Oh, the Xoom looks like a great tablet and if I wanted a tablet, I might buy one before an iPad but I'm wary of 16:10 screens on tablets as initial reports are saying that they're hard to hold in portrait mode because they're so top-heavy. Upon hearing that, it makes more sense why Apple went with a 4:3 screen. Anyway, right now, the iPad has price superiority over its competition. Kind of strange to say that about an Apple product but it's true.

The iPad 2 has some crazy adapter for the bottom shown in one pic on the Apple store so it's possible that both USB and HDMI could be output at the same time. Not really sure at this point because Apple is being typically vague about their technical specs for the device.

Apple is claiming ten hours of battery life on the iPad 2. The Xoom might be slightly better (I'd have to look it up) but I doubt it's much more than that. Ten hours is a pretty good number for that device and its size.

Reports put Xoom at 14-16hrs with very heavy use.

Right now, I'd say Xoom or Samsungs GTab 10". But in reality I'm waiting for xmas season for two reasons.

1. Great selection as all major Android developers will have put out some Honeycomb based tablet in 7 to 12 inch models.

2. Prices will be very competitive as everyone scrambles for that special spot under someone's tree.

My goal is to grab something that is a full laptop replacement for me and my wife for her use as a teacher.

So it needs to be dual core, 10 to 12 inch, have video out capabilities to a projector, run basic docs and stuff, as well as all the other basic browser/email stuff.

False, sort of.... guess it depends on your idea of "premium". Aditionally, iPad 2 does not match spec-for-spec to Xoom and probably other market name brand makers like Motorola, Samsung, etc.

When you compare the same memory size the others are marginally more expensive ($70 for Xoom).

However, that's only in the 32GB size, if you count the 64GB size iPad it is equal to the 32GB SD card addition to Xoom's 32GB size.

Now, if you remove the 3G (or 4G really as Xoom has a free upgrade to it) and focus on the wifi models, then again the prices are moderately more expensive and might actually match, based on various rumors.

Plus you have to consider pricing behavours of Apple and others. Apple NEVER has sales, unless its being clearanced. While all other manufacturers have varying sales all the time. So, simply waiting for the device to be out for a little while or for holidays, you can easily find that product substantially cheaper than the comparable iPad.

For instance with phones, the Android phones are routinely on sale (my two Fascinates were free one month after launch) on various websites. As well as the current stock of 7" Android tablets that range in price from as low as $130 to $400. Most are directly comparable or better than the first iPad. (better is subjective, some features nicer but all have smaller screen)

Within 3-4 months, expect the same scenario with a bunch of Honeycomb based Android tablets.

EDIT:

To clarify my other post for why Xoom is $70 more for 32GB or equal for 64GB...

The Xoom has better cameras (front and back), has flash support without jailbraking, has at least twice the RAM, as well as standard connections which mean that while the apple one can do the other connections you have to pay A LOT more for that Apple connection, and expandable memory.

The price difference with and without contracts will end up the same as the discount for signing a contract will be the same.

I just don't think Verizon and others have their contract prices up yet for iPad2 and the first one was really AT&Ts last hurrah. iPad2 will launch on all at the same time.

Well if you don't want an iPad you hardly can't go wrong with the upcoming Tegra 2 and Android Honeycomb tablets.. don't get one now cause the ones with Android 2.2 probably can't update to Honycomb.. get one with a stock  android honeycomb (some manufactures build their own skin which really does nothing but slow things down)

personally having used some devices at the office I would go for the lightest one, cause it can be a strain for you arms holding one up.. battery life around 8 - 10 hours is good enough.. Honycomb is ok but not there yet but I'm sure they will keep updating it.. like the apps for it... & hate the widescreen tablets, potrait mode seems a bit useless then. Just wait untill the big manufactures have all their Honycomb tablets out to compare price,weight and batterylife.

Personally, I'm a bit of a Palm kid, so I'm gonna see what the TouchPad is like before jumping into the tablet scene.

Thanks for all the info all!

That helps a lot, I'll look into those, now let's hope there's some good DnD apps for those.  ^^

Blackberry playbook looks like the first interesting RIM product in ages.

I'd probably go with that myself. Or see wat Palm comes out with witht heir WebOs tablet.

Samsung sliding PC looks like a cool netbook/tablet hybrid.

http://www.samsung.com/us/news/newsRead.do?news_seq=19779

Lots of Android stuff coming out.

It really just depends which ecosystem you want to be in.

For those of you promoting the Galaxy Tab, even the Samsung CEO said it was inadequate after seeing the launch of iPad 2. That's a really lousy endorsement to buy a product.

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Desktops-and-Notebooks/Apple-iPad-2-Prompts-Samsung-to-Rethink-Galaxy-Tab-101-Choices-876440/

At this point, my only choice would be between the iPad and Xoom. But, if you can wait, do so.

Whatever you do, DON'T buy anything running Android 2.2. That's just throwing your money away at this point.