Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak to appear at Macworld

***AppleInsider*** · 12-31-2008, 02:50 PM

While the verdict is out on whether Apple chief executive Steve Jobs will make some form of appearance at next week's Macworld Expo, the 'other Steve' that helped co-found the company more than 30 years ago will be on hand to throw his weight behind a third-party product launch.

Modbook maker Axiotron announced Wednesday that Wozniak, an active member of its board of advisors, will participate in the unveiling of the company's latest products and technologies in the main presentation area of its booth (#502) on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009, at 12 pm.

Axiotron's booth has drawn some of the largest crowds at the past two Macworld Expos as show-goers flocked to take its "Modbook" tablet computer for a test run. The device, which sells for $2,249 and above, is an after-market hardware modification to Apple's MacBook notebooks that transforms the portables into the "first ever Mac OS X tablet computer solution."

At this year's show, Axiotron's chief executive Andreas Haas will highlight the improved and enhanced Modbook and also provide a first look at the company's latest innovations, including Quickscript, its new handwriting recognition software.

Haas will also offer a window into Axiotron’s unique product development process, while Wozniak present his vision of how Axiotron’s approach may represent a bridge between past breakthroughs and future innovations.

"I look forward to Steve’s participation at Macworld," Haas said. "His excitement about our Modbook has been both gratifying and inspiring. As fellow Newton MessagePad enthusiasts, Steve and I share the desire to bring back some of those powerful pen tablet features that have been dormant for so long, and I am delighted to present some of what we have been working on."

The event will be open to all Macworld attendees.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

emulator · 12-31-2008, 03:03 PM

yes, and people will sure be curious about HIS opinon on iphone, ipod and everything apple has done in the last 10 years.

Ireland · 12-31-2008, 03:09 PM

Shocking!

And btw, I promise you Steve Jobs will make an appearance. That much is the most obvious thing ever.

bloggerblog · 12-31-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

Shocking!

And btw, I promise you Steve Jobs will make an appearance. That much is the most obvious thing ever.

Stop guessing!

Tofino · 12-31-2008, 03:16 PM

at least with the likely low turnout at macworld, there will be lots of room for his segway in the isles...

Ireland · 12-31-2008, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloggerblog

Stop guessing!

I did.

BuzDots · 12-31-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

And btw, I promise you Steve Jobs will make an appearance. That much is the most obvious thing ever.

I would guess that Steve and Phil are about to blow the hinges off the media, by pulling that old “one last thing” trick out of their hats.

I bet Phil does the whole song and dance presentation leading to reduced expectations from the crowd, then at the very end on walks Steve looking like a million bucks (+20 lbs) and pulls the iPod tablet out of his pocket and says “it’s available everywhere this afternoon” That will put Phil in the drivers seat and set the hypers on their collective heels.

OK, a guy can dream can’t he?

ncee · 12-31-2008, 04:47 PM

Maybe more like,

Phil ends by saying:

"Oh yeah, there's one more thing I'd like to show off (or talk about)" at that time, it's then that Steve J. enters the stage - looking pretty good. Steve gets a HUGH standing Ovation, and after it quiets down, he sets the stage for Apple's New (?).

Phil finishes up with the intro on the new product as we watch Steve leave the stage one last time - YES to a Standing O, with folks chanting "Steve, Steve, Steve"!

Phil then announces to the stage "Bono" or someone BIG, who sings one of Steve's favorite songs … any every one runs to the auditorium to look at and touch the newest Apple product.

I must admit, I like my version better then what will liely happen … nothing.

I don't know what Steve or Phil could announce that will not cause Apple stock to tank?

Skip

steviet02 · 12-31-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncee

Last edited by ncee; Today at 04:53 PM.. Reason: hadn't finished

Skip

Sorry, but you were 'finished' before you started that post.

EyeNsteinNo · 12-31-2008, 06:28 PM

The "one more thing" will be Jobs announcing that Woz will become CEO after he retires.

Ireland · 12-31-2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuzDots

I would guess that Steve and Phil are about to blow the hinges off the media, by pulling that old “one last thing” trick out of their hats.

Possibly, I don't know though.

Ireland · 12-31-2008, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeNsteinNo

The "one more thing" will be Jobs announcing that Woz will become CEO after he retires.

Pretty much every good strategic move Apple has done in the last 10 years Woz has thought was a bad idea - so in that sense I hope you're wrong.

SpamSandwich · 12-31-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncee

Maybe more like,

Phil ends by saying:

"Oh yeah, there's one more thing I'd like to show off (or talk about)" at that time, it's then that Steve J. enters the stage - looking pretty good. Steve gets a HUGH standing Ovation, and after it quiets down, he sets the stage for Apple's New (?).

Phil finishes up with the intro on the new product as we watch Steve leave the stage one last time - YES to a Standing O, with folks chanting "Steve, Steve, Steve"!

OR... Phil finishes his keynote, Steve comes out for "one more thing" and announces he's dying.

(I'm kidding!)

Ireland · 12-31-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

OR... Phil finishes his keynote, Steve comes out for "one more thing" and announces he's dying.

It's hilarious that everyone is getting their knickers in a twist, and myself and Spam are cracking jokes. Happy new year!

quinney · 12-31-2008, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeNsteinNo

The "one more thing" will be Jobs announcing that Woz will become CEO after he retires.

CEO of what? Psystar?

walshbj · 12-31-2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

It's hilarious that everyone is getting their knickers in a twist, and myself and Spam are cracking jokes. Happy new year!

Every time there's an event and the tablet isn't announced and the musical guest starts I feel like Mortimer Duke at the end of Trading Places. "Turn those machines back on!"

winterspan · 12-31-2008, 10:35 PM

Anyone own(ed) a relatively new modbook? Do they work well? And what type of tech does the display use? Is it as accurate as a Wacom? does it have multiple pressure levels like a Wacom? It would be sweet to have a "mobile Cintique" or whatever that thing is called...

gastroboy · 12-31-2008, 10:35 PM

If you wanted someone to "throw their weight" behind the proceedings, Woz is definitely your man.

Steve Jobs is likely to just bounce off the crepe paper decorations.

SpamSandwich · 12-31-2008, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walshbj

Every time there's an event and the tablet isn't announced and the musical guest starts I feel like Mortimer Duke at the end of Trading Places. "Turn those machines back on!"

Very true.

SpamSandwich · 12-31-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

It's hilarious that everyone is getting their knickers in a twist, and myself and Spam are cracking jokes. Happy new year!

Happy New Year to you too!

SpamSandwich · 12-31-2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gastroboy

If you wanted someone to "throw their weight" behind the proceedings, Woz is definitely your man.

Steve Jobs is likely to just bounce off the crepe paper decorations.

Woz certainly adds heft to any event... especially events involving lasers.

ascii · 12-31-2008, 11:32 PM

Why is he getting behind a product that involves hacking up an existing Mac? It's like poking Steve Jobs in the eye.

Halvri · 12-31-2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

Pretty much every good strategic move Apple has done in the last 10 years Woz has thought was a bad idea - so in that sense I hope you're wrong.

Woz is a very good engineer, but he's an idiot businessman. Were he in charge of Apple, OS X would be "the other Vista" right now. He has, several times, shown open contempt for tying hardware and software together and said he finds the iPhone to be interesting, but ultimately pointless. Were Woz to take over Apple, he would undo absolutely everything Steve Jobs has worked so hard to create and fix.

Woz is not a bad man, but honestly, he's kind of a joke.

teckstud · 12-31-2008, 11:58 PM

If only he hadn't broken up with Kathy Griffin.

JDW · 01-01-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

Woz certainly adds heft to any event...

He certainly does.
The man must weigh 225lbs now.

And as to the silly CEO remarks, anyone remember Wheels of Zeus?

Woz may have been a genius as an engineer in his prime, but what has he done since then? And even if one can argue that Woz has engineered something great outside Apple (universal remote controllers perhaps?), such is by no means a qualification for being a CEO. One of Apple's all time worst CEO's ever (Spindler) had an engineering background. I like Woz personally, and I think he has a true heart of gold. And in this day and age, such is rare. But again, that doesn't qualify him to lead any company, more less Apple.

So in summary, I wish to reply to this article by saying...

...who cares?!

MacTel · 01-01-2009, 02:13 AM

It is always good to see the Woz promote some Apple products. He's not always complimentary towards Apple but neither am I.

Maybe Woz should take the helm of Apple when Jobs retires.

Or maybe not.

cacticritter · 01-01-2009, 03:37 AM

Go Woz! You're awesome!

zunx · 01-01-2009, 04:31 AM

The Axiotron Modbook is too large and too heavy. Even the MacBook Air is too large and too heavy. Give us a 5-inch device with 400 g or so and we are sold. Something like this:

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2008/12...al-experience/

but with Mac OS X inside (see first picture):

http://spidouz.wordpress.com/2008/09...ooks-and-games

PXT · 01-01-2009, 07:39 AM

So Woz is backing a company that makes a product that will either drift along in mediocrity because no-one wants a tablet or get overtaken by Apple because everyone wants a tablet.

Way to pick a winner !

Ireland · 01-01-2009, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walshbj

Every time there's an event and the tablet isn't announced and the musical guest starts I feel like Mortimer Duke at the end of Trading Places. "Turn those machines back on!"

Haha! Well I wasn't expecting it yet, but I can imagine feeling that way if I was. I want it badly too. "Feeling good Lewis!"

Ireland · 01-01-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PXT

So Woz is backing a company that makes a product that will either drift along in mediocrity because no-one wants a tablet or get overtaken by Apple because everyone wants a tablet.

Way to pick a winner !

Am I that tired or did that not make sense?

ntrembat · 01-01-2009, 03:03 PM

Cool: the Woz can foment political pressure inside Apple for a reprised release of the Newton—Q1, 2010. We'z likez tha Woz.

1st · 01-01-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halvri

Woz is not a bad man, but honestly, he's kind of a joke.

Gee, what kind of joker are you? What you have achieved in your life compare to Woz? Scary!

**JeffDM** · 01-01-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steviet02

Sorry, but you were 'finished' before you started that post.

So were you in posting that bit of pointlessness.

Quote:

Originally Posted by winterspan

Anyone own(ed) a relatively new modbook? Do they work well? And what type of tech does the display use? Is it as accurate as a Wacom? does it have multiple pressure levels like a Wacom? It would be sweet to have a "mobile Cintique" or whatever that thing is called...

Last I heard, it has 512 levels of pressure, the original had 256 but it was updated to 512 through software. I've never seen or used a Modbook, I can't say.

nvidia2008 · 01-01-2009, 10:15 PM

While the comments on this thread have been thoroughly hilarious,

back on topic... The modbook would kickass if they announced/demoed the MacBookAirModbook or MacBookAluminiumModBook (with sexier names, of course).

A ModBook based off a MacBook Air would be killer.

Right now the ModBook looks like it incorporates the white MacBook.

Axiotron announcing a "AirBook" Tablet (AirTablet?) (AirPad?) based on the MacBook Air would be, pretty darn impressive and shave 50% of the weight of the thing.

If Woz has any common sense left in that "geek in the clouds" brain of his, this would be the thing to put his "heft" on.

An ultrasexy Apple tablet, for a variety of applications. The AirPad.

Woz. As happy as I am for him enjoying himself and being a happy human being, he brings the term "Sloppy Seconds" to a whole, whole new level.

nvidia2008 · 01-01-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

Am I that tired or did that not make sense?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PXT

So Woz is backing a company that makes a product that will either drift along in mediocrity because no-one wants a tablet or get overtaken by Apple because everyone wants a tablet.
Way to pick a winner !

Ireland, PXT's comment makes sense.

If the tablet is the next great big thing, then Axiotron is f*ked because Apple will pwn it. Majorly.

Or, the pen-based tablet is on its way out, there is no huge market for it. In which case Axiotron is not going to be huge.

That said though, I think some kind of Mac tablet is important in the market and it is more an issue of cost, weight, availability of more models, and global sales & marketing. That is, a strong business plan to make the Mac tablet succesful regardless of whether or not Apple enters this market space.

A strong business plan, usually not associated with Woz showing up and doing, whatever the hell it is he does. Publicity = good, Woz = not useful from a longer term business perspective.

And Americans need to start thinking globally, lots, lots, more. Which is not Woz's forte, by the way.

If the iPhone 3G did not have such resounding global success, Apple would be in some amount of trouble. Perceptually or actually.

In Asia anyway, the Mac tablet has a lot of potential for creatives, medical, engineering, "just cool to have it" etc. solutions. The Wacom Cintiq I believe is much more expensive than the ModBook, and it's a separate thing. If you had a 15" ModBook or ModBook based on a MacBook Air, globally, even in these down times, the Mac tablet has potential. Have a way to put in a 3G modem somewhere in there, and Boom!

Is Woz really going to make an impact, or contribute to key business goals, or just going to faff about for nostalgia's sake?

Ireland · 01-01-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvidia2008

While the comments on this thread have been thoroughly hilarious,

back on topic... The modbook would kickass if they announced/demoed the MacBookAirModbook or MacBookAluminiumModBook (with sexier names, of course).

The Modbook is not multi-touch, or capacitive. So IMO it's useless. We're not talking a me-too tablet that Apple should make. But something entirely NEW>

With a whole new type of OS for a tablet. Not merely a skinning of OS X, but a complete overhaul. Apple knows the desktop OS is getting pretty long in the tooth, so they are making it work better by rethinking how they do things. They are working on efficiency. But I also believe they are simultaneously working on a full cocoa touch OS X variant for this new category of tablet devices I think to call the "table tablet".

nvidia2008 · 01-01-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

The Modbook is not multi-touch, or capacitive. So IMO it's useless. We're not talking a me-too tablet that Apple should make. But something entirely NEW>

With a whole new type of OS for a tablet. Not merely a skinning of OS X, but a complete overhaul. Apple knows the desktop OS is getting pretty long in the tooth, so they are making it work better by rethinking how they do things. They are working on efficiency. But I also believe they are simultaneously working on a full cocoa touch OS X variant for this new category of tablet devices I think to call the "table tablet".

I think something entirely NEW would be great. But that's not what Axiotron is about right now.

They can continue to do what they do, but they need to take it "to the next level".
1. Airpad (modbook based on MacBook Air) for 13" ultraportable tablet etc.
2. Go up against the Cintiq big time for creative, medical and engineering apps. This means a modbook based on the 15" and even 17" MacBook Pro. The 15" can be handheld. The 17" would be difficult to be handheld, it may be table- or arm-mounted (like in operating theatres for example).
3. Shift their mainstream ModBook table to be based on the aluminium MacBook.

Now this said, the totally new thinking and all that, is where Apple needs to be, and they probably are researching it, at that 10" screen, "netbook/tablet" space, with, I agree, a multi-touch OS X thing somwhere between OS X desktop and iPhone OS.

I don't think this Apple tablet will show up at MacWorld, so Axiotron should continue to have a market niche to play in.

I'm feeling a 10" 3G-enabled Apple "netbook" (not tablet but somewhere between multi-touch and keyboard... somehow... maybe) sold through it's telco partners... may be what Apple will announce in several days.

OK I'm starting to ramble now...

nvidia2008 · 01-01-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

Shocking!

And btw, I promise you Steve Jobs will make an appearance. That much is the most obvious thing ever.

He f*king has to. No Steve Jobs on stage, even a brief five minutes, would be very, very bad, if just from a PR perspective.

gastroboy · 01-02-2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvidia2008

He f*king has to. No Steve Jobs on stage, even a brief five minutes, would be very, very bad, if just from a PR perspective.

He'll be there, soon as the taxidermist is finished with him.

12-31-2008, 02:50 PM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,151	Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak to appear at Macworld While the verdict is out on whether Apple chief executive Steve Jobs will make some form of appearance at next week's Macworld Expo, the 'other Steve' that helped co-found the company more than 30 years ago will be on hand to throw his weight behind a third-party product launch. Modbook maker Axiotron announced Wednesday that Wozniak, an active member of its board of advisors, will participate in the unveiling of the company's latest products and technologies in the main presentation area of its booth (#502) on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009, at 12 pm. Axiotron's booth has drawn some of the largest crowds at the past two Macworld Expos as show-goers flocked to take its "Modbook" tablet computer for a test run. The device, which sells for $2,249 and above, is an after-market hardware modification to Apple's MacBook notebooks that transforms the portables into the "first ever Mac OS X tablet computer solution." At this year's show, Axiotron's chief executive Andreas Haas will highlight the improved and enhanced Modbook and also provide a first look at the company's latest innovations, including Quickscript, its new handwriting recognition software. Haas will also offer a window into Axiotron’s unique product development process, while Wozniak present his vision of how Axiotron’s approach may represent a bridge between past breakthroughs and future innovations. "I look forward to Steve’s participation at Macworld," Haas said. "His excitement about our Modbook has been both gratifying and inspiring. As fellow Newton MessagePad enthusiasts, Steve and I share the desire to bring back some of those powerful pen tablet features that have been dormant for so long, and I am delighted to present some of what we have been working on." The event will be open to all Macworld attendees. [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

12-31-2008, 03:09 PM	#3
Ireland Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 8,557	Shocking! And btw, I promise you Steve Jobs will make an appearance. That much is the most obvious thing ever. Collecting my SSD iMac Fry-die. :D

12-31-2008, 04:47 PM	#8
ncee Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New England Posts: 480	Maybe more like, Phil ends by saying: "Oh yeah, there's one more thing I'd like to show off (or talk about)" at that time, it's then that Steve J. enters the stage - looking pretty good. Steve gets a HUGH standing Ovation, and after it quiets down, he sets the stage for Apple's New (?). Phil finishes up with the intro on the new product as we watch Steve leave the stage one last time - YES to a Standing O, with folks chanting "Steve, Steve, Steve"! Phil then announces to the stage "Bono" or someone BIG, who sings one of Steve's favorite songs … any every one runs to the auditorium to look at and touch the newest Apple product. I must admit, I like my version better then what will liely happen … nothing. I don't know what Steve or Phil could announce that will not cause Apple stock to tank? Skip Last edited by ncee; 12-31-2008 at 04:53 PM.. Reason: hadn't finished

12-31-2008, 06:28 PM	#10
EyeNsteinNo Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 75	One more thing The "one more thing" will be Jobs announcing that Woz will become CEO after he retires.

12-31-2008, 11:58 PM	#24
teckstud Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,115	If only he hadn't broken up with Kathy Griffin. Once you go Mac, you never go back!

12-31-2008, 03:03 PM	#2
emulator Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 115	yes, and people will sure be curious about HIS opinon on iphone, ipod and everything apple has done in the last 10 years.

12-31-2008, 03:16 PM	#5
Tofino Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 334	the WOZ? at least with the likely low turnout at macworld, there will be lots of room for his segway in the isles... Tofino

12-31-2008, 10:35 PM	#17
winterspan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Boise, ID among others Posts: 529	Anyone own(ed) a relatively new modbook? Do they work well? And what type of tech does the display use? Is it as accurate as a Wacom? does it have multiple pressure levels like a Wacom? It would be sweet to have a "mobile Cintique" or whatever that thing is called...

12-31-2008, 10:35 PM	#18
gastroboy Banned Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 526	If you wanted someone to "throw their weight" behind the proceedings, Woz is definitely your man. Steve Jobs is likely to just bounce off the crepe paper decorations.

12-31-2008, 11:32 PM	#22
ascii Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 791	Why is he getting behind a product that involves hacking up an existing Mac? It's like poking Steve Jobs in the eye.

01-01-2009, 02:13 AM	#26
MacTel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 634	It is always good to see the Woz promote some Apple products. He's not always complimentary towards Apple but neither am I. Maybe Woz should take the helm of Apple when Jobs retires. Or maybe not. Tory Hagen Break the Wedge!

01-01-2009, 03:37 AM	#27
cacticritter Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 8	Totally Awesome Go Woz! You're awesome!

01-01-2009, 04:31 AM	#28
zunx Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 373	The Axiotron Modbook is too large and too heavy. Even the MacBook Air is too large and too heavy. Give us a 5-inch device with 400 g or so and we are sold. Something like this: http://www.gottabemobile.com/2008/12...al-experience/ but with Mac OS X inside (see first picture): http://spidouz.wordpress.com/2008/09...ooks-and-games

01-01-2009, 07:39 AM	#29
PXT Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The West Posts: 306	So Woz is backing a company that makes a product that will either drift along in mediocrity because no-one wants a tablet or get overtaken by Apple because everyone wants a tablet. Way to pick a winner !

01-01-2009, 03:03 PM	#32
ntrembat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 13	Cool: the Woz can foment political pressure inside Apple for a reprised release of the Newton—Q1, 2010. We'z likez tha Woz.

01-01-2009, 10:15 PM	#35
nvidia2008 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 3,700	While the comments on this thread have been thoroughly hilarious, back on topic... The modbook would kickass if they announced/demoed the MacBookAirModbook or MacBookAluminiumModBook (with sexier names, of course). A ModBook based off a MacBook Air would be killer. Right now the ModBook looks like it incorporates the white MacBook. Axiotron announcing a "AirBook" Tablet (AirTablet?) (AirPad?) based on the MacBook Air would be, pretty darn impressive and shave 50% of the weight of the thing. If Woz has any common sense left in that "geek in the clouds" brain of his, this would be the thing to put his "heft" on. An ultrasexy Apple tablet, for a variety of applications. The AirPad. Woz. As happy as I am for him enjoying himself and being a happy human being, he brings the term "Sloppy Seconds" to a whole, whole new level. Last edited by nvidia2008; 01-01-2009 at 10:23 PM..

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