macnn
01/06/2009, 6:30pm, EST
Tuesday, January 6th
Axiotron unveils Modbook Pro tablet conversion
Demonstrating at its Macworld booth, Axiotron has launched the Modbook Pro, a new tablet conversion option. The computer is based off of the 15.4-inch unibody MacBook Pro, and thus represents the first Modbook not to be converted from a 13-inch basic MacBook. It uses an aluminum frame with a black luster finish, and is said to support simultaneous pen and finger input.
Internal specifications include a GeForce 9600M GT graphics card, and a Core 2 Duo processor scalable up to 2.8GHz. Storage comes in the form of a 320GB hard disk or a 128GB SSD, and a camera as well as a GPS receiver are built in. Some connections available include Bluetooth, Ethernet, ExpressCard, FireWire 800, Mini DisplayPort and two USB ports.
Other highlights include Quickscript handwriting recognition, and the option of a partitioned Windows Vista install. Prices for the Modbook Pro typically start at $5,000, but a $500 discount is being made during Macworld, and shoppers can have existing MacBook Pros converted for $3,050.
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Hold The Press HOW MUCH?!
WOW!!! $5000.00 for a 15.4 inch Screen, well that just gives me chest pain. I'm a owner of a 13" Modbook that I ordered on Jan 9th 2007, and took delivery of it in Feb 2008. YES, Over a Year Wait! I'm not kidding. I wonder what the time line is for this version as it looks Way more involved then what is done to the current MacBook I have now.
If you take their suggestion to have the "Fastest Modbook Pro Tablet in the World." Here's what you get for the Price, Better sit down...
2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
320GB Serial ATA @ 7200
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Protection Plan for MODBook Pro at $349
(WHICH YOU GOT TO HAVE BECAUSE IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG WITH THIS AFTER A YEAR, THEN YOU'RE S.O.L.)
Grand Total of $6247.95
You will have to pay Tax too, because they have distributors all over the USA now. In my case that's another $437.36, and then add S&H at a guess of say $25 to $50, and you're darn close to a $7000.00 Dollar Number.
I'd love to have one, but with all the problems of the Macbook version I have, from the Jumping Pointer that is a nightmare to the Main Board a constant lockup over and over. I have the 3 year of coverage too, and is a waist money because there is no repair for a lot of the current issues except just replacing it over and over. Yes I had mine replaced already once.
I say sit back and see how this pans out over a few months to see what the issues are on this. Plus having Woz on the board will be helpful, but Axiotron has a lot of mending to do with it's current customer base before anyone can take this to seriously.
Scott Gross