The Modbook.___Colan

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/05/modbook.png


http://techluver.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/axiotron_modbook.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIPkWaR7jDw&eurl=about:blank

My initial reaction upon seeing the Modbook from Apple computers was one of excitement. I personally use a tablet that it connected to my computer using a usb cable, so occasionally i am stuck with a mess of wires depending on the work i am doing. Also at first it was difficult to get used to the tablet and the movement of the stylist in relation to what was on the screen. However with the Modbook, they have solved those certain negative points. This is also the only tablet screen computer that i have found thus far that runs on a Apple operating system.

(Trustworthy)

Apple computers are established computers that are a reliable brand. Possibly even considered more reliable then PC operating systems. Apple computers' operating systems are also set up so that they suit individuals in a more graphic field or profession.

(Appropriate)

Have said that. the fact that now with the Modbook, having a tablet screen operating on Apple computer could be considered a perfect fit; catering to the majority of individuals who use Apple products. Which would show that the design of the product is appropriate for its target audience with which Apple is gearing this product towards. Instead of having a separate tablet that takes up ports on your computer, and having a mess of cables, the Modbook removes those issues and creates a sleek, covenant product.

(Smart/Clever)

When looking at this product one might start to question the practicality of replacing the keyboard for a screen. What happens if you need to type something up? Well with the tablet screen, (as seen in the video) you have the ability to hand write what you with to type up on the screen, and the computer itself with take your hand-written text and translate it in to type. You also have the option to tap on the tablet onto a digital keyboard using the stylist as if you were using a real one. This design feature is also clever as it anticipated the possible problem with the design of the computer and how one would interact with it and provided two possible solutions to cater to their preferences.

(Responsive)

The Modbook has positives and negatives towards it responsively. Another feature of the Modbook is that the tablet is pressure sensitive allowing you to vary your thickness of line if you were using the tablet to illustrate something on your computer. However with this feature it seems, that there is a slight delay from when you move the tablet to create these lines to when the lines actually appear on the screen(shown in video). This personally would annoy me.

(Ludic)

The operating system for Apple computers itself offers a lot of play with regards to how a user interacts with the software on the computers. For example there are several different ways to open a document; dragging the icon to the program logo you wish to open it with, right clicking the file and selecting from a list of compatible programs, opening a program and then importing the file you wish to use, or pre-setting the computer so that it opens certain programs automatically when a certain type of file is recognized. The options give the user room for play with the options provided to them.

(Pleasurable)

The overall design, aesthetically for the Modbook is a sleek portable feel. Now not possessing a flip up screen the computer itself is one solid unit, that gives the individual using it most likely the feel that is its a notebook or possible sketch pad. This type of feel or recognition the user might have with the computer suits its purpose as it is meant to facilitate a more comfortable experience with a tablet on a Apple operating system.

If I personally was involved in the development process of the creation of this product, I would have liked to participate on the brainstorming and troubleshooting of the product. I feel that these two elements of the design process I would enjoy because when it comes to brainstorming related to something i am familiar with to this degree as with the Modbook, I enjoy comming up wth new ways or ideas to view a concept and to witness the creation of t from start to finished. Having said that, in order to see the concept or creation from start to finished I would probably need to do a fair amount of troubleshooting which I find an interesting challenge; trying to come up with solutions to possibly anticipated problems in order to continue with whatever process the concept may be in.