Hi there, dear subscriber. Back to my usual updates this weekend, because I finally have some updates to share! Lots of things have been in embargo limbo or just pending finally hitting the wire this week, but there’s one I really wanted to get in your inbox. Let's dive in!

I've been fascinated by the Slate since the first time I got to see it behind closed doors some time ago. This week, I finally got to slot the thing's chunky little key into its bare-bones dashboard and go for a drive.

I was given about an hour to tool around Newport, RI in the thing, and while I confess I didn't have much in the way of lofty expectations, they were thoroughly met.

The Slate Truck is, suffice to say, perfectly fine to drive and the interior is just comfortable enough that I wouldn't be miserable in there. More importantly, it has everything that I'd need to start customizing. I could see myself fabricating slings for the rear bulkhead to hold backpacks and grocery bags behind the seats, plus, of course, custom phone mounts and all sorts of things.

That's really the point of the Slate, the DIY truck, but I'm really hoping it catches on with those who are a little less creatively minded, too. I really wish they’d delivered on the sub-$20k promise, but even at around $25,000 it’s a compelling proposition for many. The American truck scene desperately needs a reboot, and I'm hoping this is it.

Anyhow, I had no issues in the truck beyond the usual pre-production interior creaks and squeaks, and I've been assured first customer deliveries will still happen before the end of the year. With any luck, I'll get a little more quality time with one before then, but we'll have to wait and see on that front.

Until then, you can read my full impressions over at Engadget:

I've actually had so much drop this week that it feels like maybe we should spread things out a little bit, so I'll be back next time with my adventure behind the wheel of the new Corvette Grand Sport X.