Notion Ink’s Adam has been speculated about for a while, even matched up against upcoming iPad. While my views of the iPad are positive, Notion’s demonstration of the Adam at MWC gave light to an amazing competitor. Enough to fuel my desire for another Android device, despite having wanted the Apple iPad.

As mentioned before, tablets are coming to the market as competition to ebook readers. For the iPad, a major valid concern is that the LCD screen will hurt the eyes. Notion Ink tackles this by giving the user an option to turn off the back light, so the user can manually switch (or use the ambient light sensor) to switch between the two for the desired use. The benefit, in addition to easing the strain on the eyes, is that the device will have a greater battery life.

The Adam uses an Arm processor. The A9, which is in the Adam, is a dual-core and more powerful then any processor in Android devices to date. As it gains power, it will also gain battery life, offering 140 hours of audio or 16 hours of video playback. This is noticeably more then the iPad, however still less then the Amazon Kindle.

Speaking of video, the Adam offers 1080p video playback through the HDMI connection. Much stronger then the iPad, if you have the patience to hook it up to TV. In addition to quality video ability, the device also incorporates a camera which swivels 180 degrees. While I don’t see it as a practical addition, it does add a feature a lot will love.

In addition to an HDMI port, the tablet has 3x USB ports. This highlights a draw back of the iPad for most. I don’t expect they would be a selling point for me, but that’s because almost every thing I do away from my desktop is on a cloud server.

As for UI, there’s no information about their custom UI other then the fact that it’s in development. What has been hinted is that there will be an improved keypad, as well as functionality of a track pad located on the back.

With all the benefits over the iPad, one would expect it to be significantly more expensive then the iPad. Notion refuses to release pricing information, however they have referred to the price as being able to make you “happy.”

After having considering the iPad, the Kindle and the Nook, I see my self wanting to wait this device out through launch. Waiting impatientally, unfortunately, seeing as the release is supposed to be in Q2. The only thing I can do at this point is keep my eyes open for new information.

Visiting http://buzz.google.com from my G1 shows a table of compatible devices (and operating systems). When looking at the list, the first reaction is YAY Android gets all the functions.  Second glance, and you realize Android 2.0+ gets all the functions. Furthermore, there is no mention of pre-2.0 devices. This leaves me with the assumption that the support will only come with Google maps and not through the browser.

The issue as I see it, is that Google is segregating the OS instead of building an app for use on all android devices. As a G1 owner, fan-boy, it might come off like I am screaming UNFAIR.. However, my G1 is well past its life expectancy, so I can cope. The greater issue is that devices are still being produced, and developed on earlier versions of the OS.  for instance, the Sony x10, releases next month on 1.6. A long with a handful of other devices, the Sony will arrive to the market behind the times and possibly missing support of future Google Services.