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Anyone got a Modbook yet, or ordered one?
- Thread starter zarusoba
- Start date
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I'd be interested to hear reviews.
I really like the idea of having a mobile/wireless Wacom Cintiq morphed onto a MacBook, although I would personally prefer if it were a MacBook Pro instead, for two reasons - the white MacBook back patched with the aluminium front irks me (aesthetically better if it were all one material), plus the graphics card of the MacBook Pro would be better for graphics pros etc who are most likely to buy one of these.
If they ever do a 'ModBook Pro', I think I would definitely be getting one of those instead of a MacBook Pro if Apple still isn't interested in making tablets.
I really like the idea of having a mobile/wireless Wacom Cintiq morphed onto a MacBook, although I would personally prefer if it were a MacBook Pro instead, for two reasons - the white MacBook back patched with the aluminium front irks me (aesthetically better if it were all one material), plus the graphics card of the MacBook Pro would be better for graphics pros etc who are most likely to buy one of these.
If they ever do a 'ModBook Pro', I think I would definitely be getting one of those instead of a MacBook Pro if Apple still isn't interested in making tablets.
Good luck finding somebody. This is why Apple didn't make one. Nobody wants one. The market is SO small it isn't really worth it. I wouldn't want one. I can't see what I'd use it for. The only thing I could see it good for would be business use and OSX doesn't work that great with business networks.
The Stig
The Stig
The Cintiq I use for graphics is fantastic but the only thing that really bugs me is that I'm permanently locked inside to my desk all day to use it, so the ModBook most definitely is aiming at a geniune market which includes me. Wacom + Mac OSX + portability = about frakking time, where do I buy? 
The only thing stopping me are the two reasons I mentioned in the previous post. Maybe I can overlook them if I decide I can't wait for a ModBook Pro version...
PS. Another thing I'm curious about is why they put the pen slot on the left when most people are right-handed. The same could be asked about the MacBook's USB slots being on the left too if you add a mouse, I guess.
The only thing stopping me are the two reasons I mentioned in the previous post. Maybe I can overlook them if I decide I can't wait for a ModBook Pro version...
PS. Another thing I'm curious about is why they put the pen slot on the left when most people are right-handed. The same could be asked about the MacBook's USB slots being on the left too if you add a mouse, I guess.
people are gonna have a REAL tough time typing on them , and no one even seems to have tested them till now..
I am now thinking about ordering one, but just read a thread here about possible new Macbook designs being released with Leopard. The same innards but different form factor and supposedly thinner than the current model.
So what does Axiotron do with their design if it's made for the current Macbook form factor which *may* change in a month? Ditch it for a new version after only just releasing it? But then there would be more delays as they have to actually wait for the new Macbook before redesigning their tablet upgrade to fit.
So what does Axiotron do with their design if it's made for the current Macbook form factor which *may* change in a month? Ditch it for a new version after only just releasing it? But then there would be more delays as they have to actually wait for the new Macbook before redesigning their tablet upgrade to fit.
Id like a smaller OS X driven tablet to take notes a university, but at a smaller cost.
Im agreeing with everyone that there isn't really a market, at that cost anyway.
Im agreeing with everyone that there isn't really a market, at that cost anyway.
It's legal, just like modding a car. It just voids Apple's warranty, so Axiotron offer their own.
A touch tablet from Apple along the lines of the iPhone or even Microsoft's Surface isn't what I'd be looking for. I'd want Wacom-style stylus interaction, so I can draw. I don't want to finger paint!
A touch tablet from Apple along the lines of the iPhone or even Microsoft's Surface isn't what I'd be looking for. I'd want Wacom-style stylus interaction, so I can draw. I don't want to finger paint!
I'm actually not sure they've even started shipping them. Looks like it's been delayed again til Q4.
Yep, Brad Priest from OWC says they'll be locking down the final ever-changing release date with Axiotron sometime this week.
A message posted on the google Modbook group mentions the delay could have been a legal problem Axiotron suddenly faced in April which they had to sort out. From Apple maybe? They need a contract with Apple to retail a product with OSX installed on it, maybe? I have no idea so I'm just guessing now.
A message posted on the google Modbook group mentions the delay could have been a legal problem Axiotron suddenly faced in April which they had to sort out. From Apple maybe? They need a contract with Apple to retail a product with OSX installed on it, maybe? I have no idea so I'm just guessing now.
I think part of the issue is actually the push back on the release of Leopard. They've been waiting for the final release because the software that handles the landscape/portrait orientation switching apparently kept breaking with each new build of the new OS.
I like the idea of the modbook. Not totally sold on the execution or the response rate for the pen, though. I'd have liked to have seen 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity for that dramatically marked-up price.
I've been debating between a cintiq and the modbook. I was actually hoping to see pricing for a used one when I discovered they hadn't even started shipping.
Hopefully Apple will actually make their own sleek version with a cleverly integrated keyboard. Hint, hint!
I like the idea of the modbook. Not totally sold on the execution or the response rate for the pen, though. I'd have liked to have seen 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity for that dramatically marked-up price.
I've been debating between a cintiq and the modbook. I was actually hoping to see pricing for a used one when I discovered they hadn't even started shipping.
Hopefully Apple will actually make their own sleek version with a cleverly integrated keyboard. Hint, hint!
I Ordered Mine Back In October 2007! Still Waiting
I was about to order a FUJITSU LIFEBOOK when I found out about the ModBook back in October. I decided to spend an extra $1000 dollars and wait an additional 4 months for the ModBook. I wanted a Cintiq but I sat on the fence waiting for the price to come down. But the portability of the ModBook made it a must have. I'm developing a children's OBEY BOOK book and I need my ModBook to complete the illustrations. I'm hoping the on screen drawing capability will cut my production time in half. No scanning, no fighting to get the perfect stroke with the Wacom tablet. Sketch in one layer, Ink in the next layer, Paint in the next layer. I can even Sketch directly over my background image. It's a shame that MAC hasn't released its own tablet PC.
I've been a MAC fan since for 27 years. When MAC was on the verge of extinction I hung in there. I don't have an iPod or an iPhone. But I've been buying Macs since 1994 for my graphic design and digital painting work. Consumers like myself are being placed on the back burner over at MAC. Mac wants a larger broader audience. It wants to be in every household. In turn us loyal long term supporters are ignored. Mac has the technology and the capability to create Tablet PC's (CHECK THIS OUT). But they don't think they'll sell enough to consider it a priority. Axiotron has to come and pick up the crumbs. Mac should simply make all of it's MacBooks Touch screen and stylus capable. Whether you want the technology or not it' should be standard further improving MACs hold on the market. This would have been a wiser release than the AIR. It's OK to want to be innovative. I't OK to want to be a trend setter. But use a little common sense. Thank you for letting me vent. My $3,286.41 spent (includes 3year Applecare aggrement). But I wish Apple cared about me.
EAGERLY WAITING
I was about to order a FUJITSU LIFEBOOK when I found out about the ModBook back in October. I decided to spend an extra $1000 dollars and wait an additional 4 months for the ModBook. I wanted a Cintiq but I sat on the fence waiting for the price to come down. But the portability of the ModBook made it a must have. I'm developing a children's OBEY BOOK book and I need my ModBook to complete the illustrations. I'm hoping the on screen drawing capability will cut my production time in half. No scanning, no fighting to get the perfect stroke with the Wacom tablet. Sketch in one layer, Ink in the next layer, Paint in the next layer. I can even Sketch directly over my background image. It's a shame that MAC hasn't released its own tablet PC.
I've been a MAC fan since for 27 years. When MAC was on the verge of extinction I hung in there. I don't have an iPod or an iPhone. But I've been buying Macs since 1994 for my graphic design and digital painting work. Consumers like myself are being placed on the back burner over at MAC. Mac wants a larger broader audience. It wants to be in every household. In turn us loyal long term supporters are ignored. Mac has the technology and the capability to create Tablet PC's (CHECK THIS OUT). But they don't think they'll sell enough to consider it a priority. Axiotron has to come and pick up the crumbs. Mac should simply make all of it's MacBooks Touch screen and stylus capable. Whether you want the technology or not it' should be standard further improving MACs hold on the market. This would have been a wiser release than the AIR. It's OK to want to be innovative. I't OK to want to be a trend setter. But use a little common sense. Thank you for letting me vent. My $3,286.41 spent (includes 3year Applecare aggrement). But I wish Apple cared about me.
I ordered one and am waiting to receive it.
I met a guy over at TabletPCReview.com who received his! I posted about it in my blog, along with a photo he sent me (with his permission of course). I'm going to document my whole experience with the ModBook.
I'm hoping it's EXACLTY what I've been hoping for - LOL - Being an artist I never understood why Apple, who has always been popular amongst creative types, didn't design a tablet aimed directly at us. Axiotron finally took matters into their own hands. I know they've had a lot of problems since MacWorld 07 in trying to get these things out into consumer's hands, but it actually looks like there's some hope now.
My fingers are crossed that it lives up to expectations!
I met a guy over at TabletPCReview.com who received his! I posted about it in my blog, along with a photo he sent me (with his permission of course). I'm going to document my whole experience with the ModBook.
I'm hoping it's EXACLTY what I've been hoping for - LOL - Being an artist I never understood why Apple, who has always been popular amongst creative types, didn't design a tablet aimed directly at us. Axiotron finally took matters into their own hands. I know they've had a lot of problems since MacWorld 07 in trying to get these things out into consumer's hands, but it actually looks like there's some hope now.
My fingers are crossed that it lives up to expectations!
The ModBook is legal, they are a specialist Apple Hardware reseller.
What would be cool is if Apple sold them on their website as well to get more coverage, even though its somebody else's product.
What would be cool is if Apple sold them on their website as well to get more coverage, even though its somebody else's product.
I can just see all the people talking about how there's no market for the modbook also frowning and shaking their heads at wacom tablets as well.
Just because there isn't a market for YOU doesn't mean that there isn't a market for anyone else.
Personally I do tons of digital work and I this really seems like the perfect deal.
God, I can't wait to be able to move away from my desk and work where I want to again.
Just because there isn't a market for YOU doesn't mean that there isn't a market for anyone else.
Personally I do tons of digital work and I this really seems like the perfect deal.
God, I can't wait to be able to move away from my desk and work where I want to again.
I really want one, but with the direction Apple is going with the Air, I'm just worried that Apple will release a tablet 2 days after I purchase a Modbook. Apple's comment about the Touch being a Mobile Platform, underlines this, in my view. And the 'new Newton' rumors that just won't go away.
The Modbook isn't going to die because people don't want it. It's going to die because people expect it from Apple.
The Modbook isn't going to die because people don't want it. It's going to die because people expect it from Apple.
If Apple indeed puts out a tablet, you can bet it will most likely be a big iTouch, not at all like a ModBook. There is an audience for both, and each group wants something different.
I have an iPhone. While I LOVE it as a mobile phone, mobile internet device, mobile e-mail and PDA-like device, there is NOTHING about it that can or would give me the tools I need as an artist. I don't want to finger-paint. I want to draw with high precision. That's what the ModBook is all about. While non-artists might be interested, it's really going to be most appealing to the art and design community (artists, animators, engineers, designers, etc.).
The MacTouch or iTouch Sr. or whatever you want to call it, well that will cater to the ultra-portible crowd... the peole who want something bigger than their iPhone but smaller than their MacBook Air. This goes to the teachers, the medical community, and all those using Tablet PCs now for non-creative purposes. Is there a market for it? That's up to Apple to decide for themselves. Unfortunately for them, some believe it's late in the game... but it's sure not impossible for them to break into it if they want.
You can't draw with a MacTouch. It's difficult to create an interface that is driven by finger AND pen (think of when you write how your hand rests on the surface... this would interfere with the accuracy of any pen, especially when drawing).
And while the ModBook is small, it's hardly an ultra-portible. It's the same size and width as the current MacBook (non-Air).
So any tablet Apple puts out themselves... if they do... isn't going to render the ModBook useless at all. Not to all the artists and designers and engineers who want a combo Wacom Tablet-Tablet-Laptop.
AND... the ModBook is officially Apple-authorized.... so it isn't as if they are unaware of it, or as if it's an "illegal" hack job. It IS a MacBook... just one that has been modified by Axiotron, and authorized by Apple.
It's really a first generation product, so no doubt there's gonna be glitches and bugs... I expect it. Biggest problem right now seems to be the wait time to actually get one because the sole U.S. distributor is backlogged in fulfilling orders. I'd expect within the next month reviews will start to pop up.
Feel free to visit my blog (in signature)... I've got links to guys who've actually received their modbook and I'll be writing more about it when I actually get mine.
The points about drawing are well made, but it's especially the last point that I really hadn't considered. If Apple undercut Axiotron, that would set an extremely bad precedent.
So, given your points, what are we looking at? A glass faced A5 sized UMPC (that would be excellent)?