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I'd swap it for an Android tablet tomorrow if I could. I'm sick of Apple telling me how I can (and can't) use the product that I bought.

When I learned Apple would be releasing a tablet I was excited about getting one. But when the iPad was released my dreams were dashed. I imagined a 17" MacBook Pro with a built-in digitizer, like Wacom's. I guess the only way I'll get one is if I get a Mdbook Pro, which hasn't been released yet, I hire some one to make one, or I make my own. Since I don't have the money I guess the only tablet I'll get is an Android. Then I hope I can install OSX and Ubuntu on it.

Falcon

I am currently doing a grad degree in CS and use my modbook and inkbook for taking notes. As others have pointed out, handwriting recognition is hit and miss, and Apple's inkwell is no different, so I usually just take notes with handwriting recognition turned off. Either way though, you can doodle on it like it's paper and add in diagrams, etc. It makes me very happy as my day-to-day all purpose machine.

Anyway, you can get them from a bunch of distributors, and if you're in the US you can order them from OWC. That said, Axiotron has been going through some financial problems for awhile now and the modbook hasn't been updated in some time to use current macbook base systems, but if you're comfortable getting a 2009 era macbook and the possibility that the company may disappear at any time (so, warranty repercussions) then I can recommend it as a great system. Personally, when my modbook eventually retires I'm not sure what I'll replace it with if Axiotron isn't still around - it will be a sad day for me when I have to give up the stylus. YMMV.

I would tend to agree with this. TO be fair, I understand his position a bit. They developed iOS over 5 years in total secrecy. The only real slip was when Steve was asked if they were ever going to make another Newton and Steve replied in 2003 ~ "to get into the PDA business they would have to get into the cell phone business". Some of his other comments are pure misdirection. When Steve said that I KNEW they were working on something. http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=36&tx_ttnews%5BpS%5D=1051772400&tx_ttnews%5BpL%5D=2678399&tx_ttnews%5Barc%5D=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=41&cHash=cf33dbf3db

Linux has only given competition to desktop Windows on netbooks.

And on servers and on desktops. Though the Linux market share on the desktop is small, less than 1%, it is growing. MS has to give away or sale at low prices Windows in un- and under-developed nations just to prevent buyers from using Linux. Monthly if not weekly it seems one business, government, or organization is moving from Windows to Linux. These stories used to be posted on Slashdot regularly.

As for me, I'm typing this on my MacBook Pro but for a server I'm in the process of rebuilding my PC then I'll probably install Ubuntu Server on it.

Maybe it needs to die and then be reborn as Android.

I might get a smartphone with Android but I think if I get a tablet/pad it will have MeGoo. I'd rather get a Modbook Pro but they'll be too expensive for me more than likely.

Falcon

There's already an Apple tablet w/ a stylus available:

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

William
(who gave up on waiting for Apple to make a replacement for his Newton MessagePad and bought a Fujitsu Stylistic w/ transflective (visible outdoors) and docking station and a couple of different cases)

The reason the tablets we've had since the 90's never really caught on was because they didn't do enough beyond what a notebook did to justify the difference in price.

Yet well before the iPad was this company which took your Apple laptop and made a tablet out of it. They have been around for a while so there must have already been a market for high priced tablets.

And Axiotron is doing how well? Not very. They're barely creeping along. Interesting you mention them however - their primary customers are arsty fartsy types who utilize the fact that they've married a Wacom tablet to a MacBook. Not many Enterprise users, I'll warrant. They're trying to develop a MacBook Pro based unit and their promo literature hints at expanded uses in business setting, but I don't even think the product is shipping.

The reason the tablets we've had since the 90's never really caught on was because they didn't do enough beyond what a notebook did to justify the difference in price.

Yet well before the iPad was this company which took your Apple laptop and made a tablet out of it. They have been around for a while so there must have already been a market for high priced tablets.

If you want to directly interact w/ your documents on-screen get an Axiotron ModBook:

http://www.axiotron.com/

or a Wacom Cintiq:

http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/cintiq-12wx.php

William

Notable holes in Apple's hardware lineup include a 10" MacBook and anything between a Mac mini and Mac Pro.

There's the iMac, But I have a problem with Apple not offering a customizable and expandable Mac between iMacs and Mac Pros.

I'm typing this on a 17" MacBook Pro but would love to have a bigger one. Before I got it I saw a 21" Windows laptop and thought I wanted a 21' MacBook Pro. Then when the iPad was announced I was hoping for a tablet like the ModBook Pro. One that was 21" would have been a killer.

Falcon

The fact that windows does not have a central update system and every app has to do their own update mechanism is a bad thing of windows.

No, it's a good thing, you don't have a single gatekeeper deciding what can be installed. While a gatekeeper may work for some people many others want to be able to install whatever. While it's obvious many people love iPhones and iPads, if I ever get a smart phone or tablet it's likely to run Android. Well, I'd like to get a tablet like the Modbook Pro, however it runs OSX not the crippled iOS.

Falcon

A better comparison to the iPad is the Modbook. Axiotron, who makes them, took real MacBooks and replaced the lid/monitor with a Wacom tablet. As such they run OS X 10.6 or Snow Leopard not iOS or whatever.

Falcon

They're available, and expensive, and not selling that well:

http://www.motioncomputing.com/products/tablet_pc_J35.asp

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=home

And until recently the battery life wasn't that great either (technology is finally catching up to the early promise) --- I still have to use 9-cell extended life batteries in my Fujitsu Stylistic ST-4121 (and unfortunately Fujitsu has discontinued their ST-6012)

William
(who has been using pen computers w/ Wacom styluses since the NCR-3125)

While it would be nice if they could keep companies like Fujitsu in the slate market (they recently discontinued their Stylistic ST6000 line and HP/Compaq has yet to replace the TC1000/1100/1200 line), there are a couple of slates running (or which can run) Windows 7 available:

http://www.motioncomputing.com/products/tablet_pc_J35.asp

http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/archos-9-pc-tablet/1805-3126_7-33800951.html

Unfortunately, the marketplace has mostly switched over to convertibles (pending the release of devices intended to compeat w/ the iPad). This has gotten so bad that some people purchase the Axiotron ModBook:

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=home

and then install Windows on it, which indicates there is a market...

William

People seem to think Apple limit the iPhone to the App Store for native apps in order to make money from each app sold, but that's not the reason. The reason is to make the iPhone a more appealing platform to consumers and developers.

If the idea is to make the iPhone more appealing Apple would allow anyone to install any software on iPhones. One reason I would not buy an iPad, even if I had a billion dollars, is because Apple restricts the software I install on it to only the software Apple offers in it's app store. Now if instead Apple had released a tablet like the Modbook Pro I'd be in line to get one.

Apple doesn't want to control its users, it wants to control the quality of its products, and it's both difficult to fault them for that

But Apple does want to control its users other wise it would allow users to install software other than what the app store offers. Apple would not be blocking Adobe from offering Flash to users.

Falcon

So you want to teach kids computer skills on a non/standard operating system, and allow them to turn in papers with dozens of different incompatible file types.

One, I'd rather have people taught computer skills instead of the dominating OS. Two, paper does not have incompatible file types. Paper is paper and can be read by anyone able to see. Now if you meant electronic document file types, I can think of two, three, problems with proprietary file types. The first is as you say incompatibility. I can not open a .docx created with MS Office 2010 with my copy of MS Office 97. But I can and have opened .docx files from 2008 with NeoOffice. Not only that but I'm not locked into the endless and expensive MS Office upgrade path.

Windows may have the majority of the market, but it is good.

HAHA!!! NOT!!! I and others have switched from Windows because it's a piece of crap. When it got to the point where I had to replace my desktop PC, because I was tired of constantly having to reinstall Windows after getting many, many, Blue Screen of Deaths I replaced it with a Linux desktop. Then when I got a new laptop I bought a MacBook Pro. I have had it almost 3 years and in that tyme I've had less problems with it than I had with Windows PCs in their first year.

Plus, at least microsoft only has a monopoly on the OS, which can be customized and adapted to fit a large variety of needs, unlike Mac, and it runs more programs better than Mac or Linux.

Another lie. A Windows PC can only run Windows software. My Linux PC can run Linux and Windows software. And my Mac can run Linux, Windows, and Mac software. If I wanted to I could install Windows itself on both my Linux PC and my Mac. I can install, and plan on doing so, Linux on my Mac.

Apple uses its OS to create a monopoly on the culture of its users

What monopoly? As I state above I can install Windows/Windows programs and Linux on my Mac. If I felt inclined I could install Windows or Linux and never use OS X on my Mac. Of course, where would I? Leopard simply works for me.

regulating how and where they get their programs (at least for the iPhone, iPad, and iPods)

Ah, there's something we agree with, while I can install many things on my Mac that Apple has no control over that's not true for iPads, iPhones, and iPods. That is one reason, but not the only one, I do not own and have no interest in buying any of them. Actually as I've said elsewhere I have no interest in getting an iPad, because it runs a crippled OS. Before it's release I was looking forward to seeing the iPad, but I was expecting something more like the Modbook Pro, a modified MacBook Pro.

As for functionality per dollar? Windows is the best value for the dollar.

Again wrong!!! For general purposes Linux is the best value for the dollar. For specific purposes Macs may be better. For instance Photoshop does not have a version for Linux, while GIMP is fine for many people on the web it can not do what some pro print artists need or want. Heck, Windows beats Linux there because at least Photoshop runs on Windows.

Plus, windows is often illegal, so the OS itself can be free sometimes.

Free does not make something better, legal or illegal.

Sadly, your wonderful little reality is very impractical, the compatibility is just not there.

Sadly you fail to look beyond your small sphere of knowledge.

Falcon

Now, I'll wait for Linux tablets.

You might be interested in these guys

Nah, I prefer the Modbook Pro. That's what I, and a bunch of other photographers, were hoping for.

Falcon

Yeah, all told, worldwide, there were more iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads sold than Android phones. However, when you compare oranges and oranges.... Apple skews the numbers by including the non-phone variants in with the phones.

But how about this: Apple iPad Catching Up On Android In OS Market? If true then iPhone OS is ahead of Android, iPads use the same OS.

iPhone is still selling better, but that's probably got something to do with being in the market longer.

Being the New Hot Thing[TM] Androids should be selling fast.

Give it another year and see what the picture looks like, especially with all the cheap tablets coming out. Who needs a Kindle or Nook when you can get an Android tablet for less than $200?

If Android tablets are anything like iPads, ie running a crippled OS, then I don't care. When Apple announced the iPad I was hoping for a tablet more like the Modbook Pro, with the LCD of MacBooks/MacBook Pros being replaced by a tablet. Axiotron replaces the LCDs with a Wacom Penabled® digitizer. Any software that runs on Macs will run on it too.

Falcon

when there's a monopoly (e.g., one company controlling 95% of the market), then a free market no longer exists, and it's the government's job to ensure a more level playing field so that smaller competitors have a fair chance to succeed if their product/service is better than the monopoly's.

I partially agree but also disagree with this. Yes, Apple has a monopoly in the smart-phone market but there is a relatively free market. If you don't want Apple's iPhone then don't buy one. If you want a smart-phone but not the iPhone then get an Android based phone. While I like some Apple products, the MacBook Pro I'm typing this can only be taken away from me when my hands are cold or to replace it with a new one, others I have no interest in getting. When I finally get a smart-phone myself, as it is now, it will probably be an Android. Or earlier this year when the iPad was announced I said I'd like to be in line to get one if it offered what I wanted, something like the Modbook Pro, but as it's tablet is too small, there is not enough RAM or storage, and it runs the crippled iPhone OS and not OS X, I will not get one.

What's worse is that the government grants patents. Yes grants, patents are granted and not a right. And right now Apple is trying to use its patents to block competition.

Falcon

you can abuse your customers all you want and get away with it.

Yes legally you get away with it but you may lose market share.

comparing Apple and MS really is apples and oranges.

True enough.

I don't have a smartphone yet, but when I do get around to getting one, it'll probably be an Android phone, the way things are looking.

Neither do I and like you when I do get one it will probably an Android, I want choices as to what apps I run. That's why after waiting in anticipation for months for the iPad to come out I decided I didn't want one myself. Wanting to use one for photography I fully expected it to have the full OS X OS, higher hardware specs, and be able to install the same software on it as I can install on my Mac. Something like the Modbook Pro with it's Wacom digitizer. Now, I'll wait for Linux tablets.

Falcon

You can get a Desktop OS X powered tablet from a third party: http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook . They take a normal MacBook or MacBook Pro and mod it.

It suffers from the same problem Windows has though. There's a limited subset of users who really have a use for a desktop OS in a tablet form factor, which is going to relegate those products to niche status forever. Touch-oriented OSes on lower-powered devices that trade compatibility and advanced capability for ease of use, portability, and battery life are going to own the majority market share.

That. I recently broke down and bought an Axiotron Modbook. This is a standard MacBook that has a Wacom tablet stapled on the top of the machine. Runs real-live OS X (cue snarky comment about 'real' OS. Just note, it does run EMACS).

A very mixed bag. Using a stylus is hampered by the poor decision to run a low end Wacom product with a terrible pen and software that is unable to change the very limited button repertoire based on application. Hardware / Software integration is poor. Support is pretty weak (the company rarely shows up in the forums). Nice idea, but it just "Doesn't work". At best it will be a very niche product - it's fun to work Photoshop in your lap - but actually frustrating because PS really needs a keyboard to be productive.

So, in short, it's just like every other full OS tablet that litters the landscape. Neither fish nor fowl, never really tuned up, never really achieve any market success. This is why the future of tablets is a limited OS with finger touch as the main input.

Now, there isn't anything (at least to my knowledge) that prevents His Jobness to release an iPad pro (aka 'the MaxiPad') that lets you get out on a real USB ports, runs CUPS, runs Terminal, comes with a Pony, etc.

You say that like Apple's still working on the Macintosh.

Apple quietly boosts MacBook speed, battery life.

If the iPad had been more like the Modbook Pro I may of been in line to get one. Apple should have partnered with, or bought, Axiotron and offered the Modbook itself.

Falcon

You know, the one Adobe promised would be free so that Apple could make the operating system named Rhapsody?

http://www.amazon.com/Rhapsody-Developers-Guide-Jesse-Feiler/dp/0122513347/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273769560&sr=1-4

I want to be able to program fill and stroke effects and have them show up on-screen like I used to be able to do w/ Altsys Virtuoso on my NeXT Cube.

Apple already caved in on programming environments to Adobe / Microsoft once, and we got Carbon (eventually) having to wait _years_ longer --- and then we had to re-create all of the functionality which was ``just working'' in NeXTstep.

If people want to run Flash on Tablet devices then they should choose to purchase things which run Flash, like the Axiotron ModBook:

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

or the HP Slate...

William

It is running OS X.. The iPhone edition of OS X.

Tablets have been around for a while and none are really popular because they take an existing keyboard/mouse based OS and throw it on a tablet with a touch screen.

Apple had an OS (iPhone OS) that's optimized for touch screens so they decided to make a tablet that runs the same touch optimized OS.

They've taken a gamble that unlike previous tablets maybe this one will be different since it's fully optimized for a touch experience. Apple would never just release a tablet running Snow Leopard, it won't sell (at least not enough to make it worth it) so it's pointless for them. Whether the iPad will be a success or not who knows but it was a smart choice to take a chance with something unique like the iPad running iPhone OS, moreso than just releasing another Tablet that they already know won't succeed.

If you really want a Mac OS tablet then get a modbook: http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

What you want is a ModBook.

Well, from MY perspective, its pretty simple really. Computers and related items used to be one of the extremely few product groups that were actually marketed to ME. And now we are seeing the final end of that, a good amount has been done away with already. If everyone else starts heading toward the same "turn it into a locked-down toaster" methodology, than I'm once again marginalized out of the marketplace. I am frankly TIRED of having to settle for shit-quality products (from my perspective) because I only represent 0.05% of the total marketplace. Sure I might have some alternatives, but they are generally orders of magnitude higher in price for what usually amount to a few added features, or construction from materials that aren't designed to need replacing in 2-3 years.

The iPad is a perfect example. (Funny how I've heard people tout it as being a replacement for DVD/Blueray players when it doesn't even have an optical drive) My desired device? The only thing that even comes close is the Axiotron after-market MacBook mod: http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

This is even lacking is some things I'd like, some of which will likely be covered with their upcoming unibody MacBook Pro mod, but the price point I've heard for those puts the base models at close to $5000. And still no built-in physical keyboard.

The ASUS Eee PC T91MT is an interesting option, but I still want a built-in in optical drive and the horsepower to run CS4 snappily in a roughly 10-12" screened platform.

Anyone listening out there? Apple? Give me a FULL computer in the form-factor I'm looking for please. I realize it'll still be close to $2000 right out the gate but right now the ONLY WAY you get close to what I want to buy is via a third party going all Frankenstein on your laptops. And if you can do it for $1000, you WILL conquer the netbook market, but the iPad is no threat to them AT ALL. Its just more money with less features.

What I was hoping for in an Apple netbook/tablet:

NOT locked down so that you must buy any and all applications for your device through the App Store.
NOT locked down so that you can’t download Mac binaries and run them on your iPad.
NOT locked down so that you can’t up load files through web forms from the browser.
NOT locked down so that you don’t have complete control over your file system.
5Mplx camera.
Physical keyboard (at least as an optional model)
Standard video out ports, and a wireless beaming option.
More than 18 different types of files supported as attachments. (compressed archives is not one of these)
720p support.
FULL Multi Tasking.
Standard ports, especially USB ports, built in.
Optical Drive (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray)
Ability to access network shares.
Ability to adjust the devices font size.
Ability to adjust the devices UI.

You know, the Mac tablet PC that Apple has been rumor-mongering for the past however many years.

Apple has wasted an opportunity to redefine the tablet market, and instead given us an oversized iPod Touch that doesn't fit in anyone's pocket. This assessment might not go down well with the fanboys, but although I don't have any animus against Apple in particular (I have an iPod and a 2nd-hand MacBook) I won't be buying this gadget.

Same here. When I first heard of the possibility of a tablet Mac I was gungho. But the iPad disappointed me. Now if Apple had married a Wacom tablet to the MacBook Pro, that would be a different story. I'm pretty sure Apple could do a better job than Axiotron did with the Modbook.

I must have skipped the pre-worship but as far as I can see, the iPad is an iPod Touch with a bigger screen. Did I miss anything out?

It's not a tablet computer because its been deliberately crippled, its an appliance just like the iPod Touch.

If the fanboys want a real Apple Tablet then its already out there and its only partially made by Apple: the Modbook

Wait, you lost me at the third sentence:

So you're telling me I'm going to spend at minimum $500 on a device that is just as locked down as an iPod Touch or iPhone? I'm going to have to hack the damn thing just so I can run an unapproved application? Great. Thanks for that, Apple.

Who, exactly, is telling you that you MUST buy this device? Is Apple ORDERING you to buy one, like a mom orders a kid to finish his lima beans? Without that foundation, the rest of your argument pretty much falls apart. You want a general-purpose tablet, buy one. There have been locked-down tablets before. There will be more in the future. This is Apple's. There will always be a need for, and a supply of, general-purpose computers.

Basically, this COULD have been an amazing device...but regardless of what they did right, Apple made some unbelievably stupid decisions that puts it firmly in the "what's the point" category for me. [emphasis mine]

And there's the key point. Taco called the original iPod "lame" and Apple went on to sell 250,000,000 of them. They don't care what some geek on Slashdot--you, me, or him--thinks.

they decided to put on a velvet glove and slap the shit out of their customers

Really? They aren't trying to put anything past their customers. Apple makes it VERY CLEAR that this is not a general purpose computer. People will buy it, or not, and like it, or not. Just like any other device.

Wait, you lost me at the third sentence:

So you're telling me I'm going to spend at minimum $500 on a device that is just as locked down as an iPod Touch or iPhone? I'm going to have to hack the damn thing just so I can run an unapproved application? Great. Thanks for that, Apple.

Who, exactly, is telling you that you MUST buy this device? Is Apple ORDERING you to buy one, like a mom orders a kid to finish his lima beans? Without that foundation, the rest of your argument pretty much falls apart. You want a general-purpose tablet, buy one. There have been locked-down tablets before. There will be more in the future. This is Apple's. There will always be a need for, and a supply of, general-purpose computers.

Basically, this COULD have been an amazing device...but regardless of what they did right, Apple made some unbelievably stupid decisions that puts it firmly in the "what's the point" category for me. [emphasis mine]

And there's the key point. Taco called the original iPod "lame" and Apple went on to sell 250,000,000 of them. They don't care what some geek on Slashdot--you, me, or him--thinks.

they decided to put on a velvet glove and slap the shit out of their customers

Really? They aren't trying to put anything past their customers. Apple makes it VERY CLEAR that this is not a general purpose computer. People will buy it, or not, and like it, or not. Just like any other device.

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

It's called a ModBook: http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

Axiotron are clearly worried about it, they've got a sale on. They convert Macbooks into tablets, who would buy one if Apple enter the market?

Right now I'm wondering what will happen to people who purchase Apple MacBooks, mod 'em and resell 'em, like Axiotron and their ModBooks.

(sigh) I love talking tech as much as anyone, but can we at least try to stay grounded in reality?

In a way I agree, but I also like to fantasize. In the case of a Mac tablet though there is no fantasy. The ModBook is a MacBook that's been modified into a Mac tablet. It has been available for years. A question I've had all these years is why Apple hasn't bought the company that makes the ModBook or released one itself.

Falcon

Axiotron Modbook

Note that I am not connected with Axiotron nor do I own a Macbook

AxioTron : Modbook

I'm not necessarily in the market for a "netbook," but I'm very very much in the market for a touchscreen/tablet Mac. I have a friend with a tablet PC and I would LOVE the freedom to switch between typing, writing, and drawing at will. I've been wanting that for a very long time. I've definitely considered saving up the extra $1000 for a ModBook, but I'd prefer a solution straight from Apple. Though, it looks like the modbooks have gotten a little bit cheaper than last time I looked...

1200? You wish. Try 2100! Or were you referring to the cost of a conversion?

Well, sort of here, but we're still waiting.

At the end of the day, if they've purchased a copy of OS X for every installed version they provide to a customer, I don't see the problem.

I doubt Apple would have any problem with, for instance, the Modbook Pro (in the modification aspect anyway), so why should modifying the software be any different?

Apple chose to invest in mobile phones instead of DVRs or tablets because, in proportion, those markets are also shrinking.

According to eWeek the market share for tablet is growing. TFA says between 2006 and 2007 the market share doubled and is more than 7% of the mobile market. I'd love the have a Mac Tablet, though Axiotron makes the Modbook Apple itself doesn't have a tablet Mac. I've often thought it might be a good idea for Apple to buy Axiotron, but I bet anti-trust complaints would be filed.

Falcon

You said nothing about high end hardware not counting.

This whole thread is about Psystar and what Macs are comparable to it. That's all. Mac Pros aren't even on the table, that's the whole point of my original message.

You've changed the rules then yourself. In the post I replied to you brought in laptops, and Psystar hasn't come out with a laptop. Now when I point out the high end you say it's not applicable.

However I just thought of something I hadn't thought of before, nor has anyone else brought it up. Psystar isn't the first, or only, company that builds Macs besides Apple. Axiotron makes the Modbook, a tablet Mac. However it's an aftermarket modification of the Macbook. Now that I've thought of it I think it would be a good idea if Apple bought Axiotron. I'd love to have a table Mac but wouldn't like to see another company, Axiotron, put out of business. That way I could still take it down to the Genius Bar in an Apple store and still get support for it.

I would say the Axiotron Modbook comes pretty close to what you are looking at, though I don't believe it has multitouch yet. (Yes, they are an Apple authorized system manufacturer). http://www.axiotron.com/

Don't wait for a Mac tablet. You'll probably be waiting for a long time :-)

Either get a modbook, or get a Windows tablet if you need that form factor.

When Jobs killed the Newton, he promised that having those engineers available for other products would create innovative and break-through portable computing devices --- all I've seen are iPods, admittedly nice (but traditional form-factor clamshell) laptops and the iPhone. From:
http://www.wired.com/gadgets/wireless/magazine/16-02/ff_iphone?currentPage=2

>Apple's hardware engineers had spent about a year working on touchscreen technology for a tablet PC

Where is it?

I'd buy an iPhone today if only it allowed one to use a stylus for handwriting recognition and allowed one to draw and annotate documents, but would prefer something a bit larger, but not quite so large as the Axiotron ModBook, http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook and ideally it would have a nice docking station option and media-oriented features allowing it to work as a remote control, portable music player while hidden away in a laptop bag, ebook reader &c.

I'm definitely getting a Wacom Cintiq 12WX for my next machine at home (and a 20WX at work) --- http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/index.cfm --- but I need a replacement for the Fujitsu Stylistic which replaced my Newton (which replaced my NCR-3125).

William

Or you can just get one now. No, I don't own one.

Axiotron Modbook:

http://www.axiotron.com/

One word:

Tablet.

I mean a real tablet, not some hacked up third party solution.

Nothing from Apple yet, but you can always checkout the Axiotron ModBook... Sounds interesting.