MWSF Tidbits: Modbook Pro, Matte Screens, Tune Blocker, Gorilla Pod

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/01/07/mwsf-tidbits-modbook-pro-matte-screens-tune-blocker-gorilla-pod/)

We’ve collected a few items of interest from vendors here at Macworld San Francisco:


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/01/07/175749-axitrion.jpg

Axiotron (http://www.axiotron.com), with advisor and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak on hand, announced the Modbook Pro (http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=152), a new tablet Mac based on the MacBook Pro. Pre-orders are available starting at $4999 for a complete system, or $3049 for users providing their own MacBook Pro for conversion. Orders are expected to begin shipping in May or June of this year.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/01/07/180936-shine.jpg

TechRestore (http://www.techrestore.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18467&cat=273&page=1) is offering a Matte screen replacement option for unibody 15" MacBook Pro owners who just can't deal with the glossy screen. A common concern after Apple discontinued the offering of matte screens from some of their notebooks. Cost for this replacement service is $199.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/01/07/180253-tune.jpg

Matias (http://www.matias.ca) announced Tune Blocker (http://www.matias.ca/tuneblocker/index.php), a USB-to-Dock connector for the iPhone and iPod touch containing a switch allowing the user to select whether to charge and sync their device with iTunes as usual or to charge the device without mounting and syncing it in iTunes. Designed to help prevent users from accidentally overwriting their iPod data when connecting to a computer other than the one normally used for syncing, the connector will begin shipping in March with a 3-foot cable ($24.95) or 6-foot cable ($29.95).


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/01/07/181154-camerastand.jpg


Joby (http://joby.com") was showing off their Gorilla Pod (http://joby.com/products/gorillapod/) camera stands which allow you to securely mount your camera onto "anything". Prices range from $24.95 to $139.95 depending on the size.

Article Link: MWSF Tidbits: Modbook Pro, Matte Screens, Tune Blocker, Gorilla Pod (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/01/07/mwsf-tidbits-modbook-pro-matte-screens-tune-blocker-gorilla-pod/)

[JoeDRC]

surely the modbook infringes on apples eula?

[CANEHDN]

I'm very tempted to look into the screen option. The glare can be quite obnoxious sometimes. Especially since all I do on my MBP is development stuff.

[Andrew K.]

The new Axiotron Modbook = :eek:

[Tallest Skil]

surely the modbook infringes on apples eula?

Apple allows it. Woz backs it.

[toujames]

So, Is anybody happy yet??

[puffnstuff]

I didn't know The Woz had anything to do with the tablet. Why hasn't he gotten Apple to make one? He has no pull what's so ever?:confused:

[Bubba Satori]

surely the modbook infringes on apples eula?


That's what I was thinking. Maybe $1K of that $5K is going to Apple. Takes OSX tax to a new level. :D Bet Pystar is watching to see how this develops.

[szark]

surely the modbook infringes on apples eula?

No, because the EULA states that you can run OS X on Apple-branded hardware. The Modbook is Apple-branded hardware that has been modified to add functionality.

Maybe $1K of that $5K is going to Apple.

Since they buy fully manufactured MacBook Pros from Apple and modify them, Apple is getting more than $1K. :)

[wayland1985]

The difference between Pystar and these guys are they're taking an actual apple macbook, and converting it into a tablet.


Pystar is using their own hardware, (As far as I know).

So, apple isn't losing anything in sales here... so I'm sure they're not threatened by what these guys are making here....



EDIT: Oops! Looks like szark beat me to it!

[Bubba Satori]

Apple allows it. Woz backs it.

Think of the educational opportunities for all the 90210 brats. A $5K tablet. :rolleyes:

I sell a lot of HP tx2s to students and realtors. They love the 12" size, One Note and $1K price. Wish Apple had something I could show them. :mad:

[angemon89]

Are there any pics of the matte mod for the 15"?

[Bubba Satori]

No, because the EULA states that you can run OS X on Apple-branded hardware. The Modbook is Apple-branded hardware that has been modified to add functionality.



Since they buy fully manufactured MacBook Pros from Apple and modify them, Apple is getting more than $1K. :)

I'm sure they are, hence the bling price.

[Srai-W]

The modbook looks interesting... but it has to be a niche market at that price? :confused:

[ChrisA]

That's what I was thinking. Maybe $1K of that $5K is going to Apple. Takes OSX tax to a new level. :D Bet Pystar is watching to see how this develops.

No a LOT more than $1K. What they do is modify a standard MBP. So they have to buy the MBP at retail price. That is why there is no problem with the EULA. Because it is a "real" Mac that has been seriously hacked.

Apple is perfectly happy if you remove the case from your computer and toss it in the recyle bin. That's what these folks have done.

[bodzasfanta]

"The Axiotron Modbook Pro is an aftermarket modification of the MacBook Pro manufactured by Apple Inc. This modification of your MacBook Pro will void your existing Apple warranty. After modification, Apple or its authorized service providers will be under no obligation to repair your computer. Your Axiotron warranty will replace the previous warranty. Only Axiotron Authorized Service Providers are authorized to service and repair your Modbook Pro."

[Bubba Satori]

No a LOT more than $1K. What they do is modify a standard MBP. So they have to buy the MBP at retail price. That is why there is no problem with the EULA. Because it is just a "real" Mac that has been seriously hacked

And they, not Apple, provide the warranty ?

Well, it no longer is a "real" Mac, because Apple have declined to provide it's customers with a Mac tablet

[szark]

Are there any pics of the matte mod for the 15"?

That does appear to be a photo of the matte mod, but it's difficult to tell from that angle. The reflections on the right half of the screen are of the expo lighting (they aren't in the on-screen picture), and they disappear exactly where the arrow is displayed. So the displayed MacBook has a split screen, where the left half is matte and the right half is glossy.

EDIT: After looking at it again, I'm doubting my own analysis. Guess we should just ask for a better picture. ;)

[JoeDRC]

No, because the EULA states that you can run OS X on Apple-branded hardware. The Modbook is Apple-branded hardware that has been modified to add functionality.


Ahhhh I see, pretty smart!

[ugodehaes]

i was in the apple store in london : i saw this
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TR412LL/A?mco=MTIxODk3Mw

much cheaper than the $199.

did anybody see this applied to a screen? i'm curious...

[rikers_mailbox]

Reading this story I can hear a game show announcer's voice in the background ...

"Promotional consideration paid to MacRumors by Axiotron, makers of the new ModBook Pro ... and by TechRestore, Lose the Shine! And also ...." etc.

Front page, really?

[Lershac]

Axiotron is also an Apple Premier Developer, so there might be a pretty cozy relationship there.

[Bubba Satori]

The modbook looks interesting... but it has to be a niche market at that price? :confused:

1% percent market share of an already niche computer category. :rolleyes:

I'm shocked that an educator of Woz's reputation is associating himself with this gold crusted status symbol for yuppies and their spawn. :D

[aaarrrgggh]

Cute gimmic. I use my Richard Solo to provide the same functionality. Wouldn't be that hard to just take an old cable though and cut the data lines.

[LeviG]

5k!! and here I was thinking the macbook pro 17" was a tad expensive :rolleyes:

And boy are they going to have some parts left over, the only thing being used is the internals so all the casing and original screen (I assume) is going to waste (unless its being recycled into new cases?). Just doesn't make economic sense to me atleast with the original it wasn't so bad as you still got to keep half the case :rolleyes:

I'm still trying to work out where exactly 3k's worth of parts come from, its only really a case and screen being fitted together, the rest is already there.

I might be a bit weird in thinking this too but couldn't they have done this with say maybe the new base model aluminium macbook (hell it could be done with the old one as its a new case), its unlikely the ports are going to be used so the loss of firewire isn't a big issue. I know theres no expressport for 3g etc but if the other modbook is anything to go by they could probably install one internally anyways.

I doubt the casing is covered by the eula and the screen would be no different to an external model.

I'll wait on the 'matte' screen option, I think apple will add this option shortly and gorilla pods are ages old :)

[angemon89]

That does appear to be a photo of the matte mod, but it's difficult to tell from that angle. The reflections on the right half of the screen are of the expo lighting (they aren't in the on-screen picture), and they disappear exactly where the arrow is displayed. So the displayed MacBook has a split screen, where the left half is matte and the right half is glossy.

EDIT: After looking at it again, I'm doubting my own analysis. Guess we should just ask for a better picture. ;)
Yeah, I see that, but that just looks like a production pic. I want to see an actual picture of a MBP that has been modded with maybe some comparison pics.

[Dmac77]

surely the modbook infringes on apples eula?

Woz backs it, Steve won't go and fight Woz.

Don

[Eidorian]

Apple allows it. Woz backs it.Now if other computers were only so blessed. :D

[the vj]

Guys, keep posting products from other vendeors, they deserve the review and I see there are incredible things better than the crappy corporate crap Apple did this time.

[Dmac77]

Cute gimmic. I use my Richard Solo to provide the same functionality. Wouldn't be that hard to just take an old cable though and cut the data lines.

Easier said then done. First you need to figure out which ones are the data lines, then you have to re-insulate the cable. This cable is not a PITA like making your own cable would be.

Don

[Digital Skunk]

I think $5000 is too much to pay for a modded MBP with touch screen and all. And that would be kind of heavy to tote around.

Heck $3000 is a bit too much for the 17" MBP.

I do hope though, that they mod us an Apple netbook out of something.

[puffnstuff]

I do hope though, that they mod us an Apple netbook out of something.

How can one mod a netbook when the whole line-up is over 1K?

[Digital Skunk]

How can one mod a netbook when the whole line-up is over 1K?

?????

That's for them to work out.

[plan4]

I looked at the matte screen offering from tech restore, as the super-glossy screen is one of the main reasons i'm not pulling the trigger on a new mbp.

they aren't providing a matte screen that functions in the same way the current glossy screen does. it looks like they're offering a matte lcd, with a black plastic bezel around it. they do not specify if the lcd they are using is an led backlit lcd. i'm guessing if they don't specify it, it isn't. additionally, i would have concerns about the structural integrity of the screen if the glass is removed. i can't see a plastic bezel providing much support.

[Fuchal]

I looked at the matte screen offering from tech restore, as the super-glossy screen is one of the main reasons i'm not pulling the trigger on a new mbp.

they aren't providing a matte screen that functions in the same way the current glossy screen does. it looks like they're offering a matte lcd, with a black plastic bezel around it. they do not specify if the lcd they are using is an led backlit lcd. i'm guessing if they don't specify it, it isn't. additionally, i would have concerns about the structural integrity of the screen if the glass is removed. i can't see a plastic bezel providing much support.

I would also question the quality of the panel if the panel + service + profit = $199 :confused:

[Bubba Satori]

?????

That's for them to work out.

Exactamundo. Apple should call Asus and order 5 million "premium" netbooks in 8"-12" sizes, put the Apple logo on and sell them for $100 more than comparable competing netbooks to keep the aura of the Apple premium brand and hipness. :D I could sell 100 a month of them. Which is about how many netbooks I sell a month. C'mon Apple, step up to the plate and start swinging. What happened to the upstart underdog of years gone by. :apple:

[Eidorian]

Exactamundo. Apple should call Asus and order 5 million "premium" netbooks in 8"-12" sizes, put the Apple logo on and sell them for $100 more than comparable competing netbooks to keep the aura of the Apple premium brand and hipness. :D I could sell 100 a month of them. Which is about how many netbooks I sell a month. C'mon Apple, step up to the plate and start swinging. What happened to the upstart underdog of years gone by. :apple:Problem solved. (http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/hps-12-1-inch-pavilion-dv2-dont-call-it-a-netbook/)

[the vj]

I think $5000 is too much to pay for a modded MBP with touch screen and all. And that would be kind of heavy to tote around.

Heck $3000 is a bit too much for the 17" MBP.

I do hope though, that they mod us an Apple netbook out of something.

Totally agree. I had a 30" apple cinema screen with touch screen and that was the actual price for it.

If you want a touch screen device you can get the Jazz Mutant Lemur with multytouch 12". Is just a table top configurable interface that connects with your computer.

Any way, that touch screen solution is too much.

[FJ218700]

fyi,

I've a Gorilla Pod,

highly recommended.

[Bubba Satori]

Problem solved. (http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/hps-12-1-inch-pavilion-dv2-dont-call-it-a-netbook/)

Yep. I also mentioned the HP tx2 in another thread about how popular it is to my student and real estate customers. I would love to sell an Apple version of that or the new Pavilion.

It's so frustrating. I could sell so many more Macs if they just had the different product categories that my customers want.

[Dmac77]

Yep. I also mentioned the HP tx2 in another thread about how popular it is to my student and real estate customers. I would love to sell an Apple version of that or the new Pavilion.

It's so frustrating. I could sell so many more Macs if they just had the different product categories that my customers want.

I'm surprised that computer manufacturers still make screens in that format. Widescreen is the future. Square screens are dead IMO.

Don

[Tallest Skil]

I'm surprised that computer manufacturers still make screens in that format. Widescreen is the future. Square screens are dead IMO.

Don

4:3 died when Apple released the first iMac G4 (CRT died that day, as well).
Brick and mortar DVD rental stores died when Apple started offering movie rentals.
The TRAY LOADING DRIVE died when Apple put a slot in the iMac DV. EIGHT years later, we still have worthless tray-loading drives! What the crap?!

There are more... Apple has killed a lot of things.

[Dmac77]

4:3 died when Apple released the first iMac G4 (CRT died that day, as well).
Brick and mortar DVD rental stores died when Apple started offering movie rentals.

There are more... Apple has killed a lot of things.

Apple has by no means killed brick and mortar rental stores. If brick and mortar rental stores die, that will be because of Netflix, and Blockbuster Online. Most people like to have the movie for longer then 24 hours (which is all you get after you hit play in iTunes). I seriously doubt that brick and mortar rental stores will die in my lifetime.

Don

[mkrishnan]

I've a Gorilla Pod,

highly recommended.

I've never seen that thing before, even on photography forums, but it's amazing. I srsly want one. :o

[Bubba Satori]

I'm surprised that computer manufacturers still make screens in that format. Widescreen is the future. Square screens are dead IMO.

Don

I wonder what manufacturer will be first out with a widescreen tablet ?

[iasky]

Come on Woz, you can do better than that :eek:

[Tallest Skil]

I wonder what manufacturer will be first out with a widescreen tablet ?

You're saying there aren't any? Axiotron is, then, obviously, or any of the PC manufacturers who have been making tablet PCs for however long.

Unless you're talking about the no-screen-behind-them tablets.

[Bubba Satori]

You're saying there aren't any? Axiotron is, then, obviously, or any of the PC manufacturers who have been making tablet PCs for however long.

Unless you're talking about the no-screen-behind-them tablets.

Yes. Maybe it will be the rumored large format Ipod touch. That would make a nice mini tablet.

[AvSRoCkCO1067]

fyi,

I've a Gorilla Pod,

highly recommended.

Ditto on that, I've used them for a few weddings / Bat Mitzvahs.

[hiimamac]

The new Axiotron Modbook = :eek:

Let's see, a HP touch is $1199 and they want $3000 grand for you to provide your OWN macbook pro? Yeah, okay then. NOT!

Are they insane.

Because of this, I will make a note to post it to OSX86 project and see if they can't get some TABLETS going. I started on a HACK, bought a MBP and am now typing on my hack....
http://img442.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture1hd5.png

$3000 grand to supply your own. :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
What a bunch of hacks.

[FJ218700]

^^ why Tiger?

[Electro Funk]

hmmmm they are doing a modbook as well.

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

1299 if you supply the macbook.

[Bubba Satori]

^^ why Tiger?

Maybe 'cause it's easier to hackentosh Tiger.

[Tallest Skil]

hmmmm they are doing a modbook as well.

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

1299 if you supply the macbook.

They've been doing that for years.

Well, they've said it for years, but have just recently (six months) done it.

[hiimamac]

^^ why Tiger?

I'm not sure really.


I started with Tiger HACK then got a MBP, it came with TIGER then having worked at Apple I got you know, all the free goodies such as Leopard, iWork, iLife which you can install forever, at least the Leopard is - got my copy from genius buddy.

Anyway, right now on the laptop, its tiger (still) with target EXTERNAL setup with 10.5.5 and 10.5.6 (was 10.5.2 for a while and needed 10.5.6 for iLife 09), a copy (back up) of tiger. Also on the laptop is latest BOOTCAMP with XP. So yes, it's possible to install TIGER and latest bootcamp. (will tell you in a second)...

Anyway, the reason I never upgraded was due to some higher end software not stable for LEOPARD and to be frank about it, Leopard was not installed in the APPLE back of house computers until just this past July, only the floor models had Leopard, since then, I just haven't gotten around to it - I suppose it's time, especially since I have back up copies. LOL.

To install latest BOOTCAMP with tiger, you have to basically install LEOPARD first, then bootcamp, then boot to target (in my case it was LEOPARD), and copy the back up of TIGER back onto laptop, when you do this, it never erases the BOOTCAMP partition.

Safe to say though that Leopard is stable enough - was really waiting for Pro Tools to become stable and it has been for a while now - just need to see what the story is with the latest Pro Tools 8 that just came out as many studios still use TIGER as knowone ever wants their MAIN HD systems down.

I recall a time when I was working with x.x.x, one composer for Everybody Loves Raymond, and talked him into upgrading - he did but made a mistake during the install - and his system was done for a few days! (ugg), not that it mattered that much..... as his day consisted of coming in at 12:30, leaving a few hours later, coming in only a few times a week, most time was on golf course, and one spotting session every two weeks and he collected a nice $5K check per week, not including his writers share of the royalties that will pay him the rest of his life. NICE NICE NICE...my goal too.... Get a show that goes into syndication = set for life...

:D:cool:God Willing I can make it too:cool::D
Then I can afford $4000 for a tablet.

[ucfgrad93]

Wow, the modbook pro looks great but is way too expensive.

[JtheLemur]

Wait, what the *hell* is with that cable?

Am I not getting something here, or are they asking $25 for a physical replacement for the iTunes checkbox that changes whether the iPhone will or will not sync-on-connect?

I mean, over a ton of iPods and two iPhones, I've never, ever, had my device overwritten, even when connecting to a machine I've *never* connected to before. It's always asked me what to do.

*shrug*…

[alexbates]

$5000 for a ModBook Pro! I would never even consider buying this unless the price was $2000 or under.

And another thing- no AppleCare or Apple support services. I have no idea what kind of warranty these things have, but I would not trust them.

If your thinking about getting one, I'd wait because I bet Apple will come out with some sort of cheaper one in the next few years. This will probably happen because of competition and education needs. At my school, computer teachers have been mentioning switching to Windows tablets in the future because of what they could do in classes like a math class. Many private schools these days are trying to move to be laptop schools with every student having their own laptop, which will probably be all the same in a particular school. (this is where Apple could step in and more than triple their sales to schools) Also, they are trying to incorporate the use of them in each and every class. Imagine trying to take notes on a regular laptop as a child. That would be hard. But if you could write everything down with a pen, it would be much easier. Then there would never be any worries about loosing written notes and you could print them out as many times as you like.

I hope Apple decides to come out with some sort of tablet in the future, maybe even without a keyboard like the iPhone. I see this as an opportunity for Apple to increase their laptop sales in the future.

[Winni]

No, because the EULA states that you can run OS X on Apple-branded hardware. The Modbook is Apple-branded hardware that has been modified to add functionality.)

That's not entirely correct. The Apple EULA states that you are only allowed to use the software on an Apple COMPUTER, and other versions of that EULA spoke of an "Apple labeled computer". The important part here is the word "computer", and that allows for various interpretations -- one being that, although it is based upon components of an Apple computer, the Modbook uses an own brand and label and clearly is NOT an Apple computer anymore. Or does Apple say otherwise?

I think this raises some interesting legal questions, especially in regard to the Psystar lawsuit.

[plan4]

you're overthinking this.

bottom line is the modbook motherboard has the tpm chip that allows it to run osx. that's what makes it "apple branded."

the modbooks have been around for a long time and apple has not asked them to stop, so i think their silence can be interpreted as tacit approval.

[meeksdigital]

On the subject of the matte screens -

if TechRestore can replace your screen with a matte one, WHY CAN'T APPLE JUST EFFING MAKE IT AN OPTION STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY!? This is utter insanity - I've never been so pissed at Apple in my life. Thank GOD I bought my second macbook pro (a refurbished 15" with... you guessed it... MATTE SCREEN) while they're still available. This glossy/glass screen crap really pisses me off.

[Mr. B]

The people viewing the modbook pro as a "status symbol" are looking at it the wrong way.

The same is true of the people thinking that attaching a cintiq to their desktop or buying (most) tablet pc's are the same thing.

While prohibitively expensive, the modbook pro is the largest, most powerful, most pressure sensitive tablet out there and the *only* mac tablet you can get.

The only people that should be buying this are people that work extensively in photoshop, maya, zbrush, illustrator, etc. for long hours (where sitting in front of a desktop can be a literal pain) and who have to travel and continue to work with a variety of very expensive programs.

If you want to use it to browse the internet you might as well just burn your money.

... man. It is expensive though.

[w_parietti22]

hmmmmm....
ModBook Pro
or
Fully loaded 17" MBP* + $600?
Thats a though one. :rolleyes:

I do agree with Mr. B^ however, there is a significant group of people who will buy this because of it's usability for their profession.

*2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
8GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2X4GB
320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
MacBook Pro 17-inch Hi-Resolution Antiglare Widescreen Display
$4,399

[iParis]

OH the modbook... how badly I want one...
And now a ModBook Pro! Specs must be awesome!
That USB cord would come in handy.

[StealthRider]

I'm surprised that computer manufacturers still make screens in that format. Widescreen is the future. Square screens are dead IMO.

Don

It's widescreen. Resolution is 1280x800, just like the MacBooks.

[drayon]

Would jump on the TechRestore service if they offered a 15" 1920x1200 WUXGA matte option.

[iParis]

For some reason I can't seem to find the specs for the ModBook Pro, or an order now section.

[jnc]

Oh, sweet lord.

ModBook Pro? MEGATON!

A portable, powerful Cintiq... I have just laid eyes on my next Mac portable :)

[Dmac77]

It's widescreen. Resolution is 1280x800, just like the MacBooks.

Sorry my mistake. I read 12" not 12.1" my mistake. when I read 12" I thought iBook hence 4:3.

Don

[iParis]

Oh, sweet lord.

ModBook Pro? MEGATON!

A portable, powerful Cintiq... I have just laid eyes on my next Mac portable :)

Only $4999! :eek:
Like a 15-in regular MacBook Pro isn't a portable Mac?
In fact, I don't think a lot of Pro's would like to type with a stylus or your finger, so having to carry around a keyboard would make it less convenient .

[clarkysdonga]

On the subject of the matte screens -

if TechRestore can replace your screen with a matte one, WHY CAN'T APPLE JUST EFFING MAKE IT AN OPTION STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY!? This is utter insanity - I've never been so pissed at Apple in my life. Thank GOD I bought my second macbook pro (a refurbished 15" with... you guessed it... MATTE SCREEN) while they're still available. This glossy/glass screen crap really pisses me off.

They do! You can click 'Anti-glare' as an option on the Apple Store (AU$90)

"About glossy and antiglare
Choose the glossy widescreen display to make your graphics, photos, and videos appear with richer colours and deeper blacks — great for watching DVD movies. If you prefer a display with antiglare coating for a matte rather than glossy viewing experience, choose the antiglare widescreen display."

Cc.

[MagnusVonMagnum]

Woz backs it, Steve won't go and fight Woz.

Don

Tell him to back Psystar then and you could get a tablet Mac for $899 instead of this insane rip-off.

[jnc]

Only $4999! :eek:
Like a 15-in regular MacBook Pro isn't a portable Mac?
In fact, I don't think a lot of Pro's would like to type with a stylus or your finger, so having to carry around a keyboard would make it less convenient .

Currently running a refurb 2.6 last gen MacBook Pro + Cintiq 12WX, which came to a cost of £2000 ($4000) plus a lot of adapters, wires and cables to hook up to ports and power sources... This one device does the job of my current setup, converged and wireless...? Larger screen to boot? I'm saving.

Don't tell me this isn't convenient! Don't worry about it man, you're clearly not the target market :) how much typing do you think I'll be aiming to do on this device? I'm in animation and this is just a DREAM device. True digital paper. I could literally animate on the toilet. Another secret dream of mine, heh.

I want this so much it's unreal!

[mirffy]

They do! You can click 'Anti-glare' as an option on the Apple Store (AU$90)

"About glossy and antiglare
Choose the glossy widescreen display to make your graphics, photos, and videos appear with richer colours and deeper blacks — great for watching DVD movies. If you prefer a display with antiglare coating for a matte rather than glossy viewing experience, choose the antiglare widescreen display."

Cc.
Maybe I missed something, but even on the AU Store i can only find this option available for the 17", and not the 15" MBPs (like TechRestore is offering!)

[iParis]

Currently running a refurb 2.6 last gen MacBook Pro + Cintiq 12WX, which came to a cost of £2000 ($4000) plus a lot of adapters, wires and cables to hook up to ports and power sources... This one device does the job of my current setup, converged and wireless...? Larger screen to boot? I'm saving.

Don't tell me this isn't convenient! Don't worry about it man, you're clearly not the target market :) how much typing do you think I'll be aiming to do on this device? I'm in animation and this is just a DREAM device. True digital paper. I could literally animate on the toilet. Another secret dream of mine, heh.

I want this so much it's unreal!

Oh don't get me, I love this thing.
LAWL. Animate on the toilet!

[jnc]

thinking about it, one of those slim new apple bluetooth keyboards should be fine for on-the-go typing :cool:they're... tiny

I can envision my new setup already... drool :D anyone wanna give me $5k? :D

the worst thing at the mo is having three displays. MBP's built-in LCD, the Cintiq, plus Dell 2709 means I have to swap between my cintiq and my monitor... incorporated tablet plus mini-dp out solves that with the ModBook Pro....just plug it in when I'm home, enjoy both displays :)

currently:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2lucazb.jpg

(ignore the macbook and imac ;))

I considered buying a Mac Pro for this "privelege" :o (only ONE Mac can run two displays?) but no, a 4GB(right?) 2.8GHz ModBook Pro, with new GPU should do the trick just fine. And an infinitely more portable solution :) Shame about the loss of gestures, but aside from that...!

[Imhotep397]

They just brought in Woz. Hopefully, that can bring them some attention from Apple, some authorized assistance/parts supplies and lower pricing. 5k is pretty damned steep.

[Prom1]

The new Axiotron Modbook = :eek:

Yes this machine looks SWEET! Of course in Black :apple:

A few youtube videos, one is here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0Ic9b-sql8

Think of the educational opportunities for all the 90210 brats. A $5K tablet. :rolleyes:

I sell a lot of HP tx2s to students and realtors. They love the 12" size, One Note and $1K price. Wish Apple had something I could show them. :mad:

I'm sure they HATE that heat coming from the HD3200 ATi video card when playing back movies or using huge visual tasks (Photoshop jobs that really should be done on a desktop). This is a huge market that Apple should get into and Axiotron should be smart enough to make smaller ModBookPro's and lighter and FAST! When that Acer eeE tablet thats less than 1" debuts on linux/windows7 for less than $900 by summer you'll see a LOT more students coming to your store if they carry them.

And they, not Apple, provide the warranty ?

Well, it no longer is a "real" Mac, because Apple have declined to provide it's customers with a Mac tablet

Man I know! Considering Microsofts intro to CES you can see that Tablets are becoming more widely used and more profitable. Many associates on corporate negotiating deals use it heavily (and I know of 1 person at McK that uses a Mac Pro with Lotus Notes that would LOVE to have this ModBook Pro in a lighter form and 12" screen.

1% percent market share of an already niche computer category. :rolleyes:

I'm shocked that an educator of Woz's reputation is associating himself with this gold crusted status symbol for yuppies and their spawn. :D

:D I thought the same thing! That may happen soon enough though. If Axiotron can make this lighter, ship a convertible & portable desktop mount then I think he's game. I just hope Axiotron makes one that is a convertible tablet-Mac. I don't want to give up my keyboard and fast touch typing skills for my horrible handwritten skills. In grade 7 I learned to type on a Typewriter so that when PC's got cheaper I could type my notes, not hand write them. I press insanely hard whenever I write. Bad habit.

I think $5000 is too much to pay for a modded MBP with touch screen and all. And that would be kind of heavy to tote around.

Heck $3000 is a bit too much for the 17" MBP.

I do hope though, that they mod us an Apple netbook out of something.

I've been hoping for this for a LONG LONG time - 12" MBP should've evolved to. I just hope Apple stops thinking that "niche" markets cannot be profitable & keep ignoring it instead of using their ingenuity to MAKE it profitable.

However, in the mean time ...

Problem solved. (http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/hps-12-1-inch-pavilion-dv2-dont-call-it-a-netbook/)

Thats what I'm talking about :D Now if Apple can make this with a P8700 C2D with DDR3 & 9650 GT vid card with a slim convertible touchscreen then I'm all ready to sign off my future paychecks.

[Prom1]

The people viewing the modbook pro as a "status symbol" are looking at it the wrong way.

The same is true of the people thinking that attaching a cintiq to their desktop or buying (most) tablet pc's are the same thing.

While prohibitively expensive, the modbook pro is the largest, most powerful, most pressure sensitive tablet out there and the *only* mac tablet you can get.

The only people that should be buying this are people that work extensively in photoshop, maya, zbrush, illustrator, etc. for long hours (where sitting in front of a desktop can be a literal pain) and who have to travel and continue to work with a variety of very expensive programs.

If you want to use it to browse the internet you might as well just burn your money.

... man. It is expensive though.

Great way to look at it. Unfortunately those that use those applications [photoshop, maya, zbrush, illustrator, etc.] long hours while sitting at a desk, have the extensive amount of RAM (Protected even), HDD space needed, and a stable Ethernet on LAN connection via a Mac Pro. Consider picking up even the mid-tier Mac Pro + a 21" Cintiq and you get the equal or close after tax price of the ModBookPro that is available immediately.

Furthermore their work - usually for a large company or a solid business - wouldn't allow them to take home their work OR its smarter to leave their work on a desktop (secured by Kensington, motion-detectors, and central alarm security). Even more so they can work on their projects over a VPN/RSA connection to the offices remote servers on their personal/work MacBookPro's.

Either way, its still cheaper to by a MBP+21" Cintiq to get the same thing. Sure the ModBookPro offers MultiTouch & pressure Stylus simultaneously but whats its battery life? And its weight? I'll bet you'll need a knapsack to hall that to & from destinations.

[batchtaster]

WTF with the Tune Blocker?

iTunes asks you if you want to reassociate the iPod with the alternate library when you plug it into a foreign computer, and the "does iTunes open when this iPod is plugged in" travels with the iPod (it's part of the device settings).

A $30 device to do some hardware hack to replace the user clicking a couple of prefs seems entirely unnecessary.

[Dmac77]

WTF with the Tune Blocker?

iTunes asks you if you want to reassociate the iPod with the alternate library, and the "does iTunes open when this iPod is plugged in" travels with the iPod (it's part of the device settings).

A $30 device to do some hardware hack to replace the user clicking a couple of prefs seems unnecessary.

Maybe the user is a complete and total idiot? Or maybe the computer owner has the warnings disabled. Or the person is distracted and hits yes to everything (ie, is a complete idiot).

Just playing Devil's advocate.:D

Don

[nacengineer]

Wait, what the *hell* is with that cable?

Am I not getting something here, or are they asking $25 for a physical replacement for the iTunes checkbox that changes whether the iPhone will or will not sync-on-connect?

I mean, over a ton of iPods and two iPhones, I've never, ever, had my device overwritten, even when connecting to a machine I've *never* connected to before. It's always asked me what to do.

*shrug*…

The cable is for on the road. Say plugging into a computer that is NOT yours... hence eliminating the frustration of having to answer NO to the restore question. Not worth $25 to me but it is to some.

[nacengineer]

They just brought in Woz. Hopefully, that can bring them some attention from Apple, some authorized assistance/parts supplies and lower pricing. 5k is pretty damned steep.

I believe they asked him to be on their board and he liked the product so much he said yes.

I was at the presentation today and it was awesome. Axiotron is going to take the Modbooks out of the cases tomorrow. I will try to get some pics and post them here.

One thing Woz did, a really cool off the cuff thing, bears mentioning. He drew a 16 square circle on the modbook. 4X4 and then asked somebody for a number (prime I believe). The guy said 41. So he wrote 41 to the side and then filled in a few random numbers. He then studied the board and after about 20 seconds (not exaggerating here) filled the rest of the numbers in within about 20-30 seconds. I was going to film it but couldn't even get my video camera out of the bag before he was done.

Then he proceeded to dissect the "Sudoku" board to the crowd and showed all the variations that added up to 41. (Quadrants, up, down, left to right, corner combinations, and even the diagonals.) The man is a fricking Genius. I was very impressed with his math skills to say the least. But his greatest gift is his love for the Mac community. He dealt with a lot of jerks and some really awesome and humble Mac users afterward with the most amazing patience and talked to everyone that wanted to talk to him with genuine interest. He is a truly special man and IMHO set the foundation for why Apple is so awesome. Keep up the good work Woz! :apple:

BTW afterward he increased the value of my OG iPhone and signed it. Truely a great Macworld experience. :D

[design-is]

If I had the money and they sold them in the UK, I would buy a ModBook Pro in a second.

Most desirable piece of kit ever in my opinion.

[numbersyx]

Still confused about the Modbox. Is Apple now licensing third party hardware makers the use of their software?

[patricksan]

Unfortunately, too expensive yet.

[Shasterball]

Crazy how Apple's silly moves have created a market for companies like TechRestore...

[TheStonepedo]

Cute gimmic. I use my Richard Solo to provide the same functionality. Wouldn't be that hard to just take an old cable though and cut the data lines.
The terminals which provide power to a USB device are much nearer to the end of the cable than those which transmit and receive data. I learned when restoring an old iPod Mini (the ones which must be plugged into a wall to finish the restoration process) that simply plugging the cable half-way into a USB port did the trick. If Matais was out to help users avoid accidentally syncing a plastic jacket roughly half the length of the USB cable would be enough to prevent pushing the cable fully into a port. As it stands, Matais appears to be out to take advantage of suckers with a device overly complex for the task at hand.

[sclough]

Maybe I missed something, but even on the AU Store i can only find this option available for the 17", and not the 15" MBPs (like TechRestore is offering!)

Nope. That's the whole point. Only the 17" has an matte option anymore. Thus TechRestore is trying to provide a matte option for those of us that prefer the 15" but do not like glossy screens.

[jnc]

Great way to look at it. Unfortunately those that use those applications [photoshop, maya, zbrush, illustrator, etc.] long hours while sitting at a desk, have the extensive amount of RAM (Protected even), HDD space needed, and a stable Ethernet on LAN connection via a Mac Pro. Consider picking up even the mid-tier Mac Pro + a 21" Cintiq and you get the equal or close after tax price of the ModBookPro that is available immediately.

Furthermore their work - usually for a large company or a solid business - wouldn't allow them to take home their work OR its smarter to leave their work on a desktop (secured by Kensington, motion-detectors, and central alarm security). Even more so they can work on their projects over a VPN/RSA connection to the offices remote servers on their personal/work MacBookPro's.

Ah, not everything with Pro in the title appeals to "large companies and solid businesses" - what about us starter-uppers? For me, the benefits/convenience of the converged products validate (somewhat) the purchase price.

I've done the Mac Pro/Cintiq setup already - it almost demands two displays, well with the Cintiq 12wx at least - a 12" 1280x800 is insufficient there. Sure you could get a Mac Pro + 21" Cintiq, but I'm sure people interested in the ModBook pro have weighed that option up already. I have. Didn't suit my budget at the time, and as I realised, I move about too much even for the Cintiq 12wx to be convenient. Next time around I won't cut corners, I'll get a souped-up modbook pro.

A 15.4" 1440x900 display as standard? And fully portable? For me, that's better. What, do you only do work at the workplace?

Even a 12wx, small as it is, is far from convenient for setup in multiple locations should you travel a little, and don't even bother on a plane or train. Sure the overall size of the device is fine, but it requires constant tethering to both a computer via USB and video port, through a transformer box, plus power. ModBook Pro is the evolution.

Either way, its still cheaper to by a MBP+21" Cintiq to get the same thing.

If you think it's the "same thing" you're not. The. Target!

...whats its battery life? And its weight? I'll bet you'll need a knapsack to hall that to & from destinations

Can't imagine additional battery drain being much more than it would be to plug a USB-powered Intuos into a notebook. There's nothing other than the tablet functionality present that should take up any more energy than is usual with a MacBook Pro. (GPS?) It's 0.93 inches thin and 6.6 pounds, so friendlier dimensions than a 17" MacBook Pro from what I can tell.

[Prom1]

jnc, good take. I didn't even think of the target market in this ModBP. Say, how should we properly abbreviate the Mod Book Pro?

You make a sound analysis of why a Cintiq may prove a solution but a fustrated solution that many would be happy to forgo.

Now, if only that ModBookPro could be hooked up to the MacPro or MacMini and become its Display, keyboard & mouse via touch THEN it would be worth its weight & price. Say I only recall 1 PC company ever making a portable (laptop) being able to interface with a headless desktop essentially becoming its display. To say the least that company didn't last more than 3yrs.

nacengineer,

The WOZ :apple: is coolness & intelligence and essentric all in one. Its amazing that he came out of a coma so quickly and didn't loose anything of himself. He's a school teacher now and has been for several years. His bushy beard reminds me of my grade 5 teacher whom I remember affectionately as true life teacher. I can definately see that in Wozniak. Forget the new value of your OG iPodTouch - savor it not as a collectors item, but a fun memento in history.

Imagine if Steve pleaded for Woz to return to Apple as head of their K12 division, hmmm. The products that would be sound to students needs and wants.

[ImageWrangler]

Heck $3000 is a bit too much for the 17" MBP.


Granted you can find a 17" laptop for under a grand. Try configuring one like the 17" MBP. I did on HP and Dull, er, Dell's site, and when you custom configure one a either of those peecee makers it's quickly clocks over $2800. Actually configuring the Dull, er, Dell, similar to the MBP wound up at $4200. So as much as I'd like a cheaper 17" MBP myself, it's actually priced, for what it is, parts and all, competitively. I just wish Apple had the quad-core option, both Dull and HP do.

[neonblue2]

Some of you are really over thinking the legality of the Modbook. If you weren't around to know when it was first announced then I can understand but the fact is that the Modbook has been known about for two years and available for little over a year.

If Apple wanted to step in they've had ample time. Why would they though? Axiotron still needs to buy the computers before they mod them and so do any customers who want their MBs/MBPs modded.

[Tallest Skil]

Still confused about the Modbox. Is Apple now licensing third party hardware makers the use of their software?

No... because they're not making the hardware. They take an existing Mac and add hardware to it.

[lifeinhd]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5G77a Safari/525.20)

Ah, thank god someone came out with a nonglossy option! Now I can actually buy myself a new Macbook pro!

[SFStateStudent]

I was at the presentation today and it was awesome. Axiotron is going to take the Modbooks out of the cases tomorrow. I will try to get some pics and post them here. BTW afterward he increased the value of my OG iPhone and signed it. Truely a great Macworld experience. :D

+1 ^^^ I loved the presentation, and I'm really excited to see that ModBook Pro up close. A bit pricey, was the word around me, but Woz still has a following...:cool:

[Mr. B]

Great way to look at it. Unfortunately those that use those applications [photoshop, maya, zbrush, illustrator, etc.] long hours while sitting at a desk, have the extensive amount of RAM (Protected even), HDD space needed, and a stable Ethernet on LAN connection via a Mac Pro. Consider picking up even the mid-tier Mac Pro + a 21" Cintiq and you get the equal or close after tax price of the ModBookPro that is available immediately.

Furthermore their work - usually for a large company or a solid business - wouldn't allow them to take home their work OR its smarter to leave their work on a desktop (secured by Kensington, motion-detectors, and central alarm security). Even more so they can work on their projects over a VPN/RSA connection to the offices remote servers on their personal/work MacBookPro's.

Either way, its still cheaper to by a MBP+21" Cintiq to get the same thing. Sure the ModBookPro offers MultiTouch & pressure Stylus simultaneously but whats its battery life? And its weight? I'll bet you'll need a knapsack to hall that to & from destinations.

not to be blunt but, no, you are wrong. Or at least not totally correct.

There are massive numbers of freelancers out there, and in fact the majority of illustration work is made by them.

They need to supply their own tools and, trust me, the portability is a huge plus.

On top of that six gigs of ram + 500 gig 7200 rpm internal + 2.8 core 2 duo is nothing to scoff at. Of course desktops outclass laptops, but this laptop is faster than desktops from a few years back that pros are still using!

Not many people will buy this, but those that do (who actually need it) will be more productive + happier for it.

[alphaod]

surely the modbook infringes on apples eula?

Axiotron is what Apple calls a Proprietary Solution Provider; which means if you order a machine, Apple will only ship Axiotron the necessary components and nothing more.

---

Also I want to go for the TechRestore matte option.

[Digital Skunk]

I've been hoping for this for a LONG LONG time - 12" MBP should've evolved to. I just hope Apple stops thinking that "niche" markets cannot be profitable & keep ignoring it instead of using their ingenuity to MAKE it profitable.

Same here. I am glad that the Macbook now has some performance in it to make it more like a 12" Powerbook G4 of yester-years, but the size of the thing is truly where it's at. There won't be another 12" Mac laptop for a while if ever, and those with 12" PBs that are about to give up have to look at either the high end Macbook or Air.

I'd take either, but neither will replace what the 12" PBG4 was.

Granted you can find a 17" laptop for under a grand. Try configuring one like the 17" MBP. I did on HP and Dull, er, Dell's site, and when you custom configure one a either of those peecee makers it's quickly clocks over $2800. Actually configuring the Dull, er, Dell, similar to the MBP wound up at $4200. So as much as I'd like a cheaper 17" MBP myself, it's actually priced, for what it is, parts and all, competitively. I just wish Apple had the quad-core option, both Dull and HP do.

It really depends on what you are comparing. The problem with the PC vs Mac price thing is that everyone wants to pick what they think compares to the Apple. Not that it's an issue or a rant, just that you have to be careful at what you pick.

Going to Dell and selecting the M1730 isn't far to the Apple. That monster has the chassis for dual SLI and quad core and weighs a ton. It's a gaming rig true and true.

The only machine that comes close to the MBP would be the Studio 17 (http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=ca&CS=cadhs1&l=en&OC=NS172_F_3E) and its $800 cheaper when closely matched. Not perfect, but as close to what you can get.

Otherwise you'll have to go to the business side and grab some of the portable workstations that come with 3 year warranties, and even then you have to remember that the chassis you get hold way more than the 17" MBP could ever dream of. The Covet is almost $1000 more than the MBP, but being able to one day stick 16GB of DDR3 RAM in it dual HDDs, Quad core processors and a jog/shuttle wheel for HD cutters makes the price justifiable to some.

HP is going the route I want most to go. Dropping the 17" screen and opting for an 18.4" screen at 16:9 aspect. I would love it if Apple decided to make the 17" a true desktop replacement and made it heavy and stuffed with things most pros need on the road. Dual HDDs is a start, but I would give that up for quad core anyday.

[PeterQVenkman]

FOr the price of the modbook you could get a PC tablet and the 17 inch Macbook Pro.

3 grand of markup? really?

[Digital Skunk]

FOr the price of the modbook you could get a PC tablet and the 17 inch Macbook Pro.

3 grand of markup? really?

Depending on the software used, this would be the ideal situation.

If I used a tablet for illustration and Adobe graphics apps I would just opt for the PC and 17" MBP. If I wasn't tied to the hip with Apple I could get a PC table, 17" powerhouse laptop, and quad core desktop with 24" monitor.

And if I took any one of the heavy lifting machine out I could get one of the many Adobe CS4 packages along with it.

Simply put, you could get an entire system for that $5000 price tag of one machine.

[Mr. B]

Simply put, you could get an entire system for that $5000 price tag of one machine.

...

You are completely missing the point of the modbooks.

[JG271]

Cool. My brother has a gorilla pod. Sometimes the cool stuff from the little companies gets overlooked because of the keynote, maybe not so much this year though:p

The link to the modbook pro is dead btw!

[gregorsamsa]

i was in the apple store in london : i saw this
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TR412LL/A?mco=MTIxODk3Mw

much cheaper than the $199.

did anybody see this applied to a screen? i'm curious...

Great price! It'd be interesting to hear from anyone who actually uses them.

[twoodcc]

that modbook does look nice, but the price is outrageous! i won't be buying that

[Darkroom]

i totally just ordered a Joby gorillapod for my point-and-shoot... never heard of them before... actually found them (the grey one only) on sale for $20 at Vistek online in toronto... yay :)

[isoceles]

$199 to upgrade to a matte screen? Get the F out of here! The glare isn't that bad.

[Habakuk]

Gorilla Pod is ingenious. I am using it in two sizes since almost one year. Couldn't live without it. Searching for a possibility to mount the iPhone on the smallest one.