Axiotron ModBook

Axiotron, Inc. together with its strategic partner and exclusive US Distributor Other World Computing (OWC) unveiled the ModBook, the first ever Mac OS X tablet computer solution, at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. Initial suggested retail prices begin at $2,279.

"Built for mobile users, artists, students and professionals, the Axiotron ModBook enables its user to draw and write directly on the screen, while the handwriting recognition built into Mac OS X Tiger not only turns hand scribbles into text in every application, but also provides extended control of the system through gesture recognition. If your favored input device is the pen, then this is the Mac tablet solution for you," said Andreas Haas, president of Axiotron, and also a former management level leader with Apple Computer, Inc.



The Axiotron ModBook is an after-market hardware modification kit for Apple MacBook notebook computers, adding true pen input, a new 13.3" wide screen LCD and an optional Global Positioning System in a tough, satin chrome plated magnesium top shell, while keeping all the powerful features of the MacBook base system. With the award winning Mac OS X and its build-in Inkwell handwriting recognition, up to 2GHz fast Intel Core 2 Duo processors, the integrated iSight camera and the CD/DVD combo drive, the slate-style Axiotron ModBook is the ultimate companion for applications and situations where a keyboard only gets in the way.

The Axiotron ModBook features Wacom Penabled hardware, the same high quality technology that makes the Wacom pen tablets and interactive pen displays the preferred choice for professional artists, designers, photographers, and consumers. Requiring no batteries or magnets, the pen always feels light and nimble and due to the radio-based digitizer technology, users can even write with their hand resting on the screen. This technology allows the cursor to be controlled while the pen is hovering over the screen, providing for an intuitive, mouse-like interface with zero learning curve.

The Modbook is the only portable Mac solution that features an optional built-in Global Positioning System (GPS). Based on the industry leading SiRFstar III chipset, the Axiotron Modbook GPS Module has been developed in cooperation with GlobalSat Technologies Corporation.

"Providing state-of-the-art embedded GPS technology is an area that is fast becoming a major segment of our business" stated Alex Kotoff, Managing Director of USGlobalSat, Inc., GlobalSat's US subsidiary. "Collaboration with product developers such as Axiotron, Inc. who are helping to promote new "in-field” applications for GPS receivers, is what makes this business exciting."

The Axiotron ModBook utilizes the original MacBook iSight camera, slightly tilted downwards, allowing video conference applications like iChat to better frame the face of the user.

"The ModBook is the only slate-style tablet computer on the market with an internal CD/DVD combo drive, which can be upgraded to a DVD/CD combo burner with up to 8.5 GB capacity. In combination with its 13.3” wide screen LCD, this also earns the ModBook the title of "Largest Screen Portable DVD Entertainment System".

The ModBook base configuration, with a suggested retail price of $2,279, includes the ModBook conversion kit, a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Apple MacBook, and the OWC conversion service which includes a 1 year OWC warranty on the complete system. Additional configurations include such options as: an Axiotron ModBook GPS Module, 2 year OWC warranty extension plans, 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, up to 160GB (5400-RPM) or 200GB (4200-RPM) hard drive, 6x or 8x DVD±RW and CD-RW slot-load combo drive.

During Macworld and until January 31st, Other World Computing is offering the complete ModBook base configuration plus the built-in Axiotron GPS Module at a Special Introductory Price of $2,199.

Source: Axiotron