Topic: Thinking about getting a Motorla Xoom...

[BranDonk Kong]

...seriously, that thing is awesome. It makes the iPad 2 it's bitch without even trying. I'd probably actually go for the WiFi only version, since I already have a phone bill, and I believe it has USB host mode, so you can tether through your phone and USB anyway. Sure it's thicker than the iPad...but it's also better in every way imaginable. Anyway, the WiFi version is $599 (Sam's Club might be selling it for $539), and includes 32GB onboard flash memory, with an SD expansion port. Not completely sold yet (Samsung has some amazing stuff coming soon), but I really want one.

And this is awesome - N64oid, I have it on my Thunderbolt, but the Xoom plays it better than anything else. HDMI output and bluetooth input = portable gaming console for everything through N64 and GBA (there's a DS emulator too, but it's far too slow for now), media player, etc. My only concern is whether it will get Netflix or not. If it doesn't then I'll probably get the first Android tablet that does.

[Stogi]

Since Android has flash, couldn't you just use the browser to access netflix?

[MegaByte]

The Netflix website blocks non-PC devices.

[BlackNMild2k1]

And this is awesome - N64oid, I have it on my Thunderbolt, but the Xoom plays it better than anything else. HDMI output and bluetooth input = portable gaming console for everything through N64 and GBA (there's a DS emulator too, but it's far too slow for now), media player, etc. My only concern is whether it will get Netflix or not. If it doesn't then I'll probably get the first Android tablet that does.

but what if you need buttons other than A & B? L & R are at teh top corners and the C buttons are no the middle of the right side of the screen. I would hate to see someone attempt Perfect Dark 64 or Golden Eye with that setup. but otherwise it looks really nice.

If someone could come up with a stand that has controller ports, then it would be a great portable system, but the touch screen replacing a controller looks difficult for most games at best and almost impossible for others at worst.

[MegaByte]

There are Bluetooth game controllers out there.

[Stogi]

You can use a wii remote and nunchuck through bluetooth. But I like your idea about a controller port stand.

[BranDonk Kong]

Hmmm, I meant to put this in General Chat. Anyway, Netflix on your PC doesn't use Flash, it uses Silverlight, which is why you can't stream on Linux. The controller solution is solved (for when it's a problem) when you attach a Wiimote and Nunchuck or a Classic Controller.

[BlackNMild2k1]

does the Xoom have a kick stand or something? how are you supposed to play with a controller if you need to hold the tablet? grow a third hand?

[Stogi]

If I were you Brandogg, I would read this review:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4191/motorola-xoom-review-first-honeycomb-tablet-arrives

The gist is just to wait till all the wrinkles are ironed out.

[BranDonk Kong]

Well they've already had a couple updates for Honeycomb on it. I really want one...plus you can just flash a custom ROM on it too.

[BranDonk Kong]

Since I put this in the general gaming thread to begin with, I'll just reply in here with this...I think I've changed my mind about the Xoom - now I want this piece of awesomeness. Only 5MP camera read and 1.3MP front, but it's not very practical to use as a camera to begin with (and even then, 5MP images can still be quite nice to look at...especially since it's a 1280x800 screen). It can be turned into a laptop (basically), has 2 USB ports, an SD slot, and HDMI 1.3 output. WiFi only, but that's what the USB port and my cell phone are for when I'm on the road...oh, and it's only $400. Kind of pisses me off that cell phone prices are so high (sans contract), when the screens are cheaper, they have less functionality, and a 3G radio only costs around $15. Still need to find out if it will support Netflix or not (without workarounds like PlayOn), since that would be a huge benefit.

[BranDonk Kong]

Fucking keyboard is going to be $150, that's lame. Maybe Best Buy will offer a combo deal, I'd happily pay $500 for the pad and the keyboard...I think.