Motorola Xoom finally getting its 4G LTE upgrade starting Sept. 29

We're starting to get word that the Motorola Xoom is finally getting ready for its upgrade to 4G LTE on Verizon. If you'll recall, the Xoom was the first Honeycomb tablet, announced at CES in January. At the time, we knew it was going to launch as a 3G-only device, with a hardware upgrade to come sometime later. And later. And later.

Many moons came and went. Scores of other excellent Honeycomb tablets have been released. Samsung released a 4G LTE version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 on Verizon. And there still sat the Xoom, with its promise of an upgrade looking more and more tarnished. Add to that the fact that you'll still have to actually relenquish your Xoom and send it in for the upgrade, and the whole thing was looking even sillier than it did at first blush.

But that brings us back to now. Starting Thursday, you can go to Verizon's website for complete instructions on how to get your upgrade. You'll have to part with your Xoom for six days. The upgrade is free, and you don't have to change your data plan.

Also of note: Motorola Xooms with 4G LTE baked in -- aptly named the Xoom 4G LTE -- will start shipping Oct. 13 for $499.

Full press release is after the break.

More: Motorola Xoom forums

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI), today announced the Motorola XOOM 4G LTE upgrade will be available for existing Motorola XOOM customers beginning tomorrow. The Motorola XOOM 4G LTE will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Oct. 13 for $499.99 with a new two-year contract.

Starting tomorrow, Motorola XOOM customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/Xoom4GLTEupgrade for complete instructions and to begin the 4G LTE upgrade process.  Customers who signed up for email alerts will receive an email notification with instructions tomorrow.  Customers should expect to get their updated Motorola XOOM with 4G LTE back in approximately six business days. The 4G LTE upgrade is free of charge and customers do not have to change their current data plan when upgrading to 4G LTE.  Customers are encouraged to back up any personal information prior to shipping. 

Faster speeds and connections enhance the Motorola XOOM experience, allowing customers to download songs in seconds and movies in minutes. Customers should expect average download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G LTE mobile broadband coverage areas.  When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, the Motorola XOOM automatically connects to the Verizon Wireless 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. 

Key features:

    10.1-inch widescreen HD display
    32 GB built-in storage (actual formatted capacity is less), with microSD card slot supporting additional 32 GB
    Android™ 3.2 Honeycomb – supports Google™ Mobile Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk™, Google Search™, Google Maps™, Google Movies™, Google Books™ and Android Market™
    Dual-core 1 GHz processor
    Adobe® Flash® 10- enabling the delivery of rich Flash based web content including videos, casual games and applications
    2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats over 4G LTE, 3G and WiFi
    5-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash

Data plans:

    Motorola XOOM customers will have the option to choose one of the following mobile broadband data plans:
        $30 monthly access for 2GB monthly allowance
        $50 monthly access for 5GB monthly allowance
        $80 monthly access for 10GB monthly allowance

For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.  Visit www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE for more information about Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network.