Apple Trademarks 'TabletMac' -- Is it a Sign?
December rolls in and with it it brings the latest piece of gossip about Apple's supposed plans for a Mac tablet.
We've heard little or nothing about Apple's tablet in the last few weeks. Ever since Digitimes reported that the device had been delayed well into 2010 and a more expensive OLED version had been added to the mix, all had been relatively quiet on the iPad front. Until today.
Apple has taken control of the TabletMac trademark, a moniker previously owned by a company called Axiotron. MacRumors reports that a couple of years ago, Axiotron developed an aftermarket modification for the MacBook that converted the Apple laptop into a tablet. The mod involved removing the keyboard and display of a regular MacBook and adding a Wacom pen-based screen.
At the time, the company referred to the device as the TabletMac and filed for a trademark for the name. However, sometime in the last year, the trademark for TabletMac was transferred to Apple.
Axiotron still sells the TabletMac (now branded the Axiotron ModBook), and so far, it's a bit of a mystery as to what Apple plans to do with the name. Sure, the Cupertino-based company could develop a tablet and call it the TabletMac but it's not exactly a catchy name. It's also not the only name they have trademarked; don't forget, MacPad (with just one 'd') is always a possibility!
If you're interested in a ModBook, you can pick one up for $699 here.
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Nothing to see here folks. Move along, move along.
Sooooooo... Apple killed TechCrunch right?
How does Modbook do this? Didn't Apple just sue Pystar into oblivion.
Who owns the itablet?
How does Modbook do this? Didn't Apple just sue Pystar into oblivion.
I wondered that too. Perhaps because they're modifying Apple-branded machines that each come with their own version of OSX?
Because Modbook is taking (aka, paying full price) a mac and modifying it, rather than buying hardware elsewere and tricking it to work. So it's all still running on Apple hardware, doesn't upset apple.
TabletMac sounds horrible. I wouldn't think apple would call it that. They may just be protecting themselves against impostors.
Call it what ever you want, Just make the Dam thing..........................
I guess "Macblet" sounded a tad too nefarious for Apple's taste
...
TabletMac sounds horrible. I wouldn't think apple would call it that. They may just be protecting themselves against impostors.
Yeah, pretty sure Apple will not pick something like that for one of their product's name. They will probably go for the obvious iTablet or MacWrite or whatever.
I think that Apple took the "TabletMac" TM because they don't want cause confusion between the buyers when they show the "iTablet"
like who cares....just another reason for Apple to sell another over hyped expensive product!!! If you want a tablet go and get one and stop waiting to get the exact same thing...only 1000 dollars when it comes out for apple.
only 1000 dollars MORE is what I meant...
I think that Apple took the "TabletMac" TM because they don't want cause confusion between the buyers when they show the "iTablet"
I was going to say what about the "iTablet"
They should make it 30" wide and call it the BigMac.
Hmm... Big Mac...
iPad anyone?
It's funny that there's so much hype around this mythical devices... with no legit source whatsoever... and everyone's assuming it as already the next big innovation from Apple... meh, i'd prefer the microsoft tablet ( dont remember what's it called)... the concept video looks great...
If the OLED version doesn't cost at least $1500 it isn't worth buying. The problem with current TabletPCs is they lack the processing power to do anything meaningful. If they pair this with an Atom or an Intel GMA, then its a completely boned idea to even attempt. Especially if your spending extra on a large OLED.
why not tMac?
How soon before we see worshipping at the taberMacle...?
How about MoneyDrainerCrapMac
?