The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Feeds
85%
Motorola Xoom 2 Media Edition Android tablet

Motorola Xoom 2 Media Edition Android tablet

Size of relief

  • print
  • alert

Agentless Backup is Not a Myth

Review Like Goldilocks with porridge, I’ve yet to find a tablet size that I think is just right. Seven inch models are too small, 10.1 inchers too big. The iPad with its 9.7in screen should do the trick but it’s just too square for me – physically and metaphorically.

Motorola Xoom 2 Media Edition Android tablet

Cut down to size: Motorola's Xoom 2 Media Edition

Motorola may just have cracked the problem with a cut down version of its Xoom 2 called the Xoom 2 Media Edition. The key difference is the screen which now measures 8.2in corner to corner but keeps the Xoom 2’s resolution of 800 x 1280.

It's a size and resolution combination that results in a pixel density of 184dpi – 35dpi more than the Xoom 2 and 52dpi more than the iPad 2. The upshot is an impressively crisp and sharp display which is ideal for looking at pictures, gaming or watching video. Hence the 'Media' moniker.

Motorola Xoom 2 Media Edition Android tablet

Not only slim, but lightweight too

Naturally, the reduced screen dimensions have an impact on the overall size of the Xoom ME. At 8.9mm thick it’s near enough the same as the Xoom 2 but at only 216mm wide and 140mm tall it’s much easier to slip into a backpack or bag, and at 388g it’s the lightest high-end tablet you can buy.

Motorola Xoom 2 Media Edition Android tablet

Video looks good at 8.2in and 800 x 1280

The new reduced shape, size and weight make the Xoom 2 ME a very fine e-book reader too. Holding it in one hand for prolonged periods is no chore and the rubberised back minimises the chances of it slipping through your fingers to virtually nil.

Customer Success Testimonial: Recovery is Everything

Next page: Reading allowed

I do not farkin' believe it.

Decent price, lovely screen etc etc. I read throught the specs and yet another one of the OEMs has done again. Only 16 Gb on board and no expansion slot! I have to ask - do they want to sell me a tablet or not? There is no excuse for this. If they cannot deliver *both* connectivity *and* expansion at a reasonable price (I do not expect to pay bottom feeder prices, I am willing to part with some proper wonga) why are they in this business at all? Moto was *one* step away from persuading yours truly to open his wallet and make a large number of moths homeless and they managed to fumble the ball - unfarkingbelievable.

18
0
Anonymous Coward

Or, maybe, it's so they don't have to pay the MS FAT tax?

5
0

Second the external storage comment

What are the tablet designers on ?

I have an Ipad2 which the biggest pain in the ass is no external storage provision, just to add I did not buy this and would not have for this exact reason. This feature is top of my list for my next tablet purchase and anything missing it will be scrubbed from the list.

Try again Motoraola.

4
0

More from The Register

Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Proof the pen is mightier?
Sammy’s iPad Mini killer has a stylus to stab other rivals too
First look: iOS 7 for iPad
No, Apple hasn't released it yet, but that doesn't stop intrepid devs
Microsoft lures buy-curious vixens, corduroys with a cheap fondle
Surface slab sales latest: Will no one rid Ballmer of these turbulent tabs?
 breaking news
Curtain drops on Apple Store ahead of WWDC: What lies behind?
Steve Jobs watching from on high. No pressure, lads
 breaking news
Cold, dead hands of Steve Jobs slip from iPhones: The Cult of Ive is upon us
Billionaire biz baron's death clears way for uber-shiny iOS 7
Airbus imagines suitcases that find themselves
Point your mobe at your smalls to track their every move
Surprise! Intel smartphone trounces ARM in power trials
Tests show equal performance while sipping significantly less juice
Samsung plans LTE Advanced version of Galaxy S4
1Gbps download capability could stiffen drooping S4 sales forecasts
Apple said to be 'exploring' 5.7-inch iPhone
Who's the copycat this time, Mr. Cook?
Google Chromebooks now in over 6,600 stores
Major, worldwide retail push begins this summer