My take: FUD. What we're seeing here is a concept and little else. An interesting concept, but a concept. The proposed interface is far more elegant than Windows 7. That suggests to me two possibilities:
1. Microsoft would wisely depart from Windows entirely and build the OS for this from the ground up, or 2. This is total vaporware - an interface of this level of sophistication would require much greater computational power than is presently available in Windows, and logically, would a portable device of this type have the hardware capability at this point for something so intuitive? That raises red flags.
Gizmodo is notorious for being seduced by the next big thing. That's all that matters to them. As such, they're easy pickings for being PWNd by Microsoft, seduced by vaporware that is likely nowhere near production. Why would Microsoft do this?
1. It's worked for them many times in the past. (Think Pen Windows nuking General Magic when Pen Windows didn't even exist.) 2. Look at the 10-year stock chart for Microsoft and ask yourself, how could the company goose the stock chart? 3. It's likely that Apple is nearing the shipping date for a tablet. Is this Microsoft's attempt the freeze the market?
If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Before we're all made fools by rumors, let's be a bit skeptical. Believe it when you see it. Don't get me wrong - it's an intriguing concept. But the level of elegance and intuitive interface behavior inferred in this concept goes well beyond what is currently possible on any computing platform, Windows and Mac included. That's not to say this can't or won't happen someday. But I am highly skeptical that this is actually around the corner.
Scott A.
· 1 month ago
Note: I in all honesty could care less about either RUMORED device, because I'm not going to purchase if they do come out, but I would like to point out two things, both of which ultimately stem from one thing, neither device has been released so to play spec wars at this point is rather silly. I shall demonstrate with my horrible sarcasm: OMGZ there is no way a portable device's CPU(s) can handle touch interface journal. A touch interface OS is clearly too complicated and intuitive for CPU(s) to support. The iPhone and iTouch are clearly a conspiracy, nobody has one, as a CPU capable of supporting such an intuitive interface doesn't exist yet. Second, (note I'm still using sarcasm), I work for Apple's advertising, and I can tell you, that we're close to shipping our sucker. Some of you might be wondering why we didn't bother w/ an ad campaign when we're so close to releasing it to the market, or even give a demonstration to the press. Well, quite frankly we're tired of having to create creative ads and show previews, so we figured we'd just sit back and do nothing. Thanks for your time.
Lee
· 1 month ago
There is nothing complicated about this. It uses existing technology, simply packaged in a different way with a better human interface. The reason why it is perceived as "ground-breaking: is that is it very much unlike the "file cabinet" interface that has been used by all Apple and PC machines since the dawn of time.
Mark Jonson
· 1 month ago
I really hope this will work with OneNote!
Anees Younis
· 1 month ago
The fantasy Apple Tablet and the Microsoft Courier Tablet are fast becoming two must have and very coveted devices, which, still to this date, don't officially exist! This just shows the power of pre-release publicity! I'm sure we will hear official announcements in the near future, possibly at the turn of the year. These two unofficial products are simply too big to just be mere figments of our imagination and they have the potential to be huge! Let's see the competition between these two giants intensify further!
brookwarner
· 1 month ago
i just hope the usual microsoft arrogance doesnt come shipped with this tablet - like "what's that? you dont speak microsoft? sorry - i can't understand you...bye...."
Jayson Barrons
· 1 month ago
"Microsoft" arrogance? Microsoft's arrogance isn't even half as arrogant as Apple's humility.
Claudius
· 1 month ago
+1
I would buy the courier not the tablet.
WVMikeP
· 1 month ago
Like how the iPhone and iPod Touch is usable by iTunes on Windows and the Zune software can be used by, um, something(?) on OS X...oh, yeah, there goes that argument.
trevor
· 3 days ago
Or how about how you can only develop for the iPhone/iPod Touch on an intel Mac...
I was speaking to an apple rep yesterday and he was complaining how they need more iPhone/Touch developers. Quick answer to that problem, allow your SDK on PC.
Don't talk about MS's arrogance when the only reason apple does this is so they can sell more overpriced hardware. The rep's words, not mine.
Ideas That Work!
· 1 month ago
I am a Mac user who never thought about purchasing an electronic device from Microsoft because I didn't feel that my productivity needs could be met, while being fun at the same time--until now. Hot Damn!!! I have been waiting for the Apple Tablet, hoping that it would fit my needs like my iPhone, MacPro, iMac and Mini. But I must say that I am more than excited about what I have seen thus far with the Courier than I have ever been about the anticipated device from Apple. Although I would prefer the Apple product, again because I am a Mac guy, but I am looking for a productivity tool and I think I just found it. I deal with a lot of documents, web links, photos, etc. on a daily basis, and so far, the Courier has captured by undivided attention so much that I look for updated information on the product on a daily basis. I would LOVE to beta test this device!!!
The think the Apple Tablet will target entertainment and I just don't need a larger iPhone, plus I really want a device with a stylus because I do a lot of writing for work and my after hours business ventures. Microsoft, I would LOVE to beta test this device.
Ideas That Work!
· 1 month ago
I hope the Courier works with Evernote!!!
Luggage Straps
· 1 month ago
Go crawl back into your Apple crate. MS or not, anyone trying to create something new and interesting should be commended. This just raises the stakes in the electronics game and we benefit. But I guess your iBrain can't seem to comprehend that, can it?
Ideas That Work!
· 1 month ago
Luggage Straps, if your thoughts are in response to my comments, boy are you way off base. Just to clarify, I am very supportive of the approach Microsoft has taken. Not only do I applaud their efforts, I would LOVE to own a Courier. I think this could be the product that redeems Microsoft and validates Bill Gates' faith in the Tablet PC. So to say that my iBrain can't seem to comprehend the significance of what the product brings to the table is so not the case. Apparently, the true intent of my message got lost in the translation. Oh well!!!
If Microsoft leveraged the power of Evernote on the Courier, this would be a HOT need to have product for me. I just hope that this is more like a partnership rather than a buy out because I really love how Evernote's team is always working on a new development and I worry that wouldn't be the case with Microsoft.
Excited about the Courier ... Grow so weary of the ms / apple back and forth ... two sides of the same coin ... big corps making lots of money ... neither is better ... pro and cons of both ... nice to have choices and personal preferences ...
Lee
· 1 month ago
The only way to make it better would be for the device to be a thin film that could be folded up and stuffed in your pocket. Only then would it be better than a Moleskin notebook. I finally freed myself of carrying a Franklin around with me everywhere. This Tablet would be great, but I can't imagine lugging it around.
maggie
· 1 month ago
I need this now! Definitely will be an early adopter
WVMikeP
· 1 month ago
My question regarding this and the (mythical?) Apple tablet is "What's the central use case?" If it's the same as the tablet: a note taker for nerds in meetings, then the hype is way over-blown. I tried using tablets that way and each time, they failed for me.
Here's a use case that works for me: e-book reader with color. If I'm reading an Edward Tufte book or something similar, I don't want images and diagrams that were in color for a reason converted to grayscale.
Alex
· 1 month ago
Sadly I'm probably going to have to get both devices. It's a truly odd bizzaro world where Microsoft is working on what is basically a closed and vertically integrated (but nonetheless super useful) internet appliance, and Apple is shouting "developers! developers! developers! developers!!"
e cigarette
· 1 month ago
This looks pretty promising!
ubeeno
· 1 month ago
Wow, Im impressed dude. Pretty neat stuff they got there.
I don't think the Courier will do well compared to Apple's iSlate. Apple is a device company and Microsoft is a software company and they should just continue to stay that way. Microsoft has tried to jump in to the hardware arena when they saw Apple's success with the iPod, iPhone, and the up coming iSlate Tablet. Microsoft has become the largest company in the world by pumping out software so they should just stay out of the hardware industry and let Apple do what they do best, Hardware! www.islate.org
goatsucker
· 1 month ago
This looks like the beginning and the end of my arduous task to find the one device to organize all of the books and short stories swarming in the miasma of my convoluted frontal cortex. Thank you, Microsoft.
courierdomainnames
· 4 weeks ago
Anyone looking to set up some forums/online stores for this product, I have the following domain names for sale.
Doesn't it worry anybody that the whole "Courior" concept just resembles the now defunct OLPC 2 design just a little too much?
DC
· 2 weeks ago
I'm not tempted.. I freaking want one.. Now!
Chris
· 6 days ago
I think that this could be an extremely useful device for students and those currently being targeted by the netbook market. However some important things to question are: durability, battery life, and connectivity. Will it be 3G, 4G, wireless N, a combination of the 3?
As a student this is definately something I look forward to seeing.
All Comments
1. Microsoft would wisely depart from Windows entirely and build the OS for this from the ground up, or
2. This is total vaporware - an interface of this level of sophistication would require much greater computational power than is presently available in Windows, and logically, would a portable device of this type have the hardware capability at this point for something so intuitive? That raises red flags.
Gizmodo is notorious for being seduced by the next big thing. That's all that matters to them. As such, they're easy pickings for being PWNd by Microsoft, seduced by vaporware that is likely nowhere near production. Why would Microsoft do this?
1. It's worked for them many times in the past. (Think Pen Windows nuking General Magic when Pen Windows didn't even exist.)
2. Look at the 10-year stock chart for Microsoft and ask yourself, how could the company goose the stock chart?
3. It's likely that Apple is nearing the shipping date for a tablet. Is this Microsoft's attempt the freeze the market?
If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Before we're all made fools by rumors, let's be a bit skeptical. Believe it when you see it. Don't get me wrong - it's an intriguing concept. But the level of elegance and intuitive interface behavior inferred in this concept goes well beyond what is currently possible on any computing platform, Windows and Mac included. That's not to say this can't or won't happen someday. But I am highly skeptical that this is actually around the corner.
I would buy the courier not the tablet.
I was speaking to an apple rep yesterday and he was complaining how they need more iPhone/Touch developers. Quick answer to that problem, allow your SDK on PC.
Don't talk about MS's arrogance when the only reason apple does this is so they can sell more overpriced hardware. The rep's words, not mine.
The think the Apple Tablet will target entertainment and I just don't need a larger iPhone, plus I really want a device with a stylus because I do a lot of writing for work and my after hours business ventures. Microsoft, I would LOVE to beta test this device.
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Here's a use case that works for me: e-book reader with color. If I'm reading an Edward Tufte book or something similar, I don't want images and diagrams that were in color for a reason converted to grayscale.
RT
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As a student this is definately something I look forward to seeing.