Dell created a hype a few months back when news came out that they were coming up with a computer that would rival the Macbook Air. Back then, all we knew about it was that it was gonna be called the Dell Adamo. No photos or specifications, just a website.

We first saw a glimpse of the Adamo when Dell unveiled it at the 2009 CES in Las Vegas early this year and then a couple days back we saw more photos of it in display at the recent SXSW 2009. A few hours later the retail price and photos of Dell Adamo were leaked, Dell ended the hype when they officially released the Dell Adamo.

The Dell Adamo comes in two colors – Onyx and Pearl and starts at $1,999 for the basic configuration. Specs below:

• 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor with Centrino technology
• Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 64-Bit
• 2GB 800MHz DDR3 dual-channel memory3
• 128GB3 solid state drive

And if you want more computing power, you can have the following specs for $2,699.

• 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor with Centrino technology
• Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 64-Bit
• 4GB 800MHz DDR3 dual-channel memory3
• 128GB3 solid state drive
• Mobile Broadband2

Shared Features:

• Super-thin 13.4-inch 16:9 (High Definition; 720p) WLED display
• Full-size keyboard with back-lighting and scalloped, metallic key cap design
• Integrated 1.3 megapixel camera and integrated digital microphone
• IO: Display Port, USBx3 (1 eSATA combination), Audio Out and integrated RJ-45 port
• Communications: Gigabit LOM, Bluetooth 2.1, 802.11n (3×3)
• 5+ hr battery life using Li-Polymer cells; 40 Whr
• Compact power adapter
• Dimensions: (w x d x h) 13.03 x 9.5 x 0.65 in (331 x 242 x 16.39 mm)
• Weight: 1.81 kg (4.0 lb)
• 90 Days of Adamo Premium Service (US Only) (Select Configurations)
• Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 64-Bit

Additional Photos:

Adamo by Dell videos

The Dell Adamo is a thing of beauty. Weighing only 4 lbs, it weighs a pound more than the Macbook Air, has a slightly bigger screen at 13.4 inches and measures only .65 inches in height which makes it a very slim notebook. I especially like the design on the Pearl edition. Unfortunately, the only thing impressive about the Dell Adamo is its design and falls short when it comes to other important features like the processor and graphics card. Like the Macbook Air, the Dell Adamo doesn’t have a built-in optical drive so you’ll have to purchase an external DVD-RW.

Like my initial impression, all I can say is that the Dell Adamo is sexy, but overpriced. If Dell wanted to compete with the Macbook Air, they should have considered a lower retail price. One of the reasons why many users prefer Windows-powered machines over Macs is because they’re cheaper. The good looks and design just doesn’t justify the hefty price tag. Good design doesn’t have to be expensive, right?

The Adamo by Dell is now available for pre-order online and can be bought online from the following countries: U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, U.K. France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, ANZ, China, Honk Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia/Singapore, Japan, and Indonesia. Worldwide shipping starts on March 26th, 2009.

If you want to find out more about this product, visit the official Adamo by Dell website.

Anyways, what do you think of Dell’s latest product, the Dell Adamo? Do you think the price is justified by its nice design? With this price and specs, would you rather buy a Macbook Air? Please share your thoughts via the comments section.

[via Crunch Gear]