Screw the iPad, I want this!!

[Ryan_T]

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/m...ctures-and-de/







Gallery: http://www.engadget.com/photos/couri...rface/#2773260

Supposedly Q3/Q4 launch/announcement/etc

[JA4]

That's wicked..

[S4jet]

iBOOK?? looks cool

[JA4]

^ I think it's called "courier"

[S4jet]

I know but if apple came out with something like this it would most likely be called an iBOOK. or atleast I'm guessing.

[VTAudiA4]

I want one!!!!!!!

Also, how sweet would it be if you could run photoshop on it. drool

[mister_tu]

Wow...just watched both videos. That thing is impressive. It would take a little getting used to but I can definitely see the value in that for certain people.

[SexyVicky]

looks like the ipad ... who makes this ??

WOW THIS IS SICK !!

[JA4]

looks like the ipad ... who makes this ??

Hmm well you posted the video.. Title says "Microsoft"..

just sayin.

[SexyVicky]

yea i just clicked on the link saw the video , had to post it ...

Edit:Microsoft makes this !!! Looks 10 times better then the ipad ... i WANT ONE !!!

[Ryan_T]

Having a pen makes so much sense. I don't know why Apple doesn't do this. If their touchscreen is so sensitive and accurate like they're saying, pen would be no brainer. Pen > keyboard. Everybody knows how to write.

Edit: ok...anyone who would use an electronic tablet/book probably knows how to write or doodle with a pen-shaped object.

[JA4]

Having a pen makes so much sense. I don't know why Apple doesn't do this. If their touchscreen is so sensitive and accurate like they're saying, pen would be no brainer. Pen > keyboard. Everybody knows how to write.

I don't know about that part..

But I do agree with the pen being better, I always wanted one for the iPhone. When I first got mine I tried to use a stylus pen lol...

[SexyVicky]

^ can you do with out a keyboard and just a pen ? If you had to choose what would it be ? I wish the courier came w a keyboard like the i pad has on its screen ... but the pen is sweet.
Id prob get this new Microsoft device just because its not apple ...

[LampyB]

wow this is awesome! and i'd definitely get one over the iPad like someone said above, probably just because it isn't made by Apple.

[imola]

...probably just because it isn't made by Apple.

Great logic in choosing a product

None of the photos provide a side view, and based on what's available, it looks too thick.

[S4jet]

I read it should be under an inch thick which isn't bad. You could also probably use one screen as a keyboard and the other to display text if you don't want to use the stylus. I think I may get one when it comes out.

[SexyVicky]

Info I found on the Courier:

Microsoft’s Courier tablet/e-book device was first surfaced back in September last year. With just under an inch thickness and weighing a little over a pound, Courier is designed to function as a "Digital Journal". It is going to feature a dual 7-inch multitouch capable screen which will be designed to work with both multiple fingers-input and stylus.

Courier is rather smaller than expected with a size, similar to that of a 5 x 7 photo when closed. The main emphasis is on mobility and portability. The source has also revealed that Courier is built on Tegra 2 platform and runs on the same OS (based on Windows CE 6) as the Zune HD, Pink phones, and Windows Phone 7 Series devices.

As far as the user interface/experience is concerned, the device is said to be pen-based and will be mainly centered around drawing objects and writing. Courier will also feature a built-in camera and a headphone jack for media playback.

One thing which is interesting to note here is that all these rumors regarding Courier has popped up the same day when Apple has announced the release dates for WiFi version of the iPad.

Microsoft Courier is shaping up as a great product, but don’t you think that with an expected release date of 3/4/2010, it will be too late for it to catch the iPad which is going to be available for pre-order starting next week? It will also be interesting to see how Microsoft strategically places Courier with HP Slate, which unlike Courier, is going to run on Windows 7.

You can follow us on twitter or join our facebook fanpage to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google and Apple.

I read it should be under an inch thick which isn't bad. You could also probably use one screen as a keyboard and the other to display text if you don't want to use the stylus. I think I may get one when it comes out.

^ it doesn't come with a key board ... that would b cool if one screen became a keyboard but it doesn't...

[Mooseimage]

I'm sure someone will make a program that can make one side a keyboard. It's just a matter of time.

[S4jet]

^ it doesn't come with a key board ... that would b cool if one screen became a keyboard but it doesn't...

How do you know? It's not like they made a statement saying it wouldn't. Even if that were the case, anybody can come up with an app that makes one side a keyboard.

[SexyVicky]

How do you know? It's not like they made a statement saying it wouldn't. Even if that were the case, anybody can come up with an app that makes one side a keyboard.

Says so right here but if they can come up with one , i'd take it

http://www.courierfaq.com

Does the Microsoft Courier have a keyboard?
Submitted by cjs on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 18:18

The latest design concepts do not show a keyboard of any kind. All input to applications on the Courier are via its touch-sensitive screen and specially designed stylus.

The touch screen supports multi-touch gestures, making it possible for the user to pinch, swipe and drag using the fingers.

Courier's stylus or pen has two buttons that provide various functions depending on what drawing mode is being used or what software is interacting with the stylus. For example, one button will undo the last action in some modes.

There's also a button on the end of the stylus akin to an eraser that changes the action of the pen.

All demo videos to date have shown Courier translating the user's handwriting after entering words directly on the screens using the stylus.



^ but if you can write with the stylus and have it translate what you write into words typed that would be cool too...

[Ryan_T]

If it's one-inch thick/thin, that's not bad at all. As long as it's not bigger than the typical hardcover book, then it's fine.

[SexyVicky]

I draw/ paint ... i think this would be perfect for me bec i want to study graphic design ...or fabric design ... i definatly am gettin this when it comes out i just want to make sure i can type on it w a keyboard for essays i type faster then i write sometimes ....

[Shnab]

I still favor the ipad over this. it seems that its more for an art major or a desing major of any sort.

I think the Ipad is more versitle. especially since you have an unlimited supply of apps for it.

[Ryan_T]

I can see this being very useful for more technical professions too.

Medical Imaging can use this to review patient files alongside imaging results and write down results. If the computer can interpret doc's steno, great. If not, it's still there as if in any hospital charts, and digitized to be accessible from anywhere.

For engineering/maths/sciences, you can manipulate models on one screen and make notes or adjust code on the other. Drawing mathematical diagrams, graphs or fomulas would be easier too, if you have a pen.

I think they need to make more demos on how this can apply to other professions.

[Shnab]

I can see this being very useful for more technical professions too.

Medical Imaging can use this to review patient files alongside imaging results and write down results. If the computer can interpret doc's steno, great. If not, it's still there as if in any hospital charts, and digitized to be accessible from anywhere.

For engineering/maths/sciences, you can manipulate models on one screen and make notes or adjust code on the other. Drawing mathematical diagrams, graphs or fomulas would be easier too, if you have a pen.

I think they need to make more demos on how this can apply to other professions.

X2,
I want something like this. I am pretty excited about the Ipad. it can help me do work while im on the go. and im looking in to a product of this nature. If microsoft can sell me on this product im in for it.

[SexyVicky]

Ipad comes out April 3rd...


Anyone know when this courier comes out ??

[MikeWire]

Looks like it would be cool for right handed people, but I would want to put the writing pad on the left cause I'm left handed. I bet that's possible - M$ usually thinks of the lefties out there. :)