MacDirectory Magazine

MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.

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112 MacDirectory REVIEW COMPANY PROFILE AXIOTRON > WRITING THE FUTURE Founded in January 2005, Axiotron is a publicly traded company listed at the TSX Venture Exchange in Toronto, with headquarters and operations in El Segundo, Calif. Axiotron trades under the stock ticker symbol AXO . The company develops, manufactures and markets solution hardware products such as the award-winning Modbook, the revolutionary tablet Mac that seamlessly integrates an Apple MacBook computer, a state-of-the-art Wacom pen digitizer and Axiotron's own hardware and software technology. Axiotron also offers the easy-to-use SketchBook for the Modbook. Designed for pen-based interaction, SketchBook Express is a perfect fit for the Modbook's nimble and highly sensitive pen input system. And it's the ideal tool for new users, who can start sketching in seconds and become productive in minutes. A full version of SketchBook Express comes pre-installed on every Modbook at no additional charge, including Modbooks built through Axiotron Modservice. With SketchBook Express, the one and only tablet Mac becomes the ultimate mobile digital sketchbook. Sketchbook gives artists a wide variety of tools to use including a unique arced tool palette, a simple arc gently tucked away in either lower corner – or hidden altogether if you want to clear the canvas and focus on your creations. The arced tool palette gives you one-flick access to major tools, layers support where you have the flexibility to work with up to three layers (unlimited layer stacking is available if you upgrade to SketchBook Pro). Each layer has its own transparency slider and can be hidden when needed, and move, rotate and scale functions, which can be performed with one tool. Customers can place an order through an Axiotron authorized dealer for a Modbook built on a new Apple MacBook base system, or transform their existing computer through Axiotron Modservice. For more information go to: . WORDS BY MARY ROSENTHOL WACOM INTUOS 4 AIRBRUSH WORDS BYTREY YANCY Wacom's reputation for top quality digitizing tools is an undisputed fact. This is equally due to the advanced design of its drawing tablets (such as its OLED technology that enables the user to reorient the LED icons on the tablet) and the cordless, battery-less technology of its pens and mice. One is the Intuos 4 Airbrush Pen. It has much in common with the Intuos 4 stylus (high-resolution pressure and tilt sensitivity, programmable button, pressure-sensitive eraser tip), but it follows the general shape of a physical airbrush and adds an airbrush-style top wheel that can be programmed for varying such things as pressure, thickness and opacity on the fly. Artists who are experienced with physical airbrushes are used to the feel of a cylindrical tube with dangling hose and connector on the underside of the instrument. Wacom's airbrush abandons the traditional shape for one with a tapering tail and a chunky .5" x .75" x 1.5" lobe below. While some may find this a comfortable design, others may themselves longing for a tapered, ergonomic lobe, which might make it easier for some users to grip and to manipulate the instrument. Recommendation Traditional airbrushes come in a wide variety of shapes and much of the purchasing decision relies on the hands-on feel of the instrument. The same could be said for digitizing instruments. Bearing this in mind, it might be a good idea not to order the pen online, but to visit a physical Wacom dealer and check out the feel of the Intuos 4 Airbrush Pen for yourself. This is a high-quality pen and it has a shape that will appeal to many users, but it would be nice it if could come in a shape that is universally appealing. Product Wacom Intuos 4 Airbrush Pen Made by Wacom Price $99.95 Pros Tilt and pressure sensitivity, eraser tip, programmable button and wheel Cons Ungainly shape Rating ★★★★★

Fall-Winter 2010 (#43)

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