Legal Research

Ipad2 or Motorola Xoom?

By David Canton

I’m wondering what readers think about ipad2 vs Android tablet.

Lets assume for the sake of argument that one wants a tablet now, rather than waiting for another year to see how the market shakes out. And assume that the choice is between the iPad2 and the Motorola Xoom. 

Lets also assume that the intended use is a combination of work and personal.

While this is not an exhaustive list, some things to consider are:

ipad2 pros: 

existing user base of 15,000,000 units for ipad1.

huge number of apps

thinner and lighter

ipad2 cons:

no flash support

must use itunes to get content

Motorola Xoom pros:

flash support

direct usb connection instead of itunes

potential sd card slot for additional memory

widescreen format

Motorola Xoom cons:

fewer apps

possibly higher price

Android phones are holding their own against iPhones in the marketplace, so will the same happen with Android tablets? 

Will the app advantage close over time? Is the app advantage overblown given the proportion of apps that are mere novelties or variations?

Will apps that matter always be developed first and perhaps only for the ipad given its cachet in the market?

In the long run are the relative advantages / disadvantages distinctions without a difference?

Full post as published by Slaw.ca on March 09, 2011 (boomark / email).