Comments on: Apple Tablet Doubtful. Ever.

By: A history of the elusive Apple tablet, in links | Tech Sanity Check | TechRepublic.com

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:57:04 +0000

[...] 4, 2007: Apple Tablet doubtful — Ever (The Apple [...]

By: Tom Dorn

Tom Dorn — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:07:07 +0000

Seems to me that a Mac-Tab-let with iPhone touchie screen interface would be a likely extention of the iPhone.
THEN add a slot for an iPhone in the MacTab and
the combination = office on the go = carry about your office building site and such rather than a heavier, more combersone powerbook.

I need such a thing to manage my on-line lodge reservation system [wi-fi] as I walk about our nine acre, 12 cottage site.
I want it NOW!// Tom

By: Kyle Korleski

Kyle Korleski — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:55:22 +0000

Well, we’ll just have to wait and see for the ModBook.

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 01:26:05 +0000

“Still, Apple’s OS running on something other than hardware from Apple…that’s something we really haven’t seen [...]“

Well, as I understand it (and I may be wrong), the ModBook is a modified MacBook. So, in other words, it is essentially hardware from Apple.

Other companies have done this through the years. Remember the DynaMac back in 1987? They essentially built a laptop around a Mac Plus motherboard. You could either buy the machine from DynaMac, where they would buy a Mac Plus and remove the motherboard, or you could just buy the DynaMac and use your own Mac. There are also other companies that will put your computer into interesting, entertaining, and worthwhile housings. I think the Yellow Dog Linux folks had a rack-mountable system which was a PowerMac G4 motherboard in their own housing.

You notice there isn’t anything on price? It will definitely be more expensive than the MacBook because they actually have to buy a MacBook and rip it apart. I would imagine they’ll try to keep as many of the parts as possible, but if you need a keyboard you should be able to get a good price from these guys–they’ll have plenty left over. :^)

By: ModBook Makes Apple Tablet a Reality at The Apple Blog

ModBook Makes Apple Tablet a Reality at The Apple Blog — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 21:29:47 +0000

[...] With all the talk going on here about the low likelihood of a tablet Mac, it’s funny to see OtherWorldComputing and Axiotron announce the ModBook, a modified MacBook in the form of a tablet, which will be officially unveiled on January 9th. Although scant few details have been given, the site offers a couple of tantalizing tidbits of information about the ModBook. It’ll have pen and handwriting recognition, probably via Inkwell; optional GPS (looks like another of Nick’s dreams will be realized); as well as a built-in CD and DVD drive and an iSight camera. It seems it’ll also have a custom designed case made of “aircraft grade magnesium alloy,” making this perfect for the true road warrior. There have been tablet mods before, made by wishful users, but none sold commercially or nailing the functionality people really want for a tablet, both of which it seems the ModBook will have. The official announcement will occur on January 9th*, with a usable demo machine at OtherWorldCompuing’s Macworld booth (S2218, for those lucky enough to be going.) With no pictures yet, it’s hard to know whether this will be the solution everyone’s been waiting for or a bulky hack undesired by even Nick, but they certainly do a good job of making these next few days of anxious anticipation even more unbearable. [...]

By: Joe C

Joe C — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:37:14 +0000

I don’t see Steve as letting ego get in the way of a good product IF he really thought it was a good idea and the market was ready for it. I don’t see the need for a tablet, either, but as laptops gets smaller and devices like, oh, say an iPod-based cell phone get smarter, Apple’s hardware line will naturally trend towards a tablet-like device anyway.

By: Nick Santilli

Nick Santilli — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 18:56:17 +0000

I think Sobotta’s comment about Gates’ roll in the tablet computer was telling, “Furthermore, the tablet was championed by Bill Gates. I don’t see Steve stepping up to the plate to help Bill’s reputation as a forecaster of computer trends.”

By: Michael May

Michael May — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 18:43:25 +0000

Ditto. The tablet’s already flopped, and not from lack of trying. Why would Apple pour money into a hole like this?

By: --john

--john — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 18:36:58 +0000

True. Still, Apple’s OS running on something other than hardware from Apple…that’s something we really haven’t seen (except for hacks) since their last licensing attempt with Motorola, Daystar, et al.

Given the user-experience that led to before, I would like to hope Apple has been more involved with the development of this product.

Next week is definitely going to be interesting.

By: Nick Santilli

Nick Santilli — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 18:18:35 +0000

Yes, but it ain’t from Apple…