Apple iPad 2 versus the Motorola Xoom

Both the Apple iPad 2 and the Motorola Xoom are new tablet computers for 2011. The each have their unique advantages and disadvantages as well as differing price tags. This review is aimed at the casual consumer to help you determine which of these two tablets is right for you.

Let's start with the feature most people notice first about a tablet: the display. The two displays are very close in size: the iPad 2 has a 9.7 inch LED-backlit IPS LCD display, which is slightly smaller than the 10.1 LCD HD display on the Motorola Xoom. Although roughly the same length, the Xoom is nearly an inch narrower than the iPad 2 giving it a bit slimmer body with a widescreen appearance. The Xoom display has a slightly higher maximum resolution of 1280 x 800 compared to the Apple iPad 2's maximum resolution of 1024 x 768. This minor difference in resolution, however, is not expected to make a significant difference in games, movies, etc.

The raw processing power of both the iPad 2 and Xoom are expected to be similar as both devices sport a dual core processor: the Apple iPad 2 with a 1 ghz Apple A5 and the Motorola Xoom with a 1 ghz NVIDIA Tegra 2. The Xoom clearly trumpts the iPad 2 when it comes to memory performance, however, with the Xoom equipped with 1 gb of RAM and the iPad 2 only 512 mb of RAM. The difference in RAM may become apparent while attempting to use multiple programs at once.

In terms of overall size, as briefly mentioned earlier, the Xoom body is less wide than that of the iPad 2. However, the iPad 2 is much thinner in terms of thickness and overall is lighter than the Motorola Xoom: the iPad 2 weighs about 600g (wifi), while the Xoom weighs 708g (wifi). At a mere 8.8 mm thick, the Apple iPad 2 is almost startling thin. This is especially true when comparing the tablet to other similar devices like the Xoom at 12.7 mm, the Blackberry PlayBook at 10 mm, and the HP Touchpad at 13.7 mm thick.

Both the iPad 2 and Xoom feature HD camera and video capabilities. The Xoom features a 5 megapixel camera in the rear and a 2 megapixel camera in front.

What about the connectivity? Both tablets are of course outfitted with wifi connectivity that will automotically connect to local wifi networks whether at home or at your favorite coffee shop. Both tablets also come standard with a 3G connectivity, though only the Motorola Xoom is currenly upgradable to 4G LTE. The lack of 4G capability is considered a major disadvantage for the iPad 2, though it is rumored (and expected) that the iPad 3 - to be released in late 2011 or early 2012 - will come with 4G standard.

It is also important to consider battery life. On standy, the both the Xoom and iPad 2 are expected to last up to 14 days, and with minimal usage (such as browing the internet over wifi) they can last up to 10 hours.

Given the similarity between the two devices, chosing one or the other is for many simply a matter of choice or brand loyalty. In mid-2011, the Apple iPad 2 retails for about $800 while the Motorla Xoom is about $600 at most online retailers. Apple buyers are likely to chose the iPad 2, or wait for the iPad 3, as they are used to the operating system and style of Apple devices. For those less familiar with Apple products, the $200 difference is likely a key factor in their decision.