Why I am Returning My Adam Pixel Qi WiFi/3g

[eyadaman]

The Pixel Qi Screen - Part iPad, part Kindle - Is A Bad Version of Both.

I am sad to say that, in my opinion, the Pixel Qi screen is simply not ready for prime time, and customer support is similarly unprepared for the massive responsibilities that they've undertaken. In this review, I will not speak about the difficulties of the operating system or the frustrating glitches, because as an early adopter, I believe that I volunteered to be a beta tester. I know that there will continue to be updates, particularly Honeycomb, and that most if not all of those issues will be resolved. And as a tinkerer, I have fun figuring out how to overcome the petty annoyances. These are software and firmware issues.

But hardware is an entirely different issue. As is customer service.

Please note that I am up to date with their updates; and i did not root it.

First - the screen. It is highly reflective. If you put on the screen protector, reflections are reduced - as are fingerprints, but the visual quality goes down dramatically, making it nearly impossible to read text at times. So the screen protector came off - a lot faster than it went on, I might add.

In color mode, the automatic settings are a disaster. The Adam is almost always exceedingly dim. So of course I went into the settings and put it on manual. I played with the brightness level and found the contrast and saturation to be well below reasonable standards. Surfing the web, the colors were not only washed out, the tint was wrong. And there is no place to play with the saturation or tint settings.

Surprisingly, the sharpness of text and graphics was also below expectations - particularly in light of the screen's resolution. It was very difficult to read small text, and there is a lot of bleed/pixelation in larger graphics and text.

But the most disappointing problem of all was the "eInk" mode, or screen off mode. It is virtually unreadable indoors unless held under strong light. The contrast is terrible, and the background is an ugly gray-brown, making the text almost melt into the background. Outside in sunlight it's only moderately bad. If you saw this tablet in the store and had it next to an iPad, you would wonder how this screen ever made it to retail. This was particularly disappointing because to me, the most exciting factor in purchasing the Adam was that it was part iPad, part Kindle. Well, unfortunately, it is a bad version of both.

Finally, customer service. In my first email to Customer Support, I pointed out these deficiencies and informed them that I'd like to return the Adam. They responded quickly and told me to update the Adam, which I had already done. They also directed me to the legal section for all the steps necessary to return the Adam. I immediately followed all of the instructions to the letter and sent the appropriate email to Customer Support - per their instructions. Suddenly, they were no longer so responsive. I've waited three days now for a reply and for the directions so I can get an RMA. I've sent three emails and posted on their Wordpress blog. Nothing. This is inexcusable.

If you purchased an Adam, you sent them your money based on faith in the hardware and faith in the company. I'm afraid that they've both been unacceptable.

Perhaps they bit off more than they could chew. Perhaps quality control overlooked the screen. Perhaps they made promises based on hopes and dreams rather than reality. Whatever it was, they still have my money and I still have a tablet that I don't want and can't yet return to get a refund.

I have no axe to grind with NI or Rohan. Indeed, I'm a lover of underdogs and truly hoped that NI would be a huge success story. I still feel that way. I was one of the first people to post a blog on their WordPress site. I've been a staunch supporter and an excited customer with realistic expectations. I feel that they've let me down. I highly recommend that anyone considering purchasing an Adam think twice. Sorry folks.

[MATrickett]

Sorry to hear about that. Strange that the recent side-by-side of the PQi and LCD didn't appear to be as bad as you make it sound. I wonder if there is inconsistency in the manufacture of the PQi screen itself? All the personal reports that I've heard haven't quite been that bad.

[eyadaman]

Yes, my analysis is harsh, but i look at it as how much i spent viz. how good the product is. Had this been a $200 tablet, I would have been thrilled. But my standards increase in direct proportion to the price. And from this perspective, I am very disappointed.

[MATrickett]

Oh, no harm, no foul. I didn't take offence nor was I jumping to the Adam's defense. I do have one question, though: why did you get the PQi when it sounds like--and forgive me any assumption--that you would have preferred the LCD version?

Also, have you considered just selling it on eBay or some such? I'm sure that there are people out there that wouldn't mind an Adam even if it doesn't fit with your needs.

[lakshman]

@eyadman-- Then looks like you should have got a LCD version...or maybe the iPad (if you wanted LCD in its full glory, brightness, text sharpness)...based on your initial review. And it looks like you might have got a defective unit since I did not see the problems on my P-Qi Adam. Just my thoughts and sorry that it didn't work out for you.

I agree with you on the customer service or the lack of it. Don't know when they are going to ramp up on that aspect.

[eyadaman]

Actually, I agree with you - it was a harsh review. I thought you made a good point. As for the LCD version, my initial interest in the Adam was its apparent ability to be an excellent eReader, a la Kindle, as well as an excellent Android LCD device - an alternative to the iPad. You may be right that the LCD would have been a better choice for me, but the Pixel Qi was, in my mind, the Adam's strong suit. Things are never as bad as they seem, or as good as they promise to be. Such is life.

[EvgenyTr]

If your unit is not malfunctioning, and you're just not satisfied with it I suggest selling it to someone more enthusiastic instead of going through painful return process. This way you can even get some revenue )

just my 2 cents, of course

[hscottk]

I appreciate your frank review. I felt exactly the same way when I first heard about the adam Pixel Qi: it's a kindle and ipad all in one. But the reality sounds quite a bit different. I wanted more than just being able to read outside; I wanted to read inside in Pixel Qi without backlight/glare/eyestrain. But it sounds like Pixel Qi isn't quite there yet.

Now that I think about it, the Pixel Qi units sold out fast during the first pre-order because everyone was so excited about the new technology. Then people got them, and the second pre-order sold out of LCD models! Maybe the next generation will do better, but I guess I'm looking at an LCD model...sadly.

[ArmanB]

Eyadaman, it is unfortunate that the Adam didn't work out for you the way that you had hoped. I wish that all will work out for you and that you will successfully be able to return your Adam with a full refund.

Please keep our community updated with all that is happening, your experience will be very helpful.

[MATrickett]

Now that I think about it, the Pixel Qi units sold out fast during the first pre-order because everyone was so excited about the new technology. Then people got them, and the second pre-order sold out of LCD models! Maybe the next generation will do better, but I guess I'm looking at an LCD model...sadly.
Not a great comparison. If reports are to be believed NI made a lot more PQi screens in the second batch...

[jent]

I have the pixel-qi Adam, and I understand your concern but totally disagree. I have extensively tested tablets for my work and I honestly think the pixel-qi is a very nice compromise between e-ink and lcd. It isn't perfect but it is amazing for what it does.

What I've tested...
The ipad has a great screen, but a limited os dependent on apps to fully function.
The viewsonic g-tab has good internals but is missing the pixel-qi, gps, 3G.
The nook color has a great screen, but is missing all the connectivity besides wifi.

The Adam has the best off all these things. The only problem is that the support from NI just isn't there. Hardware-wise the Adam is a clear winner.

[AndyIOW]

I have the pixel-qi Adam, and I understand your concern but totally disagree. I have extensively tested tablets for my work and I honestly think the pixel-qi is a very nice compromise between e-ink and lcd. It isn't perfect but it is amazing for what it does.

What I've tested...
The ipad has a great screen, but a limited os dependent on apps to fully function.
The viewsonic g-tab has good internals but is missing the pixel-qi, gps, 3G.
The nook color has a great screen, but is missing all the connectivity besides wifi.

The Adam has the best off all these things. The only problem is that the support from NI just isn't there. Hardware-wise the Adam is a clear winner.

Thanks for this reply. I have a PQi on order and was worried about the screen and negative comments. I did accept there would be some trade off and your comments hopefully prove I have made the right decision

[eyadaman]

Eyadaman, it is unfortunate that the Adam didn't work out for you the way that you had hoped. I wish that all will work out for you and that you will successfully be able to return your Adam with a full refund.

Please keep our community updated with all that is happening, your experience will be very helpful.

Thanks very much for the support, ArmanB. I certainly hope NI pulls through, although it's now Saturday night and still not a word from NI Customer Support. I will keep certainly keep you informed. Thanks again.

[eyadaman]

I have the pixel-qi Adam, and I understand your concern but totally disagree. I have extensively tested tablets for my work and I honestly think the pixel-qi is a very nice compromise between e-ink and lcd. It isn't perfect but it is amazing for what it does.

What I've tested...
The ipad has a great screen, but a limited os dependent on apps to fully function.
The viewsonic g-tab has good internals but is missing the pixel-qi, gps, 3G.
The nook color has a great screen, but is missing all the connectivity besides wifi.

The Adam has the best off all these things. The only problem is that the support from NI just isn't there. Hardware-wise the Adam is a clear winner.

jent - I'm very curious. When you compared the iPad with the pixel qi Adam, did you find the colors and saturation comparable, if not identical? Also, when you used it as an eReader, what color was the background? How good was the contrast? How did it compare with the nook? I have no interest in trashing the Adam if the problem is merely that i got a lemon. But sometimes I wonder if the devotion that we have all had to this exciting new product from a promising new startup has blinded some to the realities of its limitations. Frankly, I truly hope that the issues I've seen are unique to my Adam, but there's no way for me to know. Thanks for your reply.

[eyadaman]

I just read an excellent review by lakshman, another notionaddict blogger. Here's the link: http://www.notionaddicts.com/forums/member.php/2879-lakshman. Definitely worth reading.

[gcrv]

What are you comparing PixelQi adam screen with? Have you checked out Xoom or other tablets? Just curious as most reiviews Im now seeing of Xoom put its LCD comparable with Adams PixelQi.
by the way there was some one looking for an Adam to by in the forum yesterday.

[EvgenyTr]

link is to profile

[alan331]

I wonder why are u trying to use the e-ink mode indoor where it is designed to be use under bright light outdoor where its hard to see with normal LCD screen even on high brightness.

[AdamOne]

It seems that PQI works fine in bright sunlight outside (laying in the garden...), but inside you need LCD to read. I hope LCD brightness can be turned down enough so that it does not hurt your eyes. I think I will still be going fo the PQI.

[MATrickett]

I wonder why are u trying to use the e-ink mode indoor where it is designed to be use under bright light outdoor where its hard to see with normal LCD screen even on high brightness.
Battery life would be the obvious response. The average battery life of the Adam is a tad bit on the disappointing side based on the polls that are being run by those that already have their Adam.

[jent]

I never did a side by side comparison between the Adam and the iPad, but I can do one over the next couple of days. I am not a professional photographer so my eye for subtle differences of saturation may be below standard. I am a teacher who was tasked with evaluating tablets for use in the classroom by middle school students.

What I do know is that the Adam (at least the one I have) can show colors as well as I could have expected in relation to the LCD screens I see all the time. I use a Dell monitor on my home pc and a Macbook for work. I personally own an e-ink Barnes and Noble Nook. I had a G1 on T-Mobile which I recently upgraded to the G2. My school purchased 4 tablets for evaluation: the Barnes and Noble Nook Color, the Apple iPad, the Viewsonic G-tablet, and the Dell Inspiron Duo (which is a netverible really). I purchased the Adam tablet for myself. As far as screen quality is concerned (resolution, color, viewing angles) my order of quality goes like this:

#1 Barnes and Noble Nook Color
#2 Apple iPad
#3 Notion Ink Adam
#4 Dell Inspiron Duo
#5 Viewsonic G-tablet

The Nook color has an IPS display like the iPad but a greater pixel density and better sunlight viewing quality. The iPad is a great screen overall but suffers greatly in direct sunlight. The Adam has just the same general appearance as the Inspiron Duo as far as picture quality but blows all the others out for sunlight viewing. The Viewsonic suffers from the worst viewing angles I have ever seen on any device. On a side note, the G2 screen on my phone is the best of all of them in terms of colors and overall "crispness".

[jent]

On another side note, I was amazed when I first took my Adam from inside to outside. If it wasn't for the change in the color I would not have known the difference. That alone was a big differentiator for me. I am trying to get used to the Adam with the matte screen protector on it, and I can tell what the protector is doing to the clarity of the screen, but the reduction in fingerprints and the reduced glare is important for me.

It is not my job to convince you one way or the other. I would imagine that the Xoom has a nicer quality screen in terms of color saturation and pixel density, but the other factors which are important to me would keep me from getting one.

#1 Clear and easily readable text and graphics (both are just fine on this point).
#2 Viewing angles which are usable in most situations. This means that I can put the tablet on the table in front of me and still be able to use it even when I am not hovering directly over the screen or holding it up. (The Adam does this fine for me, while the Viewsonic failed at this test.)
#3 Viewable in a variety of lighting conditions both indoor and out. The classroom is generally very well lit and I imagine that the Adam screen will be able to be used in backlight off mode during most of my workday. (My school was on break this past week so I will try it in the classroom tomorrow.) When I take students outside, it will function just as well. When the lights are off or at night it can be lit just as any LCD screen. The Adam wins on this condition by far.
#4 Priced within reason. $550 is a lot to spend for a "luxury item". I did not need a tablet in my life, but I wanted one. I would have had a much harder time justifying a $800 expense on a Xoom.

With all those considerations in mind, the Adam is a clear winner for my priorities. The only issue I have had was a total lack of support and information from the company. At times I was honestly worried that Rohan had stolen my money. The constant delays and worry was very wearing on me. If I knew what kind of hassle it would have been I don't think I would have gotten the Adam. Now that I do have it though and I look at the alternatives that are becoming available, I am happy with my choice. It is priced well below the Xoom with largely comparable specs. It falls below the Xoom on screen resolution, but I think the added pixel qi more than makes up for that.

Those are my two cents. I hope I answered some of your questions.

[MATrickett]

One of the other advantages to the PQi model as a learning device for "school" children that is accessible by the Adam because of the hardware (also phones, the Xoom etc.) are the augmented reality apps. They've yet to mature fully, but there are some really interesting potentials here if someone wants to take off and run with them.

Also, and not to keep on harping on about it, but davidk's "note taking app" that is currently being discussed could also be of some significant use to teachers. In fact, I think that I'll mention it over on the thread later on the day when I have a bit more time than some brief browsing. Indeed, this is actually one of the reasons that I got a smartphone and one of the other reasons for me investing in a tablet with the kind of specifications that Adam has. Oooh, the potentials. :D

[putt1ck]

There's bubbles and stuff all over it, and bits of stuff I can't get off. But that would be my utter incompetence in putting on the screen protector...

Other than that anyone having issues with screen clarity or brightness of their PQ screen should assume theirs is faulty in some way. In colour mode colours are clear even in bright light conditions - not vibrant like my TV, but then my TV cost a lot more and does a lot less... In transflective mode I would happily read an ebook in sunlight or in room light. Hard to fault for what it does really.

[tmckenn2]

Well I do agree the screen is less than stellar. Its not bad, I wouldn't be so concerned if the battery life was better. But I think e ink mod is fine. But it isn't nearly as nice asbother regular LCD screens... buts compromise ill take

[floydsushil]

whats the process to return the Adam

[floydsushil]

i am having so much issues with the software, and i not sure whether i want to go for the alternative UIs... considering to return the ADAM...

[ddaypunk06]

@floydsushil I believe that is covered in the warranty you should have been given when you ordered the Adam. As its a warranty, they may only accept defective units...just not liking it won't cut it I would believe.

I would recommend checking out ADW Launcher or Launcher Pro. Notion Ink hacks EdenX is good as well. I know Erian uses it, you should talk to him. (Disclaimer: I follow a lot of people that have their Adams and have read many reviews; however, as noted in my sig, mine is supposed to be shipping soon *crosses fingers*. So I have no first hand experience with the loaders listed above.)

[villageboy]

Sushil,

There is another option that you could take instead of returning it to Notion Ink.

You can offer it to your fellow countrymen via local community websites or ebay. I am sure that there will be loads of people who missed the PO2 or can't wait for the delivery will just grab your offer, instead of trying to find out how to return it to Notion Ink, even if they willing to accept it. Do remember that you will still need to pay shipping and restocking fee that Notion Ink charge you.

[ShadowHunter]

I do like the ADAM (using it right now) but you should look behind the software.
The hardware is very nice. The PQ display is what it is, but it is surely what is described in many fora.
Less than LCD, but very handy in clear light conditions. If you want a high quality bright display, buy the LCD
my advice: root it ASAP (http://www.notioninkhacks.com)

[floydsushil]

Sushil,

There is another option that you could take instead of returning it to Notion Ink.

You can offer it to your fellow countrymen via local community websites or ebay. I am sure that there will be loads of people who missed the PO2 or can't wait for the delivery will just grab your offer, instead of trying to find out how to return it to Notion Ink, even if they willing to accept it. Do remember that you will still need to pay shipping and restocking fee that Notion Ink charge you.

U know what i am beginnng to like this piece of hardware, dont think will let it go.....still has issues but i thnk I can live with them as i have begun to realise what it can do, had half a mind yo buy the ipad2 but realised what that thing cant do which adam can beutifully do

[BobLeponge]

I have the pixel-qi Adam, and I understand your concern but totally disagree. I have extensively tested tablets for my work and I honestly think the pixel-qi is a very nice compromise between e-ink and lcd. It isn't perfect but it is amazing for what it does.

What I've tested...
The ipad has a great screen, but a limited os dependent on apps to fully function.
The viewsonic g-tab has good internals but is missing the pixel-qi, gps, 3G.
The nook color has a great screen, but is missing all the connectivity besides wifi.

The Adam has the best off all these things. The only problem is that the support from NI just isn't there. Hardware-wise the Adam is a clear winner.

This is a very helpfull comment.

Thank you

[BobLeponge]

U know what i am beginnng to like this piece of hardware, dont think will let it go.....still has issues but i thnk I can live with them as i have begun to realise what it can do, had half a mind yo buy the ipad2 but realised what that thing cant do which adam can beutifully do

Thank you for writting about your frustration on the software and how in the end it is not that bad! I can't wait for the second wave. I might go with something else because of the delays in receiving the unit and the fact that I can not order it.

Anybody has any ideas on how the Advent Vega is?? It is a lot cheaper and sports the same processor. It has half the RAM but that does not bother me too much.

[footclan]

To the OP: In videos it didn't look like the PQi in normal transmissive mode looked that bad. I can't say as I haven't received mine yet. The e-ink mode indoors, does look pretty unreadable and I assumed low backlight, transreflective mode would be best indoors for reading.

It sucks to hear about the reflective nature and unreadability with the screen protector on. The customer service is apparently non-existent and it's my fear that if I do have a problem I'll be stuck with it for a long time before it getting swapped or refunded in the best case scenario.

[footclan]

I don't know if someone else asked this, but there was another member who got a pixel qi Adam and created a thread thinking his Adam was defective because of overall poor quality and readability. It turns out there was a thin layer of plastic on the screen. Could this be true for your case as well?

[pede93063]

i am having so much issues with the software, and i not sure whether i want to go for the alternative UIs... considering to return the ADAM...
I'll might be interested in buying from you.