The Xoom (pronounced 'zoom') is the world's first tablet that will be running on Google's new Android 3.0 operating system (OS) codenamed Honeycomb. Initial reports indicate the Xoom impressed quite a bit, with many showgoers lauding it as the best competitor to Apple's iPad yet seen.

 

According to PCMag, the Xoom features a 10.1" touch-screen display (slightly larger than the iPad's), sporting a 1280 x 800 pixel resolution (also slightly more than the iPad). The Xoom also supports 1080p full HD video playback to an external monitor thought an HDMI output.

 

Dual cameras adorn the tablet, with a 2 megapixel (MP) snapper on the front and another 5 MP camera, capable of 720p HD recording, located on the back of the device. These dual cameras combined with Google Talk video-calling software (built-in) should make for a very impressive video calling experience. Adobe Flash Player 10.1 if also fully integrated.

 

Taking a look under the hood, the Xoom is equipped with a 2 GHz Tegra 2 dual core processor, 1 GB of RAM, 32 GB storage space upgradeable with SD cards and a battery which Motorola claims will supply the Xoom with up to 10 hours of battery life. These specs cement the Xoom’s place as one of the most impressive tablet currently on the way.

 

As far as physical sizing goes the Xoom measures in at 249 by 167 by 12 mm and will weigh in at 730 grams, lighter than your average netbook. A 3.5 mm audio jack and micro USB port is present and Bluetooth 2.1 support is built-in.

 

A couple of juicy extras also comes standard such as an e-reader app, maps app with 3D graphic rendering when zooming in, Google maps, built-in GPS and an accelerometer and gyroscope for better gaming control.

 

The Motorola Xoom is scheduled for an "early 2011" release in the United States with no pricing details available as of yet. For more tablet news fresh off the presses, check out the Asus Eee Pad and Eee Slate unveiling.