Notion Ink has been running a countdown on the upper right corner of its web site for the past few weeks, and now it looks like the clock is about to hit zero. SlashGear reports that Notion Ink will begin taking pre-orders for its Adam tablet starting December 9th.
The Adam is a 10 inch tablet running Google’s Android operating system. But there are a few things setting it apart from all the other 7 to 10 inch tablets running Android. Notion Ink got a lot of attention in January when it announced that the Adam would be one of the first tablets to ship with an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor and a Pixel Qi low power transflective display. Twelve months later, it’s still on track to be one of the first products to ship with a Pixel Qi display.
Notion Ink has also spent a lot of time developing a custom user interface and custom apps to run on top of Android 2.2 to make it more tablet friendly. SlashGear reports that an Android 2.3 update is also in the works, and should be available just a few weeks after the Adam begins shipping.
Notion Ink will offer six different versions of the Adam tablet, with prices expected to start at $399. Some will be available with the Pixel Qi display, while cheaper models will have a standard LCD touchscreen display. Some will have 3G, while others will be WiFi-only.
Pixel Qi’s technology allows you to switch between full color and high contrast (nearly grayscale) modes. In high contrast mode, the screen is readable without a backlight and is just as easy to read outdoors in direct sunlight as it is indoors. The display also uses 5 times less power with the backlight turned off.
The company is expected to offer pre-orders to customers who have commented on the company’s blog at first, before widening availability.
Update: Just in case you needed any more confirmation, Notion Ink just posted the following picture on its blog:
It’s already open for preorder now..
Hahaha @monkeyking1969 I can feel your excitement from here. I too have been waiting for this tablet but Iam still on the fence about pre ordering. There is still so much unproven with the execution of the hardware and software. I really want to get some first impressions before committing the cash.
I’m buying one. This is my tablet. This device is what seems to be the best compromise of features and ideas in one unit for someone like me who wants to read eBooks, wants to dip my toe in Android apps, and wants a larger screen. The only thing it lacks is a ‘kickstand’
Too say I’m thrilled with the fact pre-order sign-ups are mere day away would be an understatement.