Other World Computing and Axiotron, Inc. Debut First Ever Mac Tablet Computer Solution at Macworld
San Francisco – Axiotron, Inc. together with its strategic partner and exclusive US Distributor Other World Computing (OWC) today unveiled the ModBook, the first ever Mac OS X tablet computer solution on January 9th, at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. Initial suggested retail prices begin at $2,279.
Andreas Haas, president of Axiotron, is a former management level leader with Apple Computer, Inc., including serving as Newton Business Unit Manager in Europe, which explored tablet feasibility.
“Built for mobile users, artists, students, medical practitioners 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 Haas.
The Axiotron ModBook is an after-market hardware modification solution of the Apple MacBook notebook computer, 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 built-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 is immediately available for pre-orders in the US and Canada through an exclusive strategic-partnership arrangement between Axiotron and Other World Computing. Customers purchase the ModBook conversion, the MacBook configuration they wish converted, and the full warranty-backed conversion service of OWC – all through www.macsales.com/modbook. Every ModBook solution purchased through Other World Computing includes a 1 year OWC warranty, which can be extended to up to 3 years.
“Other World Computing is committed to bringing the best technology products and Apple support available. It is a natural partnership for OWC to be the exclusive company to bring the Axiotron ModBook to the technology community,” said Larry O’Connor, CEO of Other World Computing.
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.
“Wacom is pleased to have its patented pen input technology incorporated in the Axiotron ModBook tablet solution for the Mac enthusiast,” said Joe Deal, President of Wacom Technology Corp. “ModBook users will appreciate the pen’s intuitive interface, comfort, and the mobility it adds to the overall computing experience.”
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 (www.usglobalsat.com), an industry leader in GPS technology and longtime manufacturer of external, high quality GPS solutions for Mac and PC.
“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 solution 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, the ModBook also functions as a large screen portable DVD entertainment system.
The ModBook solution base configuration, with a suggested retail price of $2,279, is based on a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Apple MacBook with full ModBook tablet conversion, all backed by a 1 year OWC warranty. 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.
Axiotron engineers and OWC product specialists will be displaying the Axiotron ModBook for hands-on trials at the Other World Computing booth #S2218 throughout the Macworld Conference & Expo. The Axiotron ModBook will be available in Europe in the second half of 2007.
PHOTO:
Link to image:
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