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Looks like our puppy-dog eyes have served us well yet again -- we just got to spend some time with Dell's ultra-hot Adamo. It's really small, less than an inch thick, we'd say -- and although we didn't measure, we'd say that 13-inch screen rumor was spot on. "Adamo" is actually the brand, like Inspiron -- this is just the first machine that'll be out. We weren't allowed to boot it up or do much of anything except take pictures, but it's built really, really, well -- and it's a total smudge magnet, with a super-glossy display and a shiny black panel like the Studio XPS series on the lid. Expansion-wise, we spotted three USB ports and an eSATA jack, and the power adapter is crazy small, with a removable plug for international use. The design is somewhat reminiscent of the Envy 133 with its squared-off shape, but it's still very unique, and while we didn't put in any serious time on the keyboard, it felt solid enough. Here's the problem, though -- we have no idea what's actually
inside this gorgeous case, and until we do, it's just another pretty face. Hopefully Dell comes clean on specs and pricing sometime soon -- we'd love for there to be some muscle under that hood. We're headed back to the trailer to up a video, check back!
posted Jan 9th 2009 1:31PM
Wow, check out that hardcore glare and that's indoors!
Seems to be the popular thing to do nowadays.
...and already smudged =(
I must not be Apple-ized enough, because hearing "industrial design" brings up thoughts of food processing equipment and homogeneous cubicles.
Why, oh why Dell. Glossy = fail. I will not tolerate staring at epic glare. I won't.
This glossy screen fad must die.
for an ultra thin its ok... on a pro computer of course it must die.
Uh, why is an unreadable screen acceptable on an ultrathin?
ask apple
WOW, what is that? is that the new Apple MacBook? I always wanted one in black!
For those of you who adamantly demand the death of glossy screens, take this into consideration first.
Matte screens are better for content production, as they are truer to life in color and have less glare and annoyance.
Glossy screens have. Oh the hell with it. DEATH TO GLOSS
ohh!! is that the laptop itself,i thought it was a mirror
I actually think this is a really stunning looking machine, it might just be a future purchase for me. Looking at what Dell & Co. was producing a couple of years ago, silver plasticky fugly laptops, *puke*! That was one of the reasons why i swithced to Apple and bought almost 2 and a half years ago my first Mac, the iMac. It will most likely be my last. Why?
1. I am slowly getting sick of Apple's cockyness, about that they have the best this and that, Über-Godness of anything they've done, even if it has been invented before. The Mac vs. PC commercials are one good example.
2. You cannot update the HW on almost any Mac. My next computer will probably be a netbook, they look like fun and i like gadgets, but my next computer i will build myself, from scrap. Now i can't do that with Mac. I want to be able to change the CPU, the GPU, HDD's, you name it, in the future, it's part of the fun!
3. Apple fanboys..., whoa, they are something else i tell you. Check out sometimes the comments on Appleinsider, they are scary people, they'll rip your head off if you say a wrong word about Apple, *shivers*
4. Windows 7, i'm actually quite excited about it and i have read a lot of, actually only, positive news about it!! Sweet! Nice with a change and to hear something nice about MS after all the bashing
5. PC's are getting really good looking too these days!! I have seen many computers that look sexy and have this "wanna-buy" factor, not Apple's privilege (spelling?) anymore.
Copying this or that, so what, it's the complete package that counts, and e.g. Dell has shown on CES some really new fresh winds. Exciting times ahead:-)
@Fredster: Good luck "updating the hardware" on your Adamo.
I think it's time for people to realize that all computer manufacturers enter into compromises, rather than pulling some features just for the heck of it. Particularly when it comes to laptops where size is at a premium. Apple is just ahead of the curve when choosing which compromises to make. Like 40% more battery life vs. user-replaceable battery.
They should coat it antiglare - like glasses and display cases - You would still get the vid color and clarity, but it would only reflect dim greens and purples, instead of acting like a mirror.
i'm really getting tired of engadget commenters that hate on glossy screens. i bet you've only seen one in the store and briefly saw your own reflection and decided to jump on the matte bandwagon...but i bet none of you complaining has ever used one...and dont try to make up stories to impress people on the internet. i had a glossy-screened sony sz-series laptop and now a late-2008 macbook. for the past 4 years i have had glossy screens and i have used them everywhere (at home, classes, labs, and [gasp] even outside) with nary a problem. just like the 'apple vs. pc' squabbles, id like to see engadget commenters give the equally irritating 'glossy vs. matte' comments a rest. just let people decide which route they want to go and let it be.
@ tyler
Wow you epic fail right there, good luck making friends on this site with that attitude. Truer color, no glare, the ONLY reason Glossy is around is because n00bs like yourself dont know how to properly clean a matter screen (with proper cloth and ion'ized or safe cleaner), and so they made a glossy screen so dumbasses like you can use windex . Fail be you.
@ProfessorKaos,
...You're a huge loser. Get off the internet for a few minutes.
I *gasp* agree with Tyler. I've had this new Macbook for about 5 months and I have had no issues where I couldn't see something because of glare. It is easier to clean...I don't see how thats a problem. The only issue I have with the screen is that you can see all the dirt on it really well, but I can live with that, if I really cared I could easily clean it. It's kinda funny how often people say glare is so awful on this site, when someone sees my computer that is often the first they thing they adore.
@ProfessorKaos
it's sad when people keep these squabbles going, but even worse when there's name calling involved. first off...i don't know why you got all riled up about the ease of cleaning? i re-read my post, and saw that what you said was completely irrelevant. but just for your info, i'm not a 'n00b'...in fact quite the opposite, i've only needed to clean my laptop screens about 3 times in the past 4 years because i try not to spit on them and touch them with my fingers like a real n00b.
the point i wanted to get across, ProfessorKaos, is that we should let bygones be bygones, and if people like glossy/matte, then so be it. i think reviewers need to do the same thing because they end up just pandering to the audience. let's be civilized about these things.
@Tyler
Honestly, it looks to me like you're the one won't "let it be". Let engadget commenters and reviewers speak freely. There's nothing wrong with expressing negative opinions of glossy screens, whether those opinions came from first impressions or 4 years of experience.
My two cents - I used a glossy-screened laptop for a couple years as a student. The glare in some classrooms made it difficult to see some areas of the screen; I'd have to tilt the screen to an angle that was less comfortable in order to see entire documents clearly. The screen's backlight was weak, which was part of the problem. For most situations, the gloss was no problem though.
Revolutionary industrial design? Um... no?
By Dell standard, it is. Really its a nice machine.
Yeah complete with video out... seriously, no video out?
They got it so thin because there's nothing in the goddamn case. It's just a case. Easy to make it thin if you have nothing inside it. That's why they don't let you turn it on lol. Silly Dell
Is it just me or does it not look that thin?
inside its full of the girl hairs...
seems like a large capacity battery jutting out...huh
@Kaitou KID
Actually there is a lot inside... Anandtech also has a hands-on article and they show it turned on...they can't say what's inside though, as it's still under NDA..they did say though, that it will not be a netbook-like device, i.e. expect high performance and price for the size.
Also, judging by Anand's pics, the screen looks to be of an excellent resolution for a 13.3".
It's not that bad for a Dell Laptop. But seeing it i think Intel should think about bringing back the Metro notebook idea for real.
Now that was pretty, And it would give the likes of Apple some pressure in the design stakes.
will stick to my xps.
Sweet! How much and when?
Looks like a 2 year old black macbook pro....
Or just a MacBook.
touché
I do agree, though i don't own any mac... i dunno why there is so much hype.. it doesn't seem to be ground breaking in current industry standards (macbook air, voodoo etc.)... nothing appeals cool in this.. other than the black color :P
Yay, my blackbook is not an outdated design anymore!
Thank you dell!
It'll be half the weight anyway.
Absolutely boring design
boring? a laptop is a slab. That looks very functional, and clean. what do you want? crystals and racing stripes?
Of course it's boring, I want my laptop to be made out of carbon fiber and diamond plate.
Except the Dell has got ALOT of junk in it's trunk...
It's "boring" to these kids because it didn't come with high-tech hype words like "unibody" coming straight from Mr. Jobs' mouth.
Actually, crystals and racing stripes would be very nice, thank you.
The difference being this thing isn't full of suck and wind...the wind coming from Steve Jobs.
I'm buying one Dell :)
Just downloaded my copy of 7 too
Lucky, all the servers are busy from the microsoft website....
I just want to download before all the allocated copies are gone......
what's the link for windows 7?
@Christian: Have you not heard of Google?!
Attack of the gloss! Hinge looks weak, I like solid hinges, keyboard looks nice and it does look solid. A- dell, keep the pics coming, good work!
Wrong. The hinge doesnt look weak.. the screen has four separate barrels. Looks very solid.
4 hinges, 2 on each side?
Welp, that does it for me. That first pic is all I needed to see. That is some pretty ridiculous glare going on there.
I was really hoping this stupid glossy screen trend was going to die with the year 2008. Guess not.
I wonder how many of the people that bitch about glossy screens have actually used them in a meaningful way. My wife's dell has a glossy screen and based on that I got a MacBook. I really like it, and everyone I know that ACTUALLY uses one on a regular basis likes it too.
Maybe I'm just old, since I was using CRTs for 15 years, which are made of glass, and reflective. I liked those too...
There have been points where I couldn't read a single thing due to the glare from the sun, no matter which direction I faced. This being super thin and light will probably be taken places, not parked on your desk as a replacement desktop. Make sure your important self finds the spot away from the windows at Starbucks because a glossy screen will wash out at the slight hint of sunlight.
Don't ever buy a Dell! Their customer service is absolutely horrible. I ordered a laptop from them last year and they got the order terribly wrong. This Adamo looks nice, but unless you like tech support from India, buy something else...anything else.
I've only had good experiences with Dell Customer Service myself. Sorry you had trouble though.
But I'm gonna say that the keyboard appeals to me, and the adapter made me have an emission. I'm on my second power adapter for my Inspiron and it's as frayed as hell. That adapter looks like a vast improvement over my massive brick!
Oh and if you want good tech support, buy from the BUSINESS side of Dell. You get Americans when you call!
sucks for you. i'm willing to save $300-$400 on comparable laptops if it means talking to..god forbid..non-native English speakers. I'm perfectly willing to blow that money on an extended warranty. If anything goes wrong, just send it back for repair or replacement.
if you really can't bear to talk to them, there's always the chat function on the support website instead.
I can see too much screen. They need more clearcoat!
Kinda disappointed so far, if I'm honest...
well, are you?
Is that black anodized alumin(i)um? Apple, take notes ....
shit you are right... I was thinking its plastic. nice indeed!
Why the heck does the review fail to mention that such an important characteristic!? If they really use black anodized aluminum, you'd think any reviewer worth a damn would make that known right away -- it's a major selling point!
I seriously hope you're right... if so, and the guts can hold their own, I just might have to pick one up...
Apple take notes? LOL - you're joking, right? This is the biggest ripoff of a MacBook to date. But still shows that Dell (nor any other manufacturer) doesn't get it. And what's worse is that they don't get, that they don't get it.
Slapping aluminum on the case doesn't create a well-thought design. I'd say this might be a step in a more positive direction for them - but it's hardly something Apple should take note of.
Fan of Apple or no, the bottom line is they have the strongest team of engineers and designers - period. No argument. This is just simple fact. The cheap plastic vent holes, cheap power adapter, etc are all dead giveaways.
@jeremy you could also probably buy 2 of these for what it would cost you to buy the equivalent Mac setup.
Looks like a pretty slick little unit to me. Of course it's a Dell so everyone is supposed to hate on it right?
All I'm saying (on my Late 2008 MBP) is I don't mind companies improving on technology innovations introduced by other companies. I don't think Dell should shy away from taking, say, the MacBook and doing things like adding a USB port and eSATA (justifies if there is no 1394/FW). It's certainly true that good technology design goes far, far beyond case deep.
PS My comment was only commenting on ONE aspect of Apple's Al design I've always wanted - black anodized Al. So, Apple, take notes on the black anodized Al. And eSATA. Love, Not Jeremy.
If the old Titanium PowerBooks are any indication - let alone all those different-colored MiniDisc players of the 90s - painted aluminum usually goes bad within a few months of use. Paint comes off.
:-(
Looks like the chiclet keyboard is popular this season.
Time to get your eyes checked.
Referring to the flush rather than the size. Sorry if that was confusing.
That's clearly not a chiclet keyboard. It's more like the keyboard on HP's netbooks.
Why has the reflected person taking the photo not wearing pants?
Methinks the screen on YOUR computer is too glossy.
hahahahahahahahahahah yep! I thought that's how Engadget readers roll when looking at their favourite site?
That keyboard gives me the feeling of deja vu from the old iBook keyboard mixed together with the thinness of MacBook Air and casing structure of the previous MacBook. I think I'll stick with the recently announced Sony Vaio P for my new gadget. I just can't see the aesthetic charm of Adamo.
You, good sir, are confused!
This thing better have some beastly specs for it to be anything special. I do like the look of it quite a bit, but it's hardly revolutionary.
Dell should have release official pictures at the place of letting people take there own in a low light setting...
And what it makes this piece of metal special??? Nothing interesting.... And it will cost 3000$ ???
no, luckily its not a mac.
DelBook Pro. Looks like Dell is learning from Ford. As they say there is no such thing as original thought. "Copy Best Product On Market" Design Team
If you look at the left you see 1x professional DSLR
If you look at the right, you see 1x Professional fingerprint
If you look at general pic, you see NO effort of making a nice pic, the perfect reflection of a bright window in the screen...
How hard is it to make a good pic of this beautiful laptop?
Why do you only make efforts when photographing macbook (pro's)?
Your avatar has been doing the poty dance for quite long enough don't you think you should let him go?
Well, taking pics of a computer in a hotel room aren't going to be as good as a company who can afford to put together a decent display for their new products... That's all.
The photographer is obviously drawn to the one nice thing about it...the AC brick. The rest of it looks like a Russian copy of a 2007 Macbook. What's with the giant Swiss cheese hump along the spine?
When will companies learn to stop trying to copy Apple and start trying to SURPASS Apple?
Bad thing is, I didn't see any way of incorporating a grounded plug into the power brick and there had better be an adapter similar to Apple's power bricks. I would hate to have to find an open plug that would have clearance for that transformer every time I wanted to plug in the laptop.
"although we didn't measure, we'd say that 13-inch rumor was spot on."
That's what she said.
Although I doubt she called 13 inches small.
Good thing that suit is there otherwise i think the title should read "ENGADGET: BREAKING ADAMO!!!"
I think the hottest part of the Adamo is the power brick. That's a ridiculously smart idea. It's backwards compatible with the cord and yet it can convert into a single power block. Very nice Dell. Now lets see you roll that out for the Mini line.
Ummm... the virtually identical approach has been on Apple laptops for at least 5 years (they sell a prong adaptor kit). There are only so many things you can do with an AC adaptor (hooray the "rubber band" has gone, or has it?), but this is not, in any way, revolutionary.
Hey Jim, Motorola has been doing that even longer than Apple.
The power brick, whilst it looks cool, has a fundamental flaw - the damn thing takes up so much space on a power board, it would need to have spare plug space on either side. The most annoying thing about some gadgets is that their power brick takes up too much real estate on the power board (or even the wall socket). They should have made it thin enough to allow other plugs on either side. Not smart at all.
Yeuch. Horrible design, especially at the back with a hundred and one vent holes. Really don't like the look of the keyboard either, obviously I'll reserve final judgement until it's been reviewed but looks fairly horrible to type on.
Is it just me or do Dell seem to be unsure of what to do with this product? Tease it for a while, announce at CES but with no specs and a determination to avoid questions at any cost and not even give a firm release date... none of that seems to radiate confidence to me. I hate to bring it up but compare and contrast with Apple launching the Air. Whether you like the product or not they were incredibly positive when launching, full specs, backing up what they were saying with both information and a proper demo of the product and making it available within a couple of weeks of the announcement (and available for pre-order immediately).
Apple is a marketing machine... you cant compare. Dell are more on the cheapo side of things, doing sales with good value items.
Maybe some day they will learn...
I really want a mini 8 though...
I can't wait to get my hands on this previous generation black Macbook clone.... it probably ships with windows me.
I'll buy one....I'm impressed...guys it's Dell everyone bitches about how ugly their systems are and they finally are starting to do something about it. This is a nice step dell....now how much is this going to cost me ?!?!?
Everyone complains about the looks of Dell machines because they're horrendous. This is no exception.
did you see the studio XPS 13?