A service that allows MacBook owners to turn their plastic Intel Core 2 Duo MacBook into a “ModBook” is now underway. Axiotron Modservice can turn your White MacBook (for example) into a working Mac tablet using aircraft quality aluminum, and state-of-the-art “Pen Input” technology. Mod-ready units are also available for purchase.

“Customers have been requesting a program like our Modservice,” said Andreas E. Haas, Axiotron’s CEO. “There is something intrinsically appealing about the idea of taking your computer and turning it into a new and exciting product like the Modbook.”

Well, if Apple wasn't going to do it, people took maters into their own hands. Not only did the folks at Axiotron show the world it was doable, but the device itself looks pretty darn good. Not to mention that the experience is said to be great.

Also note-worthy is that the Axiotron Modbook is built using the unique digitizer technology from Wacom, an industry leader in graphics tablet technology for professional artists and consumers. According to Axiotron, the included Axiotron Digitizer Pen is fast (133 position updates per second), accurate (20x display resolution), sensitive (512 levels of pen pressure sensitivity) and efficient (no batteries required).

The Modbook's Axiotron components are covered by a one-year limited warranty. Customers receive more details (such as warranty options available) when purchasing a Modbook through Axiotron Modservice.

Interested parties need to place an order request on the company's website, entering their MacBook's serial number and some contact information. No payment is necessary to place an order request. However, entering your order request is necessary as it grants you a place in line when Modbook conversions get underway in November. And, by the looks of it, it's going to be quite a line. Axiotron Modbook starts at just $1,299. You can grab an already modded unit for almost double the price ($2,199), but it's still a fair price, considering these guys are doing geeks a favor that Apple passed on.

Upon placing your order request, an Axiotron Authorized Service Provider will contact you with instructions on where to send your MacBook for conversion.

A Best of Show winner at Macworld 2007, the Modbook is touted as “the fastest state tablet computer on the planet.” Look into it here, or see an interview (below) with one of the makers of the Modbook at MacWorld 2007.