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[Epix]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/modbook/modbook-pro-x-154-retina-quad-core-mac-os-x-tablet

Modbook, the company with a history of offering pen-based Mac tablets using the internals of Apple's notebooks, is announcing a new Kickstarter campaign today to support the launch of a new Modbook Pro X based on the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro. The $150,000 campaign will allow users to send in their own machines for conversion at $1999 or reserve complete systems directly from Modbook starting at $3999.

An innovative computer modification product, the Modbook Pro X incorporates the original hardware of a Retina-display Apple MacBook Pro 15.4-inch base system running the OS X 10.10 Yosemite operating system. The expansive drawing and writing surface of the Modbook Pro X has a scratch-resistant ForceGlass screen with paper-emulating texture that covers a crisp, clear 15.4-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2,880 by 1,800 pixels. Users get highly sensitive pen input with 2,048 pen pressure levels and pen tilt and rotate functionality for producing pro-quality creative deliverables.

Various configurations of the Modbook Pro X are available, including processor options ranging up to the top-of-the-line 2.8 GHz chip launched in the Retina MacBook Pro just yesterday, up to 32 GB of RAM, and up to 2 TB of flash storage.

Additional options for Modbook Pro X customers include integrated Keybars on the rear of the device providing eyes-free programmable access to key combinations for commands and shortcuts, as well as a Keyboard Stand that serves as a keyboard, adjustable easel stand, and protective cover for the Modbook Pro X.

Shipping on complete systems is scheduled for January 2015 in limited quantities, with the bulk of orders starting the following month. Send-in-your-own systems are planned to begin shipping roughly a month later.

Given its price, the Modbook Pro X is obviously targeted at a niche market interested in a tablet running full OS X such as creative professionals, but for those people the device may be an appealing option. For others, particularly those who would appreciate an OS X-based iPad, it's at least an interesting example of what can be done.

Backers not interested in a full Modbook system can also support the project through cheaper rewards such as a $59 Modbook Digitizer Pen that is compatible with an array of pen-based tablets or a Modbook Shuttle portable hard drive starting at $139.

http://9to5mac.com/2014/07/30/modbo...ased-os-x-tablet-built-w-new-retina-macbooks/
http://www.macrumors.com/2014/07/30/modbook-pro-x-kickstarter/

 

[narcosis219]

$4000? Damn

 

[HammerOfThor]

'X' makes the product seem that much more edgy and cool.

 

[VoxPop]

Why would anybody want this...?

 

[Dreams-Visions]

kill it with fucking fire.

 

[PhantomHound]

Ugly.

 

[Bornstellar]

...

Get a Surface 3 instead?

 

[Skel1ingt0n]

I'm the biggest fan of the rMBP out there - I f-ing adore mine; it's my favorite device I own.

But I would laugh at anyone who purchased this thing. Ugly as all hell; and OSX isn't built around touch at all.

 

[Haeralis The BRave]

Why would anybody want this...?

Literally word for word what I said upon reading the OP

 

[sant]

Steve Jobs would kill somebody over this monstrosity

 

[sixteen-bit]

Good luck with that.

 

[123rl]

How the hell do you start with a retina Macbook Pro and manage to make it ugly? Seriously, that guy deserves a lot of credit for having the ability to ruin one of the best looking laptops ever and turn it into...that.

 

[Buddha Beam]

I'm the biggest fan of the rMBP out there - I f-ing adore mine; it's my favorite device I own.

But I would laugh at anyone who purchased this thing. Ugly as all hell; and OSX isn't built around touch at all.

I very strongly considered buying a ModBook earlier this year and ultimately decided against it for that very reason. I read too many complaints about it being a less than great experience for anything other than using the pen. Plus no multi-touch and such.

I wound up going with a Cintiq Companion Hybrid and I think I made the smarter choice.

 

[Bboy AJ]

I hate how Kickstarter allows entrepreneurs to push off the risk of their stupid fucking ideas to consumers. This company should be forced to invest in the dumb project themselves, fail, and get this ridiculous idea out of their head.

 

[flaxknuckles]

Dudes, just spend the 2k on a Cintiq or less on a Monoprice tablet and don't mess up your glorious Macbook.

 

[thesoapster]

What a bargain. I'll take 10!