Turn a MacBook Into a Tablet With Axiotron's Modservice

Axiotron is currently accepting orders for its new modification service that will convert an existing Apple MacBook into tablet computer for $1,299.

Although the Axiotron Modbook has been available for quite some time now, with a starting price of $2,199, it seems elusively out of the price range of many. Fortunately, Axiotron is now accepting order requests from those wishing to convert their old MacBooks into stylish new Modbooks. For as low as $1,299, the Axiotron Modservice will turn an existing Apple MacBook into a tablet Mac ; keyboard-less and all. Not only is it a more affordable way to get Modbook, but it also is a great way to add new life to that old MacBook that has been gathering dust.

The Axiotron Modbook is a slate-style tablet Mac, ideal for artists, students, professionals and mobile users. The Modbook features a durable Axiotron ForceGlass screen with Wacom digitizer technology, a GPS module and a sturdy chrome-plated top shell. Although the Modbook has no built-in keyboard, it does include handwriting recognition software that can convert scribbles into coherent sentences. Artists will likely appreciate the 512 levels of pen pressure sensitivity that the industry-leading Wacom technology provides, offering the ability to draw, paint and sketch with realistic results.

Order requests can now be placed at the Axiotron website, which will reserve a spot in queue as conversions are not set to begin until November. If you do not have a MacBook or do not yet wish to part with it, the Apple website is currently selling refurbished MacBooks for just $849. Along with the $1,299 conversion process, buying a refurbished MacBook seems like it would only result in a $51 savings over just buying a new Modbook outright.

On a final note, MacBook Pros and the new aluminum MacBooks are not supported. Also, there seems to be an extra fee attached to the conversion process if the MacBook being converted does not have OS X 10.5 installed ; it will be installed if it is not present. Lastly, although there is no keyboard present on the Modbook, using an external USB keyboard should work in its place. With the war Steve Jobs has on buttons though, it may be only a matter of time until standard MacBooks lose their keyboards too. Gizmodo has a review of the Modbook here.