Axiotron Modservice takes your sad, disused Macbook, converts it into swanky new tablet

If you happen to have a spare MacBook lying around, and you’re at all intrigued by Axiotron’s ModBook tablets, you’ll probably be stoked to hear that the company is now taking orders on their website to convert personal MacBooks into the devices. Prices start at around $1,300 — far less than buying a new one, which go for a base price of $2,290. Modification kits are being sent out to a network of authorized modders, the nearest of which will contact you once you place your order to set up an appointment for the so-called “transformation.” You’re totally out of luck, however, if you were looking to have your brand new, aluminum MacBook “transformed” because they’re apparently “too cool” to submit to the keyboard denuding-degradation Axiotron requires. As if.

[Via Notebooks.com]

CTL's 2go Classmate PC netvertible due in January for under $500

CTL’s sticking with the “2go” branding for its next-gen Classmate PC, but it’s not hard to spot the difference: it’s a convertible tablet. We’ve seen hands-on shots of the Intel concept a couple times before, but now CTL’s starting firm up some details for its own OEM version, and even sent along a few new live shots of the device for our enjoyment. The specs are unsurprising for a netbook-style device (we suppose the proper term is “netvertible” now, yes?) with a 1.6GHz Atom 270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 60GB HDD and 802.11b/g/n WiFi, but the departure is in the tablet functionality. The 8.9-inch, 1024 x 600 screen handles stylus and finger input, swivels flat for slate usage, and has an accelerometer for orienting the screen and potentially other (read: games) usage. The webcam swivels from back to front as well. CTL’s hoping to have an XP Pro version of the laptop available, but if Microsoft has its way we’ll probably be looking at a Vista Home SKU at retail (CTL’s existing Classmate PC sells at Costco and Amazon.com), in addition to a Linux version for more direct sales.

Toshiba intros four new Portege machines, Tecra R10

The last Portégé we saw flow from Toshiba’s doors was a revamped R500 in July, but now we know why we’ve been waiting so long for a true new member of the family. Clearly, Tosh has been shoring ‘em up, waiting for this day to arrive when it would introduce four newcomers in one fell swoop. Starting us off is the ultrathin Portégé R600, which packs your choice of a Core 2 Duo CPU, 2.14-pound shell, a battery good for nine hours and a price tag ranging between $1,499 and $3,299. The Portégé A600 includes most of the same specs along with a GMA X4500 graphics controller and a more pedestrian price; the Portégé M750 Tablet PC adds in that always-exciting swivel action for those who care. Lastly, we’ve got the Tecra R10, which features a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo SP9400, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 200GB 7,200 RPM hard drive, NVIDIA Quadro NVS 150M GPU and an MSRP of $1,999. No word on when these will head south to the US, but Canadians should be able to indulge soon enough.

[Via GottaBeMobile]

Fujitsu's Stylistic ST6010 Tablet PC

Surely you recall that Stylistic ST6012 tablet PC that quietly surfaced on Fujitsu-Siemens’ website late last month, right? Good. Now, do yourself a favor and check out what’s likely the US version of that: Fujitsu’s Stylistic ST6010. Said tablet has just dropped by the FCC’s database, complete with a user manual, an ID label, a litany of test reports and a collection of those heralded FCC photographs taken with what appears to be a 0.03-megapixel webcam from 2001. Unfortunately, the details we crave the most — finalized specifications, a price and a release date — are expectedly missing, but at least tablet lovers camped out in America can get amped up for this to arrive in short order.

[Via GottaBeMobile]

Gigabyte M912X

A fellow named Stuart Lowe installed Leopard on his Gigabyte M912X netbook / tablet hybrid, and we like the results. Though this isn’t the first Mac tablet hack, it’s a tightly wrapped little package: the interface seems smooth with either fingers or a stylus, and Inkwell’s onscreen keyboard allows complete functionality when the computer is folded into its slate configuration. Much of the necessary software functionality existed in Leopard already, and since installing OS X on something other than a Mac isn’t the challenge it used to be, we’re envisioning a pretty smooth ride for other would-be-hackers. We’ve embedded a video on the other side of the jump — take a look, and then cast your vote on what to call this niche category of netbook-like tablets.

[Via Slashgear] Continue reading…

Fujitsu T1010 Tablet Is Easy On Your Wallet

Fujitsu Siemens has announced a budget version of their tablet PC lineup, the Lifebook T1010 and Lifebook T1010 EDU. The 13,3″ T1010 comes in white casing and acts as a tablet PC with a touch-screen. It features the latest Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology , 802.11a/b/g/draft-n for wireless connectivity, shock resistant 120GB to 250GB HDD, 2 GB DDR3-1066 SDRAM memory, and spill-free keyboard. Its handwriting recognition allows you to send handwritten emails. The series has even “skins” you can change as you please. MSRP: $1299. [Fujitsu]

Dell XT Latitute Tablet

Dell’s latest tablet PC, Latitude XT comes with groundbreaking touch screen technology. You will be able to touch the screen at different points and perform various activities. For an instance, user can spread-touch two fingers away from one point, and zoom in pictures. More tricks can be done, also with pen input. At 12.1″ with elegant design it is one of thinnest tablet out there. More details at DELL

Apple Macintosh Tablet

The picture above shows us the Apple Macintosh Tablet, which is based on the Apple MacBook Air. This concept comes jam packed with a 13-inch LED display, iPhone compatibility, and an external SuperDrive. Sadly, it is just a concept. See more interesting pictures after the jump. [Apple Style]

Pixel Lab Ripple Tablet Note T8300

Korea will be getting the new Pixel Lab Ripple Tablet Note T8300. It’s powered by Intel’s Penryn T8300 2.4GHz processor along with an enhanced touch panel that supports stylus and finger use, optional 3.5G HSDPA wireless connectivity, 1.3 megapixel webcam, and a 7-in-1 memory card reader. [AVING]

Looking Glass Touchscreen Tablet Concept

Designed by Mac Funamizu,”The Looking Glass” is a touchscreen tablet concept that features a camera/scanner, GPS and internet connectivity. You can frame anything you please through the glass window and it will automatically search for that thing on Wikipedia or Google or Google earth. [Yanko]

HP-Pavilion TX-1400 Convertible Tablet

HP has released the new Pavillion called the TX-1400 convertible tablet. For $1,200, you get 12.1-inch touch screen as before, along with a 2.2GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-64 processor, Geforce Go 6150 graphics, 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, a DVD burner, and built-in 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth. Find this model at Notebook Italia.

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PDA/Tablet Concept for Elderly People

The idea behind this tablet/pda-ish device is to track every movement of the elderly people, Nokia believe this is the best way to keep them around. By monitoring (via RFID tags) what they consume; from expired foods, medicine, possible allergens and nutritional info. This easy to read and use information pad hopes to be a vital tool for the upcoming explosion of elderly Baby Boomers.

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sound-gate

Designed by Nicolas Gonzalez Garrido, the SoundGate is a tablet/laptop hybrid that was made especially for musicians. It allows them to record sessions, transcribe their music, and write out their next single. The tablet boasts a 10-inch touchscreen LCD, a flip-style QWERTY keyboard, a volume knob and jog dials, and a special stand. Unfortunately, the SoundGate is only a concept…

Via Product Page and Gizmodo