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MacosNerd · Mar 4, 2008, 12:46 PM

I just saw this review over at gizmodo I'm one of those folks who believes a tablet computer is a solution in search of a problem.

That said, this is an interesting concept for the mac. I'm not sure it will attain critical mass, in terms of sales but it may do very well in certain vertical markets. Its pricey, a tad heavy and from the review a little blurry but other then that the reviewer seems to like it.

Dakar the Fourth · Mar 4, 2008, 01:02 PM

No keyboard? And yeesh is it uggo.

MacosNerd · Mar 4, 2008, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by Dakar the Fourth

No keyboard? And yeesh is it uggo.

Agreed, on the look. We've come to expect from apple some elegantly designed computers. To bad the modbook folks did not consider that many of us mac users consider the design and look of the computer to be just as important as the computer itself.

olePigeon · Mar 4, 2008, 02:54 PM

I wasn't sold on it. If they're going to put a new case on it, might as well give it a swivel LCD and keep the keyboard.

Dakar the Fourth · Mar 4, 2008, 02:57 PM

My thoughts exactly. My guess is that must have inflated the price even further, so they wussed out.

olePigeon · Mar 4, 2008, 03:02 PM

It'd be worth looking at if:

1. Had a motion sensor and could orient the monitor based on how you hold it (landscape vs. portrait.)
2. Had multi-touch and gesture support.
3. Still had a keyboard.

olePigeon · Mar 4, 2008, 03:03 PM

Maybe if they sell enough they can make a good 2.0 version.

iRabbit · Mar 4, 2008, 10:47 PM

Regardless of how cool it is, it's a little on the frustrating side to try to get one right now. Though Axiotron is going around telling everyone it's "now available" go ahead and order one and get in line... there's people who ordered in 2007 who still haven't received their ModBooks yet.

Really, it's the only solution out there if you want a tablet that runs OS X and runs it well!

turtle777 · Mar 4, 2008, 11:18 PM

Supply problems is a sure way to piss off customers and drive them somewhere else.

-t

analogika · Mar 5, 2008, 06:49 AM

That "somewhere else", however, is currently a MacBook/Pro with a €1200 Wacom Cintiq and a little suitcase to lug them around with - to places with socket power.

At least, for graphics designers.

If this thing is actually basically a Cintiq with built-in Mac on battery power, it's a) pretty damn cheap and b) a godsend for people like the guy I had in the store yesterday looking at the new Cintiq.

turtle777 · Mar 5, 2008, 07:50 AM

Why does a graphics designer need a tablet Mac ?

And if I was in the market, I'd probably be looking at running OS X on a tablet PC

-t

MacosNerd · Mar 5, 2008, 08:04 AM

One facet that I believe is a weak link for a tablet computer is the lack of a keyboard. I type faster then I write, so its much easier to do non-graphic work that way. Since I'm not a professional graphic designer, barely a dabbler for that matter I cannot comment on the worth of a tablet computer for the graphicly gifted folks

Microsoft had been pushing the idea for years, industry magazines have been lauding the coming age of tablet computers, but so far the market has proved allusive. I do not see that changing now, that the modbook has landed, while it may satisfy a niche, I really wonder if it will be enough to generate critical mass.

Peter · Mar 5, 2008, 08:19 AM

no onenote = no deal.
Microsoft One Note is amazing.

Mister Elf · Mar 5, 2008, 10:38 PM

You can have OneNote, you just have to install Windows and Office.

analogika · Mar 6, 2008, 03:21 AM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Why does a graphics designer need a tablet Mac ?

Is that a serious question?

A graphics tablet that actually shows what you're drawing/editing? Hello?

Did you google "cintiq"?

A godsend.

And €1200 for 12 inches, or €3000 for 21 inches - plus the computer, and they require a wall socket for power.