UPDATE: For a more recent update of my thoughts and opinions about the Modbook, go here.
During Macworld 2009 this past week Axiotron, the company that produces the Modbook, released an all new model of their product called the Modbook Pro. It has produced tons of hype and questions, so I thought I would give my thoughts and impressions as a current Modbook owner, in case you are curious or debating whether or not to get one for yourself.
The Modbook is a tablet computer built from an Apple Macbook base. I purchased mine in mid-2008 and have previously posted an extensive review. It is controlled using a pen with the help of Wacom’s digitizer technology. In short, it is great for artists because you can draw directly on the screen. It is also the only tablet computer available that uses the Mac OS, which I happen to prefer over Windows.
The Modbook Pro
Here is a summary of the differences between the new Pro model and its predecessor:
- The Modbook Pro is based on the Macbook Pro, instead of the consumer-level Macbook. This means more power, better graphics, and bigger-screen size.
- A new design. On the standard Modbook, you can see the Macbook base still attached to the machine; for the new model, Axiotron designed an all new, black aluminum case.
- New software. Synergy, which integrates touch input (previously, it was pen-only); and QuickScript, a new advanced handwriting-recognition technology.
- Numerous bug fixes and improvements, like screen-rotation, full bluetooth compatibility, and improved battery life.
- $$$ – the Modbook Pro will set you back $5000. (The standard Modbook starts at $2249)
Links
- macblogz.com – Some nice pics of the Modbook Pro on display at Macworld 2009
- arstechnica.com – pictures of the Modbook Pro demo, including a good look at its insides
- appletell.com – Another good view of the Modbook Pro interior
Video
First look via Macworld:
Also check out this good overview from TUAW.
What about the other Modbook?
The standard Modbook also received a set of improvements, and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Bug Fixes:
- Full bluetooth compatibility. Previously, Apple’s bluetooth feature caused the Modbook to freeze and had to be kept turned off.
- Improved screen. Axiotron has improved the coating process, which has improved the durability, lowered the overall weight, and reduced the parallax between pen and cursor.
- Better system performance. A redesigned controller board improves battery life and makes for quicker boot times. There is also more shielding for reducing tablet and GPS interference.
Upgrades and New Services:
- New software: Autodesk Sketchbook Express. This is a lightweight version of Sketchbook Pro, and it now comes standard on all Modbooks. I was also able to download it myself for free, as a current Modbook owner. It is a very solid and fun program for sketching.
- Modservice. This is a new service that cropped up after I bought my Modbook. Existing Macbook owners can now send in their own machines (if it is one of the previous plastic models, not the new aluminum unibody ones) and have them modded into a Modbook for a lower price than a brand new Modbook.
- The Woz. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, has joined the Board of Advisors for Axiotron in late 2008, bringing lots of knowledge and experience to the Modbook team.
What does all this mean? Well, I for one am excited to see these new developments and improvements by Axiotron. It shows their dedication to the product. They are moving forward, thinking of the future, and making the Modbook highly adaptable for ongoing Apple developments, which makes me think that this product is here to stay.
Should I buy a Modbook?
Yes…
- …if you are in the market for a new system, both a computer and a tablet, and already have the money saved and ready to spend anyway.
- …if your only worries are about bugs or the quality of construction. My Modbook does have bugs, but they are minor. With the new improvements touted by Axiotron, you have nothing to fear, in my opinion.
- …if you are an experienced digital painter who would definitely get a lot of mileage out of this product. I paint on the computer every day, so for me this is not just a luxury, but a convenient tool. It makes it worth the investment.
No…
- …if you would rather have the money than the extra portability. If you can do without that, then a Cintiq, or just a standard tablet, is probably more your style.
- …if you are not a heavy digital painter. You will not want to spend $3000-$5000 on something you are only going to use for touch-ups or occasional sketches.
- …if you think working without a keyboard would really annoy you.
Modbook or Modbook Pro?
It is great to see the improvements and power that is in the Modbook Pro. The bigger screen size alone would be a big plus for me. With this new model and the recent developments, it seems to me that Axiotron is finally addressing some of the awkward stages and troubles that have plagued them since they launched. If you have been waiting for the right time to purchase a Modbook, things are certainly looking up. I’m still satisfied with my current Modbook, but I’m happy to know there is a bigger machine waiting for me when I’ve worn it down in a year or two.
And hopefully the price will have dropped by then. :)
But also, from my experience the standard Modbook has done very well for me as a working professional and is powerful enough to handle applications like Photoshop and Illustrator; I use the Modbook every day and have not regretted making the purchase. If you can do without the extra bells and whistles in the Pro, the Modbook is a very solid, cheaper alternative.
I would not consider the Modbook a “must-buy” for artists. The price is certainly steep, and artists can get by splendidly with a Cintiq for the on-screen drawing experience. However, the extra portability and the quality of the Modbook IS worth the money if you choose to spend it.
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I’m drooling right now…..
One question though- don’t you miss the keys? When you are digitally painting…do you use keyboard shortcuts to switch back and forth with the tools? I think that would be one of my problems….
I currently use a tablet but I’m not quite sure how I would do drawing directly on the screen. But its definitely I am interested in.
Thanks for sharing.
Working without a keyboard takes some adjustment at first, but I didn’t find it very difficult. There IS an on-screen keyboard that floats above all your windows, and I keep that open when I am working in Photoshop. It works just fine for quick shortcuts. I have also gotten used to accessing most of the tools and actions via the palettes and menus instead of the keyboard, and it’s not as inconvenient as I thought it would be at first. Although I can’t speak for everyone’s workflow and software programs, lack of a keyboard hasn’t been a problem for me at all. And you can still plug in a USB keyboard if you really need it.
I just bought the cintiq 12 wx and so far it’s pretty awsome. The reason i didn’t but the big one is because it’s $2,000. Personally i think 5,ooo is too much. If I had five grand to blow I’d have bought a Mac Tower and used the cintiq 21UX (large model) as my sole monitor. It’s not portable, but It’s what I’d prefer. The large cintiq doubles well as a moniter and you still have access to your keyboard. The big cintiq is elevated over it it via the stand underneath.
oh yea and I forgot to mention that even with the cintiq 12wx it’s a bit awkward to access the keyboard. i think i have to lay it flat. That’s one thing about the modbook i didn’t like. It had no build in tilt. I like working on the cintiq when it’s propped up
I have a Toshiba laptop Satellite R15 Tablet that cost $1599 and am happy with it, bought it 3 years ago. It has a keyboard and swivel screen; you can use a digital keyboard while using the tablet. I draw directly onto the screen with a stylus and use Photoshop, Illustrator, Alias Sketchbook Pro and anything else. HP now has a tablet that got good reviews and is about $1,000. You have far more choices than Modbook vs. Wacom. There are lots of good tablets where you draw/paint right on the screen, so why spend so much more?
Phil – Yes, you need to get a stand if you want to use a Modbook at a desk. I have a laptop stand that has different tilt angles that works great. A simple, cheap book stand works good too. And it is awkward to use a keyboard With any on-screen drawing device, but again I have had no use for one on the Modbook.
The $5000 price tag is pretty steep for me too, but remember you are paying for a pro-grade laptop and an on-screen graphics tablet at once, along with the awesome construction quality and engineering it takes to put it all together. But if you don’t need portability, by all means get something else. The Mac tower and Cintiq is a great setup.
Vicky – I’m not debating the value of other tablet computers; I’m just putting some info out there for people looking at the Modbook. I have had no experience myself with other tablets, so thanks for sharing.
True that all in one quality is pretty awsome. It DOES look attractive. I’m drawing right now on the cintiq and i couldn’t be happier to be able to sketch right into Photoshop, and ink right into illustrator. I shoulda bought the big one… oh well.
Hi Dani…
I bought an iMac last year right before you did the review on your new ModBook. I fought myself back and forth about getting a portable vs. a Desktop… At the time, I only had one picture book in the works and little assignments… Since then I am now working on four books three of which are digital and lots of other projects.. I now feel like I NEED a portable tablet… I am thinking about taking it when I travel, and having it for those times when you wish you could just be working but you can’t get to your desktop which is more often than I care to admit because I have a day job separate from illustration for the time being…
I have read back through the review you gave.. It is the most indepth review I have found… Thanks for doing what you do!!!
Dani- I’ve been trying to find out more info about the ModBook Pro, which would save me a great deal of hassle when traveling with the cables and bulk of both the Cintiq 12wx and my current Macbook Pro, but I can’t seem to find details about the levels of sensitivity and response time, something the ModBooks are really lagging behind on (512 levels compared to 2.048 on the new Wacoms). Have you heard anything on those details?
Tom – To the best of my knowledge, the Modbook Pro will have 512 levels like the standard Modbook, or at least Axiotron hasn’t said anything specific about it. I think it’s due to a limitation of the Wacom digitizer they use. I don’t think you’ll find many tablet computers in general that have more pressure sensitivity than that. I am hoping along with you that Axiotron is somehow able to upgrade this feature for the pro tablets.
So, do you think it’s safe to say that the ModBook Pro is officially delegated to the land of everlasting vaporware? The last official work from Axiotron was in June of last year. Supposed first quarter of this year release. As of the end of January, no news, no specs, no updates. Zip.
Glad I didn’t get one of these. No faith in that company now.
Tom – I’d have to agree. I’ve been happy with the Modbook that I have, but Axiotron has been so disappointing. Looks like it’s a Cintiq next for me.
Do NOT buy a modbook- They are junk. I know, I have one, its cost me a thousand in repairs (warranty is void once the ‘mod’ is done) its heavy, clunky, starts erratically, and cant be depended on. Biggest waste of cash and effort I ever made, and I’v owned a dozen laptops.
Buy a dependable product instead.
PS I have had more luck with the HP 2710 tablet pc- works like a charm, its light, the cintiq screen effect is the same (if not actuially better) than a modbook- and its cheap. Good luck.
I know that I’ve been eyeing the modbook for a while. I’m not sure about the Pro model, but I think the standard model is being handled by other service companies. I know Other World Computing is offering Modbook conversions for previously owned Macbooks and completed model sales on their site.
I suspect Axiotron wants to focus on designing the kits and software but are getting walloped by the recent flood of iPad sales. Which is a bummer because their Synergy Touch system would have really taken it to a new level and set it apart from everything else out there. If they end up not using it I hope they license the technology back to Wacom for the next generation of Cintiqs.
It’s also possible that Apple is putting the brakes on them. My guess is that Apple is working towards a unified OS that will work on both portables (like iPad & iPhone) and desktops & laptops (see OSX Lion incorporating an app store). If this becomes the case something like the modbook pro w/synergy touch could steal their thunder. Honestly, how long before an iMac has a touch screen like an iPad and how long after that before that tech comes to the laptops in place of a track pad?
But I digress… Right now I’m using a 4 year old Mac Mini I bought on eBay with a Wacom 12wx which I set on my drawing board, cuz that’s what I can afford… and consequently, I still prefer it to any of the Windows machines I bought or built over the course of twelve years. But that’s just my experience.