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Mac Tablet from OWC

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Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
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39,125


Other World Computing pre-announced the Axiotron ModBook today.... a 3rd party Mac "tablet computer solution".

The ModBook is a Mac tablet computer solution with these features:

• Write and draw directly on screen!
• True pen & handwriting recognition
• Built in iSight Camera
• Integrated CD/DVD combo drive
• The ONLY Mac solution with an optional built-in Global Positioning System
• Aircraft grade magnesium alloy for all terrain use

The ModBook will apparently be a heavily modified MacBook in the tablet form-factor and will be officially unveiled at Macworld Expo on January 9th. A hands-on trial of the device will be available at that time.

This year, MacRumors will be posting photos and reports from Macworld booths. A Macworld San Francisco sub-forum has been opened and we encourage vendors to register and participate in the discussion of their products.
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2007/01/04/mac-tablet-from-other-world-computing-axiotron/
they have to be pretty confident that Apple's not releasing a tablet at MWSF... :)

arn
 
Interesting teaser they have on there website...
Home_20070104_02.jpg
 
Since when do other people.. companies make Mac hardware?

Furthermore since when do other people make computers that can run OS X.
 
Are you serious? In all seriousness, has the validity of this been checked. I checked the link and it left me a bit skeptical. Plus there is now way apple would let someone else make a computer that they have using their os.
IS THIS REAL?
 
I want a real clone, not a mod :(

Changing the ROM with some PC notebooks is enough to let it install a normal MacMini osX DVD, it can't be long until someone offer's a osX compatible PC's. Right?
 
know-it-all5 said:
Are you serious? In all seriousness, has the validity of this been checked. I checked the link and it left me a bit skeptical. Plus there is now way apple would let someone else make a computer that they have using their os.
IS THIS REAL?
Click to expand...

They buy a Macbook and mod it to a Tablet at twice the price, thats all.
 
:eek: HOLY SHIZZLE!!! :eek:

Like I said all throughout 2006, 2007 will be the year that Apple breaks into new markets and does to them what the iPod/iTunes combination did to the digital music player/legal online content distribution markets.

Gentlemen, THIS IS WAR!!! :cool:
 
This isn't gonna hog up any of the keynote right?

Oh and does modbook mean they modded a macbook to be a tablet? wont apple sue them for selling modded versions of their product under their nose, and introducing it at THIR TRADESHOW?
 
bradc said:
Weird, seems like a dicy move if a) Apple makes a tablet and b) Apple Legal Department....
Click to expand...

Why? They likely make you purchase a MacBook (on your dime), ship it to them, and then they modify it to make it a tablet and give it back to you. This would obviously void Apple's warranty so they also likely provide support for this modified MacBook.
 
shawnce said:
Why? They likely make you purchase a MacBook (on your dime), ship it to them, and then they modify it to make it a tablet and give it back to you. This would obviously void Apple's warranty so they also likely provide support for this modified MacBook.
Click to expand...


that sounds realistic though, as long as its not an actual "new" product that is gonna hog my true vpod time at macworld. lol
 
Texas04 said:
Since when do other people.. companies make Mac hardware?

Furthermore since when do other people make computers that can run OS X.
Click to expand...

It's all legal...
Imagine someone buying a Corvette, modifying it with a higer horsepower engine and adding a huge spoiler to the back. Then they sell it to a buyer for a higher price.

I believe OWC is purchasing MacBooks from Apple, modifying them, and then selling them for a higher price. It is completely legal. It's similar to what the Outbound computer company did in 1989 when they came out with a Macintosh portable.

Whether or not OWCs Tablet Mac is profitable for them remains to be seen.

-John
 
shawnce said:
Why? They likely make you purchase a MacBook (on your dime), ship it to them, and then they modify it to make it a tablet and give it back to you. This would obviously void Apple's warranty so they also likely provide support for this modified MacBook.
Click to expand...

Also, if colorware can buy macs, paint them, and resell them why can't a company buy macs, change a few parts, and resell them?
 
Sounds awesome. Just because Apple isn't making them, doesn't mean they're no good.

I look forward to seeing this thing in action.
 
Shady but legal. I will be very interested to see how this plays out, both within the next couple days, but also in the long-term. Could this be the beginning of a new type of "legal" clone?

shelterpaw said:
I guess Apple can test market a tablet for free now. HA! :p
Click to expand...

That much is the truth.

-Clive
 
arn said:
they have to be pretty confident that Apple's not releasing a tablet at MWSF... :)

arn
Click to expand...

I doubt they really know one way or the other. You, more than anyone, know these people don't usually get any privileged information. They're just taking a risk, and it's probably a relatively safe one.
 
C R A Z Y

can't stop laughing ... :D :D :D

seriously this has made my day, the only thing which will make me laugh more is if by some temperal-field-warp Apple release a tablet PC at macworld also!
 
Texas04 said:
Since when do other people.. companies make Mac hardware?

Furthermore since when do other people make computers that can run OS X.
Click to expand...


It makes good sense. I imagine this has all been discussed and agreed with apple.

No more tablet R&D for apple, no new product support for apple, no embarrassment if no-one buys one.
But if lots of people buy one, then apple sell heaps of extra macbooks (to OWC) that they already make a good margin on for negligible extra effort.
If the market goes crazy for 'em, then apple can always make their own, having done all the market testing / user feedback for free.

Win-Win-Win situation. Smart.
 
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