Wi-Fi-only Motorola Xoom hits stores on March 27 for $599

After all the hoopla surrounding Apple‘s iPad 2 launch has settled, Motorola announced that a Wi-Fi-only version its Android-based Xoom tablet will be available in stores on March 27.

While the lack of a 3G wireless connection may limit its appeal, the device may appeal to cost-sensitive device buyers who will primarily use the tablet at home or work and don’t want to pay an additional monthly fee for connectivity on the go

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The device will be available at seven distributors: Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, RadioShack, Staples, Walmart and select Sam’s Club locations. The device can be bought for $599 in a physical store or online.

The specs are the same as in the 3G version which launched weeks ago — dual cameras, 10.1-inch screen, Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS, 32GB of storage and so on — besides the obviously missing 3G connectivity.

Personally, the idea of Wi-Fi-only devices isn’t appealing to me. Sure, Wi-Fi is certainly available in plenty of places these days, especially in big cities, but with what is essentially a mobile device, I hate to be out of service just because there’s no Wi-Fi.

That’s not to say the demand isn’t there by any means. So far some of the major manufacturers have been offering the more expensive 3G models, and it’s a no-brainer for Motorola to bring its slick tablet to those who are willing to negotiate connectivity for affordability. Combine that with the big-time retailers that are going to carry the Wi-Fi Xoom, and Motorola is sure to shift some units.

The timing of the announcement is clever: it was certain that the iPad 2 was going to steal all the attention of tablet-minded folks around the world when it was released. After a pause, Motorola is reminding everyone about Android tablets again, even if some people are not too impressed with the OS as an iPad killer. And with recently announced Flash support and a more competitive price, the Wi-Fi-only Xoom is a serious alternative for potential tablet buyers.

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