Comments on: Is it time to buy a Modbook?

By: Scott Lincoln

Scott Lincoln — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 02:33:13 +0000

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.

By: mark

mark — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:59:10 +0000

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.

By: mark

mark — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:56:21 +0000

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.

By: Dani

Dani — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:38:08 +0000

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.

By: Tom Richmond

Tom Richmond — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:03:39 +0000

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.

By: Dani

Dani — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:39:03 +0000

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.

By: Tom Richmond

Tom Richmond — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:06:30 +0000

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?

By: NikkiS

NikkiS — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:34:21 +0000

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!!!

By: Phil Wohlrab

Phil Wohlrab — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:55:47 +0000

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.

By: Dani

Dani — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:12:46 +0000

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.