Yesterday the Xyboard slates landed at Verizon Wireless locations, but we didn’t have a launch date for the devices. Today we have learned that the Xyboard 10.1 and 8.2 slates are now available to purchase. Both of the tablets have similar hardware inside with the screen size being the only difference. They pack 1.2GHz dual-core chips.

We aren’t seeing good things in the future for the Xyboad slates with the prices that Verizon has strapped them with. It looks to us like Verizon has again overpriced its wares. The smaller 8.2-inch tablet is $429.99 and the larger 10.1-inch tablet is $529.99. Both of those require a new 2-year data agreement. Those are hard prices to swallow for many users.

The tablets will have three different storage capacities with 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions. That Media Edition tablet with the smaller screen isn’t offered in the US. We already know the hardware, but to refresh you a bit the tablets have WiFi, front and rear cameras, and the screen resolution is 1280 x 800. I wish Verizon would price one of these new Android tablets at the same rate that the iPad goes for and then go with a similar data plan needing no contract. I think some Android tablets would compete much better if the pricing were changed.

[via SlashGear]

3 COMMENTS

  1. Avoid the XYBOARD 10.1 with Android 3.2.0 from Verizon Wireless – Possible crippleware installed:

    Is anyone able to get the USB Debugging capability to work on the Droid XYBOARD 10.1?  I have two Android based devices that work properly with “adb” and are recognized with “adb devices”.  The XYBOARD as shipped with 3.2.0 seems to be intentionally crippled to enforce the storage pricing model.  I would be interested if others are experiencing what initially appears as crippling of standard Android OS functionality by Verizon Wireless.  So far, this is the first Android based device that I may have to return to Verizon … and have to pay the high $70 tablet restocking fee.  -rwl

  2. Chrysalis: Go in and enable USB Tethering… I don’t know if this is an oversite by said crippleware, or a bug for this particular device.  But if USB tethering isn’t enabled it will only connect in “charging” mode.

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