Cheers All for advice. especially Exos, as you made a great recommendation m8!!
Xoom 1 turned up today from Amazon, went for the 3g version and the xoom 1 because of the better camera and cd card etc not available on the new xoom 2.
So far I have not missed my ipad 2. I managed to set it up to download NZB straight to device.... couldnt do that with the IPAD!!!.
I think I will have a read around to maybe install android ice cream sandwich. I know this means resetting back to a US Rom but need to check if this will feck my UK 3g settings up....