Here's how you go about buying a Motorola XOOM device on launch day from a Verizon Wireless store in the USA; Palo Alto in my case:

  1. Ask for a Motorola XOOM device, unsubsidised at $799.00 USD.
  2. Note to salesman that it's unsubsidised and requires no contract.
  3. Politely decline a two year contract that you're offered anyway.
  4. Wait for the Sales Manager to receive a mysterious memo from "head office" that says because the product is so popular, they have to sell it with a two year contract.
  5. Tell the Sales Manager he's talking out of his arse.
  6. Get told that you have to hand over photo ID in order for a credit check to take place.
  7. Remind salesman that you're not entering into a contract.
  8. Get told that you'll have to place a $400 USD deposit for er, "security".
  9. Remind salesman that this a pre-paid device.
  10. Store manager says that it'll take 1-2 hours for a credit check, so suggests getting a coffee and coming back later.
  11. Ask salesman if he'll hold the device whilst I'm away.  Cheerfully admits he'll sell it to someone else.
  12. Wait for credit check to come back as failed, because they couldn't spell your name.
  13. Note that the $799 USD device is now a $1199 device, not including the mandatory data or local taxes.
  14. Ask when you'll get your $400 USD deposit back.  "In a few months.  As a check."
  15. Leave store two hours after you started.

How to go about buying an iPad:

  1. Ask for an iPad.
  2. Pay for iPad.
  3. Receive iPad.
  4. Enjoy iPad.