So it seems as if OWC is acting as a supplier for Axiotron, or did they help design the product?
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Mac Tablet from OWC
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I'll be watching this with all eyes...if it turns out to be good, and has nice features(support for ACD??) I might pick on up!
Apple had a program after Jobs got back and axed the clones. There were at least 6 companies that resold Apple laptops as a way for people with disabilities to communicate and operate computers. I rember two of the companies being located in France and Germany. The machines had touch interfaces and serial ports. Basically they were the old colored iBooks with the screen on the outside of the case loaded with accesability features. I always wondered what happened to them as they recieved a good deal of praise from the ADA as assistive devices.
Seing as clones are dead, and knowing Jobs control on where Mac OS X gets installed, these can only be resold Mac parts or machines with new casings and screens. Otherwise, Apple is allowing their coveted OS to work on non Apple hardware. How many cold days does hell get now?
I too have an immediate need for a good tablet. I am automating my construction field operations. I have experimented with various form factor laptops and tablet is the best choice. Added GPS would be an added bonus.
That's assuming they're just modifying MacBooks already purchased from Apple. But if it's a new computer that they've designed and produced themselves, and somehow tricked into running OS X, then that is illegal.
Nothing illegal
Of cource they're buying them directly from apple, and modifying them with
apple's blessing.
Of cource they're buying them directly from apple, and modifying them with
apple's blessing.
The profile of Axiotron's President (Andreas Haas) on their website makes interesting reading (my emphasis):
Mr. Andreas Haas, Axiotron's co-founder, Director, President and CEO, has 18 years of extensive experience in business management, marketing & product management, as well as in hard- & software development. Prior to Axiotron, Mr. Haas co-founded Our World Live, Inc., an Infrastructure Software and Professional Services company and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Haas also held various management positions at Apple Computer in Europe including Apple's Portable product lines, the Newton Systems Group, and Apple Third Party Product Marketing. His last position at Apple's European Headquarters in Paris, France was Manager of the European Product Management for Professional Desktop and Server Systems heading the European Product Management teams for Desktop and Server products.
Mr. Andreas Haas, Axiotron's co-founder, Director, President and CEO, has 18 years of extensive experience in business management, marketing & product management, as well as in hard- & software development. Prior to Axiotron, Mr. Haas co-founded Our World Live, Inc., an Infrastructure Software and Professional Services company and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Haas also held various management positions at Apple Computer in Europe including Apple's Portable product lines, the Newton Systems Group, and Apple Third Party Product Marketing. His last position at Apple's European Headquarters in Paris, France was Manager of the European Product Management for Professional Desktop and Server Systems heading the European Product Management teams for Desktop and Server products.
It's legit. No way would Apple allow them to present at MWSF if it was something other than a legitimate offering.
So basically, two possibilities:
A. They are repackaging existing Apple laptops (iBook, PB, MB or MBP) like another company did before.
B. They have a license from Apple to make them.
OWC is a reseller and distributor, not a manufacturer. There isn't any intellectual property to be bought.
I LOVE IT!!!
But...
Four things it needs to suceed:
-Price not too high. More than 1.75x is to much I think. I mean I'm willing to pay about 2000 for a Mac Tablet since its my dream to own one.
-Multi button touch screen. They need an on screen keyboard a la Origami so that people dont have to open it up or connect and external keyboard. Keeps it thin and light.
-Bringing me to my third point it has to be thin and light enough that people want to carry. 13.3" is big. It provides plenty of room for writing, yet will it be too heavy for people just not to want to carry it around.
-Finally, if they do end up carrying it everywhere. Will it have a long enough battery. They need to include 3 of 4 of these things to suceed otherwise....
I would like to find out a couple not important thigns though.
How good is the GPS software? What kind of external monitor can you attach? Built in stand? Buttons to rotate screen (really would like that).
But...
Four things it needs to suceed:
-Price not too high. More than 1.75x is to much I think. I mean I'm willing to pay about 2000 for a Mac Tablet since its my dream to own one.
-Multi button touch screen. They need an on screen keyboard a la Origami so that people dont have to open it up or connect and external keyboard. Keeps it thin and light.
-Bringing me to my third point it has to be thin and light enough that people want to carry. 13.3" is big. It provides plenty of room for writing, yet will it be too heavy for people just not to want to carry it around.
-Finally, if they do end up carrying it everywhere. Will it have a long enough battery. They need to include 3 of 4 of these things to suceed otherwise....
I would like to find out a couple not important thigns though.
How good is the GPS software? What kind of external monitor can you attach? Built in stand? Buttons to rotate screen (really would like that).
Ahhh grasshoppah...
Steve-O was rather stung by how badly implemented the whole clone thing was in the 90's so I'm guessing that this was done with Apple's approval.
This could be an early sign of a "One More Thing" involving HP, Dell and IBM.... or mayhap a list of accepted component manufacturers.
we'll see....
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?
Steve-O was rather stung by how badly implemented the whole clone thing was in the 90's so I'm guessing that this was done with Apple's approval.
This could be an early sign of a "One More Thing" involving HP, Dell and IBM.... or mayhap a list of accepted component manufacturers.
we'll see....
can you point to another example of when we have seen an early sign of "one more thing" in the past?Steve-O was rather stung by how badly implemented the whole clone thing was in the 90's so I'm guessing that this was done with Apple's approval.
This could be an early sign of a "One More Thing" involving HP, Dell and IBM.... or mayhap a list of accepted component manufacturers.
we'll see....
mactablet
Which makes me wonder whether this is an Apple front: if it works, Apple (as in Cupertino) knows to make a real, official MacPad (my name for a mac tablet), and if it fails, Apple just shuts this division down and, the main part, Apple's reputation is NOT tarnished. Because its barely legal, Apple wont try to sue itself.
The thing about the tablet market that u all prob know but I have to say anyways that u should know is that it is a NICHE market. That means VERY few people have tablets. It also doesn't benefit very many people, just people in some industries like medical and such that for the most part already have tablets and Wintel networks in place and are not about to switch. And then theres students, but many students already get along well with a plain notebook or desktop and may be skeptical to paying a premium for a tablet. The only people who this really makes sense for is for graphic artists, where it GREATLY improves productivity, but keep in mind the recent signs that show that Apple is trying to move more into the consumer space and farther (mb a bit) from the pro space. Also, graphic artists NEED high-power graphics, and to put high-performance graphics in a small and light form factor, like 4 pounds or less like the ThinkPad X60 Tablet, which is the best on the market now IMO, at ANY practical screen size is pretty much as far as I know an engineering impossibility. Oh, and did I mention that these tablets have to revert to Core Duo, NOT Core 2 Duo, chips to maintain proper cooling?
This would be a GREAT way for Apple to test the waters on lower-performance tablets without making a public image investment, assuming of course they aren't breaking any laws by doing so.
Just interested: how are they gonna do this? Is this a slate tablet, a convertible with a traditional single hinge in the center or some other new design?
I guess Apple can test market a tablet for free now. HA!
Which makes me wonder whether this is an Apple front: if it works, Apple (as in Cupertino) knows to make a real, official MacPad (my name for a mac tablet
), and if it fails, Apple just shuts this division down and, the main part, Apple's reputation is NOT tarnished. Because its barely legal, Apple wont try to sue itself.The thing about the tablet market that u all prob know but I have to say anyways that u should know is that it is a NICHE market. That means VERY few people have tablets. It also doesn't benefit very many people, just people in some industries like medical and such that for the most part already have tablets and Wintel networks in place and are not about to switch. And then theres students, but many students already get along well with a plain notebook or desktop and may be skeptical to paying a premium for a tablet. The only people who this really makes sense for is for graphic artists, where it GREATLY improves productivity, but keep in mind the recent signs that show that Apple is trying to move more into the consumer space and farther (mb a bit) from the pro space. Also, graphic artists NEED high-power graphics, and to put high-performance graphics in a small and light form factor, like 4 pounds or less like the ThinkPad X60 Tablet, which is the best on the market now IMO, at ANY practical screen size is pretty much as far as I know an engineering impossibility. Oh, and did I mention that these tablets have to revert to Core Duo, NOT Core 2 Duo, chips to maintain proper cooling?
This would be a GREAT way for Apple to test the waters on lower-performance tablets without making a public image investment, assuming of course they aren't breaking any laws by doing so.
Just interested: how are they gonna do this? Is this a slate tablet, a convertible with a traditional single hinge in the center or some other new design?
Things that it needs to make it a success...
Easy screen rotation. Hopefully they don't assume that you will use it all the time in landscape mode.
Dock station. For when you are back at your office, a place to plug it in to charge and use it like a normal laptop.
Significant battery life!
Easy screen rotation. Hopefully they don't assume that you will use it all the time in landscape mode.
Dock station. For when you are back at your office, a place to plug it in to charge and use it like a normal laptop.
Significant battery life!
Graphics artists are more likely to use a tablet and a desktop. A laptop is not ideal for heavy graphics work. Maybe some niche graphics designers.
I don't understand why they'd need to revert to core duo. They have C2D chips that operate at lower wattage than CD's.
I can't see Apple going into this market unless they have some way of doing it better than it's being done now. You are right that it's a niche market. For anyone outside of that niche, it's a poor novelty at best with a premium price tag. Unless you regularly need to use a laptop standing, save your money.
iMac G4, Mirror Drive Door G4, There was an iPod in there somewhere as well but I unremember. There've been quite a number of times where an indirect pointer has tipped Apple's hand a few days early, my examples are instances where specs or pics were leaked early. the iMac G4 was 12 hours early due to a Time Magazine Canada website error.
If they were smart they would have just leaked an elevator shot of the modbook today and let the rumors swirl of this being the "one more thing". Then tomorrow, release a clearer picture with some specs and let the anticipation build. After the keynote with no iTablet, they would then unveil the modbook. I think this would create maximum buzz for what feel is a so-so product
1. If it's under $2000, I'd be surprised. It sounds like a pretty heavy mod job, meaning LOTS of labor. Plus, the new casing, the extra hardware they're putting in it, AND whatever extra software to get the whole touch-screen to be useful.
2. A basic on-screen keyboard shouldn't be that hard to implement, but an Origami-style dynamic keyboard? That's probably asking a bit too much of a small after-market company.
3. It's a modded MacBook (with iSight). So a 13.3" screen seems logical. I imagine the overall width and depth to be the same as the MacBook, but probably another 1/2" in thickness.
4. Against, they're most likely to keep as much of the stock Apple parts as possible, including the battery. You can probably get a higher capacity battery, but only if you pay more.
Its all just smoke and mirrors friends.
This could end up being a fun Macworld after all.
Hmmmm, I wonder what they are trying to distract us from......?
This could end up being a fun Macworld after all.
Hmmmm, I wonder what they are trying to distract us from......?
If the price is right...
I'd snatch one of these up in a minute... Well, I would if I had any money... Right now I couldn't even buy an iPod Shuffle.
I know some people who work in the field, too, that would love this thing. Niche, maybe... Sell enough to make it worth it, maybe.
I'd snatch one of these up in a minute... Well, I would if I had any money... Right now I couldn't even buy an iPod Shuffle.
I know some people who work in the field, too, that would love this thing. Niche, maybe... Sell enough to make it worth it, maybe.
For those who haven't seen the picture:
And the full story from the website:
January 04, 2007
El Segundo, CA - Solution hardware manufacturer Axiotron, Inc. and technology solutions provider Other World Computing (OWC) today announced that they will be unveiling the ModBook™, the first ever Mac® tablet computer solution, on January 9th, at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. After an invitation-only press showcase, the Axiotron ModBook will be unveiled to the general public at 2:30 PM at the Other World Computing Booth #S2218.
The ModBook is a high-end slate-style notebook computer solution, which was designed in California by Axiotron’s team of German and American engineers and will be available in the U.S. through an exclusive joint-venture arrangement between Axiotron and Other World Computing. Following a demonstration by Axiotron engineers and OWC product specialists, consumers will be able to experience hands-on trials of the Axiotron ModBook at the Other World Computing Macworld booth, #S2218.
The Axiotron ModBook features WACOM Penabled® hardware for true pen input and is fully compatible with Apple's Inkwell, a Mac OS X Tiger feature that provides system level handwriting and gesture recognition to all Mac applications. Drawing and writing directly on the screen provides for a uniquely intuitive user experience and its slim, slate-style form factor makes the ModBook the ultimate companion for mobile users, artists, professionals and students.
The ModBook is also the only portable Mac solution that features an optional built-in Global Positioning System (GPS). The Axiotron ModBook GPS Module was developed in cooperation with GlobalSat Technologies Corporation utilizing the industry leading SiRFstar™ III chipset for shorter first location fix times and improved tracking capabilities.
Designed by Axiotron, the ModBook will be available in the US exclusively through Other World Computing. Visit www.MacSales.com or call (800) 275-4576.
And the full story from the website:
January 04, 2007
El Segundo, CA - Solution hardware manufacturer Axiotron, Inc. and technology solutions provider Other World Computing (OWC) today announced that they will be unveiling the ModBook™, the first ever Mac® tablet computer solution, on January 9th, at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. After an invitation-only press showcase, the Axiotron ModBook will be unveiled to the general public at 2:30 PM at the Other World Computing Booth #S2218.
The ModBook is a high-end slate-style notebook computer solution, which was designed in California by Axiotron’s team of German and American engineers and will be available in the U.S. through an exclusive joint-venture arrangement between Axiotron and Other World Computing. Following a demonstration by Axiotron engineers and OWC product specialists, consumers will be able to experience hands-on trials of the Axiotron ModBook at the Other World Computing Macworld booth, #S2218.
The Axiotron ModBook features WACOM Penabled® hardware for true pen input and is fully compatible with Apple's Inkwell, a Mac OS X Tiger feature that provides system level handwriting and gesture recognition to all Mac applications. Drawing and writing directly on the screen provides for a uniquely intuitive user experience and its slim, slate-style form factor makes the ModBook the ultimate companion for mobile users, artists, professionals and students.
The ModBook is also the only portable Mac solution that features an optional built-in Global Positioning System (GPS). The Axiotron ModBook GPS Module was developed in cooperation with GlobalSat Technologies Corporation utilizing the industry leading SiRFstar™ III chipset for shorter first location fix times and improved tracking capabilities.
Designed by Axiotron, the ModBook will be available in the US exclusively through Other World Computing. Visit www.MacSales.com or call (800) 275-4576.