This week’s release of the Motorola Xoom not only brought us a new tablet, but the first real world look at Android Honeycomb.  Was it worth the wait?

Android 3.0 Honeycomb got its first demo at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) last month, and while Google did show off some of the nifty new features like the improved Maps application and user interface, nothing beats getting to know it on a personal level.  Our own Jon Rettinger has had a Xoom in his possession since yesterday and is getting to know the ins and outs of the new operating system.

On first viewing, it looks like those who are used to the iPad, or even Android in its other forms, are going to have a bit of a learning curve.  The most notable difference is the lack of any physical buttons such as the Home button as they have now been transitioned to being soft keys.  Luckily they always stay in the bottom left no matter the orientation of the device, so at least they will be easy to find.

There are some other new quirks awaiting those familiar with Android such as a new notification system in the bottom right corner, but they shouldn’t take you too long to pick up.

For those who are totally new to Android or tablets, it may take them a bit longer to grasp all of the ways you can manipulate the operating system such as holding down on a screen to access widgets, home screens and so on.  Overall Jon’s feeling are that after about two days, anyone should feel comfortable with the system.

What do you think?  Does Honeycomb have a bit of a learning curve to it, or should just about anyone be able to pick it up and run with it?

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Tags Android, Android Honeycomb, Motorola XOOM, Motorola XOOM tablet, videos, Xoom