree with you. I just have a habit of playing devil's advocate, and trying to inform other consumers so they don't get enraged and end up hurting themselves by getting angry and making sweeping statements they can't take back. Like when Steve Jobs got angry and committed to never having flash, and forever people like me who need flash can't buy an iPad.
setite said:
There have been countless reviews. You mean you want an in-depth detailed review from someone who gets to use the device "in the wild". That is not out yet, and that is normal for a new device of this sort. The devices we have seen so far aren't ready for primetime, and we can only hope that the XOOM I pick up in 4 days is ready.
The release isn't shady, it's just a little rushed. They are trying to bring the device to market ASAP. Would you rather they push the release by a month and send out samples to reviewers? I think the review I put on YouTube will be better than most professional reviews, except for the methodical, if anecdotal, reviews Engadget and other upper echelon tech blogs post.
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I haven't seen a single review, just a few hands-on impressions in a controlled environment. I want something that validates the 10 hour battery life and that tells me if the OS is buggy, etc.
I consider it a shady release for the reasons already covered in this thread. The $800 price tag is high, but reasonable, until you consider that it's a $200 premium for 3g/4g, you have to activate data to unlock wifi, and they'll charge you an activation fee of $35 any time you turn on the data. That last part is the biggest kick in the nuts. Motorola, Verizon, and the retailers are all trying to get their cut of the device and the consumers are the ones being punished.
Jrockttu said:
I haven't seen a single review, just a few hands-on impressions in a controlled environment. I want something that validates the 10 hour battery life and that tells me if the OS is buggy, etc.
I consider it a shady release for the reasons already covered in this thread. The $800 price tag is high, but reasonable, until you consider that it's a $200 premium for 3g/4g, you have to activate data to unlock wifi, and they'll charge you an activation fee of $35 any time you turn on the data. That last part is the biggest kick in the nuts. Motorola, Verizon, and the retailers are all trying to get their cut of the device and the consumers are the ones being punished.
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Agreed. The last part is indeed a true roshambo kick in the nards. I am quite cross about that particular detail as it sort of defeats the purpose of month to month, and makes no sense given my admittedly limited knowledge of how CDMA works. AFAIK all that should be necessary is an OTA provisioning of the tablet when you want to enable service. Something I do on a regular basis for my dad who goes through a new phone every 6 months. He buys crappy flip phones on ebay for 20$ and I activate them using a combination of the Verizon website and a # code on the phone. Easy Peasy, no cost. This makes it clear that they are trying to get you to just keep a minimal data plan month to month, because without a gap of 2 months or more, you will be paying more in the grand scheme if you pay an activation fee each time you lapse. It's almost like a late fee.
Jrockttu said:
I haven't seen a single review, just a few hands-on impressions in a controlled environment. I want something that validates the 10 hour battery life and that tells me if the OS is buggy, etc.
I consider it a shady release for the reasons already covered in this thread. The $800 price tag is high, but reasonable, until you consider that it's a $200 premium for 3g/4g, you have to activate data to unlock wifi, and they'll charge you an activation fee of $35 any time you turn on the data. That last part is the biggest kick in the nuts. Motorola, Verizon, and the retailers are all trying to get their cut of the device and the consumers are the ones being punished.
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It's up the the manufacturer to release the reviewers from the NDA and let them post reviews. The sheer number of developers that have the Xoom is proof that reviewers have had them for a while. Usually reviews don't come out until the device is actually for sale.
Jrockttu said:
Is that I have not seen a review of the Xoom anywhere. Has anybody else? Somehow Motorola was able to get a Xoom in Chad Ochocinco's hands a month ago but I haven't seen any evidence that Motorola has shipped review units to media members. Will we have to wait until after release on Thursday to see any reviews? This release has been so shady that I'm waiting until after I see a credible reviewer verify all of Motorola's claims before I consider purchasing.
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Click to collapse
There have been Atrix reviews out for a while, but so far, it's been mum on the Xoom. It doesn't make much sense to me either.
That said, I think "shady" is the wrong word. I would use "bizarre". Everything about this has been bizarre, and the fact that nobody even knows when the thing is being released just flabbergasts me. Most launches include things like, you know, release dates, prices, venues, etc.... Right now, the only thing we know for certain is that it will be available at Best Buy in late February for $800, and we haven't known that stuff for very long.
However much I dislike Apple, Steve Jobs would never have let something like this happen... unless we're talking about the mythical white iPhone 4.
Xevilious said:
There have been Atrix reviews out for a while, but so far, it's been mum on the Xoom. It doesn't make much sense to me either.
That said, I think "shady" is the wrong word. I would use "bizarre". Everything about this has been bizarre, and the fact that nobody even knows when the thing is being released just flabbergasts me. Most launches include things like, you know, release dates, prices, venues, etc.... Right now, the only thing we know for certain is that it will be available at Best Buy in late February for $800, and we haven't known that stuff for very long.
However much I dislike Apple, Steve Jobs would never have let something like this happen... unless we're talking about the mythical white iPhone 4.
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Click to collapse
It's just an amazing failure of a launch. It boggles my mind that they can come off of their "Best of CES" performance and get nothing but bad press thereafter. How can they not effectively communicate the price and release dates across media and retailers? Even after Sanjay Jha confirmed the price, the price still isn't listed on the official Xoom website! So much potential wasted. I'm an Apple hater, but nobody can deny that they know how to run a product launch and these other companies need to take notes every June.
Jrockttu said:
It's just an amazing failure of a launch. It boggles my mind that they can come off of their "Best of CES" performance and get nothing but bad press thereafter. How can they not effectively communicate the price and release dates across media and retailers? Even after Sanjay Jha confirmed the price, the price still isn't listed on the official Xoom website! So much potential wasted. I'm an Apple hater, but nobody can deny that they know how to run a product launch and these other companies need to take notes every June.
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Exactly correct. Motorola could stand to take several lessons from Apple, mainly marketing.

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