Motorola Xoom 2 Review

With the successful first generation Xoom campaign, Motorola has finally rolled out the second version of the Xoom. The Motorola Xoom 2 is 10 percent lighter, 33 percent thinner, and has an improved HD 10.1-inch screen. These improvements addresses the complaints that the original Xoom, while a high performance tablet, was just too bulky and heavy. But will the improved size and performance be enough to attract more users?

One noticeable difference from the 1st Gen Xoom and the Xoom 2 is that the latter tablet has angled corners. The display is still 10.1 inches with 1280x800 resolution. The Xoom 2 will have an IPS panel rather than the regular TFT panel thus allow for display quality to be brighter and clearer than the original Xoom.

Furthermore, the internal hardware has been upgraded as well. The CPU will be an upgraded Dual Core 1.2 GHz processor while the RAM memory stays the same at 1GB. Other notable specs and features of the Motorola Xoom include: 16GB and 32GB storage options, 5MP rear/1.3MP front camera with video captures at 1080p, Built-in microphone for voice commands, Ambient light sensor, Gyroscope, eCompass, Barometer and Accelerometer.

Ports for the Xoom 2 include: microUSB, miniHDMI, and 3.5mm headset jack, infrared port (to use your Xoom 2 as a remote control)

Users will now be able to charge the Xoom 2 via the microUSB port rather than using the charging dock. The oddly placed charging port for the Xoom was one of the biggest drawbacks for the original tablet.

Various web browser options for the Xoom 2 include: Zinio, Kindle, Bild, and Welt supporting Adobe Flash 10.

The Xoom 2 will ship with Google's Android 3.2 Honeycomb. That is a big disappointment since 4.0 ICS is currently available. Currently, ICS updates are not even offered for the original Xoom yet. Hopefully, OS updates for both the Xoom and Xoom 2 will be in the near future.

When the Xoom was released in 2011, it was the first tablet that offered 4G LTE network capabilities. That was a big draw for consumers who craved speed. Now that iPad 3 and other tablets will have 4G, where does that leave the Xoom 2? Also, tablet manufacturers are building devices with quad-core processors making dual-core tablets outdated. Will Motorola price the Xoom 2 as an entry-level tablet or keep the device at premium prices? Xoom 2 is now sold in Australia for outright purchase price of $720, but with contract it is significantly less. Hopefully, when the Xoom 2 launches in the US, the identity will be established.

Motorola Xoom 2 Release Date: 2012

Motorola Xoom 2 Price: $720 outright