Motorola Xoom™: Companion

Using Wireless Features

You can use Wi-Fi to connect to your own private Wi-Fi network or a public one. You can access free, public Wi-Fi hotspots in businesses, libraries, hotels, and coffee shops all over the country. When Wi-Fi isn't available either because you're not within range of a network or because you do not have permission to use it (and if you've signed up for service with Verizon), you can connect using whatever cellular technology is available from where you are (such as CDMA, 3G or 4G, and applicable variations of these). Because Wi-Fi offers a way to connect to the Internet without going through your cellular provider's network satellites, cell towers, and other mobile infrastructures, it's free on your Xoom. If a Wi-Fi network is available, there are a ton of reasons why you should opt for it whenever possible (besides that it's free).

WI-FI ISN'T AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE Connecting with Wi-Fi requires you be in range of a local wireless network like the one in your home or the local coffee shop, and that you know the log on credentials if any are required. Unsecured Wi-Fi isn't available everywhere though, and Wi-Fi administrators won't always give you permission to use their protected Wi-Fi networks. Therefore, if you need to access the Internet more often than you have free Wi-Fi access, consider adding a data plan.

First, Wi-Fi has the potential to be faster than 3G, and possibly even 4G. It's almost always faster than any type of CDMA connection. Of course, ...