In Pictures: The evolution of the tablet PC

We live in explosively innovative times for tablet computing and mobile apps. But it didn't all happen overnight. Most attempts to build a tablet-like computer, going back to the '70s, were not successful. Yet every failure was a lesson learned that led us to the iPad. Here's a look back at how the modern tablet came to be.

Axiotron Modbook (2007)

The Modbook was the iPad's clumsy predecessor that essentially converted a MacBook computer into a tablet device. Because it replicated the MacBook, the power-hungry Modbook had mostly the same technical specs as a 2007 MacBook. The device was not produced by Apple and the customer needed to provide his or her own MacBook for the Modbook to work. Axitron charged $800 for the Modbook, but with the addition of the MacBook, the price was closer to $2,000. Needless to say, it was not the most cost effective arrangement.

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