First Apple-Authorized Tablet Mac ShippedFirst Apple-Authorized Tablet Mac Shipped

Axiotron has released to retailers its Apple-authorized tablet Mac, which targets artists and design-oriented professionals.

The Modbook, which started shipping Dec. 31, uses a pen-sensitive LCD slate-style display from Wacom for onscreen writing and drawing. Axiotron unveiled the Modbook a year ago at Macworld.

The Modbook pen offers 512 levels of pressure sensitivity to achieve a level of precision needed in creating and editing digital art, the company said. The computer comes pre-installed with Mac OS X Leopard, officially OS X 10.5, and is powered by a 2.0 GHz or a 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The device uses Leopard's built-in Inkwell software for handwriting recognition.

The tablet has a 13.3-inch screen, a built-in iSight Webcam, a global positioning system, and a CD/DVD combo drive. The computer also has built-in support for Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi. It has a triple layer of metal plating, including nickel over copper and topped with chrome, and is available in standard satin or optional mirror finish.

The Modbook is a modified MacBook with its screen and keyboard severed and replaced with a tablet screen. The device, which is available through Axiotron resellers, has a suggested retail price starting at $2,290. The computer will be shown at Macworld 2008 in San Francisco, Jan. 15-18.

Bloggers have been chattering for months about the possibility of Apple releasing its own tablet Mac or an ultra-mobile computer. Others have also speculated that the company may be readying a handheld device that would be separate from the iPod Touch or iPhone.

On the Windows side of the market, Dell last month released its first tablet PC, saying that businesses were ready to consider more flexible types of computers for employees. The Latitude XT weighs 3.5 pounds and features a 12.1-inch daylight-viewable display for indoor and outdoor use.