How does the original iPad compare to the Axiotron ModBook? Which one is best for my needs?

Please note that the original iPad and the ModBook both have been discontinued. However, this Q&A still can be useful both for "historical" interest as well as anyone buying or selling either system on the used market.

Based on e-mail and social media messages received, some readers were hoping that Apple would release a more full-featured "Mac Tablet" running Mac OS X rather than the relatively simple iOS-based iPad (which originally was called simply the "iPhone OS").

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad)

For these users, the Axiotron ModBook may be of particular interest. The ModBook is a pre-"Unibody" MacBook that has been modified into a tablet form factor. It has a chemically hardened glass screen and a magnesium alloy outer frame overlaying a Wacom digitizer with "512 levels of pen pressure sensitivity."

The keyboard is removed during the modification process and input is conducted via a stylus instead. For text input, the ModBook comes preinstalled with Axiotron "Quickscript" handwriting recognition software.

Photo Credit: Axiotron Corp. (ModBook)

Technical Differences

The iPad has a 9.7" 1024x768 LED-backlit IPS glossy touchscreen display with an onscreen "soft" keyboard (and a US$69 keyboard dock option), runs iPhone OS 3.2 (it cannot run Mac OS X applications), and has the option of 3G wireless and A-GPS. For connectivity, it only has a 30-pin USB-based iPod dock port and a headphone jack as well as a built-in speaker and microphone. No other ports are available and it lacks a webcam, but it does include a digital compass.

Because the ModBook can be created from a number of "White or Black" MacBook models -- all of those released prior to the "Unibody" models on October 20, 2009, with the exception of the Aluminum MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Unibody) and 2.4 (Unibody) -- the technical specifications can vary significantly. However, in general, the ModBook has the same capabilities as the underlying notebook with the exception of keyboard input.

In contrast to the iPad, all ModBook models have 13.3" 1280x800 LED-backlit glossy widescreen displays. They run Mac OS X but are not compatible with iPhone OS applications nor do they have 3G wireless or digital compass capabilities (by custom configuration Axiotron does offer GPS capability). Connectivity varies, but all include a complement of ports. All include webcams as well.

Comparison Chart

The major differences between the original iPad and a ModBook based on the standard configuration of the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.13 13-Inch Mid-2009 (the last compatible MacBook) are summarized below:

	iPad (Original)	ModBook
Display Size:	9.7" (1024x768)	13.3" (1280x800)
Input Method:	Onscreen/Keyboard Dock	Onscreen/Handwriting
OS:	iPhone OS 3.2	Mac OS X 10.5/10.6.x
Full Multitasking:	No	Yes
Processor Speed:	1 GHz	2.13 GHz
Processor Type:	Apple A4	Intel Core 2 Duo
Standard RAM:	Unknown	2 GB (6 GB Max)
Storage:	16, 32, 64 GB	160 GB
Optical Drive:	None	8X DL SuperDrive
Data Networks:	2G/3G* & Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi
Bluetooth:	2.1+EDR	2.1+EDR
Ext Disp Support:	1024x768	2560x1600
Flash Support:	No	Yes
WebCam:	No	Yes
A-GPS:	No/Yes*	Optional
Digital Compass:	Yes	No
USB 2.0:	None	2
Firewire 400:	None	1
Ethernet:	None	Gigabit
Max Battery Life:	10 Hours	5 Hours
Housing:	Aluminum	Magnesium/Polycarbonate
Dimensions (In):	9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5	1.16 x 12.78 x 8.92
Weight:	1.5 or 1.6 lbs	5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)
Original Price:	US$499-US$829†	US$1849††

* Only high-end original iPad models (US$629-US$829) have 2G/3G networking and A-GPS.

† The iPad with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage and Wi-Fi was US$499, US$599, and US$699, respectively. Configured with the same capacity, but 3G and A-GPS in addition to Wi-Fi costs US$629, US$729, and US$829.

ModBook Video Demonstration

For more details, and demonstration of the ModBook in use, you additionally may find this Axiotron video compilation interesting:

Comparison Summary

Ultimately, the original iPad is geared toward those who primarily consume, rather than produce, content while on the go.

The ModBook, on the other hand, is designed primarily for those who are interested in a Mac OS X-based tablet and who produce more graphical content than text content.

Also see: What are the main differences between the iPad and the MacBook Air?