TMO at Macworld - Axiotron and OWC Unveil ModBook, the First Mac Tablet
by , 9:15 AM EST, January 10th, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO -- Axiotron, Inc. together with its strategic partner and exclusive US Distributor Other World Computing (OWC), on Tuesday unveiled the ModBook, the first ever Mac OS X tablet computer solution. Andreas Haas, President of Axitron and Larry O'Connor, CEO of Other World Computing, hosted a press conference unveiling the device.
Ready to Unveil
The Axiotron ModBook is an after-market hardware modification solution of the Apple MacBook notebook computer, adding true pen input, a new 13.3" wide screen LCD and an optional Global Positioning System in a tough, satin chrome-plated magnesium top shell, while keeping all the powerful features of the MacBook base system. With the award-winning Mac OS X and its built-in Inkwell handwriting recognition, up to 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors, the integrated iSight camera and the CD/DVD combo drive, the slate-style Axiotron ModBook is the ultimate companion for applications and situations where a keyboard only gets in the way.
ModBook Unveiled!
The Axiotron ModBook is immediately available for pre-orders in the US and Canada through an exclusive strategic partnership arrangement between Axiotron and Other World Computing. Customers purchase the ModBook conversion, the MacBook configuration they wish converted, and the full warranty-backed conversion service of OWC -- all through www.macsales.com/modbook. Every ModBook solution purchased through Other World Computing includes a one-year OWC warranty, which can be extended to up to three years.
ModBook Side View
The ModBook solution base configuration, with a suggested retail price of US$2,279, is based on a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Apple MacBook with full ModBook tablet conversion, all backed by a one-year OWC warranty. Additional configurations include such options as: an Axiotron ModBook GPS Module, a two-year OWC warranty extension, 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, up to 160GB (5400-RPM) or 200GB (4200-RPM) hard drive, 6x or 8x DVD±RW and CD-RW slot-load combo drive.
During Macworld and until January 31st, Other World Computing is offering the complete ModBook base configuration plus the built-in Axiotron GPS Module at a Special Introductory Price of $2,199.
Observer Comments
Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:08 am Subject: drooling like homer simpson...
Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:24 am Subject: Error in link in the article - www.macsales.com/modbook
So far, I'm really digging this thing, though I haven't seen one in-person. Questions, though:
1. Is there an on-screen "virtual keyboard" app/utility (similar to what was demo'ed on the iPhone) for typing with the stylus?
2. Can it be rotated to portrait mode? (Including the GUI and on-screen elements, not just the physical shell!!!)
3. Please tell me there is some way to make Inkwell more responsive for a device like this.
4. Now if it just came with a full version of Painter or Alias SketchBook Pro... 
All in all, the price is more reasonable than I expected.
Wed Jan 10, 2007 4:42 pm Subject: more "key" questions
Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:51 pm Subject: No, there is another
From OWC's web site:
"The ModBook is the first and only Mac tablet computer solution!"
Well maybe the only one that's been available for a long time, but definitely not the first. The Freestyle was made by Assistive Technology and was based on the PowerBook 5300.
http://www.everymac.com/systems/assistivetech/freestyle/freestyle.html
I have bought and sold two wintel tablets in frustration— couldn't see in the dark side— so I nearly wet my pants at the news of a Mac tablet. Then I noticed all the promo photos... Hmmm, what is wrong with these pictures?
A tablet w/o portrait mode is like a 1940's love scene where the actress has to keep one foot on the floor at all times.
This whole deal is so sad. So many artists who love the mac and Jobs will not throw us a f'ing bone.
We talked to the ModBook engineer and president of Axitron at Macworld. Yes the tablet does portrait mode, and there will be drivers for Vista's Tablet editions.
http://www.notebooks.com/?p=429
Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:49 am Subject: Video of ModBook Inventor
I got a chance to speak with the ModBook engineer and Axitron president at Macworld. I was impressed by the build quality and the extra features, such as the GPS. As a bonus, the ModBook will run Vista's tablet PC features thanks to a Axitron driver.
http://www.notebooks.com/?p=429
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