Find eBook Readers Blog   Reading in the Digital Age

Rohan Shravan, founder and CEO of Notion Ink, has been teasing the company’s forthcoming Pixel Qi based Adam tablet with a steady trickle of details and new photos on the official Notion Ink blog. 

It looks like the Adam is getting pretty close to release, although it likely won’t make it in time for Christmas this year (it could still make it — I hope I’m wrong).  Rohan hints that something good is happening on Dec. 6, but as to whether that will be the beginning of pre-order taking for the Adam, the launch of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) or something else entirely is unclear. 

My money would be on the Gingerbread launch, but pre-orders should happen pretty soon. When pre-ordering does start, those who have commented on the Notion Ink blog in the past (too late now!) are slated to get priority.  Notion Ink really seems like a company that wants to stay in touch with its fans/customers.

My friend entered a design in Notion Ink’s recent logo contest and, while he didn’t win, he was one of the semifinalists.  This means he is supposed to receive an offer for a “steep discount” on the Adam when it does become available.  So I should at the very least get a good fondle of the Adam — the very thought has me all hot and bothered. 

The winning logo is shown to the right.  Apparently it is very similar to an existing company logo however, and the last word on it is that Notion Ink is checking with the other company to see if they object to the use of the similar design. 

Some recent details that have been released about the Adam and its onboard applications:

• All six variants of the Adam have passed EMI testing at the FCC.
• All of the Adam’s software is now in beta.
• Email client (Mail’d):  One unusual (and potentially controversial) feature is the ability to recall email that has been sent out.  This could have security applications, as it might help prevent sensitive info contained in an email from being forwarded all over the place.
• Notion Ink has improved the font handling of Android for the Adam.  Hopefully this will work with the optional Pixel Qi display to make the Adam a great ereader.
• The glass used in the Adam’s screen:  One reason that a lot of devices have such glossy screens is that a glossy surface is more scratch-resistant.  After a lot of experimentation Notion Ink has come up with a screen for the Adam that is closer to matte but resistant to scratching.  Also, matte LCD screens suffer from light diffusion problems, especially when displaying green colors, and this is exacerbated by a touchscreen layer.  Notion Ink has put a lot of work into solving this issue as well.

There is also now a new online community site for fans of the Adam — the aptly named NotionAddicts forum is a good resource for more info and opinion on the first Pixel Qi tablet.

Possibly Related Posts:

• New Notion Ink Adam Videos
• Notion Ink Adam Update
• Notion Ink Adam Update
• Pixel Qi vs iPad in the Sunshine
• Next Gen Pixel Qi displays to be better than iPad 3 Retina display