Notion Ink Adam gets detailed, pictured in its latest form
By Donald Melanson 
posted February 14th 2010 6:02PM
posted February 14th 2010 6:02PM
The folks from Notion Ink certainly haven't been shy about showing off their Adam tablet in prototype form, but they unfortunately haven't been revealing anything more than the most basic specs. That's now changed with MWC, however, which seems to have made Notion Ink quite a bit more talkative. As we'd heard previously, the Adam is Tegra 2-based with a dual-core ARM CORTEX -A9 processor, and it packs a 10-inch transflective screen with a 1,024 x 600 resolution courtesy of Pixel Qi. Also now confirmed is a swiveling 3-megapixel camera, three USB ports, an HDMI out for full 1080p video, a promised 16 hours of battery life, built-in WiFi, 3G and Bluetooth, and some welcome touches like an ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor and, of course, an accelerometer. As you can see above, the device has also undergone yet more changes from the last prototype we saw at CES, and you can check out a few more pics (and the rest of the specs) by hitting up the links below.
[Thanks, Prateek and Nasman]
[Thanks, Prateek and Nasman]
Serious question:
What's the point of a proximity sensor in a device like this? I'm probably not thinking outside the box enough, but I'm not putting it against my face or anything. Why do I need a proximity sensor?
@BigJayDogg3 it's for auto dimming when you are in a dark area
@swaggtech
That would be a light sensor not a proximity sensor.
@BigJayDogg3
My guess would be that if you stepped away for a minute or two that it would go to some type of sleep mode to conserve the battery and than turn back on when you got back.
@BigJayDogg3 I don't see any mention of a proximity sensor on the Notion Ink website under tech specs, and I can't think of a single reason to have one, unless there's a built-in theremin. So, I suspect that's an error.
@BigJayDogg3 The proximity sensor is most likely not for either of those purposes, but for a case. It would know when you have the device in the case and turn off the screen.
@BigJayDogg3 :
Maybe it dims the screen if its lying around someone is about to sit on it.. I dunno what purpose that would solve but still! :p
@BigJayDogg3 It is clearly a sensor that detects the proximity of light.
Seriously... I think it is an error because its not listed in the spec sheet.
yum...
Excellent specs, this is an example of a product that didn't get left behind during the production stage. (ex. Xperia X10)
Bought.
@genomecop
Absolutely positively sold. i read the source link. this thing is amazing. It has a tegra 2(Arm A9 Dual-core 1ghz) with tegra 2gpu. and that is a conformation by Nvidia and Notion Inks Ceo. there are two models. the one pictured above is the Pixil Qi version. its cheaper. and there is a Lcd version. its looks nicer than the silver one. its has 3mp auto focus camera that swivels 180 dergree's. this this is a monster.
it also is designed to run android, ubuntu, and Chromium. so this this can have any of those 3 operatings system.(these 3 OS's) are jointly supported and developed by Nvida and Notion ink. YIKES !!!!! :)
it has bluetooth, Wifi, and 3G built in at no extra cost(US version)
and the price is $369
all this info is confrimed by the CEO you can read it at technoholik
this is a dream come true. Android, Chromium, Linux all on one device that has a dual core tegra 2 SOC. the posibilties are endless. and the LCD version put all other to shame.
Sign me up for 3. innovation like this Deserves Our money. Im Sold!!!!
@Alexandertron
Correction. Its $327 USD and the screen is the same on all models. this screen has multiple modes. really cool. I'm buying one.
@Alexandertron To manage expectations, the $329 MIGHT be subsidized (requiring the purchase of a data plan)... that said, the Indian version, without 3G, is supposedly selling for $290 so it might be possible!
@Alexandertron
Tegra 2-based with a dual-core ARM CORTEX -A9 processor!
Andriod, Ubuntu and Chrome!!
3G!!
Im so sold on this and i would pay more than the asking price.
I do hope the price tag is suitable for a mainstream market.
@swaggtech None of the main components make this sound particularly inexpensive (CPU, GPU, or the Pixel Qi screen in particular). On the other hand, 3G and HDMI are built-in (it would appear).
@cobaltage tegra 2 designed to be cheap as possible, Qi screen designed my the OLPC company(screen designed to be used my kids in africa) Arm processor?????? wtf dude.
all these components are designed for low price point. they just happen to be really good products.
the destination of all technology is to become small and affordable.
Don't let apple fool you. Any SOC tablet should cost 400 or below. 800(ipad) defeats the purpose of the concept. Bad engineering or greed. you decide which one or both.
@ $327-$800 I'll take one for every room and one for the car...
Transflective supposedly pretty readable outdoors and such... wonder how it looks up close.
the camera placement and swivel mechanism is very thoughtful i say
Once again apple does a fantastic job on the software but lacks the basic hardware, this look a fantastic device, with camera & 3 USB ports & HDMI.
Very nice cant wait to see it at MWC,
@surethom
Yep, and since it runs Android, it's even ahead in terms of softwae, in many ways (e.g. multitasking).
@maati Android ahead of iPhone OS, what? iPhone OS "HAS"/CAN multitasking. Jailbreakers and devs prove it with programs like proswitcher and overboard. It' s Apple' s decision WHEN to add this feature.
@surethom
wake up, apple never does a "fantastic job", as you say. Any other OS on the market is light years ahead of the toyish apple os.
@akisweb
Say, since which Iphone-OS-Version you can use your own wallpapers ?
And with a rooted Android device you can do more as well ...
@akisweb
apple lightyears in front of Andoid my ass ...
its way too closed down in comparison with Android and its not my fault that apple restricts so much.
So on the comparison of iPad and ADAM in the Sourcelink is quite good, showing how Apple failed this one.
Everything about this device looks promising. I will hold off make a judgement until the final software is released but after reading the specs and watching the video from the more coverage link I think this may be the tablet for me.
@Edobe. Forget the specs - touchpad on the back!
A patent for that would be a cash cow for years to come.
I think this is the most innovative part of the device - if they of course would not forget to accommodate left handed. Or better yet having two touch pads for both hands would be simply great.
They've got a video over at Gizmodo. Very intriguing. Still am confused about how this screen works. No idea what "full colour BW mode" means.
http://gizmodo.com/5471559/notion-ink-adam-tablet-caught-on-video-specs-finalized
@EYC It's my understanding that it works kind of like this:
The screens backlighting is essentially turned off and results in a reflective display that then reflects the collected light back at the screen, resulting in a brighter display, ie, the more light on the screen, the better and more vivid the image will appear. There's a video around somewhere showing it off. It greatly increases battery life. In indoor/low light conditions it looks like grey scale. In sunlight, the colors really shine and look almost as if the screen lighting is on, when it's off.
I know I'm doing a horrible job at explaining it..can anyone else help out?
@Serus
That's pretty much it. In short, in average light it's an LCD. In direct sunlight, it's a Kindle with zero refresh lag.
It appears that the screen can toggle automatically, but I can see where that would get frustrating. It also has a manual switch. Oh, and it also has my money.
@Luke
it has your money ... unlike the iPad lol
@EYC Comprehensive explanation of the display technology and its origins here: http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2010-01/pixel-qi-lcd-screen-could-finally-kill-paper-forever
I don't really have a need for a Tablet, and can't think of a time I ever will.
But those are some incredibly nice specs. If I were to get a tablet device, this would surely be it. Tera2 and a transflective Pixel Qi screen with full 1080p HDMI output? Sounds good to me.
On the products website, under "Tech Specs", there is a photo of the device with an Android logo on the screen, does that mean it runs Android? Also, does Android even support that resolution?
@Fdo35
It supports Android, Chromium, and any linux distro which can run with an ARM processor.
There are more Design-Pics in Notion Inks Blog
http://notionink.wordpress.com/2010/01/09/here-we-are/
am i the only one who thinks it looks way more appealing already than how it looked at CES a month ago?
Beats iPad hands down already.
http://www.slashgear.com/notion-ink-adam-flash-ipad-comparison-app-competition-0873197/
This is it folks. I think I am budgeting 500 to 600 for this device. Can't wait to flaunt this with me. Android is yummy. The swivel camera and backside trackpad is very very innovative. And wait... there is HDMI out? woohoo... that mean i can connect his think to the TV and with a keyboard i have quickfire entertainment center..... cant wait for it...............................
@uscmafia
Maybe there will be an iPhone app, so I can use my iPhone as a remote control for this running as an HTPC :) That would be hilariously ironic.
The 1024 x 600 resolution is a bit disappointing, it really isn't much of a benefit to decode 1080p HD if you have to plug it into a HD screen to actually take it in. A lot of people who can splash out on a HDTV have already splashed out one the necessary hardware to watch HD on it already.
@Dunhamzzz How come a couple weeks ago everyone was swooning over the iPad's 1024x600 resolution?? One blogger either on here or Giz even called it "brilliant". I really don't understand people...
@Palomino iPad doesn't doo 1080p, but since this device is able to decode it you still can't watch it, useless.
@Dunhamzzz
You should be able to decode 1080p locally too, but obviously it will display at 1024x600 or whatever the AR is. Also it will output 1080p via hdmi, which is perfect.
@Palomino I'm pretty sure they weren't as the iPads res is 1024 x 768 which although slightly more standard still isn't HD. My main issue is that the height is dwarfed by being 600 high, not many sites support it as the lowest resolution anymore (800 x 600 is seldom used) and as a netbook owner my main niggle was having to perfectly scroll certain videos/flash games just so I can see as much as possible on the screen.
Don't get me wrong, every other aspect of the Adam is pretty amazing and intuitive, but many netbook/manus owners have already discovered that 1024 x 600 just isn't a particularly useful resolution to have.
My design critique:
Dark version looks far better. It looks like a finished product whereas the silver version looks like an engineer's functional prototype.
The protruding buttons in the silver version will result in many accidental triggering of power on/off. They also make it impossibly expensive to design a folio cover to protect the device. In both versions, the camera protrudes, which presents the same problem (of making it difficult to design a folio cover).
If those holes (for speakers and air circulation) are plastic, they should be changed to punched metal for durability. I know one drop and those holes will crack the side completely open.
In the dark version, remove the recesses on the front, so that it won't become some laborious task to clean the accumulated dust bunnies from them.
The dark version is much thinner, which makes it far more attractive. Stick with the dark one and improve it.
GPS module included ?
and 3g ? HSUPA or HSDPA ? hopefully it is a miniPCIe module so you can add your fastest local flavour.
and innopocket needs to make a magnesium protectice case for it - the $50 I spent on the magnum case for my axim x50v has allowed it to last 5 and a half years and still going strong
How come Apple makes such beautiful products yet forgets to include so many features, and other companies have to make such hideous products with such great functionality and features.