The new Modbook features a collection of hardware and software changes impacting almost every aspect of the device. Axiotron has upgraded the Modbook’s hardware controller board for improved sleep, battery and system performance. In addition, specially designed radio frequency (RF) shielding boosts the digitizer’s responsiveness, markedly reducing the potential for electronic interference with its pen tablet functionality, says Axiotron CEO Andreas E. Haas.

Also, a new bonding process for the Modbook’s AnyView LCD panel and paper-emulating ForceGlass screen cover results in a better contrast ratio, a firmer etched drawing surface, and decreased parallax between pen tip and cursor -- refinements that add even more accuracy to the Modbook’s already unrivaled drawing and writing experience, he adds. Most noticeably, the Modbook now incorporates Axiotron’s QuadCoat process -- adapted from auto industry techniques -- that protects the magnesium top shell with a liquid metallic coating. This, in addition to other changes, decreases the weight of the highly portable Modbook to only 5.3 pounds.

The Axiotron Modbook now offers 100 percent support of the Apple MacBook base system’s native Bluetooth capability. Bluetooth devices such as a keyboard or mouse will pair with the Modbook. The GPS antenna has been reconfigured to provide improvement in obtaining a four-satellite fix in an unobstructed outdoor area, enabling the Modbook’s GPS module to furnish coordinate data to third-party GPS applications with greater reliability.

Axiotron has specially designed new internal Mu-metal shielding that boosts pen tablet responsiveness by greatly decreasing the potential for interference from electronic noise sources, Haas says. Autodesk SketchBook Express 2009, sketching and drawing application, is now exclusively available on the Modbook as part of its standard software package. Axiotron plans additional software enhancements for all Modbook users in early 2009.

Customers can purchase a Modbook two different ways. A complete Axiotron Modbook solution including a MacBook base system is available starting at US$2,249. Customers can also get a Modbook through Modservice, Axiotron’s innovative new service enabling most non-aluminum Intel Core 2 Duo-based Apple MacBooks to be converted into an Axiotron Modbook starting at just $1,299.

(Read our review of the first gen Modbook here).