We know, we know -- you're probably still waiting for the Apple tablet that'll never come, but how's about a prototype alternative from said outfit's arch enemy to tide you over? Gizmodo has just let slip details surrounding what was previously a top secret project deep within the lairs of Redmond, but given that this is more of an advanced proof of concept than anything else, we're doing our best to curb our inner enthusiasm about a near-term release. We're told that the folding device could eventually ship with dual 7-inch displays, both of which support multitouch gestures and can also be controlled via a stylus. It should too boast a camera and possibly an inductive charging pad on the rear, though we can't help but be a wee bit frightened by hearing that the user interface is "complex." Essentially, the Courier is a touch-friendly, two-screen tablet that can't let go of the tried-and-true pen input method, and your guess is as good as ours when it comes to purpose. Though, something tells us ASUS might just have the answer. Video's after the break.
I like how Engadget can go on and on about mythical Apple tablets ad nauseam, raving about all the things that it MIGHT do and never mentioning the fact that nobody knows if it is even in development or what stage it may be in; yet this comes out and the headline itself has to mention it's not near production (duh) and article goes on to nitpick based on terminology and question the purpose of such a device.
That's because Darren is an iDiot and this product is already a better concept than a 9" iPod Touch, which is what the Apple Tablet is gearing up to be.
And, if MS gives this access to Windows software library, then it already has a COMMANDING lead over the Apple tablet in terms of software availability, by about a factor of about 10:1, easily. Oh, and if Apple is dumb enough to put a true OSX on their Tablet, than this thing will destroy it in terms of software by a factor of about 1000:1
You know, I never really pay THAT much attention to the giz/engadget controversy (I don't pay much attention to Apple stuff), but after reading the post on giz first, this one actually made me go back and re-read the original. Interesting how much interpretation, or re-interpretation, goes into these posts, especially since they don't have anything to go on but the giz post.
Hmm .. so it would probably be available in 2020 with the following OS options: - Basic (features include: paint and internet explorer "WOOHOO" ) - less basic (features include paint, IE AND a HUGE clock on the right side of your screen) - basic pro for just 399 - pro for just 679 - and of course uber pro for no less then 899
ohw and this of course doesn't include antivirus programs and antispam programms.
To put it simply, WOW!!! This is not only what we've all been waiting for, it's a game changer. I pray that Microsoft reads these incredible posts and tips from all of you, and, puts them into this magnificent product.
Now, here's my input, as we're all mentioning: 1. keyboard on one screen, so we can type like a notebook, when we need to.
2. Open the code, and allow users to make their own app, weather they are tech savvy or not, we should be in control, if we want to be.
3. Create a free online "CLOUD SERVER" specifically for the Booklet, and partner with Office Depot/Staples Business Depot, and all other places that offer PRINT services, where available.
and 4. Put 3g & WiFi capabilities into it, for all the students and mobile workers out there.
Do all of this, and i guarantee you, Microsoft will continue to be the number one company for the next 20 years. And beyond.
Did anyone look at the video? It's an artist's rendering, not a demo. Microsoft's reputation for getting products from concept to reality (in the past 10 years) is not stellar - particularly innovative, pioneering products. I would be surprised to see anything like this from MS in the next 3 years.
Cute. But this can be an actual laptop, if they make a plastic to hold one of the screens. It would be AWESOME to have a full virtual keyboard. It would make it easier to have every program and its own keys. Let alone games, like a huge DS with multitouch.
Fantastic looking UI, it would be very useful though if you could use it in "normal" PC mode as well. As in, flip the device 90 degrees and have a full touch keyboard and normal monitor. Sometimes things are done much faster with the old fashioned keyboard than with a stylus and/or touch.
I've been using a convertible tablet for about 4 years now, and I can guarantee that the ability to use a keyboard can make some things 10x easier.
The design also looks great. I'm sceptical whether it will see the light of day however.
People tend to forget that Bill Gates has been obsessed with tablets for years. He was talking them up before XP came out. Of course Microsoft takes forever to get their products released (Surface) so it's understandable that no one remembers this.
add in wifi...3.5 mm headphone jack...sizable ssd...bluetooth (for wireless keyboard support)...a couple usbs or mini usbs with adapters, an ability to run a version of zune or itunes (most likely just zune LOL)...support for office and windows programs...a couple power options so you can conserve battery life if you only one screen for example...decent price point (im assuming it will be around $6-900). sounds like a winner. have it integrate with winmo in a sick way and its icing on the cake
Yes!!! Finally some common sense of good use of touch and inking technology!!! Time to put this technology and software in to actual production and use. I have some small additional practical ideas, but otherwise close to perfect.
Imagine being able to look at your contact list on that device then send call to your Windows Mobile (yes it sucks) phone, or maybe even your Zune Phone.
If that is what it should look like; they sure came a long way.... As they started with 2 OQOs running 'InkSeine' I for sure didn't see that coming... 'Codex' yields 'Courrier'
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
posted September 22nd 2009 7:47PM
This thing takes scrapbooking to the next level. Well done...
What I found really cool about this was that the UI looks like a much more polished version of InkSeine, from Microsoft Research Labs.
http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/projects/inkseine/
Notice even the alt-click wheel is there. It integrates quite nicely with OneNote.
I hand write in all capitals, f*ck.
I like how Engadget can go on and on about mythical Apple tablets ad nauseam, raving about all the things that it MIGHT do and never mentioning the fact that nobody knows if it is even in development or what stage it may be in; yet this comes out and the headline itself has to mention it's not near production (duh) and article goes on to nitpick based on terminology and question the purpose of such a device.
That's because Darren is an iDiot and this product is already a better concept than a 9" iPod Touch, which is what the Apple Tablet is gearing up to be.
And, if MS gives this access to Windows software library, then it already has a COMMANDING lead over the Apple tablet in terms of software availability, by about a factor of about 10:1, easily. Oh, and if Apple is dumb enough to put a true OSX on their Tablet, than this thing will destroy it in terms of software by a factor of about 1000:1
You know, I never really pay THAT much attention to the giz/engadget controversy (I don't pay much attention to Apple stuff), but after reading the post on giz first, this one actually made me go back and re-read the original. Interesting how much interpretation, or re-interpretation, goes into these posts, especially since they don't have anything to go on but the giz post.
Hmm .. so it would probably be available in 2020 with the following OS options:
- Basic (features include: paint and internet explorer "WOOHOO" )
- less basic (features include paint, IE AND a HUGE clock on the right side of your screen)
- basic pro for just 399
- pro for just 679
- and of course uber pro for no less then 899
ohw and this of course doesn't include antivirus programs and antispam programms.
To put it simply, WOW!!! This is not only what we've all been waiting for, it's a game changer.
I pray that Microsoft reads these incredible posts and tips from all of you, and, puts them into this magnificent product.
Now, here's my input, as we're all mentioning:
1. keyboard on one screen, so we can type like a notebook, when we need to.
2. Open the code, and allow users to make their own app, weather they are tech savvy or not, we should be in control, if we want to be.
3. Create a free online "CLOUD SERVER" specifically for the Booklet, and partner with Office Depot/Staples Business Depot, and all other places that offer PRINT services, where available.
and 4. Put 3g & WiFi capabilities into it, for all the students and mobile workers out there.
Do all of this, and i guarantee you, Microsoft will continue to be the number one company for the next 20 years. And beyond.
Thanks
Did anyone look at the video? It's an artist's rendering, not a demo. Microsoft's reputation for getting products from concept to reality (in the past 10 years) is not stellar - particularly innovative, pioneering products. I would be surprised to see anything like this from MS in the next 3 years.
Cute.
But this can be an actual laptop, if they make a plastic to hold one of the screens. It would be AWESOME to have a full virtual keyboard. It would make it easier to have every program and its own keys. Let alone games, like a huge DS with multitouch.
Fantastic looking UI, it would be very useful though if you could use it in "normal" PC mode as well. As in, flip the device 90 degrees and have a full touch keyboard and normal monitor. Sometimes things are done much faster with the old fashioned keyboard than with a stylus and/or touch.
I've been using a convertible tablet for about 4 years now, and I can guarantee that the ability to use a keyboard can make some things 10x easier.
The design also looks great. I'm sceptical whether it will see the light of day however.
People tend to forget that Bill Gates has been obsessed with tablets for years. He was talking them up before XP came out. Of course Microsoft takes forever to get their products released (Surface) so it's understandable that no one remembers this.
add in wifi...3.5 mm headphone jack...sizable ssd...bluetooth (for wireless keyboard support)...a couple usbs or mini usbs with adapters, an ability to run a version of zune or itunes (most likely just zune LOL)...support for office and windows programs...a couple power options so you can conserve battery life if you only one screen for example...decent price point (im assuming it will be around $6-900). sounds like a winner. have it integrate with winmo in a sick way and its icing on the cake
Very cool— if ever!
Yes!!! Finally some common sense of good use of touch and inking technology!!! Time to put this technology and software in to actual production and use. I have some small additional practical ideas, but otherwise close to perfect.
Keep up the good work!
Imagine being able to look at your contact list on that device then send call to your Windows Mobile (yes it sucks) phone, or maybe even your Zune Phone.
College Students will love the courier!
http://www.CourierFan.com
I'll take 3
Whoa!...that is FREAKING AWESOME
If that is what it should look like; they sure came a long way.... As they started with 2 OQOs running 'InkSeine' I for sure didn't see that coming... 'Codex' yields 'Courrier'
http://community.research.microsoft.com/blogs/alpineinker/archive/2008/10/01/microsoft-research-codex.aspx
Hopefully it will cost less than 2 OQOs....
Typical Microsoft Vaporware!
http://www.metawedgie.com/journal/2009/10/1/can-you-say-vaporware.html
Looks interesting!