Technology news and Jobs arrow Technology Lifestyle arrow At last - a Mac tablet computer
At last - a Mac tablet computer E-mail
by Stuart Corner   
Tuesday, 01 January 2008
It has been a year since the announcement, but the Modbook - a keyboard-less tablet computer created by modifying a MacBook laptop - is finally shipping. And contrary to initial speculation, it has the full blessing of Apple.
The Modbook, from California-based Axiotron , is the only Mac-based tablet computer on the market. It has been created by combining the core hardware and software of a standard MacBook laptop with a Wacom digitised pen-sensitive LCD slate-style display and makes use of Apple's built-in Inkwell handwriting recognition technology. 2.0GHz or 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor options are available. It comes with a built-in iSight camera and an integrated 24x DVD Combo drive or 8x DVD SuperDrive and built-in GPS, and sells for a little over $US2200.

According to Axiotron, it "melds Apple MacBook's speed, power, superior strength and elegance with Wacom's leading digitiser technology to provide an unparalleled 512 levels of pressure sensitivity for a fast, accurate and intuitive user experience..[and] offers twice the pen sensitivity and control of any tablet PC on the market."

Axiotron is not producing the Modbook itself. According to its website, "The Axiotron Modbook is.... exclusively assembled and manufactured by Axiotron authorised system manufacturers (AASM) who not only perform the conversion, but also include a comprehensive one year warranty covering the complete solution. Every AASM also offers optional two year warranty extension plans, providing added ease of mind."

The first two of these AASMs are Other World Computing in the US and Carbon Computing in Canada. OWC is offering Modbooks from $US2279. Carbon Computing's web site has yet to catch up with the official launch.

Th Modbook was foreshadowed at MacWorld 2007 where it was named Best of Show. Reporting on that event, iTWire described the Modbook as "an unofficial modification of the MacBook" and speculated that Apple might move to block it. However Axiotron says the devices is "Apple-authorised." iTWire also reported that "Axiotron is planning to offer an upgrade kit, allowing existing MacBook users to upgrade their MacBooks into Tablets. This will be available later in 2007."

 
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