Courier tablet one of many Microsoft prototypes

Microsoft does indeed have a dual-screen tablet code-named Courier, and it may not be the only gadget that the software maker has up its sleeves.

Earlier on Tuesday, Gizmodo revealed photos and a video of Courier--showing it to be a dual-screen tablet with both pen input and multitouch capabilities. Earlier this week, ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley also reported that Microsoft was taking another swing at the tablet PC concept.

(Credit: Gizmodo)

My sources say it's legit, but I'm hearing that it's just one of several prototypes that has been cooked up as part of a skunkworks project being led by executive J. Allard and a small team of 'Softies.

Microsoft has been trying to keep Allard's work under wraps--even locating Allard's team well away from the rest of Microsoft's main Redmond campus. Until it was shown by Gizmodo, not only was Courier's existence a surprise to many outside Redmond, few inside the company were aware of it either.

Whether Courier--or any of its still-secret brethren--actually come to market is still yet to be determined, I'm hearing. That said, the tablet PC is a long-held dream of founder and Chairman Bill Gates, who said that he hoped the device would continue to evolve even after he stepped away from full-time work at the company.

Photos: The new Microsoft tablet

And, with Apple rumored to be doing its own tablet, it would seem that Microsoft would hate to have wasted a decade tinkering with the concept only to cede the mass market to Apple.

For its part, Microsoft chalked Courier up to rumor and speculation and declined comment.

[nicksilvestri]

If they announce it/ release it before Apple does, then they could pull it off!
That is, if Apple is actually making a tablet.

[ikramerica--2008]

Apple often comes out with things 2nd and wins in the marketplace because their product is more user friendly/fool proof. Not always though, of course.

[Random_Walk]

Apple probably isn't. I can say this because there is already a third-party company that retrofits macbooks into tablets. While they sell okay enough to keep a small company afloat, they don't sell enough to reflect any sort of demand.

Something for Microsoft to consider: Consumers != corporate customers... you cannot simply ram something down the collective consumer throat and expect to make money off of it (whereas with corporate sales, you only need convince a couple of folks to drink the koolaid, and suddenly you sold dozens of units or more).

If it doesn't convince enough people, it'll die off. The xbox manages to limp along because it does convince enough of folks to buy one in spite of itself. Then again, the xbox is a fairly cheap item when compared to a computer (well, anything that isn't a netbook).

Either way, it'll be fun to watch.

[abcd9009]

@Random_Walk

What's the name of that third-party you mentioned which can retrofit a macbook into tablet? I am interested in doing that to my macbook. Thanks

[unknown unknown]

@ abcd9009 The company is Axiotron and they call it a modbook.

http://www.axiotron.com/

[iconoclast04]

"The xbox manages to limp along because it does convince enough of folks to buy one in spite of itself."

Manages to limp along? It's doing quite well in worldwide sales, actually. It's a lot more successful than the original xbox, so at least by that measure it's improving. When you consider the market share that PS2 had last generation compared to this generation, the xbox 360 seems to be doing just fine....certainly not limping along.

[PineappleUnderTheSea]

I beginning to think that by the time these rumored tablets come out, we'll be seeing a new Commodore Amiga tablet...

[Rod Roddy]

As far I can tell, Apple has only really been HUGELY successful in two things, iPod, and iPhone...that's it. Whether their products are superior in construction and functionality hasn't really translated to the masses, most if not all Apple products carry a hefty price tag. The majority of the planet runs on PCs because of their accessibility, price tag and support as far as programs are concerned. Apple's real focus is on Apps--NOT A TABLET. Also they have been testing the waters in the gaming space for the iPhone/Touch(who would have thought)...oh and finally getting the Beatles library onto iTunes XD

[z386]

I like the design. Actually, the Apple Macbook is almost a tablet. The netbooks are obviously sharing the we-want-small form factor. The only real question is whether the future is really small, like the iPod touch, or medium small, like the netbooks and this tablet.

[Jive Turkey]

The Macbook not a touch-screen device and it's not a slate form-factor. How is it "almost a tablet"? It has zero tablet features!

[z386]

@Jive Turkey
Hi, I'm focused on the form factor not the function. If I remember correctly (i often don't) the 13" Macbook is one of Apples best selling computers. In a way (form factor) it is a precursor to the netbooks. I don't think there is any doubt that the market is moving towards smaller more portable designs. Pardon me if I was unclear with that statement.

[tech_crazy]

@z386

The touch screen and the ability to fold over flat like a notepad/slate are the distinguishing factors of a tablet. Those being absent, the macbook is by no means a tablet. Also, there have been dozens of laptop makers with scores of laptop models before the macbook with screen sizes less than 13" and hence could be precursors of the netbook by your logic. It can be seen you are a Mac fan but to say that the macbook is the precursor of the netbook, is taking it way too far.

[z386]

@tech_crazy
I didn't said the Macbook was a tablet, speaking of the form factor I said it was almost a tablet. Tablet screens extend in size from the 8.4" up to 14.1" (Wikipedia). At 13" the Macbook fits in that range. The Kindle DX ereader is only 2.5" smaller. Form Factor can relate to size as much as function.

I stand by my assertion that the Macbook and, if you wish, others are the precursors of the netbooks. The popularity of those diminuative laptops is probably why we have netbooks today.

I am a Mac user. That's why I'm familiar with the Macbook. But I also use Windows computers so don't make the all too common mistake of misrepresenting my comments as fanboyism.

[EskWIRED]

To a fanboi, it is "almost a tablet". To normal folks, it is not.

[celticbrewer]

@TC "The touch screen and the ability to fold over flat like a notepad/slate are the distinguishing factors of a tablet"

So, you're saying a laptop can't have a touch screen (if they don't already, it's not an impossibility)?
Those that have the swivel-back and lie-flat screens are not a laptop?

[drewmcd621]

@celticbrewer

No, because then it's a tablet

[z386]

While touch and gesture support have been added I don't think they part of the original specs for tablet PC's.

Specifically, Tablet PC refers to a product announced in 2001 by Microsoft, and defined by Microsoft to be a pen-enabled computer conforming to hardware specifications devised by Microsoft and running a licensed copy of the "Windows XP Tablet PC Edition" operating system or a derivative thereof. (Wikipedia under Tablet PC)

The Tablet PC is a fully functional personal computer powered by Microsoft Windows and designed for ink-enabled, pen-enabled, and speech-enabled applications. The combination of software and hardware in a Tablet PC enables these methods of user interaction creating a rich, interactive, and productive computing experience for users.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms699543%28VS.85%29.aspx

[z386]

All right, if a tablet PC is defined by Microsoft as a computer running ""Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system or a derivative thereof" is a tablet running Windows v.7 not a tablet?

[Pishkado]

For quite a few years, Microsoft has consistently stumbled in areas where its lock on corporate America's desktops hasn't been a factor. (Think about it: would Apple have produced a brown iPod?) I don't think this is a fixed destiny: it has a bunch of smart people, it can pour nearly-infinite resources onto this project, and the success of the Xbox proves that failure isn't carved in stone - but if Apple and Microsoft both announce tablets, the smart money won't be on Redmond.

[Splashes]

In my opinion, the smart money is on "neither" -- meaning, Apple doesn't roll out a tablet, and Microsoft rolls out another POS.

I still don't see a market for a tablet. iPhone + laptop/desktop is a great combination which will only get better as the mobile component gets more powerful. A tablet will be less useful and powerful than a laptop, while being much bigger & less convenient than an iPhone. And these days, nobody wants to spend money on a 3rd device, especially if it's $500+, which any tablet surely would be.

The most recent tablet rumors probably originated in Cupertino, as a way to keep buzz going in the wake of the tepid "music event."

[srminton]

@Splashes, I think you're right - and wrong. You're right that there are only a few people (rich people, fanboy people, geek people, call them what you want) who would pay $500+ for a third device. In the same way that some people really did go out and buy a Macbook Air even though they already had a Macbook Pro. Yes, really, I know one. So you're right that there's no mass market for a 'third leg'. But what if the so-called tablet is actually the next step in Apple's development of its notebook strategy? This is what I think will happen:
1. First, Apple releases new Macbooks which have no physical keyboard. The interface is superb, and they are priced in the range of $500-1000 depending on memory etc. They sell like hot cakes. Some fanboys who already have Macbook Pros go out and buy one to get the touchscreen awesomeness and so on. Apple makes a pot of cash. The white Macbooks are retired, so now Macbook is a laptop with no physical keyboard.
2. Some time later, the Macbook Pros are updated with all the touchscreen features - but also keep the physical keyboard, probably using some innovative form factor which is much better than previous attempts at tablets. These will be priced much higher, probably a top-of-the-range model at $2000+ to begin with and then adding down the line to all the Macbook Pro configurations over time.
And that will be the differentiation - the Macbook has no physical keyboard (but of course one can be attached via USB, and external monitors and so on), and the Macbook Pro has both touchscreen and physical keyboard. And the mass market chooses which one they want.

Meanwhile, Microsoft finally launches a new version of Windows Mobile for smartphones.

[calculatorwatch]

"First, Apple releases new Macbooks which have no physical keyboard."

hahaha, i hope they are exactly like this: http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionary

i dunno as much as i still don't think i can possibly justify buying a tablet in the foreseeable future, the dual screen thing kinda makes me really want one since i feel like it's just the book of the future, i don't get why they made it so reliant on a stylus though

[Splashes]

@srminton, you might be right. I don't think so, but I've been wrong before.

Here's why I don't think they will morph the MacBook (and Pro) to touch-screen devices. The touch-sensitive keyboard of an iPhone is fine for the type of short-form activity people do with a phone: texting, quick e-mails, SMS, etc. It's not fine for typing a 5-page term-paper or even a one-page proposal -- it's simply too inefficient. And making the touch-sensitive keyboard bigger (i.e., 6-10 inch screen) will not make typing on it significantly easier. You'd still have to look at the keyboard all the time to make sure your fingers are in the right spot. Barring some new technology which gives useful tactile feedback from the touchscreen, I just don't see a large percentage of people giving up their laptop's physical keyboard for a touchscreen. Yes, I know some people argued the same about the iPhone, but I wasn't one of them, and as I mentioned, phones and laptops are used for very different types of activities.

As for the notion of making a laptop with a touchscreen and a physical keyboard, I really, really don't see that happening -- that's a very Microsoft-like strategy, to throw redundant UIs up on the ceiling and see what sticks. Just thinking about real-world usage of such a device gives me a headache. I'd believe in an Apple tablet first.

[celticbrewer]

@ Pish "but if Apple and Microsoft both announce tablets, the smart money won't be on Redmond. "

I disagree completely. The concept of a tablet is stupid for the average joe. It's a laptop with no keyboard and an exposed touchscreen that will can get damaged as you tote it around in a backpack. That's death to any consumer (ie Apple's fan-base).

It is mainly useful in warehouses and other inventory situations, maybe doctors offices, trade shows, etc... where people are standing around doing work and recording data. In otherwords- business applications (ie Microsoft's domain).

I never heard someone say "I wish my itouch was a lot bigger and less portable."

[pfzx]

In my opinion, this type of twin tablet design is exactly what is needed. 97% of the time I don't need what my laptop offers, and what makes it bulky. What I need is something big enough to read easily, portable, and flexible.

If Microsoft can pull this off (and from what I've seen of their new surface PC for whatever they call it, they do still have some sense of cool and functional) they will create a whole new segment.

I'm rooting for them for one reason - Apple Arrogance has gotten really old. My iPhone freezes regularly, every iPod I've owned has died shortly out of warranty, and i could care less about MAC computers.

[Lennron]

What?? Microsoft made something?? BOOOOOO!!!! Let's all boycott it right now! Who's with me!?!

[quarteorc111]

Think about the number of people hacking there netbooks to run osx, does hat tell you what people want.

[tech_crazy]

Source please? Netbooks began with Linux and then Windows came along. It would be obvious that other OSes would follow.

[celticbrewer]

Hmm. I'm on all of these computer websites and their forums and I've never heard of anyone putting OSX on a netbook. Linux, yes. XP and Win7, yes. Never saw OSX.

[DrtyDogg]

http://www.mydellmini.com/forum/mac-os-x/ For the Dell Netbook

http://ipis-osx.wikidot.com/ For the Asus Netbook

http://forums.msiwind.net/mac/ For the MSI Netbook

http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=14&sid=311361707e7efb68fa8e281e758fa8f2 For the Acer Netbook

Should I go on, or do you have enough sources? Hint, try Google next time it's really easy, www.google.com ;-)

@celticbrewer: You must not be on the right netbook forums then.

[krln99]

Am I the only one who thinks this whole touch screen tablet hype is needlessly being shoved down our throats?!

[srminton]

Yes, just you

[dhavleak]

@ krin99

Like, all you have to do is ... not buy a tablet! (i.e. you don't have to do anything at all) :)

[Super2online]

If Microsoft creates the courier or whatever they ultimately wind up calling it. I will buy it for multiple reasons. 1. It's a clamshell, which provides protection to the screens when you close it. 2. It's created to look and feel lke a book, one of the best form factors ever created. 3. It's not Windows, the user interface is intuitive, multi-touch enabled, and animated making it fun to use. 4. It includes a camera and internet connectivity with a browser. Unlimited uses for both, especially when combined with Micosoft Tag. 5. It's small and portable yet large enough to be really useful since it folds. 6. Since it's made by Microsoft it should be compatable with all existing Microsoft data types, but not neccessarily apps, which isn't a bad thing. This allows you to bring in information you have already created with ease. 7. I like the fact Microsoft is becoming more of an innovator as of late and less of an imatator.

[rhsc]

that computer is made of pure, refined sexy.

[stockyjoe]

Wow this is exactly what I want in a tablet. Now if you could also surf the web with this thing holding it in hand like a book very cool. Is this really Microsoft?

[tech_crazy]

I am no MS fan but this thing looks really cool and appealing. With a wired/wireless external keyboard this would be awesome. Now if only the original tablets or this one came even close to the mainstream laptops in price!

[shellcodes_coder]

You can surf the web. You can it's video here: http://gizmodo.com/5365299/courier-first-details-of-microsofts-secret-tablet

[shellcodes_coder]

*see

[markosph]

It looks like what I wanted OneNote to be, with the touch screen... it looks like a very useful product.

[hypermark]

First off, this is a really cool looking prototype. Second, I would hearken to what others raise; namely, when will the real product ship and what's the OS and tools side of the equation, as Apple has pretty much shown this to be the bar for success.

Clearly, Apple learned this lesson from Microsoft (in PC 1.0) but MS feels long removed from those days (i.e., cultivating and growing a software centered ecosystem), especially in light of all of the legacy that they have to support.

Btw, here are some thoughts on where Apple's Tablet and the e-Book is headed:

Rebooting the Book (One Apple iPad Tablet at a Time):
http://bit.ly/zOoEu

Check it out if interested.

Mark

[shellcodes_coder]

wow looks great. Here's more and includes video too: http://gizmodo.com/5365299/courier-first-details-of-microsofts-secret-tablet

Gonna buy it the day it is released :)

[empirestatebuddy]

I think a better design would be a keyboard and screen on the inside (like a netbook) and another screen on the outside, which would function like an iphone (touch-sensitive, etc).

[linux2268]

If MS want it to be successful perhaps they should get Apple to design and build it for them !

[celticbrewer]

Didn't they hire a bunch of apple people? and apple poached google. and google poached MS. Don't worry, the love is spread.

[EarthToApple]

Here is another movie without all of the animation, you can actually see people using it.
I think it's a neat concept .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=049_U-0C9qU

[biffhenerson]

For Microsoft to compete with Apple, it too must control the hardware as well as the software. The nice thing about Linux or Microsoft solutions is that you get to choose virtually any hardware on the planet. The bad thing about Linux or Microsoft solutions is that you introduce a huge opportunity for problems by adding any hardware on the planet. I hope that Microsoft maintains control of the hardware and software and introduces the prototype tablet. I have been using a Toshiba in tablet mode for years. The prototype looks like a great solution.

[Anjin3515]

There are a large number of digital artists that really want a "powerhouse" tablet that would allow them to have a digital sketch book. Yes its a niche market....but that doesn't stop WACOM from selling a fair number of products.
Give me pressure sensitivity, a top edge graphics card, a big enough hard drive and a WACOM digitizer.

When will these companies realize there is an untapped market of artists that they could sell this to, if it had the right specs.

[Thinkster]

I will be picking one of these up on day 1. This will really come in handy for all us web designers/developers who need to juggle client relations, and design work, especially on the move.

This is what a tablet should be, and if this is coming from Microsoft, just imagine whats coming down the pipe from other compaines in the future!

[shycelticwitch]

My 17" Mac Titanium travels with me everywhere, and allows me to create large marketing portfolios for clients on site when necessary. I run the full Adobe CS Master Suite along with thousands of fonts and a small external HD for art library. Sure the case weighs about 6 lbs, but I can't see a lot of PROFESSIONAL designers getting into a 5" or 6" screen to do high end design. The untapped market you refer to are not professionals, but individuals who are have been duped into believing that it's the computer that creates and not the person.

[Anjin3515]

shycelticwitch: As someone who has worked as a professional artist for over 15 years I can tell you there are a lot of people in my industry that want a digital sketch book. No, a 5 or 6 inch screen is too small...but 10 to 15 inches would be fine.

The computer does NOT make the art...its just a tool...like a pencil. But to have the power of Painter and Photoshop "on the go" would be great for illustrators, designers and 3d artists.
Sure I could lug around a laptop and one of my WACOM tablets.....but thats not the same as being able to draw onscreen.
I own a Cintiq and its been an amazing experience....now I just want a portable one.

[Lennron]

It reminds me of my wife's Nintendo DS.

[kashmereair]

I don't know why the geeks are arguing about the "tabletness" of this device...myself and future consumers could care less.

All I know is that this is the coolest concept that I have seen in the last decade or so and I would buy it on release date, no question.

This fits the bill for my small business needs perfectly.

[usarioclave1]

Vaporware before a competitor's product launches? MS is up to its old tricks!

[QA_Tester]

It looks cool, but I'd like to see this as e-book reader

[iamstubb]

I've used a convertible notebook/tablet for years and love it. It's an old Gateway m275, but it runs great and put up with a lot of abuse. I even got Vista to install and run decently on it, but no Aero. It worked as a laptop when I wanted, or as a tablet for lecturing or reading on a plane. Decent DVD and netflix streaming performance as well. A niche device but perfect for me. The courier looks great and I hope it comes to market. Might still be a niche device, but very cool and useful. The handwriting recognition in XP and Vista could handle my chicken scratch as well. A very underrated and underappreciated product but I hope it keeps developing and sticks around. Definitely going new tablet once Win 7 comes out.