Well, I am finally back to blogging again, and what better way to start than with Macworld 2008! While I knew going into it that Macworld '08 couldn't possibly live up to the iphone geek-frenzy that was Macworld '07, I did have a great time perusing the halls. But, was it just me, or was every other kiosk someone peddling their iPhone cases?
My main target this year was the Axiotron Modbook Macbook tablet. Having seen the machine last year, I was excited to see that it generated enough interest to keep the company going, and here they were with production ready units! (In case you're interested in getting your hands on one, the production time is four weeks). However, they are still having a couple of unresolved glitches with the handwriting recognition software and a Leopard bug which is currently not allowing you to vertically orient the screen. Apparently they recently met with Apple engineers, who don't seem too hard-pressed to work on the problem. Another issue I had with the device was the obvious lack of a keyboard for keystroke shortcuts. However, the buttons on the pen and the remote control can be programmed with shortcuts-problem solved! Overall, the professional artists who were on hand for demos told me they were impressed with the unit, and got used to not having a keyboard relatively quickly. Several have already purchased their own units. Side note: if you are an artist in need of a side job and you want a Modbook, consider working for Axiotron because you get over 50% off on one of these things.
Because every other blog is talking about the Macbook Air, I'll keep it short and just say that I was thoroughly impressed upon seeing the unit in person. The computer feels solid, the LED back-lit screen is gorgeous, and the build quality is top notch. Even the black-colored keys looked nice.
Below you'll also see pictures of some blinged-out cases for the iPhone - with Swarovsky crystal and gold, of course. I also found some soon-to-be-released "mushroom" portable speakers from Y.C. Cable. They are creatively designed to magnetically stick together and even expand when you open them (they don't have a name for the product yet, so feel free to email them with your brilliant suggestions). Also, a picture of my favorite exhibitor booth from Crumpler bags, a company reminiscent of Timbuktu, based out of Melbourne, Australia.
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