December 2010 was the launch of the original Notion Ink Adam. Highly anticipated, the device was a darling of the internet. Various websites were devoted to it, and it had a very loyal fanbase before it ever was sold. With decent specifications, an open architecture for third-party roms, the promise of the Eden interface, and the appeal of it’s sunlight-defying Pixel Qi screen, the device gathered a lot of interest. While eventually not living up to all the promise it once showed, the device is still used by devoted owners. It was the first real tablet I myself owned(after an Archos 70 resistive-screen device), and I learned a lot from it. Well, after a long wait, Notion Ink has finally released the Adam II.
The most original design feature of Adam II is the small screen on the “spine” of the device. NI is pushing the idea of the tablet being used as a book, so the spine displays some notifications, and can apparently be personalized. How useful it is to have a display on the side of a device is debatable, I for one don’t store my tablets like books on a shelf, and don’t see the usefulness.
The specifications for Adam II are decent. A 1.5GHz dual-core processor, likely a TI Omap, should work well with the quad-core Mali graphics chip and 1GB memory to drive the 10.1″, 1280 x 800 screen. Built in Bluetooth is nice, the 8GB internal storage not so much. However, the microsd slot allows expansion, so that’s not really a problem. Dual speakers, mini-HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, and front and rear 3.15MP cameras round out the features. Shipping with Android 4.2.2, the 6000Mwh battery should last a reasonable amount of time. If I’ve converted correctly, the standard device is $266USD, and there is a 3g model available for about $308USD.
One good comparison device for the Adam II is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1(older version), which can be had for around $300USD refurbished, $400USD new. While screen resolution is the same, the Note has a quad-core Exynos cpu, which all in all is not that much more powerful than the TI Omap dual-core one in the Adam. 2GB ram, and 16GB storage for the Note are advantages, as is the S-pen. In this case, the NI Adam II doesn’t come out too badly in comparison, with price factored in.
Another device to compare is the Lenovo Yoga 10. Ironically, it looks very similar to the original Adam, with a rounded edge holding the battery. At $260, price is right on par with Adam II. Screen resolution is the same 1280 x 800, memory also the same 1GB. The Lenovo utilizes a 1.2 GHz Intel Celeron processor, which by most accounts is a good performer. 16GB on board storage doubles the Adam’s. One decided advantage is the claimed 18 hour battery life. Overall, again the Adam II doesn’t come out far behind, if at all.
So, at this point, it’s too early to say how good or bad Adam II is. Once reviewers get their hands on it, and run the device through it’s paces, we should have a better idea if it’s a good device or not. One thing that is missing from Adam II, however, is the excitement generated by the original Adam.