Smartphones aren't the only mobile tech item in demand right now - tablets are becoming increasingly popular with the big four wireless carriers.  Available now on Verizon Wireless, the Motorola DROID XYBOARD 8.2 goes head-to-head with Apple's iPad 2 and offers a 1.2 GHz dual-core TI OMAP processor, 8.2-inch display (with 1280 x 800 pixels), 5-megapixel camera with a flash, 1.3-megapixel front facing camera, a 3,960 mAh battery, and Android 3.2 (Honeycomb).  It's available in two flavors: a 16 GB model for $379.99, and a 32 GB model for $479.99. 

It's a feature-rich tablet on paper, but does it hold up to the hype in real life?  We'll find out.  Part 1 of 2.