Axiotron Modbook
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Modbook | |
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| Type: | Tablet Computer |
| Developer: | Axiotron, Inc. |
| Released: | December 31, 2007[1] |
| Processor(s): | Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.1, 2.4 GHz |
| Base Price: | USD$2279 |
| Website: | Axiotron Modbook |
The Modbook is an after-market modification that converts an Apple MacBook into a slate-style tablet computer.[2] Developed by El Segundo, California-based Axiotron, Inc., the Modbook was introduced in the 2007 Macworld Conference & Expo and drew one of the biggest crowds, second only to iPhone. It won a Best in Show award at that same conference.[3] The Modbook is currently the only tablet-form Mac on the market.
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[edit] Conversion process
The top segments of the MacBook are removed, which include the keyboard, LCD screen and iSight camera. A glass screen cover, a new LCD screen, a sensor board, the original iSight camera and a chrome-plated magnesium top shell are then installed.
[edit] Description
As the Modbook is based on Apple's MacBook, its technical specifications are largely similar to that of the latest revisions of the MacBook. There are two models available, called Fast and Fastest due to the primary difference of the speed of the CPU.
[edit] Processors
The Modbook uses an Intel Core 2 Duo "Penryn" CPU. The CPUs have 3 MB of L2 cache and run at a 800 MHz Front Side Bus. The CPUs run at 2.1 GHz and 2.4 GHz for the Fast and Fastest models respectively.
[edit] Memory
The Modbook's main memory is supplied by two DDR2 DIMM's running at 667 MHz. The basic configuration has 1 GB with the option to upgrade to as much as 4GB.
[edit] Drives
The standard Modbook has space for one primary SATA hard drive, which can be configured up to capacities of 320 GB, and an ATA optical drive. The optical drive may be replaced with a secondary hard disc, although in this case the hard disc is limited to an ATA interface and drive speeds of 5400rpm.
[edit] Connectivity
Connectivity options on the Modbook are identical to the underlying MacBook and include two USB 2.0 ports and a single Firewire port. Networking is supported with an integrated Gigabit Ethernet port,a Wi-Fi card that supports the 802.11 a/b/g/draft-n specification and Bluetooth. The Modbook can also can be connected to an external display device using a Mini DVI port (supports DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video).
[edit] Tablet Computer Technology
The Modbook has the same screen size as MacBook, but uses a different screen more suited to use as a tablet computer. The screen is called "AnyView" and is strengthened with a technology called "ForceGlass". This layer is the outermost, and has been chemically etched in order to improve the durability of the screen and also improve the response of the stylus.
The tablet computer functionality is provided by an active digitizer, using Wacom's Penabled technology. Input is only possible using the included stylus. Additionally the system uses Apple's Inkwell software to recognize handwriting.
[edit] Additional Technologies
The system includes an integrated iSight webcam. In addition the Modbook includes a WAAS GPS device as standard on both models.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Axiotron Home
- Ordering page through Other World Computing
- Information for Canadian Modbook customers from Carbon Computing
Fan Sites:
[edit] References
- ^ Axiotron’s Highly Anticipated and Award-Winning Modbook Ships Today (2007-12-31).
- ^ McLean, Prince (2007-01-11). Unofficial Mac tablet draws record crowd at Macworld (high-res photos). Apple Insider. Apple Insider. Retrieved on 2007-04-28.
- ^ Honan, Mathew (2007-01-11). Expo Best of Show winner profiles. Macworld. Macworld. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
