Axiotron Modbook

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Overview

Other World Computing (OWC) and Axiotron teamed up to create the Modbook, a MacBook converted into a tablet computer. It was unveiled at Macworld 2007 and finally began shipping to users just before Macworld 2008. Built by hand, the Modbook costs $1,200 more than the MacBook, has the same screen resolution and other hardware specifications, and has a touch screen that's fully supported by Mac OS X and Inkwell.

In addition to the touch screen, which has higher contrast than the stock MacBook screen, this is the first Mac with built-in GPS support.

The Modbook is available in the same configurations as the white MacBook:

1. 2.0 GHz Intel Core2 Duo, Combo drive, 80 GB 5400 rpm hard drive, 1 GB RAM, Intel X3100 graphics, built-in iSight, and a 1280 x 800 display.
2. 2.16 GHz, dual-layer SuperDrive, 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM, otherwise identical specs to above.

Details

• announced 2007.01.09, began shipping early Jan. 2008, US$2,279 for 2.0 GHz, US$2,479 for 2.2 GHz.
• requires Mac OS X 10.5 or later
• CPU: 2.0/2.2 GHz Intel Core2 Duo (Merom), soldered in place, no upgrade options
• bus: 800 MHz
• RAM: 1 GB (2 x 512 MB), expandable to 4 GB using PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM
• Level 2 cache: 4 MB shared cache
• Graphics: Intel X3100 with resolution to 1920 x 1200 on external display (mini-DVI port), supports extended desktop.
• VRAM: 144 MB DDR2 SDRAM (shared with main memory)
• video out: DVI standard, VGA and S-video with optional adapter
• display: 13.3" glossy 1280 x 800 color active matrix
  • supports 1280 x 800, 1152 x 720, 1024 x 768, 1024 x 640, 800 x 600, 800 x 500, 720 x 480, and 640 x 480 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 x 768, 800 x 600, and 640 x 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 x 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio
  • allows mirroring to external display and extended desktop mode
• hard drive: 80 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA on 2.0 GHz model, 120/160 GB 5400 rpm drive on 2.2 GHz, 120-200 GB optional
• Combo drive: reads DVDs at 8x, writes CD-R at 24x, writes CD-RW at 16x, reads CDs at 24x
• SuperDrive: writes DVD±R at up to 8x, DVD±RW and DVD+R DL at 4x, reads DVDs at 8x, writes CD-R at 24x, writes CD-RW at 10x, reads CDs at 24x
• floppy drive: external USB only
• expansions bays: none
• USB: 2 USB 2.0 ports
• FireWire: 1 FW 400 port
• IR port: one
• ethernet: 10/100/gigabit
• modem: optional v.92 56k external USB modem
• WiFi: 802.11n AirPort Extreme built in
• Bluetooth: BT 2.0 built in
• ExpressCard/34 slots: none
• size: 1.15" thick
• weight: 5.2 lb.

Online Resources

• Modbook shipping, new MacBook confirmed, Blu-ray for MacBook Pro, XO vs. eMate, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.01.04. Also fixing MIA Bluetooth on MacBook Pro, US bans spare batteries from checked luggage, an in-flight laptop stand, bargain 'Books from $200 to $2,649, and more.
• First Look: Modbook, Jonathan Seff, Macworld, 2007.01.25. "As the owner of a white MacBook Core Duo/2GHz, my few days with the Modbook felt strangely familiar and also just strange."
• Modbook 'Best of Show', MacBook a winner, world's fastest notebook drive, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.01.19. Also Modbook compared to iTablet, firmware updates for Intel Macs, Dell's rugged notebook, SnapPower AC on the go, bargain 'Books from $209 to $1,999, and more.
• Modbook steals show, 4.5 million MacBooks in 2007, wireless mouse for women, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.01.12. Also LED backlighting coming to notebooks, SanDisk's 32 GB flash drive, firmware update fixed MacBook shutdown, N1 Wireless from Belkin, bargain 'Books from $209 to $1,999, and more.
• Modbook Profile, Axiotron
• Modbook Profile, OWC

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