Dual Screen Microsoft Tablet Called 'Courier'

By Jane McEntegart
published

Finally! A tablet rumor that doesn't involve Apple. It's like a mid-week miracle.

Earlier this week, rumors about a Microsoft phone, codenamed Pink, got a refresh. Along with those reports came word of a Microsoft tablet. While there was little to go on, details today emerge of a device called the Courier. The Courier is supposedly one of Microsoft's prototype designs and we like what we see.

The dual-screen tablet was first reported by Gizmodo and, while the site says the booklet packing two 7-inch screens is in the later stages of development, CNet's Ina Fried cites her own sources who say the Courier is just one of many prototypes Microsoft has.

The project is said to be spearheaded by Entertainment & Devices tech chief J. Allard (of Xbox fame) and combines "pen-dominated interface with several types of multitouch finger gestures, and multiple graphically complex themes, modes and applications."

Not a lot to go on at the moment but we're sure those trusty and ever so mouthy anonymous sources will keep the people of the web informed as more emerges on this product.

Jane McEntegart
26 Comments Comment from the forums
  • chaohsiangchen
    Very good idea! Either use it like a book or like an over sized Nintendo DS.
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    (prepare to be marked -600, very soon)

    But.... can it play Crysis?
    Reply
  • Parrdacc
    Well the picture looks interesting. Who know could be good, I'm interested. "several types of multitouch finger gestures" Could this be Microsoft getting ready to give Apple the big fat finger? First the Zune HD now a tablet, perhaps M$ is getting ready to at least try and give Apple some competition in these areas.
    Reply
  • waikano
    Finally I can get rid of all my paper!!!! This looks like the perfect sized multi-functional planner and small computer. I like it. Hope it sees daylight.
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    But seriously, I can see this working like a laptop too, lift up one side and view it landscape at the same time a keyboard lays itself on the other screen.

    Maybe this actual device is going to be a glorified Kindle but it shows the future of things to come. Something like this in 13" to 15" for a notebook, credit card sized SSDs, its all looking good.
    Reply
  • Niva
    Very neat, would be interested to see Photoshop run on it.
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    Or Media Player? Watch TV episodes on the tube to work?
    Reply
  • frozenlead
    Imagine going to an interview with a resume sticking between the screens of one of these things.
    Reply
  • El_Capitan
    Actually, that's pretty cool. back_by_demand, I was thinking the same thing, too. Having a virtual keyboard would be handy if taking notes (much easier to type notes than write them by hand, especially on a tablet).
    Reply
  • Now that is a Be-a-U-Tee-Full looking tablet! :drool:

    If only they'll release a 17" version.
    Either way, I'd buy one and I'd definitely use it. :)

    It'd be a multifuntion device. Laptop, eReader, Multimedia Player, Game consol, notebook, Ect, ect, ect....
    Reply