“Axiotron originally began marketing the devices as a ‘TabletMac’ as referenced in this 2007 press release and filed a trademark for the term. Sometime in the past year, however, the trademark was transferred from Axiotron to Apple, and Apple is now listed as the owner of the trademark,” Kim reports.
Read more in the full article here.
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very interesting. Something like Apple owning an iphone domain for several years
“iTablet” would have been much better.
Doesn’t mean anything – they just want to own the name themselves. Besides, if using this naming convention, it would be MacTablet – to follow MacBook and Mac Mini, etc… not TabletMac.
MacSlate?
TabletMac is probably going to be a table-talk name in much the same way it is with Axiotron. Axiotron sells them as ModBooks and I’m sure Apple will think of something else clever when the device is ultimately released.
OK, so how does Axiotron get away with selling a non-Apple branded “Modbook” when Psystar can’t?
This Modbook is basically the same hardware Apple uses in its laptops. I’m assuming a user still has to purchase a copy of Mac OS X alongside the cost of the Modbook right? Isn’t this also considered a “non-Apple computer” and would be in violation of the user license for running Mac OS X?
It’s still basically a modded Mac, no different than what Psystar was selling and the user was still required to purchase a copy of Mac OS X from Psystar as well. How then is Axiotron any different from Psystar, all bureaucratic, legal mumbo-jumbo aside?
With all the complaining about Psystar on MDN, seriously, I just don’t get it….
Perhaps I answered my own question reading into the fine print. Axiotron converts an Apple-purchased computer into this for you, therefore voiding the warranty.
I stand corrected.
Jim R.: Yuh? This company, Axiotron, is taking an existing Apple product and simply converting it. They are not loading Mac OS onto a non-Apple product as was Psystar. Totally different ball game and one that does not violate Apple license in any way.
@Jim R. It’s because they use an actual Macbook to make the product so it is an Apple branded machine it’s just modded. If Psystar had bought Mac Pro’s and changed the aluminum to lets say gold then Apple would have 0 problems with that as it is an Apple branded machine. Your warranty for both is voided via Apple however.
@Jim R
Axiotron is buying Macbooks from Apple, modifying them by adding custom hardware (touchscreen, etc), then reselling them with the OS that shipped with them. Psystar was selling non-Apple PC’s and a modified version of OS X. Axiotron’s product not considered a non-Apple computer, but a modification kit to an existing Apple computer. Reseller’s can modify Apple systems and bundle additional products: RAM, hard drives, monitors, input devices, etc. They can’t sell the OS on completely non-Apple hardware.
@Jim R.
Huge difference between Axiotron and Psystar.
Axiotron starts with a stock MacBook – meeting the EULA for OS X – and installs a new screen. It’s not “basically the same hardware”… it is the same hardware.
@Jim R.
Nice to see someone correct themselves gracefully and contribute some thoughts of substance.
Humor and paying homage to memes is fine, but a bit too rampant here.
Yeah, the $699 is for the touchscreen mod, you have to supply your own Macbook.
Don’t forget the iBook! This name has now rested long enough to be usable for a new product, and it would fit nicely with the expected ability to read books and magazines.
Not at all surprising. Apple can’t allow others to have computing products or consumer devices with the word iPod, or Mac in their names. It’s protection of the trademark – they are required to protect these in order to preserve them.
No doubt, Apple got word that Axiotron was using the TabletMac name and sent them a letter telling them that they’d contest their trademark application. Looks like the matter was “amicably” settled by the transfer which may have also involved a small pittance from one party to the other.
And the founder of Axiotron is also x-Apple employee.
I am reminded of the old adage:
“Sometimes it is wiser to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool…
than to open it and remove all doubt”
LOL.
I don’t like the name “TabletMac”. I think, since the apple tablet is going to be Apple re-inventing the book/magazine and killing the Kindle, they should dust off the “iBook” trademark and call it the new iBook. It just flows: iPod, iPhone, iBook. And it tells the customer EXACTLY what it’s supposed to be replacing.
I don’t suspect Apple plans to use the name. Axiotron didn’t actually use it, either — it probably stepped on the existing “Mac” trademark.
MacPal, MacBuddy if it’s running Mac OS X, or iPal, iBuddy if iPhone OS?
How about iTablet? Oh wait. That one is taken. And the innovators who own that name rightly recommend Microsoft Windows Vista®. Suck it, MAC dorks.
http://www.itablet.com/
Your potential. Our passion.™
Zuney! you’re back hurrah!
but iTablet sounds wank!
I think I’d prefer “Mac touch”, just like Mac mini.
Apple’s not going to use the name, they just can’t have Axiotron or anyone else using the Mac name when selling computers.
This reminds me of something that happened in North Carolina a few years ago. Every mini-mart in NC had scratch & win phone cards but right before NC started their lottery, they passed a law that outlawed them. They didn’t want any competitors.
Apple is doing the same thing, they’re preparing to launch the iTablet.