Motorola
Xoom 2 Media Edition
An
acceptable product
Xoom
2 Media Edition is the latest effort of Motorola and basically is the minimized
version of Xoom 2 because it has a more compact 8.2-inch monitor. Moreover,
with the size of 216x140x8.9mm and weight of 388g, it is easier for you to
bring it along than its 10-inch brother and iPad 2. However, it is not as
mobile as BlackBerry PlayBook or Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 inch, and you will
struggle to stuff it into a jacket’s pocket.
Not
surprisingly, Motorola chose to attach itself to the similar design for Xoom 2
Media Edition which it already introduced in Xoom 2 10in. This means that
tablets have some removed parts with volume controllers and power button in the
back along the right edge. We are not big fans of this arrangement because of
many times having to grop around before pressing it.
The
arrangement of logos and camera shows that the equipment is created to use
mainly in portrait mode, unlike the 10in version. However, we still find that
we are using the device in landscape mode to view the site and video.
If
considering that the device is advertised as a communication device, it seems
to be strange that Motorola uses portrait mode as a default. We also find it
easy to cover the loudspeaker and muffle the sound when holding the device in
landscape mode, and it is not ideal when watching videos without headphones.
In
addition to the smaller screen size, all of the technical functions of Xoom 2
Media Edition is similar to the older brother. Both have dual core 1.2GHz
processor and Android 3.2 Honeycomb and 16GB of built-in storage. The device
also keeps 8.2inch 1200x800 resolution, despite the smaller screen. This makes
the screen quality is impressive although we feel you must keep full
brightness.
The
device is easy to hold by both hands and typing on the keyboard Android is
relatively easy, although you may have to stretch to reach the middle
characters. Performance of the tablet is quite smooth and we see that Xoom 2
Media Edition can handle HD video without shock. However, web browsing is
somewhat erratic. 8.2-inch screen is capable of full web page layout, but the
browsing speed is inconsistent, especially when playing Adobe Flash content. We
also see the site regularly pulled back when pinching to zoom and swipe.
Although
3.2 Honeycomb is more useful, the lack of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich from
the beginning is another disappointment and will bother users who expect for
the latest software in the latest device.
The
majority of connecting ability of Xoom 2 is kept in this model, which makes it
so impressive.
Motorola
provides microUSB gates and HDMI output as well as 1 IR gate and DLNA
connection. We are disappointed with the lack of 3G connection, and if
considering that the device is advertised as a tablet consuming mobile media,
this is a big deficiency.
Despite the fact that we highly evaluate the connecting
capability of tablet with other remote devices, it does not really work on the
road due to a minimization of 3G. You can connect a tablet with a smartphone,
but with the slow internet speed and data limitation within the nation, it is
uncertain that you will transmit the remote content on the road.
Motorola
put 3900mAh battery in 8.2in tablet comparing to 7000mAh battery in the bigger
Xoom 2. Considering the resolution screen similar to 10-inch family and
multi-media features are included, unsurprisingly that the battery duration is
poor. You will see from 3 to 5 hours of playing media when full brightness is
opened. Even web browsing can also drain the battery quickly, and the device
does not provide long battery life as iPad 2. However, if being used in
moderation, you can use the device in one day.
If
considering that the 8.2-inch device’s technical features are similar to Xoom 2
and more mobile, we prefer this device, regardless of its shorter battery life.
However,
iPad 2 is still the better device when it comes to performance and quality of
applications while users want 3G and Android tablet 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich at
the beginning may want to wait for the next issue.
We
say: “Mobile, good monitor, HDMI output, no 3G, no microSD”.
Total:
4 stars
