The Superbook: Transform Your Smartphone into a Laptop
Created by Andromium Inc.
The Most Funded Kickstarter Ever in 'Hardware'
Transform your smartphone into your PC with the Universal Laptop Dock for Android devices.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
YOU DID IT! We're at $1M and the 1080p upgrade is unlocked!
over 7 years ago
– Tue, Aug 09, 2016 at 02:59:49 PM
A HUGE thank you from Team Andromium!
We've run out of different ways to say the word WOW. You guys have blown us away with your support, and we're incredibly excited that you joined us in our journey to make the Superbook a reality. Thank you for helping us get past $1,000,000 in pledges!
As promised, we'll be offering the IPS 1080p screen upgrade to everyone who opts for it. The cost of the upgrade will be $30 per Superbook on top of your current pledge (thank you to those who have already upped their pledge).
This process may seem a little tricky at first, but the team is here to help. Don't worry, it's really simple!
How to edit your pledge
1. Go to our main project page and click on the blue Manage button to the right of the video.
Click on the 'Manage' button
2. Select Change your pledge.
3. Once you're in, add $30 to your current pledge amount for each Superbook you want upgraded.
If you ordered the Superbook Double or the Commuter Special, you can pledge an additional $60 to upgrade both!
4. Confirm the change (make sure the number is correct!)
And that's it! Not too bad, right?
We will be providing everyone with a survey after the campaign as well as the opportunity to get the upgrade then as well, so don't worry about missing out.
What's next? New Stretch Goals!
We've worked long and hard with our suppliers to provide stretch goals that are reasonable within a few limitations.
As we head into manufacturing, we're limited by a few things:
Cost - for things that we give away
Manufacturing / design / logistical complexity - for things that we provide upgrades for
This last limitation is crucial. While we'd like to make everyone happy and add on a ton of requested features to the Superbook, we're trying to keep our Kickstarter model as affordable as possible - for us to produce, but also for our backers to be able to purchase! We've done the homework to research each suggested feature carefully, and some features just aren't economically reasonable for us.
With that in mind, we're excited to announce our brand new stretch goals! (Wow, we didn't know we'd be typing those words - you guys rock.)
New Stretch Goals:
$1.5M - Customized Superbook Sleeves w/Pockets for Smartphone, free to all backers! (photos coming soon)
$2M - Backlit Keys upgrade ($25 additional cost, needs to also have 1080p upgrade)
One thing to note about Backlit Keys. We need to manage our SKUs properly, and as many of our backers have suggested, we should combine our premium upgrades to maintain a low number of variations.
What does this mean? Well, in order to deliver Backlit Keys, we can only offer a Backlit Keys upgrade WITH the 1080p upgrade. If we hit the $2M stretch goal, there will only be one upgrade, which is a combined $55 upgrade for both Backlit Keys and the 1080p screen.
To repeat: if we hit 2M, we won't be able to offer a 1080p-only version, OR a backlit-keys-only-version. We can only offer an upgraded version with 1080p + backlit keys for a combined upgrade cost of $55.
Last note on Backlit Keys: manufacturing these requires us to spend resources doing a design modification of our shell, as well as our internal board. There are inherent risks to changing a prototype. Thus, before we get anywhere close to $2M, we will detail out those risks to everyone so you can make an informed decision!
Thanks again, everyone!
It sounds repetitive because we've said this a million times now, but we mean it every time. Thank you so much for your support! We at Team Andromium are seriously blown away by the response to the Superbook.
We're trying to get back to your emails, comments, messages, and so on as fast as we can, but there might be a slight delay due to the sheer volume of inquiries. For a faster response, please check the FAQ at the end of the campaign first before contacting us!
Keep sharing us with your friends & family via Facebook, Twitter, messenger pigeon...or, if you'd like, face-to-face works too. ;)
With great excitement and gratitude,
Team Andromium
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PS! You guys are all amazing. One special shoutout to Sander Frans who did a special logo concept for us:
Chargers for UK, EU, and Asia! -- also Backlit Keys survey (deadline Aug 2.)
over 7 years ago
– Tue, Aug 09, 2016 at 02:59:36 PM
One more gift before the weekend!
We're crazy excited to have all of you as supporters - every single one of you. And while we can't promise everybody everything, we're trying our best to provide the best experience for as many backers as we can.
We've been taken aback by the number of international backers that we have -- so much so that our team took the time to source some reliable charger plugs for our international users.
Each backer can now choose either a Type A plug (mainly used for US / Canada / Mexico / Japan), a Type C/F plug (EU, South America, Asia) or Type G plug (UK, Singapore, etc.)!
Two things to note:
1. Sorry, we can't cover every country! We're providing the major plug heads to manage the complexity.
2. The Superbook uses a standard Micro-B port for charging. Micro-B on one end, Type A on the other. So chances are the standard USB plug that most of you have lying around will work!
Backlit Keys Survey
Our team is excited about making our vision a reality, and we're beyond thrilled that we have such supportive & passionate backers to help us get there. You are all valuable members of our Superbook community, and we recognize when our community provides feedback we should take into consideration.
In the most recent update, we announced two stretch goals: 1) at 1.5M: a free Laptop Sleeve, and 2) at 2M: an upgrade for backlit keys.
The 2M stretch goal would require everyone to get both the 1080p upgrade AND the backlit keyboard upgrade, or none at all. This caused some dissenting opinions, and we've heard some outstanding (and lively!) discussion around our decision -- and many backers requested us to conduct a poll to gauge community interest in a fair and transparent manner.
Now, we generally avoid crowdsourcing product decisions, but this one felt appropriate. Thus, we're running a poll to collect feedback on our 2M goal before making any further decisions. This survey will be open from now until next Tuesday, August 2nd at 11:59 PST.
As promised, we're keeping ourselves accountable, transparent, and trustworthy, and will share the survey results with you all when we finally reach a decision on how we're going to handle the 2M stretch goal.
Please ONLY fill out this survey if you're a backer. We'll be verifying backer names to ensure survey validity!
Thanks for standing by Andromium through all this commotion! :)
Share the loooove!
Okay, now we're at the cheesy signing off part where we tell us how much you mean to us (because it's true).
We really couldn't have done any of this without you - thank you once again for helping us make our dream your reality. We hope our decisions in this update demonstrate how much you mean to us - we work tirelessly to make sure every one of your voices are heard.
Let's keep the momentum going and continue to build our Superbook community! Help us get to our next stretch goal by sharing the Superbook with your friends!
Below are a few links that'll help make this process quick and relatively painless:
First off, WOW. 1.5M backing for the Superbook? We're speechless, and have been working hard to figure out what we can do for our stretch goals (while simultaneously trying to source the ones we've promised).
Our 1.5M stretch goal is unlocked! For each Superbook, we're providing our backers with a free custom-branded sleeve.
See below for the first sleeve samples that came in yesterday!
NOTE: These are the first designs we've received. We're still in the process of finalizing the style and the design of the sleeves.
We are evaluating these versus other models, as well as finding ways to imprint better logo designs (there's a sample coming in with leather emboss, so stay tuned!).
Survey results and upcoming stretch goals
When we initially launched our 2M stretch goal, there were a number of you that expressed disappointment at the possibility of having to pay for both the backlit keys upgrade on top of the 1080p screen upgrade when you really only want the screen upgrade.
While we generally have to go by our own convictions, as well as the realities of manufacturing, it made sense to involve our backers in this particular decision.
We implored our wonderful community to direct their thoughts and feedback to a survey!
Survey analysis
Over 3,000 of you responded, with 87% very likely to get the 1080p upgrade. Of respondents:
36% were extremely likely to back an additional $25 for backlit keys
20% were very likely
18% were neutral or unsure
13% were unlikely
13% were very unlikely
As they say, the proof is in the pudding
TL;DR: Combined, 74% of you either like our initial decision to implement backlit keys as a stretch goal, or remain unaffected by it.
The final decision
Thus--after a lot of deliberation--we decided that the best thing we could do to satisfy as many people as possible would be to provide 3 levels of product: 1) Basic, 2) 1080p upgrade, and 3) 1080p+Backlit combo upgrade.
However, this comes with 1 catch - we can only provide the 3rd SKU with enough volume. (We know, there's always a catch!)
To accomodate for this new volume requirement we decided to move back the backlit keys upgrade as a stretch goal for when we reach $2.5M in funding.
What does this mean? Well, when we hit $2.5M, you'll have three options:
Given the data from the survey on backlit keys, we're going to stand by our decision. (Note that there is still no option to only upgrade for the backlit keys.)
We realize this may disappoint backers that were looking forward to backlit keys, but we promise that we're going to do all we can to get us to $2.5m.
If we don't reach the stretch goal by the end of the campaign but we’re close enough and implementation is viable, we’ll still work on delivering them!
Again, we understand no matter what we do we’ll disappoint some of our backers with our stretch goals, but we need to make our decisions based on a combination of our product vision, feedback from the community, and manufacturing constraints.
Also, we can't just leave you guys with nothing at the 2M mark. So here are our updated stretch goals:
150K: Major International Language Keyboard Decals FREE
300K: Extra USB Port - Full Size Type A FREE
500K: Bigger Battery - 8hr+ to 10hr+ FREE
1M: 1080p Option ($30 added cost upgrade)
1.5M: Customized Superbook Sleeves w/ Pockets for Smartphone FREE
2M: Solid Color Skin for the Superbook FREE
2.5M 1080p + Backlit Option ($25 added cost upgrade, on top of 1080p upgrade)
More info about the look/design of the skins and sleeves coming soon - as soon as we make our final decisions :)
Additional Superbook Doubles
It's been incredibly popular, so we're adding another 200 rewards of the limited Superbook Double tier. Get yours before they run out!
On questions...
We're off to China to make sure things are ready to go!
We'll be a little bit understaffed, so please be patient with us on comments and updates if we take a little longer.
Finally - a special shoutout to those who have been answering comments when we're not there - we're super grateful for the time & effort you've volunteered!! ❤️
However, we can't claim responsibility for any discrepancies between their answers and ours, so if you can't reach a reasonable conclusion to your question as a community, you can always double-check with us :)
Alright, now for our signing off note - we're getting to the point in this backer-creator relationship where we think you know this without us constantly having to tell you this, but we'll say it anyway: we love and appreciate you.
There you go -- nothing fancy this time, just straight honesty (which, as we were taught in grade school, is the best policy). Thank you for your constant support, understanding, and willingness to stand by us as we make these difficult decisions!
With caffeine-induced gusto (and overflowing love and appreciation),
❤️ Team Andromium
Introducing our Referral Program! (also Add-ons & Skins Stretch Goal)
over 7 years ago
– Tue, Aug 09, 2016 at 02:57:06 PM
Welcome to the newest installment of updates from Team Andromium! As always, there's a lot to cover, so we'll get right into it...try to keep up ;)
Referral Rewards Program
We're excited to introduce something completely new as a way to thank our most passionate and loyal backers -- a referral rewards program!
It's pretty straightforward: refer a few friends to back our campaign, and earn some cool rewards in the process. We're counting referrals using the total number of Superbooks backed (and not the amount of people you refer). For example, if you refer one person who orders a Superbook Double, it counts as 2 and not 1!
If you'd like to participate, we're giving you 2 options to track your referrals. Make sure you complete at least 1 of these steps, because untracked referrals won't count!
Option 1): Get your referee to message us via Kickstarter, with a direct mention of your Kickstarter profile name and/or email address associated with your account:
Any backers that visit our campaign through that link will be tied directly to your account - but you MUST make sure that they complete the process from start to finish after using your special link to access the page.
Please make sure you follow these instructions carefully, because we won't be able to tally up referrals you make outside of these two options!
Referral Reward Tiers:
1 Superbook: FREE Cord Bundle Kit
2 Superbooks: FREE Universal Side Mount ($25 value)
5 Superbooks: Exclusive Branded Messenger Bag (photos coming soon)
10 Superbooks: FREE ADDITIONAL 1080p Superbook in Blue or Gold (doesn’t replace your existing order)
Top Referrer: You'll receive an extra Superbook...off of our limited Golden Sample batch, which is released to us entire month or so before the full production run. Golden Sample units are otherwise reserved for our investors and major press publications - you'll be among the first in the entire world to get your Superbook!
Here are a few rules (to make sure all the referrals are legit!):
Only backers of the Superbook Basic ($99 Regular /$85 Early) and above can participate
Referred backers will be counted after their payment is confirmed -- so after our Kickstarter campaign has ended and all financial matters have been finalized
Anyone who cancels and re-pledges does not count
Be nice. Please don't try to game our referral system! (Yes, we'll know if you did.)
Full List of Campaign Add-ons
Want additional accessories on top of the ones included in your pledge bundle?
We hear you - we're working with BackerKit to give you the ability to do this!
The process is identical to the way we're handling upgrades -- simply locate the item from the following list and add its price to your pledge. We'll send around a survey after our campaign to every backer where you can fill out which accessories/upgrades you selected, and then we'll include your selections in your Superbook shipment.
$55 - 1080p + Backlit Keys Upgrade (if/when we reach that stretch goal)
Early photos of Superbook Skins
Similarly with sleeves, we're in the process of sourcing quality accessories.
Here's a sneak peek of the Superbook Skins (in Carbon Fiber, Grey, or White) that everyone who has pledged for the Superbook Basic or higher would receive if we hit the 2M mark:
Carbon Fiber Skin
Grey Skin
White Skin
Pretty nice, huh? (Especially for those who wanted their Superbook in a color other than gold!)
10,000 backers!
Yesterday morning, our team woke up to an email from Kickstarter that left us completely speechless - there are now over 10,000 backers who have chosen to support our campaign!
The email in question
Kickstarter's email only acted as reinforcement for something we already knew about our awesome and passionate backer community -- we owe major thanks to all 10,000 of you who helped make this happen. We never dreamed that we'd be able to impact this many people this quickly, and we're so glad that you've joined us on this journey, staying with us even when the road got a little bumpy.
We hope you'll continue to share us on Facebook and Twitter and whatever social media is cool these days -- especially now that there are incentives to do so ;)
Thanks for all your support, everyone!
Signing off...
As always, we are trying our hardest to keep every part of the campaign process as transparent and informative as we can - we hope we've successfully done so in this update!
If you have any lingering questions, concerns, suggestions, and so on, please check the FAQ first - then, feel free to reach out via email ([email protected]), Kickstarter messages, or posting in the comments so your fellow backers can help you out, too. We promise we're trying our best to handle every one of your guys' inquiries but our team is shortstaffed for the next few days while Andrew is in China and it might take us a little longer than usual - sorry about that.
Thank you all for the patience and the support, everyone. We got lucky with the best backer community in the history of Kickstarter!
Now, until our next update -
❤︎ Team Andromium
P.S. You can look forward to photos of our special Kickstarter Blue model this week - and, some exciting news about Raspberry Pi compatibility ... ;)
300% BACKED IN 1 HOUR! (and first stretch goal reached!)
over 7 years ago
– Tue, Aug 09, 2016 at 06:40:31 AM
We are overwhelmed by your support
We've officially hit 300% of our funding goal. WITHIN THE 1st HOUR!
Thank you to everyone for backing the Superbook - it means so much to our team.
THE FIRST STRETCH GOAL IS UNLOCKED
We'll be providing every backer who needs an international keyboard with international keyboard decals that you can stick onto your Superbook.
QWERTZ
AZERTY
Russian cyrillic
Spanish / nontraditional
If you have a different keyboard 'sticker' that you require, let us know and we'll do our best to find them.
