I would get something like this for writing and sketching if it's responsive enough and doesn't get smeared up from my hand resting on it. Mimicking a journal somehow feels like a selling point to me. Now does it come in various sizes like paper journals do? :)
no two
· 2 months ago
Apple would never go for dual screen thing. Are we going back in time??
I love everyone
· 2 months ago
Tell that to Nintendo's DS that wiped the floor with PSP, it's about integrating modern technology into devices that are integral to our lives i.e. replacing books and dayplanners with something that is of a similar physical appearance.
Gaetano Marano
· 2 months ago
it's interesting but looks too big and heavy, also, it's not a new idea, since pretty similar to the ASUS eBook and the OLPC v. 2.0 concepts
dineshv
· 2 months ago
it is looking quite bulky.
xxdesmus
· 2 months ago
I'd buy one in a second if they can keep the price under $400. This thing looks incredible.
Rob
· 2 months ago
Likewise. Except, it'd have to be AUD not USD.
Gaetano Marano
· 2 months ago
with its dual eee-like display it should cost at least 30% more than a netbook
xxdesmus
· 2 months ago
I never said it was *likely* they'd keep it under $400. :P It's just wishful thinking on my part. Anything over $400 will make it a hard sell in my opinion.
Gaetano Marano
· 2 months ago
personally, all TWIN-screen computers (like the OLPC 2.0) eBooks (like the ASUS concept) or tablets (like this MS concept) are WRONG because two small displays never can be better than ONE slightly larger "touch" display, also, two display make the tablet/PC/eBook to cost more -- that's why the ("rumored") 9" Apple tablet/fat-iPod could be a success, while, this MS concept won't never reach the market
Matt Speer
· 2 months ago
"this MS concept won't never reach the market"
So, you're convinced that they will be able to make this and get it in the market then, great! (I never don't like double negatives ;-))
More to the point, I will take a dual screen over a larger single screen. Makes it easier for separation of tasks and sharing between. The video presents this nicely.
I look at this thing as being like a planner, journal, tablet all in one. Has PDA functions for contacts and calendars, a possibly well thought out journal structure that handles multimedia, and can browse the internet (hopefully better browser than the Zune HD seems to have).
My guess would be that this is not Windows 7 based but CE (like XBox and Zune) and if it is far enough out then it could use a second generation Tegra.
Cost could definitely be an issue but it could also depend on what the target market is. If it does come in at too high a price point it would have to be aimed at something other than the general consumer market.
saniiro
· 2 months ago
I don't know about you, but as a college student the 2 screen folding idea is much more appealing then a rumored Apple tablet with a bigger screen. All I have to do is fold it in half and the screens are protected, and the whole journaling concept they seem to be marketing also would be of interest considering I take a lot of notes and it would be handy to have all my notes better organized all in one handy dandy device.
honest apple fan boy
· 2 months ago
I agree. Uni students will find this design infinitely superior to the scratch fest giganto-ipod
Apostol Apostolov
· 2 months ago
You're not considering portability factor. Foldable two-screen design is very useful because it takes half the space to keep and carry around, and both screens protect against each other (similar to Nintendo DS) compared to a large screen you are likely to worry a lot not to get scratched, dirty, etc.
Doug
· 2 months ago
Too bad it'll be crippled with Windows. I wonder if it'll run Snow Leopard?
Jason Lor
· 2 months ago
As it stands, Windows 7 is looking to be pretty good. I use a Mac myself but recently it looks like Microsoft is getting itself back together. If they can execute on this in the same manner that they have done with the Zune HD-they might just have a home run or give Apple a run for their money.
Doug
· 2 months ago
"As it stands, Windows 7 is looking to be pretty good." So I understand (as another Mac user ;-) but Windows is very heavy on resources, and portable devices need great battery life, instant on (don't you just love that about the Macbook?) and a snappy UI - all of which are difficult with a bloated OS on a small device. I really hope they do get it together, as competition is always good, but I'm not holding my breath. As Leon says, the corporate drones are likely to kill it off even if the engineers make something cool.
Moses Roberts
· 2 months ago
The Zune software is very light weight and portable. With Microsoft's new head of E&D, J. Allard, I'm sure Microsoft's portable OS's will be extremely light weight. As it stands, Windows 7 is not a huge resource hog at all. I'm speaking out of experience and data check.
Leon
· 2 months ago
Its not about Windows 7 or any version of windows, This device is ALL about the user interface, its good to see microsoft finally begin to understand that, As a Mac fan I wouldn't hesitate to buy this device if they kept the UI as shown in the product demo, but the problem with Microsoft is usually that some drone in Corporate or idiots high up like Steve Ballmer decide to step in a mess with the core idea, they would probably demand that any UI is bolted ontop of a standard windows installation which would screw up the whole experience by adding unnecessary software, all in the name of pushing more windows licenses. I strongly hope that this idea is allowed to grow without interference from the corporate pen pushers. Microsoft could re-invent computing with this if done right.
Nadia
· 2 months ago
OK! Well this is definitely impressive! I hope it will be under 1000k just like the Apple Tablet has been rumored to be! Not that we really know what the apple tablet is going to be or look like... The TWO screens are fantastic! I have always wondered how if the Apple tablet is going to be one screen... will there be a cover? I think it would be a blast if they both launched at the same time!
Jonesy
· 2 months ago
1000k? Good Lord, a million for a tablet??! Only kidding, I know what you mean!
Sean
· 2 months ago
I'll take Apple's version of the tablet over this without even seeing it. It looks ugly and bulky and will "weigh" a tonne when Windows gets on there!
DivinoAG
· 2 months ago
"As with the Apple Tablet, there’s no official specs, no hard launch date, and no definitive price point."
Except the Apple Tablet exists nowhere expect in people's minds, and this at the very least is a prototype. You guys should stop comparing devices to this thing you are just dreaming about, and wait until there is something you can actually compare it to.
Let's all say it together: There is no Apple Tablet. Maybe one day there will be, but not today.
Tim
· 2 months ago
A prototype? There isn't even a prototype here-- no actual physical device. Just 3D computer animation. This thing could be years away from production, if they even plan on producing it. That said, there are several really interesting ideas here, but I question Microsoft's ability to produce something one can interact with so effortlessly.
DivinoAG
· 2 months ago
First of all, a computer animation IS a prototype. An interface prototype, to be exact. That's how you test interactions on the system before you have the final hardware, or how you display to the management/client/suppliers/investors what the final device will look like when work on the interface is farther ahead then work on the hardware.
Second, to quote the source article on Gizmodo, "Courier is a real device, and we've heard that it's in the 'late prototype' stage of development." So that's that.
Tim
· 2 months ago
Sorry, you're right of course. I just find a hardware prototype way more convincing that a product is coming to market than a software prototype. This video could've been created so early on in the process there's no saying what the final product will look like. You may as well compare it to the completely nonexistent Apple tablet. We can imagine what that might be like based on existing products like the iPod Touch. But if Microsoft did make a product like this it would certainly shake things up.
DivinoAG
· 2 months ago
My problem with that logic is precisely that: you cannot compare it to the mythical Apple Tablet, because it is nothing more than a myth.
For years people speculated about what could one day become the iPhone, and when it finally became real, it was nothing like anyone expected, in both good and bad ways. And yet, people are comparing and criticizing new ideas and new products against this dream they have of what the iTablet could be, when in reality (assuming it becomes real), this device probably won't be anything like whatever they imagine it will be.
The Courier, as far from retail as it might be right now, is a real product. At least a real direction for a product, something that can be criticized. Comparing this to the iTablet is comparing it to The Perfect Device I Imagined From The Best Components Without Regard For Price™: it's not only unrealistic, it's unfair to the people that are trying to create good products you can actually buy for a reasonable price.
Personally I also think that is sad to see anyone regard a company only interested in profit like Apple (and any other company, for that matter) as this all-knowing, never-wrong entity that turns all it touches to gold. Makes it really hard for them to notice its mistakes, which are not few.
Moses Roberts
· 2 months ago
Also there are physical prototypes as well. They are to be displayed at Microsoft Stores when they open. Check out Gizmodo's article.
Tim
· 2 months ago
I read Gizmodo's article and it didn't say either of those things.
usb verlangerung
· 2 months ago
I use my Tosh M700 to draw and paint. It's no different than using my Wacom tablet.
I don't know what YOU'RE doing - but my experience is nothing like yours. Perhaps you've got the wrong driver installed. For some reason, Microsoft ships the 'tablet PC' version of the Wacom driver, which essentially reduces the pressure sensitivity to two levels - on and off. If you go over to Wacom's site and get the PenEnabled driver, it gives you full Wacom pressure support.
On the other hand, yes, typing on a screen sucks. That's why most current tablet PCs are convertables.
Mehboob Kasim
· 2 months ago
I think everyone manages to make te pre-release pics look very good. Once real-world apps and their files are on it it all seems to look very diff.
I'm also not sure if the existing OS-es work as well on touch-screen devices. Given the way we need to use computers - type to enter, its presumptuous to expect that pen input (with its own limitations) will take off. Which is why we see on-screen k'boards playing a key role.
Does this mean that touch-screen devices will essentially be used as "laptop" computers with the screens replacing the keyboard?
Derek Jensen
· 2 months ago
Can it really be true? Microsoft for once has already got a competitor against Apple.
Usually they wait a year to see the products flaws and then fix them with their new product, which is never innovative and just looked at as a copy cat.
But this is different. Its like the Amazon Kindle and Mini computer combined.
pranman
· 2 months ago
This design is a Kindle killer.
vaibhavmeswani
· 2 months ago
ya this one is nice and as someone said i dont think this is so bulky... this is nice one but as it is new the prices will be much higher... so let see i can get this one or not ..
ryaninc
· 2 months ago
This thing looks EPIC. Definitely watch the video, it's incredible. I would buy one in a heartbeat.
Bob
· 2 months ago
Courier used to be the name of my pickup made by Ford. I suppose that wouldn't cause any problems. Looking forward to someone making a tablet.
camera batteries
· 2 months ago
Hey this is awesome and interesting one.Anyways if its affordable for me then I will think to purchase it.Thanks for posting it.
rob
· 2 months ago
Is there going to be one for "Lefties"? We lefties will be smearing the left screen all the time..............
jim
· 2 months ago
Just replace one of the screens with a paper pad and you'd have a winner -- at least for business use. Think of inventory managers, car salespeople, doctors or real estate agents.
Anne
· 2 months ago
Microsoft? It looks thick and heavy and who wants a stylus unless it's only to draw? Windows? Puhleeze. I've used computers since 1983 - AT - IBM - Wordperfect in DOS - The very first version of Pagemaker - All Adobe products in both Windows and Mac environments - early Apple machines - Mac 512 K --- early Mac laptops - many versions of Windows - Dells - Acers - HP - Powerbooks - PowerPC - Macbook - Macbook Pro --- The non-apple products have been at work. I have always owned Macs at home. I can't imagine Microsoft ever creating a product I would actually want to buy.
kr_metal
· 2 months ago
Thick and heavy? That's a desktop computer. The courier is a tablet, and when folded it looks like its not much thicker than the average book. FOLDED. A stylus is for people who prefer to naturally write. And who knows? a security system could be used for that, a specific handwriting style. So you want a tablet that you can easily snap and break? That's from Apple. The whole screen would break if you snapped it against your knee or something hard. The courier can be snapped in half sure, but it can be repaired.
RJ
· 2 months ago
The double panel makes it foldable and easier to carry with you. If they would add the feature that you can put it in landscape position where one panel acts like screen and the other is a touch based key board, I do not need a seperate laptop anymore.
I can picture myself sitting in a meeting where I have a document (e.g. minutes) in the lefthand panel and the making (handwritten) notes in the righthand panel. Notes can be selected by drawing a box around it (as outlined in the demo) and linked to the document in the lefthand panel by dragging and dropping. This is a major paradigm shift in usability that the machine adopts itself to me rather than I need to adopt myself to the machine.
Name
· 1 month ago
that (convert second screen to keyboard) actually would be really, really cool.
Will Entrekin
· 2 months ago
Considering that the Apple Tablet is still just a rumor, and Apple neither has a Tablet nor even announced one yet, this really wouldn't be an alternative to it. A Microsoft alternative to the Apple Tablet would be a vaporware device a bunch of blogs drool over while Samsung confirms they've supplied some processors for it but meanwhile Redmond actually announces nothing. Or am I wrong? Has Apple confirmed/announced their Tablet now?
T
· 2 months ago
Please Come out with a fully functional tablet soon. Not those first gen failures. I could really use it for College.
Well it is Micro$oft so expecting it to be new and innovative is asking a lot. If this device works like the video shows it has a lot of potential but again, it's Micro$oft and this thing could just be another Surface, which I don't see anyone using.
handyzubehor
· 1 month ago
It's really looks stunning one and exciting one.I think this one really give the perfect competition to the apple tablet.I am eagerly waiting for this cool gadget.
Name
· 1 month ago
I was searching for a tablet PC to buy today and came across some good ones but, it totally blew me away when I saw the Apple Tablet. I had completely had my mindset on buying the Apple Tablet when it comes out. However, soon after, I came to the Microsoft Courier and my intentions completely turned around! The Microsoft Courier is the ULTIMATE!!!
Name
· 1 month ago
This thing is awesome, just perfect. It will be able to replace the desktop for me. I certainly hope that it will have 3g capabilities.
Ideas That Work!
· 1 month ago
Although I am a committed Mac user (5 Macs) who would have never considered purchasing another Windows device, I am very much interested in the Courier--even with the pending launch of the Apple Tablet. The Courier seems to be geared towards business use and that's me! It is my plan to go paperless in 2010, but I haven't seen anything from Apple that would make me believe that the Apple Tablet will streamline my workflow. Microsoft on the other hand has done just that. The only concerns I have is stability and hardware limitations, and compatibility. I think this device could be a big success if it were compatible with other operating systems like OS X and Linux. Just a thought and I am wait anxiously to see the final product. For now, go Microsoft!!! Sorry Apple, but I have to call them like I see them, and I just don't need another media specific device. Business specific with media capabilities is OK, but not just another media player with a larger screen and with a stylus.
sudzzz
· 1 month ago
What's funny is that Apple has not confirmed anything about the existence of a tablet; yet it still happens to be in the limelight here, being compared to the Courier. I don't see how the Apple Slate/Tablet gets so much hype for no g*d d*mn reason.
As for the whole dual screen vs. single large screen, I too would take the dual screen. Touch typing on the same screen with both hands can be painfully annoying, especially when you can't view the screen bcoz of your fingers blocking it.
Uncephalized
· 1 day ago
I am so excited and will buy one the instant I can IF IF IF it actually performs anything like the video (which I have watched a dozen times).
I will buy it even faster if I can set it down, tilt one of the screens up, get a virtual keyboard on the bottom screen, and use it like a netbook. That would be my ULTIMATE portable device. But I doubt MS would ever do something that sensible. :P
All Comments
--
that's why the ("rumored") 9" Apple tablet/fat-iPod could be a success, while, this MS concept won't never reach the market
So, you're convinced that they will be able to make this and get it in the market then, great! (I never don't like double negatives ;-))
More to the point, I will take a dual screen over a larger single screen. Makes it easier for separation of tasks and sharing between. The video presents this nicely.
I look at this thing as being like a planner, journal, tablet all in one. Has PDA functions for contacts and calendars, a possibly well thought out journal structure that handles multimedia, and can browse the internet (hopefully better browser than the Zune HD seems to have).
My guess would be that this is not Windows 7 based but CE (like XBox and Zune) and if it is far enough out then it could use a second generation Tegra.
Cost could definitely be an issue but it could also depend on what the target market is. If it does come in at too high a price point it would have to be aimed at something other than the general consumer market.
I wonder if it'll run Snow Leopard?
So I understand (as another Mac user ;-) but Windows is very heavy on resources, and portable devices need great battery life, instant on (don't you just love that about the Macbook?) and a snappy UI - all of which are difficult with a bloated OS on a small device. I really hope they do get it together, as competition is always good, but I'm not holding my breath. As Leon says, the corporate drones are likely to kill it off even if the engineers make something cool.
Except the Apple Tablet exists nowhere expect in people's minds, and this at the very least is a prototype. You guys should stop comparing devices to this thing you are just dreaming about, and wait until there is something you can actually compare it to.
Let's all say it together: There is no Apple Tablet. Maybe one day there will be, but not today.
Second, to quote the source article on Gizmodo, "Courier is a real device, and we've heard that it's in the 'late prototype' stage of development." So that's that.
For years people speculated about what could one day become the iPhone, and when it finally became real, it was nothing like anyone expected, in both good and bad ways. And yet, people are comparing and criticizing new ideas and new products against this dream they have of what the iTablet could be, when in reality (assuming it becomes real), this device probably won't be anything like whatever they imagine it will be.
The Courier, as far from retail as it might be right now, is a real product. At least a real direction for a product, something that can be criticized. Comparing this to the iTablet is comparing it to The Perfect Device I Imagined From The Best Components Without Regard For Price™: it's not only unrealistic, it's unfair to the people that are trying to create good products you can actually buy for a reasonable price.
Personally I also think that is sad to see anyone regard a company only interested in profit like Apple (and any other company, for that matter) as this all-knowing, never-wrong entity that turns all it touches to gold. Makes it really hard for them to notice its mistakes, which are not few.
I don't know what YOU'RE doing - but my experience is nothing like yours. Perhaps you've got the wrong driver installed. For some reason, Microsoft ships the 'tablet PC' version of the Wacom driver, which essentially reduces the pressure sensitivity to two levels - on and off. If you go over to Wacom's site and get the PenEnabled driver, it gives you full Wacom pressure support.
On the other hand, yes, typing on a screen sucks. That's why most current tablet PCs are convertables.
I'm also not sure if the existing OS-es work as well on touch-screen devices. Given the way we need to use computers - type to enter, its presumptuous to expect that pen input (with its own limitations) will take off. Which is why we see on-screen k'boards playing a key role.
Does this mean that touch-screen devices will essentially be used as "laptop" computers with the screens replacing the keyboard?
Usually they wait a year to see the products flaws and then fix them with their new product, which is never innovative and just looked at as a copy cat.
But this is different. Its like the Amazon Kindle and Mini computer combined.
Windows? Puhleeze. I've used computers since 1983 - AT - IBM - Wordperfect in DOS - The very first version of Pagemaker - All Adobe products in both Windows and Mac environments - early Apple machines - Mac 512 K --- early Mac laptops - many versions of Windows - Dells - Acers - HP - Powerbooks - PowerPC - Macbook - Macbook Pro --- The non-apple products have been at work. I have always owned Macs at home. I can't imagine Microsoft ever creating a product I would actually want to buy.
I can picture myself sitting in a meeting where I have a document (e.g. minutes) in the lefthand panel and the making (handwritten) notes in the righthand panel. Notes can be selected by drawing a box around it (as outlined in the demo) and linked to the document in the lefthand panel by dragging and dropping. This is a major paradigm shift in usability that the machine adopts itself to me rather than I need to adopt myself to the machine.
COURIERTABLETSTORE.COM
COURIERNOTEBOOKFORUM.COM
BUYCOURIERNOTEBOOK.COM
BUYCOURIERTABLET.COM
MICROSOFTCOURIERNOTEBOOK.COM
COURIERTABLETFORUM.COM
BUYCOURIERNOTEBOOKS.COM
COURIERNOTEBOOK.COM
COURIERTABLETSHOP.COM
COURIERNOTEBOOKS.COM
Contact courierdomains@gmail.com
As for the whole dual screen vs. single large screen, I too would take the dual screen. Touch typing on the same screen with both hands can be painfully annoying, especially when you can't view the screen bcoz of your fingers blocking it.
I will buy it even faster if I can set it down, tilt one of the screens up, get a virtual keyboard on the bottom screen, and use it like a netbook. That would be my ULTIMATE portable device. But I doubt MS would ever do something that sensible. :P