Microsoft's Courier 'digital journal': exclusive pictures and details

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/microsofts-courier-digital-journal-exclusive-pictures-and-de/

by yumraj • 16 years ago

31 28 16 years ago

rbanffy5• 16 years ago

Apple's Newton is sooo doomed...

aphistic2• 16 years ago

This looks like the tablet I've always dreamed of. Something like a high tech notebook. I'm having second thoughts on picking up an iPad now.

ciniglio• 16 years ago

Leaked info on the same day as the announcement of the iPad ship date... coincidence?

rbanffy5• 16 years ago

> I'm having second thoughts on picking up an iPad now.

Seriously? Comparing one box that runs the same software iPhones and iPods run to another than runs... Windows Mobile?

samdk• 16 years ago

Windows Mobile 7.

And if Windows Mobile 7 is anything like it looks like it'll be then yes, that's a very reasonable comparison.

aphistic2• 16 years ago

It doesn't really matter which OS it's running if it does what I'm looking for. I know the iPad will have a wealth of apps that do what I want (or I'll write my own) it just won't have the pen input and the notebook feel I'm looking for.

I've had Windows Mobile devices before and been severely disappointed but that doesn't mean I'm not willing to give it another try, especially based on what I see in this video.

dannyr3• 16 years ago

While I frown upon Apple's policies sometimes, one thing I liked about them is when they announce something, they deliver it.

Courier has been publicized for sometime now but there's still no release date. Same with the slate they announced with HP during CES. They said later this year but no follow-up since.

anigbrowl• 16 years ago

Oh come now - Apple milked the hype machine for every last drop of publicity prior to the actual announcement, to the point of it being a news item before it took place - they just kept the images and specs locked down.

I can't blame MS for testing the waters and getting preliminary feedback. I personally prefer this approach, since it helps them refine and helps me to budget attention and/or money for an interesting new technology.

dannyr3• 16 years ago

I'm not saying Apple didn't ride the publicity machine but at least they are delivering what they promised.

Courier, any idea when it will be released? How about Slate? Remember Origami/UMPC? Yeah they released but they didn't focus much energy on it.

I'm not an Apple Fanboy. I own a Zune and a PC.

shrnky2• 16 years ago

If the following are true: 1) The device renders are close to reality 2) The software videos are close to reality 3) Users are allowed to install any software they want 4) Programmers aren't subjected to a crapshoot approval process 5) The price is realistic for the masses 6) A sizeable ad campaign is launched to promote the device

I can really see this working.

rbanffy5• 16 years ago

You can also expect to win the lottery. A couple times. In a row.

shrnky2• 16 years ago

Two more thoughts; IF it delivers:

1) This would be killer in education

2) Would artists love Apple as much when Microsoft is delivering products like this?

eitally• 16 years ago

Will it be possible to reverse the menu page's home and set it on the right-hand display... to accommodate lefthanded users?

_bfhp• 16 years ago

We don't even know if it'll be possible to fully close the notebook yet.

awa2• 16 years ago

From the article: it's under an inch thick, weighs a little over a pound, and isn't much bigger than a 5x7 photo when closed.

zokier• 16 years ago

Looks awesome on video, but that isn't surprising. Who would make an ad which wouldn't make their product look awesome?

ps. @2:55 on the second video: IE6 just doesn't stay dead

seltzered• 16 years ago

The video on top seems newer than the one below (seen last fall?). I still keep debating whether it's going to be a good experience to deal with holding two screens at once, that along with what the hardware price might be at that point (1k+ for a tablet? Hey, tablet PC's sell for that much already)

Hopefully a vendor will pair this transreflective screen for a more natural drawing experience.

tvon• 16 years ago

Call my a cynic or a hater, but I won't believe a word of it until I see a working prototype that resembles the mockups in functionality. Until that happens it's speculation, artist renderings and vaporware.

j053003• 16 years ago

Anyone else think it's strange that a demo of a Microsoft product is using Google Maps (instead of Bing Maps)?:

http://www.viddler.com/explore/engadget/videos/1174/16

martythemaniak• 16 years ago

The video's look impressive as hell. With a lot of work and usability testing, they could have a killer product.

Just imagine how natural and fluid your work could be - mocking up UIs, keeping track of work items, sketching class/module diagrams etc etc. This is the first thing I've seen that has the potential to be better than notebook and I really do hope they realize that potential.

thejay• 16 years ago

Yes, another pretty concept video, now what? I can't help being cynical. I mean, since when has MS actually delivered on their promises?

icco• 16 years ago

Windows 3.1 was the last time I can remember. Or maybe when Office originally came out?

Microsoft's Courier 'digital journal': exclusive pictures and details

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