Price and specifications of Motorola XOOM MZ601 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Motorola XOOM MZ601

The Motorola XOOM MZ601 was one of the early tablets released in the burgeoning era of Android tablets. Announced in February 2011 and released in March of the same year, this device marked Motorola's venture into the tablet market. Though its production has since been discontinued, the XOOM MZ601 remains a notable part of tech history. This article will delve into its various features, capabilities, and its standing at the time of release.

Design and Build

Crafting a device that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional was perhaps the foremost challenge for Motorola. The XOOM MZ601 boasts dimensions of 249.1 x 167.8 x 12.9 mm and weighs approximately 730 grams. While it might seem hefty by today's standards, the weight was quite standard for tablets at the time. The robust build is complemented by the use of quality materials, ensuring a solid and durable feel.

Display

The tablet features a 10.1-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, presenting a 16:10 aspect ratio. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 70.8%, users enjoyed a generous viewing area perfect for multimedia consumption. The color reproduction and viewing angles were considered adequate, with a contrast ratio of 2041:1 making for rich visuals.

Performance

Under the hood, the XOOM MZ601 is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU. This was coupled with a ULP GeForce GPU, delivering respectable performance for the time. Equipped with 1GB of RAM, the tablet was capable of handling multitasking and running the prevalent applications with relative ease.

Operating System

The device originally shipped with Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), specifically optimized for tablets. Users later received updates up to Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), though it was not upgradable to version 4.2. The interface offered a fresh experience with improved functionality over previous Android versions.

Storage Options

Motorola provided various storage options to cater to different user needs. The XOOM MZ601 was available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB variants, all featuring 1GB RAM. Additionally, the presence of a dedicated microSDHC slot meant users could expand storage as needed, facilitating greater flexibility.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera

The main camera on the device is a 5 MP autofocus snapper, complemented by a dual-LED flash for improved low-light performance. Capable of recording 720p videos at 30fps, it was fairly standard for tablets of its time, although it won’t replace a dedicated camera device.

Selfie Camera

On the front, there's a 2 MP camera mainly designed for video calls and basic selfies. It delivers sufficient quality for the intended use cases but is not suitable for high-quality photography.

Audio and Multimedia

The XOOM MZ601 is equipped with stereo speakers providing adequate audio output. A 3.5mm jack is also included, offering compatibility with various audio accessories. The audio quality was respectable, with noise measurement at -95.8dB and crosstalk at -88.1dB.

Connectivity

The device's connectivity features are inclusive of Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR ensures wireless connectivity for peripherals. While it lacks radio functionality, the GPS and A-GPS provide efficient navigation solutions. For physical connections, a microUSB 2.0 port is present.

Network Capabilities

Supporting GSM and HSPA technology, the XOOM MZ601 is equipped for a range of band frequencies, including GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and HSDPA 2100. It offered data speeds up to HSPA 10.2/5.76 Mbps, making mobile connectivity convenient.

Battery Life

The tablet houses a non-removable Li-Ion battery with a substantial capacity. Users could expect around 336 hours of standby time or up to 10 hours of talk time. In terms of audio playback, the XOOM MZ601 could deliver up to 80 hours, providing ample usage across various tasks.

Sensors and Additional Features

For an enhanced user experience, the device is equipped with sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, barometer, and compass. The browser supports HTML and Adobe Flash, facilitating a comprehensive web experience. The integration of various features enabled a versatile use case, ensuring that the tablet could serve both entertainment and productivity needs with ease.

Pricing and Market Reception

With an initial price of around 310 EUR, the XOOM MZ601 was positioned as a competitor to other tablets like Apple's iPad. It offered a unique Android experience and cemented Motorola's presence in the tablet arena. Despite its eventual discontinuation, it remains a fond memory for those who encountered its utility.

Conclusion

The Motorola XOOM MZ601 represents a snapshot of the early stages of tablet evolution, characterized by its comprehensive feature set and robust capabilities. It offered a taste of innovation with its powerful Nvidia Tegra 2 chipset and was one of the first tablets optimized for Android's Honeycomb. While it may seem dated by modern standards, its contributions to the world of tablets are notable. Motorola's foray into tablets with the XOOM MZ601 was instrumental in shaping the competition and pushing the boundaries for future tech developments.