ModBook - MacBook to Mac Tablet Conversion

Bones3D · Post by **Bones3D** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:32 pm

Other World Computing has finally announced the Axiotron ModBook, the world's first commercial Mac OS X based tablet PC, built from current generation MacBook parts along with touch sensing technology from Wacom.

The device will likely pose as a strong competitor to products like the Motion LE 1600 Tablet PC that Mirage animation software developer, Bauhaus, has been selling for years in their Nomad bundles.

The ModBook ranges in price from $2,199 to $2,699, and sports either a 1.83 or 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up to 2GB of RAM, 60-160GB of hard drive space, a SuperDrive or Combo optical drive, built in iSight and supports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.

The touch screen on the ModBook supports up to 256 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports technologies, such as Apple's Inkwell text input.

Interestingly enough, the ModBook is competitively priced with Wacom's current wired display tablet, only with the ModBook, you get the entire computer built into it.

Rasheed · Post by **Rasheed** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 12:04 am

I saw that in the MacWorld reports. It seems to be a cool device for a specific group. It is supposed to be your second Mac, next to your production Mac.

Didn't the Motion tablet PC lack pressure sensibility? I couldn't find it in the specs. ArtFX has one, perhaps he can tell us about this if he reads this post.

cribble · Post by **cribble** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:40 pm

Hmmm, it's cool and everything, but i don't think it's appropiate for my needs. And typing will be a bitch (boo to on screen keyboards)! See, then you need a keyboard then, which is an external attachment... gets a tad silly.

I can imagine drawing being awesome though. Because you're doing it on screen. And it would be cool if it also supported pen pressure.

[edit] Ha and i just read that it has built in GPS. How cool is that.

Bones3D · Post by **Bones3D** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 10:39 pm

cribble wrote:Hmmm, it's cool and everything, but i don't think it's appropiate for my needs. And typing will be a bitch (boo to on screen keyboards)! See, then you need a keyboard then, which is an external attachment... gets a tad silly.

Well, it supports bluetooth, so adding a keyboard isn't that difficult. If it takes off, I'd imagine OWC will release a bluetooth based keyboard/trackpad add-on that will match the screen footprint and latch to the base of the display like a laptop, only with the ability to fold 180 degrees in either direction.

Also, since it supports Apple's inkwell, typing isn't really necesary anyway. You can just write the text anywhere on the screen when text entry is needed and inkwell will handle the conversion as needed. (Fortunately, it's nothing like the Newton.)

Rasheed · Post by **Rasheed** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 12:35 am

I saw a little repo in MacBreak 52. What a gorgeous looking device!