Axiotron's ModBook: distributed by OWC, tolerated by Apple

Since Apple is a bit too busy making teh sexay phones, OWC and Axiotron are taking up the slack with their new ModBook, which hacks up MacBooks and turns them into glorious slate-style tablet computers. The duo didn't cut many corners, either, since their MacBook mods hold onto most of those original specs, plus add in an optional built-in GPS module, and of course that Penabled Wacom digitizer. Pen input runs at 20x display resolution, with 256 pressure levels and zero battery use, and the MacBook's LCD is protected with some Chemically Strengthened glass, complete with a paper-like texture and anti-reflective coating. The ModBook is also shielded by aircraft grade magnesium alloy, with a copper and nickel layers for scratch resistance. Thanks to that slot-loading MacBook drive, the ModBook is apparently the only slate-style tablet computer with a built in CD/DVD drive, making it a nice option for portable DVD playback use. The ModBook is relying on Apple's Inkwell technology and other OS X enhancements for tablet functionality. Naturally, they're not exactly giving these things away, but the prices still seem reasonable for what you're getting: $2199-$2699 pre-order pricing for the "Good," "Better" and "Best" options. The latter two feature GPS, but if you pre-order now you can get it tossed into the low-end version as well. No word on an exact ship date, but it sounds like it won't be until March, April or later.

[FMB @ Jan 9th 2007 7:24PM]

Take a hint jobs.

[Brian @ Jan 9th 2007 7:42PM]

I do enjoy "teh sexy phone", but I would have preferred an "Official" Apple tablet, with a 12 or 13" screen. for under 2 grand.

Perhaps with this out, maybe Apple will start to think more highly about one of their own.

[cristian f. @ Jan 9th 2007 7:33PM]

That's so ugly...

[Aion @ Jan 9th 2007 7:35PM]

man i love this thing!
pricy thought.. anyone know if theres more pics out there? did they demo this at macworld? anyone know if the lcd can flip to use the keyboard??

[t8trtot757 @ Dec 1st 2007 2:06AM]

google axiotron modbook video and they have demos

[nicleT @ Jan 9th 2007 7:54PM]

Imagine this thing with a Multi-Touch screen!

[Simon @ Jan 9th 2007 8:01PM]

WoW ... sounds awsome ...

[Josh @ Jan 9th 2007 8:15PM]

http://www.tuaw.com/photos/modbook-unveiling/


More pics for everyone

[rawr @ Jan 9th 2007 8:42PM]

Wow...if I didn't already have an Macbook Pro I'd totally hit this. I used a tablet temporarily before I got the MBP and let me tell you it was fantastic for taking notes in physics class (laptop mandatory at my highschool). Tablet + OSX = CRAZY DELICIOUS

[Tony Bowman @ Jan 10th 2007 12:39AM]

no keyboard. basically, the detach the cover of a regular macbook, take the screen out, put the screen into a custom casing with the Wacom digitizer in it, remove the keyboard tray and touchpad, and then clamp the whole thing together.

i wonder how the digitizer connects though? inernal USB connection soldered onto the motherboard? bluetooth?

[CeriumCV @ Jan 11th 2007 10:14AM]

I think Apple is giving this the green light because they want to gauge consumer response to such a product. It is better looking than all the other tablets out there. I recall seeing an Apple patent filed for touch screen gestures that fit for a laptop-size screen. They entered the touch screen research planning on a tablet, if you recall. But of course the general consensus is that if it runs osx, it should run on Apple hardware, which might skew analysis of the produc's sales. The stylus is kinda lame, but I do like the treated screen. It's the only thing the Apple iphone may be missing.

[lear @ Jan 10th 2007 3:15AM]

I was happy to finally see pictures of the product, and I not completely disappointed. It's reasonably good looking and I'm sure combination of wacom + osX in one package must be a hoot to use.

I would like it to be a bit lighter and thinner then the pictures suggest (though it's hard to gauge it accurately from what I've seen so far.)

However the deal killer (for me) is all the models only coming with Intel's on board video. For what I need a tablet for, Sketchup mostly... occasionally WoW, it has to have something more robust video-wise.

I guess I'll go back to trying to finagle getting an LG Xnote C1 into the US somehow.

Oh apple... you almost had me as switcher...

[Gordy @ Jan 10th 2007 9:16AM]

Apple has no beef here because once they are sold, Apple's control ends. These Macs were sold to another OEM, and they can do whatever they want to them. They are no longer sold as "MacBooks", and Apple's warranty is obviously voided, so the OEM now covers them.

It's done all the time.

[starkruzr @ Jan 14th 2007 12:13AM]

Needs. A. Keyboard.

Convertibles are the way to go. Slates are useful only for vertically integrated markets, for specific applications like inventory.

[James @ Jan 22nd 2007 1:14AM]

I don't need a keyboard. Just need to be able to sketch, paint and sculpt in 3d, then dump files to my workstation and a slate will do just fine for that. This is definitely the best looking piece of slate tech I've seen yet. Though I'm baffled that there still isn't a decent tablet solution that is geared more towards artists than for field work or data entry. I'm sure many artists would be willing to drop a few thousand dollars on a unit that could handle a heavy workload and perform well under the stress that modern 3d applications like Zbrush would throw at it.