This Notion Ink's Adam ereader/tablet shows promise

[Mr. Laz]

Why is Notion Ink’s Adam an iPad Killer?
By Michael


Notion Ink has a group of dedicated Indians working to build a tablet – Adam, Apple iPad’s worthy competitor. After the buzz over the web last week, the official specifications of this Nvidia Tegra 2 SoC powered device have been finalized, reports Gizmodo. The tablet, along with its official specifications, will be unveiled at the ongoing Mobile World Congress 2010 at Barcelona. Notion Ink will make Adam available in June/July and will charge between range of $327-$800 (Rs. 15,700-Rs. 38,400 approx.) depending on the configuration.

In terms of specifications, Notion Ink’s Adam tablet clearly weighs more than Apple iPad – except the multi-touch supporting display with IPS technology. The Adam tablet runs dual-core ARM Cortex A9 CPUs bearing Nvidia Tegra 2 System-on-a-Chip while Apple iPad uses company’s own A4 SoC silicon. Both SoC chips have capability of running at 1GHz clock speed. Check out more specs at our e-reader forum

Compared with iPad’s 9.7-inch IPS LCD with 4:3 aspect ratio, Adam will come with 10-inch Transreflective LCD PixelQi screen supporting 1024×600 at the same time. Low power consuming PixelQi screen will support full color along with a Black & White mode. Apart from that, Adam’s 10-inch screen is capable of displaying 1080p video playback, thanks to the Nvidia Tegra 2 which is also said to consume less power than its predecessor.

So, while iPad offers 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi and 8 hours of video watching experience, Notion Ink claims that Adam offers 16 hours of web browsing. The Adam also boasts of a 160 hour run time in backlighting off mode. While Apple sticks to Safari for iPad, Adam tablet will have Firefox and Chrome web browsers to support.

Adam’s one of the most noteworthy part comes with multiple operating system support – Android, Ubunty and Chromium. Compared to this, Apple has iPhone OS 3.2 running on the iPad. Another significant feature the OS support on Adam is that the Adobe Flash Player 10.1 support will exist for better web browsing experience. And, oh boy, the operating systems on Adam would support multi-tasking. These features could be a game changer for Adam.



For storage expansion, Adam has SD card slot while Apple sticks to SSD options with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage options. For wireless connectivity Adam again has Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth, just like in the iPad. Apart from that, the Adam has ambient light sensor, RF sensor, Assisted-GPS, proximity sensor, accelerometer and touchpad. Adam also offers HDMI and three USB ports. While iPad E-reader has no camera, the Adam tablet sports 3 megapixel auto focus camera.

Except for multi-touch and IPS LCD panel, the Adam Tablet clearly wins over the Apple iPad in every possible way when compared on specifications level. Looks like Notion Ink has put everything that isn’t offered in iPad. Even on the price level, Adam has an advantage with start price of $327 (Rs. 15,700 approx.) while iPad’s starting price is $499 (Rs. 24,000 approx.).

At the MWC 2010, this India-based firm will officially unveil Adam along with specifications and we expect fireworks once it is made available in June-July period.

specs

Size and Weight
Height : 158 mm
Width : 239 mm
Depth : 13 mm*
Weight : ~600-650 gm

System on Chip
NVIDIA TEGRA 2
Dual Core Cortex A-9
ULP GPU

Storage
16 / 32 GB eMMC

Communication
WLAN - 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth 2.1 A2DP
WWAN - 3G HSDPA

Display
a) Pixel Qi Display
10.1" TFT Liquid Crystal Display
WSVGA (1024 x 600 pixels) resolution
Transmissive, transflective, and reflective display modes

b) Non-Pixel Qi Display
10.1" TFT Liquid Crystal Display
Capacitive touch panel with multi-touch
Matt finish/ Anti glare Coating
Scratch resistant and Finger print
resistant surface

Touch Screen
Capacitive touch panel with multi-touch
Matt finish/ Anti glare Coating
Scratch resistant and Finger print resistant surface


Camera
3.2 MP Swivel Camera**

Audio
Two loudspeakers
3.5 mm Headphone jack
Microphone Jack
Built in microphone

Input/Output Ports
USB 2.0 Host - 2
HDMI
MicroSD slot
SIM Card slot
DC connector
Docking Port

Power & Battery
Universal Charger
3 cell standard battery

Sensors
3-Axis accelerometer
Ambient light sensing
A-GPS

Keyboard / Mouse
On screen keyboard
Back side trackpad**

Good E-Reader Blog

[irishjayhawk]

When eink and LED can be merged together, sort of like this, Apple will adopt it.

But this is a cool product I've been eying for a while. It's just not for me, yet. I'll keep my nook stop-gap for now and wait a few years.

[Mr. Laz]

The Adam From Notion Ink: Is it going to be the geeks gizmo?
By Michael

If you are in the market for a device that can be termed as an alternative to the iPad or the iTablet from X2 Computing, can do multiple tasks at the same time, and is equipped with a webcam, then it’s the Notion Ink’s Adam that you should be looking at. Adam is yet to be launched commercially but it has already made a distinct niche for itself with its Pixel Qi display technology that relies not entirely on the gadgets own power source for lighting up the screen. Instead, it has the capability to utilize nature and natural external light source for bringing clarity to its display.

While Apple iPad also uses a sensor to detect ambient light and adjust display clarity, however it does not carry out any adjustment to the backlight factor of the screen. It is here that the Adam scores favorably since the ambient light sensor that it is equipped with enables the device to turn backlight on or off depending on external light conditions. This has made it possible for the Adam to reduce its battery drain by as much as 50 percent in comparison to an LED based backlight display. In fact, it is this that has proved to be a governing factor for Adam to be able to sustain a mammoth 16 hours of internet usage against a mere 10 by the iPad. In addition, the Nvidia Tegra chipset that the device runs on is also acclaimed for its low power demands. Power consumption of the Adam’s 10-inch touch screen has been found to be just 0.2 watts.



Using Google’s Android operating system rather than Windows or Linux also makes the Adam a better choice for the masses for an e-reader. Its plethora of selective specifications makes the Adam a must-have device when it is launched. Bundled with GPS, a digital compass, a 3 mega pixel camera and memory expandable to 32 GB, this device is being lauded as the geek’s gizmo. If the innards of the Adam are selective, the external for sure is seductive. It is just six inch thick and weighs a light 770 grams. Capability to play flash files is but the icing on the cake called Adam. Further, the company also announced content deals that will include digital magazines, e-books, and e-comics.

It is expected that we can have the cake and eat it too, as the price tag of about $325. Expected launch date of Adam is June and is likely to be launched simultaneously in both the US and India. For more information check out our E-Reader Forum and more on our E-Reader Blog

[irishjayhawk]

That's the first I've heard the price. $325 is superb. So much so that I'm having a hard time believing it.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by irishjayhawk

That's the first I've heard the price. $325 is superb. So much so that I'm having a hard time believing it.

be aware that i believe the $325 is the starting configuration price point.

add more memory etc and i think there is supposed to be a 200-250 range

so $325-575

still lower than the IPAD ... in fact, i believe the company is going to make sure that it's lower as one of it's marketing tools.

lower price and includes the specific features the IPAD doesn't



i believe HP is going to do the same thing with their tablet that is coming out later this year.

[Mr. Laz]

The new apple of the eye is going to be Adam

By Sovy

Ardent and hardcore Apple followers may at last be wooed away from their pet and glued product the iPad. The bait being thrown in by none other than Notion Ink with their Adam tablet PC. Apple addicts have started to look at this E-Reader for sure.

With its higher specifications of operations and that too without any cost to battery life the Adam from Notion has set Apple Inc thinking and their true to life customer base blinking. The Adam is based on a tegra chipset and the screen is made of a technology that does not necessitate the need for back light option for all its operations. This means a battery life of twice to thrice times that of the iPad. The Adam in addition also has support for HD as compared to the iPad, which is restricted to 576p/480p. To top the specification make up the Adam supports Flash file format.

Given its sleek look the adage of thin mean fighting machine would suit the Adam well. Even though the difference in sleekness can be measured only in millimeter, the Apple Tablet comes at 13.4 mm while the Adam comes at 12.9, yet even millimeter counts given the present garment fashion trends and scarcity of carriage space for these gadgets of show.

The pricing policy that is to be adopted by Notion for this product is yet a hush hush affair. The forthcoming Mobile World conference is sure to give us some insight into these aspects and some more of the hidden features of this magnificent yet secret gadget.

[teedubya]

I've known about this for several months and written about it at http://mobilelocalsocial.com

This thing appears to be bad-ass. I want it. It is the only reason that I didn't buy an iPad.

[Silock]

Wow, that looks awesome. I wonder if it will actually perform as it says it will for the price they're saying it will be.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by Silock

Wow, that looks awesome. I wonder if it will actually perform as it says it will for the price they're saying it will be.

did you watch the video in the OP ... they had a working prototype already.

he had trouble getting a wireless signal at the convention but the response time and the screen looked great.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by Ari Chi3fs

I've known about this for several months and written about it at http://mobilelocalsocial.com

This thing appears to be bad-ass. I want it. It is the only reason that I didn't buy an iPad.

so how about a direct link to your article bud?


[/edit]are you DJ Brady?

[Mr. Laz]

[Mr. Laz]

another article with a better video (can't understand what one of the guys is saying but the picture is much clearer)

Slate Comparison Chart for Beginners

DJ Brady | Jan 31, 2010 | 2572 comment

http://mobilelocalsocial.com/2010/01/slate-comparison-chart-for-beginners/Slate+Comparison+Chart+for+Beginners2010-01-31+19%3A29%3A49DJ+Brady



Apple seems like a dude trapped in a tub with tigers (the goose is Google, A.K.A Android), as many companies prepare to announce release dates and specs for their upcoming iPad tablet product competition.
As the year goes forward they will eventually release “Slate” type tech, just like the iPad.

Fortunately, there are many progressive ideas as to what Slates should consist of technology wise. Take a look at the comparison chart via Gizmodo.

What am I going to buy? The Notion Ink Adam. Especially at the price point mentioned below.
Per Slashdot:

“The Pixel Qi display and the frugal Tegra 2 chipset mean that despite the HD (1080p out via HDMI) video capabilities, the Adam should excel in battery life, too. NVIDIA are saying tablets with regular displays (consuming around 2W) using Tegra 2 will last for around 16 hours of Full HD video with a standard 3-cell battery; Rohan says that, because their display uses just 0.2W in its electrophoretic reflective mode, with that 3-cell battery you’ll potentially see up to 160 hours use. Remember, that’s not just 160 hours of static E Ink style text, but the potential for video playback and digital content reading in color. Rohan also threw out a quick teaser about some unannounced upcoming features: if Tegra 2 has 12-megapixel camera support, what might you use that support for on a tablet?”

According to Hi-TechHQ , it is possible that the Adam is going to price in the mid 300 dollar range with the following specs:



Wow.... SWEET!

[Silock]

Originally Posted by Laz

did you watch the video in the OP ... they had a working prototype already.

he had trouble getting a wireless signal at the convention but the response time and the screen looked great.

Working prototype is different than performing up to the specs they say it will, especially IRT to battery life.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by Silock

Working prototype is different than performing up to the specs they say it will, especially IRT to battery life.

we'll see ... sounds like they are getting pretty close to having the concrete product ready to go in June/July

bottomline is that a no-named, n00b product is gonna have to have an angle to survive. imo any slate coming out is going to have to do 1 or 2 things.

1. price point lower than IPAD
2. key features than IPAD deliberately left out

the more of these 2 things they can do, the better they compete against teh bigger named IPAD.

[Silock]

I agree. It sounds like a kickass product. I'm looking forward to it. But there's always a catch.

It's also going to have to compete with the App Store, and while the iPad may not be the best device out there (and let's face it, the iPhone wasn't and isn't the best phone), the apps certainly are a HUGE draw for people.