Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Mac Tablet from OWC
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
as others have said, this is just like colorware. as a matter of fact, I doubt that apple has any oppositions to this. why? I have a small inkling that they're behind this...
Guys, I'm pretty sure there's nothing illegal about this, it's just a mod, just like making the apple on the back of the screen classic or red or whatever, just a bit more extensive. They're not making a tablet, they're converting a macbook into one. bit more work than it's worth i'd think.
How is this any different from the Saline Mustang concept? A small company in California buys cars from Ford, modifies them and resells them as "Saline Mustangs". I think Apple will actually be very supportive because it shows the creativity and drive of Mac users. If they for some reason get upset, they are just being a poor sport. Apple couldn't deliver a tablet in a timely manor, so someone else went out and did it on their own. I give props to OWC or whomever is making these.
Exactly. Or AMG and Mercedes. Or a plethora of other manufacturers that take existing products and modify them to their own specifications.
I lightly scanned through most of these post and one stated something to the effect that "Well does Colorware void Apple's warranty" which I assume means coloring the exterior is a lot less "damaging" then completely redoing the whole MacBook (or whatever they use). Who cares? Will OWC offer a warranty? That's the only thing that should matter if you're interested in one.
I think it's a neat idea. I'm not particularly interested in buying one but I certainly like the spirit of the project. Good luck OWC/ Axiotron!
I bet they don't sell 1,000 of them. Hell, maybe 500 is a better number.
There is a reason why Apple is not doing a tablet. And a reason why Microsoft can't give theirs away.
They should know better than to listen to the Mac community on this one. Everyone wants one, but nobody needs one, and surely no one is going to drop the 2K for it.
I'll take any and all bets that this product is toast within 12 months.
There is a reason why Apple is not doing a tablet. And a reason why Microsoft can't give theirs away.
They should know better than to listen to the Mac community on this one. Everyone wants one, but nobody needs one, and surely no one is going to drop the 2K for it.
I'll take any and all bets that this product is toast within 12 months.
For 2k, I'll take on. And selling 500 I think is a sucess. I mean thats a HUGE number for a third party modifer. To acheive those numbers of no name status is actually very good. Yes, its goin be hard to sell a lot, but who cares. They know there are consumers, maybe not many, and they are just bringing them what they want. Nothing wrong with that. Its great!
not that I really care, but AMG and mercedes is different because mercedes puts out AMG cars. AMG is simply a marketing term used by MB meaning a larger engine and 'sportier' components are used.
AMG used to be an independent modifier of Mercedes like Brabus nowadays. It was the Saleen of Mercedes. Yet it was acquired a couple years back by Mercedes since it was suh a proliferant modifier. Nowadays yes its just another Mercedes.
Which would be great for them. It's a niche product, and they've said as much. I'm guessing they'll have a back order.
If it's only 2k, it'll sell fine. They aren't expecting Dell numbers here. They aren't even expecting Apple cube numbers.
I heard about something laptop related from OWC last week from the e-mail they send, but didn't think it would be this. I had planned on being at their presentation, but now I'm worried I won't be able to get in. Was hoping for a mini laptop from Apple, but this might do if it doesn't suck and doesn't cost too much.
There will be a warranty, and I believe they will also offer extended warranties.
I really don't see a need for a tablet mac (or any tablet), personally. My needs have changed quite a bit over the past few years and I've been able to get along fine by getting a smart phone, a laptop, etc. There really isn't much "uncharted territory" that other widely-used devices haven't already claimed their own.
I didn't even know it was possible for a 3rd party to do this... figures I've been waiting for a Mac tablet and then this happens. I can't be excited unless it's officially released by Apple.
Keep in mind that tablet PCs failed because:
1. Price: Notebooks cost thousands of dollars less than their tablet PC counterparts.
2. The non-convertible tablet PCs are a niche market. Convertible tablet PCs are bulky. Basically nothing lines up with their target market (the low-end models are too expensive for the cheap crowd, and are too ugly for the expensive crowd, and the expensive tablet pcs are lacking features such as external graphics).
This thing won't have to deal with the same fate, with the Apple markup and all.
1. Price: Notebooks cost thousands of dollars less than their tablet PC counterparts.
2. The non-convertible tablet PCs are a niche market. Convertible tablet PCs are bulky. Basically nothing lines up with their target market (the low-end models are too expensive for the cheap crowd, and are too ugly for the expensive crowd, and the expensive tablet pcs are lacking features such as external graphics).
This thing won't have to deal with the same fate, with the Apple markup and all.
True, it does look like it's 4:3, which can be misleading.
I hope it'd be widescreen, that'd be great.
Interesting how Steve and people think that a Mac tablet wouldnt work.
Not sure I see the logic, and heres why.
Most people are creatives...the creatives who are artist using Wacoms could ditch them and draw on screen. That is cool.
And as for who wants to write and not type...if its good recognition, some people would benefit from writing.
But again, if done properly, it could do away with a need for a wacom...sounds good to me.
Peace
dAlen
- notice: Aircraft grade magnesium alloy for all terrain use (looks like its not just a reassembly of a macbook, also look at the "blackness" and "rim" of the tablet behind the veil...it does not resemble the macbook even though the veil (of course you see the screen is a difference, but as I mentioend color, and thickness of rim seems to be noticeable to.)
- note: on their (axitron) press release it says that it is for America...once again Europe left out...and Hungary for sure, as we dont even have an "official" apple store.
Not sure I see the logic, and heres why.
Most people are creatives...the creatives who are artist using Wacoms could ditch them and draw on screen. That is cool.
And as for who wants to write and not type...if its good recognition, some people would benefit from writing.
But again, if done properly, it could do away with a need for a wacom...sounds good to me.
Peace
dAlen
- notice: Aircraft grade magnesium alloy for all terrain use (looks like its not just a reassembly of a macbook, also look at the "blackness" and "rim" of the tablet behind the veil...it does not resemble the macbook even though the veil (of course you see the screen is a difference, but as I mentioend color, and thickness of rim seems to be noticeable to.)
- note: on their (axitron) press release it says that it is for America...once again Europe left out...and Hungary for sure, as we dont even have an "official" apple store.
NOT!
A tablet laptop probably wont pack the resources a regular laptop, and definitely cant compete with a desktop. All that price comes from the modification of the laptop to be tablet like, which means it would be EVEN MORE expensive to be tablet like and extremely powerful. A tablet laptop is not a good investment for people who will be using it for REAL creative busineses, at least not those on any kind of budget. You cannot future proof yourself, which would mean constant costly upgrades...and most creative firms are not constantly upgrading anyway, its not a part of the business model. A wacom is much easier to upgrade and cheaper.
As a Wacom tablet user I fully agree. I would plonk money down in an instant. I think that the proliferation (anyone have real sales/unit figures?) and dominance of Wacom argues for a pent up demand for real tablets that is viable now.
Wirelessly posted (Nokia6230/2.0 (05.24) Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1)
I've never seen anyone using a tablet. They can't be that popular. Who would want to handwrite documents anyway?
I've never seen anyone using a tablet. They can't be that popular. Who would want to handwrite documents anyway?
Hmmm...actually wrong.
In the professional world we have more than just one computer.
Your case is well put for individuals over businesses perhaps...to some degree...
Think of it this way...one power house rendering machine (or more) which is a desktop.
And for graphics a macbook works just nice.
Maya, (3D), Final Cut offline, (Video), ProTools Mbox (audio), yes...Im a multimedia freak and actually an excutive producer.
So a tablet, notice what Im saying, built for the artist in mind, would sell like hotcakes. There seems to be a lot of people with a "lack of vision" who claim to be creatives??? This surprises me actually.
Peace
dAlen
- I do want to add one thing...I totally hate seeing the pointer it should only be cross-hair, and even then, I think it should be nothing but your pin. You dont have any pointer when you put your pin on paper, so why have it on the notebook...you know where your at...I say this because the LAG of the cursor to the speed of my pen is extremley distracting, and a reason I know some artist do not use the wacom, even though they would prefer a more natural way to do art digitally.
so the key is the innovation put into it. And again, apple would want to do it right...doubt a 3rd party would look into it.
But for the Maya 3D artist using ARtisan to sculpt, and Painter, Photoshop, etc...there is a whole creative crowd awating for it. And again, you could edit video and audio as easy...its just on screen. Whats the issue besides writing, and if that is implemented with good character recognition, a lot faster than switching to typing mode...and some people, bless there souls, still type with two fingers...they would appreciate this.
Its about brushes...for the artist.
And I wouldnt mind writing and even editing video with a pen.
Again, I might be odd, as I liked the track ball over the mouse back in the days.
Peace
dAlen
A lot of interesting speculation here, but at least we only have to wait four more days. As some here have already said, I think it is a win-win situation for Apple because they essentially get to test the waters of the tablet market for free. I'm sure it won't be a very accurate test, but the only one putting it on the line here is OWC (which I applaud them for), so this could really pave the way for an official Apple tablet down the road.
Who cares???
Seriously...who cares if you don't see a need for a tablet!? It's quite obvious that the number of who do (at least on MR) outweigh those who do not. Either way it's irrelevant if you can't find a use for it. You should be bunched up with the group of engineers that have been facing the problem. Neither of you are looking at the problem for what it is.
TabletPC's have failed because the people behind designing them have been focusing on building a laptop that you can write on. It's an entirely different device. It uses different input methods (more natural methods as a matter of fact). The question should be what and how can this device best be used?
There are many benifits to a tablet (slate or otherwise) that society as a whole could take advantage of. Biometric digital signatures (the wave of the future). As more and more people become accoustomed to conducting business online there will be a greater need to capture data that proves they agreed to the transaction. Paper is technology of past millennias. We as a society are wasting too many resources as it is. Reading an eBook would be much more comfortable and convinient in a tablet form machine as opposed to a desktop/laptop. Note taking is simple on tablets due to handwriting recognition. Watching/listening to media is more practical on a tablet than a laptop. There are millions of possibilities I haven't mentioned or thought of for that matter.
A tablet as I envision it is a compact, lightweight device with a long batter life that compliments life on the go. Not a device that replaces a desktop. A device that is instantly available and has access to all the resources I might need. It doesn't haven't carry my entire set of documents, music, movies and what not. It just has to let me get my job done, communicate quickly and most importantly not interfere with my life. It must compliment the way I work "naturally".
The reason I admire Apple isn't due to their ability to innovate. I feel personally that Apple has been successful not because they create products the world has never seen but because they take time to understand how those products fit into peoples lives (hence the "i" moniker on most of their products).
The iPod wasn't successful because it was the first MP3/music player. In fact they were very late to that game. The iPod worked because they understood how people used the device and therefor gave it a simple interface. They made it easy to get what they wanted ("music") and put that on a device that they could carry with them. A device that meant they didn't have to carry a large collection of CD's. A device that was intuitive, responsive and accessable. They defined how people would use the device and designed it to fit into that proposed use in a intuitive and unintrusive manner.
I feel they could do the same for a tablet. I look forward to seeing it become a product that Apple offers and how they expect people to use such a device. Judging from the veiled picture of the ModBook it still looks like it'll be a thick device that tries to be everything at once.
We'll all see Tuesday what comes from Apple and OWC. It'll be an interesting day none the less. To all the neysayers I say "think different", to the rest I understand your desire to see such a product come from Apple.
Seriously...who cares if you don't see a need for a tablet!? It's quite obvious that the number of who do (at least on MR) outweigh those who do not. Either way it's irrelevant if you can't find a use for it. You should be bunched up with the group of engineers that have been facing the problem. Neither of you are looking at the problem for what it is.
TabletPC's have failed because the people behind designing them have been focusing on building a laptop that you can write on. It's an entirely different device. It uses different input methods (more natural methods as a matter of fact). The question should be what and how can this device best be used?
There are many benifits to a tablet (slate or otherwise) that society as a whole could take advantage of. Biometric digital signatures (the wave of the future). As more and more people become accoustomed to conducting business online there will be a greater need to capture data that proves they agreed to the transaction. Paper is technology of past millennias. We as a society are wasting too many resources as it is. Reading an eBook would be much more comfortable and convinient in a tablet form machine as opposed to a desktop/laptop. Note taking is simple on tablets due to handwriting recognition. Watching/listening to media is more practical on a tablet than a laptop. There are millions of possibilities I haven't mentioned or thought of for that matter.
A tablet as I envision it is a compact, lightweight device with a long batter life that compliments life on the go. Not a device that replaces a desktop. A device that is instantly available and has access to all the resources I might need. It doesn't haven't carry my entire set of documents, music, movies and what not. It just has to let me get my job done, communicate quickly and most importantly not interfere with my life. It must compliment the way I work "naturally".
The reason I admire Apple isn't due to their ability to innovate. I feel personally that Apple has been successful not because they create products the world has never seen but because they take time to understand how those products fit into peoples lives (hence the "i" moniker on most of their products).
The iPod wasn't successful because it was the first MP3/music player. In fact they were very late to that game. The iPod worked because they understood how people used the device and therefor gave it a simple interface. They made it easy to get what they wanted ("music") and put that on a device that they could carry with them. A device that meant they didn't have to carry a large collection of CD's. A device that was intuitive, responsive and accessable. They defined how people would use the device and designed it to fit into that proposed use in a intuitive and unintrusive manner.
I feel they could do the same for a tablet. I look forward to seeing it become a product that Apple offers and how they expect people to use such a device. Judging from the veiled picture of the ModBook it still looks like it'll be a thick device that tries to be everything at once.
We'll all see Tuesday what comes from Apple and OWC. It'll be an interesting day none the less. To all the neysayers I say "think different", to the rest I understand your desire to see such a product come from Apple.
I guess Apple can test market a tablet for free now. HA!
You know, that's exactly what I was thinking. Seriously.
OWC is a trusted supplier of Apple parts and products, why not let someone else test the waters first before Apple dives in? ... if the waters are warm enough to dive in of course.
If it sinks, a 3rd party product sinks. Not an Apple product.
Here is a link from the BBC, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6227455.stm ...there is a start up company who will make plastic electronic cirucuits.
As the one guy on the BBC News pointed out, you could put it in your kids teddy bear to tell them to do their homework, (poor kids), and in your clothes to tell you if you stink. (His words, seriously)
Anyway...thinner form factor tablets? The future is here...it constantly changing by leaps and bounds...no constraints...it may only frustrate if you think that you hav the latest and greatest finally...to find out its oudated in 3 months.
My question about the tablet and Wacom Cintiq for that matter is this...
Why can you not turn off the cursor that follows the pen??? Your drawing on screen, why do you need a "pointer" to show you where you are at, when it LAGS anyway causing a distraction...This distraction is why I WILL NOT buy either, as my pin is showing me where Im at, I dont need the extra.
- no one has thought of it this way, as actually interacting with the screen is new and old tech gets left in...gotta think out the box. Again, that pointer lag is irritating and i will not purchase due to that, especially with the price of the Cintiq. , hear that Wacom.
Peace
dAlen
As the one guy on the BBC News pointed out, you could put it in your kids teddy bear to tell them to do their homework, (poor kids), and in your clothes to tell you if you stink.
(His words, seriously)Anyway...thinner form factor tablets? The future is here...it constantly changing by leaps and bounds...no constraints...it may only frustrate if you think that you hav the latest and greatest finally...to find out its oudated in 3 months.
My question about the tablet and Wacom Cintiq for that matter is this...
Why can you not turn off the cursor that follows the pen??? Your drawing on screen, why do you need a "pointer" to show you where you are at, when it LAGS anyway causing a distraction...This distraction is why I WILL NOT buy either, as my pin is showing me where Im at, I dont need the extra.
- no one has thought of it this way, as actually interacting with the screen is new and old tech gets left in...gotta think out the box. Again, that pointer lag is irritating and i will not purchase due to that, especially with the price of the Cintiq.
, hear that Wacom. Peace
dAlen
