Modbook

Now introducing the Axiotron Modbook, the first Mac table computer ever! This pen-sensitive Mac comes without a keyboard or mouse; instead, special hardware and software allow you to control the tablet via a stylus.

Simply put, the ModBook is a stock Apple MacBook that’s been given a radical makeover by Axiotron (and sold exclusively by OWC). As such, the guts of the system are basically the same as the MacBook. Each ModBook is built to order, so you’re buying a complete system. In other words, you won’t be able to buy a kit to make over your own MacBook into a tablet, and OWC won’t modify your current laptop into ModBook form.

For $2,279, you get a 1.83GHz Core 2 Duo processor, GMA 950 graphics, 512MB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, a 60GB 5400-rpm hard drive, a Combo Drive, Apple Remote, and AirPort and Bluetooth. A ModBook with a 2GHZ processor, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, a DVD-burning SuperDrive, and built-in WAAS-enabled GPS receiver bumps the price to $2,579. And $2,849 gets you the same 2GHz system, but with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive. (There’s also an introductory special for those who pre-reserve by February 1, 2007.) All systems include a one-year OWC warranty; you can purchase two additional years for $349 for the base model, and for the same $249 price as AppleCare for the other configurations. And you’ll be able to customize your ModBook just as you would when ordering a MacBook from Apple.

Considering that MacBooks equipped with 1.83GHz and 2GHz processors sell or $1,099 and $1,299 respectively, what does that extra grand or so get you? A completely remodeled computer that goes from this…

…to this:

Axiotron removes the top of the MacBook—including the display—and replaces it with a bezel made of an aircraft-grade magnesium alloy (it has a silver, MacBook Pro look to it). In place of the MacBook’s LCD screen goes a new display with the same 13.3-inch size and 1,280-by-800 pixel resolution as the original. But there are several key differences between the displays. The Axiotron ForceGlass covering the ModBook’s display is chemically strengthened and etched to improve longevity, scratch resistance, writing sensation, and reflection problems. The new screen has a 500-to-1 contrast ratio versus 400-to-1 on the MacBook, and it features a wider viewing angle than the MacBook.

Even with this rejiggering, the ModBook weighs in at 5.2 pounds—the same as the MacBook. The tablet is about .08 inches thicker than its laptop counterpart. Since the bottom half of the ModBook is a MacBook, the ports are the same. The ModBook has a MagSafe power port, Gigabit Ethernet port, Mini-DVI output connector, one FireWire 400 port, two USB 2.0 ports, combined optical digital audio input/audio line in, combined optical digital audio output/headphone out, built-in speakers, and a security slot.

Even though there’s no cover for the screen, it seems sturdy and strong, but you’ll probably want to get a sleeve for it.

Full specifications

for Axiotron ModBook w/ Built-in WAAS Enabled GPS (2GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD)

Manufacturer: Axiotron, Inc.
Part number: CNETMODBOOK2.0GHZB

General

• Width
• 12.8 in

• Depth
• 8.9 in

• Height
• 1.1 in

• Weight
• 5.2 lbs

• Color
• Black

Processor

• Processor
• Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GHz

Cache Memory

• Type
• L2 cache

• Cache size
• 4 MB

RAM

• Installed Size
• 1 GB / 2 GB(max)

• Technology
• DDR II SDRAM

Storage Controller

• Storage controller type
• Serial ATA

Storage

• Floppy Drive
• None

• Hard Drive
• 120 GB

• Storage Removable
• None

Optical Storage

• CD / DVD read speed
• 6x (DVD)

Display

• Display Type
• 13 in TFT active matrix

• Max Resolution
• 1280 x 800

• Features
• Glossy display

Video

• Graphics Processor / Vendor
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950

• Video Memory
• 64 MB

• Max Resolution (external)
• 1280 x 800

Audio

• Audio output type
• Sound card

• Audio Input
• Microphone

Input Device(s)

• Input device type
• Keyboard, Touchpad

Networking

• Data link protocol
• Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

Expansion / Connectivity

• Expansion Slots Total (Free)
• 2 Memory

• Interfaces
• 2 x USB 2.0 - USB2.0, 1 x Ethernet - RJ-45, 1 x Mini-DVI, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 1 x Line-in, 1 x Headphones, 1 x Microphone, 1 x Speaker

Miscellaneous

• Cables Included
• Power cable ( 1pcs.)

• Features
• AirPort Extreme card, Bluetooth, Camera

Power

• Power provided
• 60 Watt

Battery

• Technology
• Lithium ion

• Installed Qty
• 1

• Mfr estimated battery life
• 6 hour(s)

Operating System / Software

• Software type
• Drivers & Utilities, iLife 06 suite, Front Row, Photo Booth, iWork 06, Microsoft Office 2004

Manufacturer Warranty

• Service & support type
• 1 year warranty

{Sections of the above post has been borrowed from Macworld}