The Competition: Microsoft “Courier” Tablet
While everyone is waiting on Apple to unveil their universally rumored iTablet/iPad device next year, Gizmodo has just scored the scoop on what Microsoft just might be planning to counter it — the “Courier” tablet.
Decidedly un-Apple in it’s approach, with dual booklet screens, pen and touch input, and feel that’s all organized chaos, it’s also strikingly different to Microsoft’s previous Tablet PC efforts (which were largely tweaked versions of XP and then Vista). Here’s why:
Until recently, it was a skunkworks project deep inside Microsoft, only known to the few engineers and executives working on it—Microsoft’s brightest, like Entertainment & Devices tech chief and user-experience wizard J. Allard, who’s spearheading the project. Currently, Courier appears to be at a stage where Microsoft is developing the user experience and showing design concepts to outside agencies.
Head on over to Gizmodo to see a video of the concept in action (not iPhone friendly, sorry). Then come back here, tell us what you like and don’t like, and let us know how you think Apple’s take on the tablet will differ.
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
This is the same playbook WS used to crush AMD.
the news will be out that the device is WOW. It is around the corner. It leaps over apple’s tablet.
The main point to all of these is to stop apple from overtaking MSFT. they are hoping that apple responds in a panic and missteps, giving WS reason to bring down the stock.
It is a good thing APPLE has such a large cash hoard. I pity yahoo. Slowly but surely WS is destroying them. You will see more and more news about Bing overtaking yahoo. Also, mistrustful as I am about WS, I think the yahoo agreement will fall apart. The reason, the regulators have determined that the agreement is not kosher. Not MSFT’s fault. Goodbye Yahoo.
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I like the design. Great for dragging to meetings and stuff. You can see some Microsoft Surface concepts here.
Maybe Apple better team up with Google again and get first deployment rights to Google Wave, because the collaboration features shown in the video are pretty cool, and Wave is the only thing I’ve seen that comes close.
But how soon till its REALLY available? Hasn’t Microsoft gotten in enough trouble over the years pre-announcing concepts to ward off the competition, then never delivering?
I’d say they have to deliver now, or face the same music they did in the past.
On another note, HP also announced a tablet-like thingie this month, although it specs out more like a netbook than a true tablet. They call it the Dreamscreen. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/6202751/HP-launches-DreamScreen-tablet.html
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Bet you the device is at the conceptual stage. Nowhere near any release.
Vaporware.
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Looks nice? sure
Functional? judging from everything Microsoft, it will be far from it.
Not to mention Apple is the master of sharp-looking rock star products.
Verdict = pass
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
@Frederico:
Probably not Vaporware, just made out of Unobtanium at the moment.
Here you can look at the store where they will sell it:
http://gizmodo.com/5322328/leak-inside-the-microsoft-store-with-wall+sized-screens-and-the-answers-bar/gallery/?selectedImage=1
Looks like they intend to use Surface to sell you on the concept then switch you over to this device…
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Suggesting it won’t be functional because its Microsoft is willful ignorance.
My iPhone just went into yet another coma. The 8th one My vista machine hasn’t been re-booted since May.
Right about now, I’d take a bit of Microsoft “Far from Functional”.
(My Linux server has been running since the last power failure on June 16 2008, but that’s a different story).
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
@icebike
your iPhone went into it’s 8th coma? Mine hasn’t gone into a single one yet? I’m not really sure what your point is. Besides hasn’t Microsoft pretty much failed in thi department already?
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:36 pm
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 thought on where e-Book is headed:
Rebooting the Book (One Apple iPad Tablet at a Time): http://bit.ly/zOoEu
Check it out if interested.
Mark
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 pm
@Therealtruth:
Really? You can’t figure out what my point is?
The longest thread in TiPB history: http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2009/09/16/iphone-31-bugs-random-freeze-shut/
88 thousand hits, and 1100 posts on the Coma problem in Apples discussion forums: http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1274&start=0
(And apple just totally removed the high-battery use thread, it had over 100K hits and 1500 posts when they decided it was too embarrassing to leave up.
Posting that you have no problems doesn’t outweigh the thousands of people that do.
I’m pretty sure you can figure out exactly what my point is, but doing so would force you to admit there were worms in the apple.
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:56 pm
@icebike:
Comparing 3.1 to Vista? yeah, that’s totally not “willful ignorance”.
Remember when Windows was v3.1? LOL
Besides, if you want to compare things, do it intelligently. Bring out Windows Mobile 3.0 and compare it to iPhone OS 3.0. Still not convinced Microsoft produces non-functional products?
Yea, Win7 “might” be a success (relatively speaking comparing to Vista), but after what? 30+ years of developing a freakin’ OS? functional my arse.
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:03 am
“WTF Microsoft, I have BSOD right page” <— will be epic in Microsoft’s support forum
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:13 am
@ Bundle So are you gonna wait till WebOS 3.0 comes out and compare to that? A current product can’t be compared to a past one because iPhone 3.0 had others successes and failures in it. If you are comparing two separate products, the fairest way is current vs current. Not past number vs current number.
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:31 am
@Bundle
Actually, iPhone 3.1 reminds me a LOT of Windows 3.1.
But your fascination with numbers is flawed. This is the 6th release of iPhone software in a year and three months. 2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 3.0, 3.0.1, 3.1
So a better comparison wouldn’t be 3.1, or Windows NT, or Windows 95, or windows 98, or windows 98se.
A better comparison would be windows 2000.
Hands down winner in that comparison would be Window 2000 for sheer functionality and versatility and robustness.
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:48 am
@Bundle Yes, yes I do remember windows 3.1. I grew up with DOS first, then switching over to 3.1 then Win 95 and you know the rest.
You can’t judge a book (or surface in this case) by its company.
Your ignorance is an unfortunate part of the typical Apple fanboy crowd sigh.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:38 am
Wow, that was lota nerd rage
@Carl:
Exactly my point. Comparing products across time (Win3.1 vs iPhone 3.1) of course is silly, but comparing apples to oranges is not any better (Vista to iPhone).
@icebike:
You don’t get it do you? cause if u do, u wouldn’t repeat the same argument again lol?
I didn’t expect for Microsoft fanboys to see icebike’s comment first (comparing Visa to iPhone), but when kool-aid strikes, it strikes.
btw, calling me a “fanboy” shows your neutrality /sarcasm
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 am
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September 23rd, 2009 at 2:46 am
@icebike: my comment earlier about functionality still stands. Being functional is not bound to the technical functionality only (although Microsoft has its share of ups and downs in this department). Being functional takes into considerations the usability on day to day basis. So again, judging from my experience with Microsoft, it will lack in functionality big time if they keep their current mentality in designing products.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:30 am
All these apple v orange arguments aside, this MS courier booklet pc is a step in a positive direction and will eventually benefit the consumers when MS and Apple (and others) start competing on the tablet front. We are going to see more user-friendly and intuitive operating systems with increased portability, speed, and battery life. I am just hoping they can develop some type of haptic response keyboard system that is better than just a keyboard on screen.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:49 am
I love how the fanboys are adamant that it’s a fail with it being at concept stage. No offence intended Ill buy apple or Microsoft. I have an iPhone and a win laptop, I use what works for me. Just because you think it won’t work doesn’t mean it won’t. Let’s just wait to see of a. It materializes b. Then decide it’s functionality.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 am
I’ve never used anything by Microsoft in twenty-two years. I even quit a good paying job once in the 90s because of only two days on a PC. Using anything by Adobe was a nightmare and required numerous extra steps, dialog windows constantly interrupting, and didn’t offer all the key commands available on Mac. I don’t remember the version, and really don’t care to.
That was enough to scare me away. No thanks on this tablet.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:40 am
Actually looks kinda cool. But if, dare I say it, apple makes an itablet ipad or whatever, I’m sure they would haves different approach. But I will admit this is pretty nice.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:44 am
Everything I’ve seen and heard of the mythical Apple tablet suggests that it will be an entertainment device first and foremost, whereas this MS concept is a work device first and foremost. They’re substantially different design philosophies and will appeal to different people. Since the Newton, Apple has never taken any steps towards integrating handwriting recognition or stylus use in any of their products.
Of the MS concept, I like it. It would be even better if it also responded to multitouch gestures, so a user can use both hands simultaneously (stylus in the dominant hand).
I see no point in turning this into an Apple vs. MS flame war. Neither this nor the Apple tablet exists, so what of it?
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:51 am
@Dennis:
It is rumored that one of possibly three Apple tablet models (15″) would run full OS X. But who knows for sure?
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:51 am
@icebike
wow a 100k hits…..**** that’s like what, less than 1% of the 30mill. iPhones out there. Thousands having problems doesn’t outweigh 30 million does it? Somehow those worms in the apple don’t seem all that big. Do they?
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Can’t believe all of this arguing. Mac Vs M$ Vs *nix Vs Google Vs who gives a flip. This thing is cool. Android is cool. Crunch is Cool. I’ll get ms because it will work with the vast majority of what is out there. *nix can be made to work, but if I’m paying I shouldn’t have to make it. Android is *nix. Apple is not compatible and more expensive. If you have a *nix working environment, go with what works. Apple at work? probably want the ipad. chill out folks I have used them all. I have repaired them all. They all work. They all Break. They all do about the same thing. You just jump through different hoops to get it to do it. my $.02
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Let’s just admit it. The thing looks pretty darn cool. Arguing over the functionality a theoretical iTablet v. a theoretical Courier is pretty ridiculous and stupid. In fact, I’d have to say that you’d have to be pretty ridiculous and stupid to do it…
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
@greg:
So is not reading the last sentence of the article.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
It’s funny how many people are claiming vaporware…or saying it doesn’t exist…and this and that and blah!
Clearly when you read the Gizmodo article, it has stated that this is in fact not vaporware, it is real. It is also at the stages of UI research. Meaning that this design, is in fact the real thing. No longer a concept, but a prototype.
I find it better than the ‘iTablet’ simply because it offers more portability and protection (via book form factor).
And as someone said…these will be hitting two different markets. iTablet will be a ‘gaming machine’ (Sorry…had to do it), but seriously…it’s a media device first. This looks to be business oriented first.
So two differnt markets, two different consumers If this does come out before the production of iTablet is started enmasse…it will give Jobs some time to tweak the tablet to allow better features and functions.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
@The Real Truth:
Apparently it does.
The battery issue thread was 20% bigger when Apple yanked it. Yet we see that Apple has been forced into an official investigation and releasing a battery logger to certain people: http://theappleblog.com/2009/09/21/apple-investigating-poor-battery-life-with-iphone-os-3-1/
Why on earth would you assume EVERY person having this problem would post on Apple’s discussions? Of the 11 close friends that have Iphones, NONE of them even know about that site, and I quit posting there 8 months ago after I realized it wasn’t really worth the effort and was so full of fanboys that anyone with problem report was told to go buy a different phone, since the iPhone was perfect. No savvy user spends any time there other than to research hot topics.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
@ icebike
first off you said page views which is what i was referring to not posts. i would imagine quite a large amount of people having issues with their iphone just might check for help on the website before going through the “press1 if this….press 2 if that…” **** on the phone. therefore i would assume that many of them would end up viewing, not posting, but at least viewing some of these discussion. im not saying that the iphone is perfect….all im saying is that a few thousand people compared to 30 million isnt really a lot. and i love how you assume apple was forced into this investigation. couldn’t it be just as likely that some apple employee noticed the issue with their iphone and looked into it, thus resulting in the investigation upon the realization that some consumers seem to be having the same issues? i mean is it that far fetched to think that? who knows maybe apple acually does give a **** about their customers……
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
@idavey
better than the itablet? you mean the one that isnt even out yet? the one that no ones even seen?
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:07 pm
@the real truth
I say it because ‘better’ is a subjective term. I care most about the portability and functionality. A solid slate of glass is not very practical FOR ME.
The book form makes it easier FOR ME.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:08 pm
@idavey
point well taken. Though we still don’t know for sure what the mythical itablet will look like. Though chances are it will be an oversized iPhone. Though you’d most likely want to put it in a bag or case regardless. Correct?
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
@TheRealTruth (Really)??
I’m getting confused, LMAO!!!
But I understand what you saying. I must state, I’m not downing the ‘iTablet’ at all. It will be made well and perform what Apple what it to perform. Just like all their other devices.
Yet, as it’s been stated, iTablet will be more media-centric and this Courier seems to be more business/work-centric.
I’m a lover of tech point blank. Hopefully once I get out of basic training (GO AIR FORCE) this will be out. I plan on getting an iMac. And having this for my classes to supplement my desktop…it would be hella good!!!
I’m rooting for both Apple’s and Microsoft’s tablets to be real. It’s just I’ll be more inclined toward Courier than iTablet. Simply for the main focus of said devices.
And the reason I don’t like the plain slate even in a bag is I used to have a MacBook in high school. Even in my bag, the screen ended up cracking. I’m more gentle with my thing now…but the more protection, the better.
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:16 pm
@idavey
always use protection as they say
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Better/Worse is subjective. But show me any product (other than the Shamwow) that has a customer satisfaction rate as high as 95%. Damn, show me one with a 90% even. You and I have our opinions, but of the X Million people that did buy an iPhone, it’s safe to say that we are all glad we did. You would wonder what those customer satisfaction numbers would be on Mac and Windows…. As the old saying goes “Mac users swear by their machine, Windows users swear AT their machine” Again personal preference is all yours, but based on my 5 yrs of Mac use VS 17 yrs of Windows, you can bet I’ll wait to see the mythical iBook (yeah I know, but I miss the name, I hope they resurrect it).
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Corrected stat Better/Worse is subjective. But show me any product (other than the Shamwow) that has a customer satisfaction rate as high as 99%. Damn, show me one with a 90% even. You and I have our opinions, but of the X Million people that did buy an iPhone, it’s safe to say that we are all glad we did. You would wonder what those customer satisfaction numbers would be on Mac and Windows…. As the old saying goes “Mac users swear by their machine, Windows users swear AT their machine” Again personal preference is all yours, but based on my 5 yrs of Mac use VS 17 yrs of Windows, you can bet I’ll wait to see the mythical iBook (yeah I know, but I miss the name, I hope they resurrect it).
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Found em, Dell 33%, Sony 52%, Acer 61%, Mac 81%
September 24th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Macs make no ******* sense. Nothing is logical. When I click on the start menu I instantly see all my programs. When right click on anything I instanstly get more options. Bring a window to the left or right side of screen it automatically snaps to that side and resizes.
Windows 7 owns OSX.
September 24th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
@truth
Macs make no sense? i think thats pretty subjective really. personally id rather rip out all of my pubic hairs one by one than use windows. I get very jittery and start to sweat….then the headache kicks in……and jumping out of an airplane sans parachute begins to seem like a good idea.
September 26th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
@cj
you used to sell computers at best buy? Yeah I’ve seen the caliber of employees there and their “knowledge”. It’s as pathetic as you are. In another words your employment there is typical. Were you part of the geek squad? How many computers did you **** up you ******? My dog would give better advice. No lie. My mac is overpriced and useless? Show me a windows laptop that runs as good as the day you got it 7 years later that is cheaper than my PowerBook. Those piece of **** $500 laptops your selling to people as retarded as you at best buy simply don’t stack up. I’ve met retarded people smarter than you. Everybody has their preference but saying the mac is useless is like saying air is useless. In fact why don’t you go with that. Air is useless. Please stop breathing it. Your a pathetic moron who should do everyone a favor and just kill yourself. You retarded loser.
September 26th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
@cj
and jerk off on paid porn? You think you need windows to access free porn sites? Maybe if your beating it to young boys like you do……..
September 27th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
@cj
chances are your 34 yrs old and live in your moms basement and proboably have a video camera set up in her bathroom so you can beat off to her talking a ****….regardless, even if you made a million a year plus bonuses and were a bout to get 10 masters degrees youd still be a worthless piece of garbage……You obviously know nothing…….apple charging for updates? wtf is the matter with you……id like to think maybe your kidding……but i doubt it……..Again, please go and kill yourself…..the world would be a much better place without your pathetic *** stinking it up…….no pcs? no virus….spyware…..trojans….yeah nothing would get done………please go die……thank you…….
September 27th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
You are a shmuck.
September 27th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
@cj a shmuck? That hurts
September 27th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
@ cj
I run a website that makes me money? That’d be nice. The fact of the matter is apple does have it’s flaws just like any other company. I’m sorry if I actually enjoy using their products though. The bottom line is that my experience with windows pc’s hasn’t been that great. Maybe it’s just me. I don’t know. Given the choice between windows and osx I’ll go with the latter every time. Is that really such an out there thing. I’m sure there’s others with the same preference. You do understand what a preference is don’t you? Your statement that people use macs just to be different paints a perfect picture of your ignorance. Some people have checked out their options and simply decided against your precious windows pc. I personally like the fact that I can use my computer to get things done without having to worry about viruses and the like…..sure maybe It has to do with macs small market share…..whatever…..it works for me…….to me you get what you pay for. Every car out there has four wheels and a motor. Does that make a hyundai as good as a BMW? And yeah I lied about my mac lasting me 7 yrs. It’s more like 6 and a half (and counting). This isn’t too outlandish really. Macs are known to last quite some time. That’s not opinion. It’s fact. Take a look at a new MacBook pro and compare it to it’s cheaper pc counterpart. That pc is cheaper for a reason. The construction alone isn’t meant to last. Fact is a unibody aluminum laptop is simply built much better than it’s plastic pieced together counterpart. Any windows lover I know will even admit that much. Pcs rum the world because Microsoft built a portable os that runs on multiple computers. Apple has never done this. They are a hardware company. Their business model is about perfect integration between hardware and software. Completely different from microsofts approach. You give the option to have osx on a brand new pc and things would certainly be quite different. But apple doesn’t want to make concessions to the various computer companys. They want to control the whole experience. For me and millions others this is a good thing and worth the extra investment. You should really take the rime to educate yourself on something before you shoot your mouth off about it. It makes you sound like an idiot. Thank you
October 8th, 2009 at 1:21 am
I think this thing is amazing! I am personally a mac fanboy, but I’m sorry but this device cannot be won by either mac or windows. It needs it’s own OS for it’s purpose and microsoft did that perfectly (if it comes out like this). It isn’t intended to replace a computer, but be a mere replacement of the pen and paper, textbook/book, and all other things you normally carry around. I am dying to have one of these for school. The problem with the apple tablet (at least from rumor info) is that it will either be a weak tablet mac, or an oversized ipod touch. I could see a full blown tablet mac for graphics designers, but a large ipod is just that…a large ipod. Life is not all about watching music and videos. Don’t get me wrong they do an amazing jobs and I am more than pleased with the OS for laptops, but a tablet has a completely different function. At least for me that is at school. No longer will I have to carry around textbooks and notebooks. No longer have to keep piles or notebooks from previous years and never really having enough motivation to search through them for information I may need. I want my stuff digital. Make it MS and I will buy!
November 12th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
First, I am all apple and have been for some years now. Just to set the stage…I own an iPhone, MacBook, AppleTV, iMac, and a MacPro. So as you can imagine, it would be a bit of a stretch for me to look at anything Microsoft or Windows related–until now!!! I love it!!! It is unlike what I expect from Apple. Yes, there are those that would like a larger entertainment device from Apple, but there are also those of us that would like a serious productivity tool for the work environment–and this could be it. I world love to beta test the device n my work environment, which include healthcare and graphic design. Although it is a Microsoft product, I think it would be smart to make it Mac compatible as well. I think a lot of Mac users would purchase it. Did I say I would love to beta test and purchase this device??? Yeah baby!!!!!!!!!
February 6th, 2010 at 1:52 am
@CJ
Apple is bigger than Nokia, Sony and Samsung in mobile devices. Around 70 Percent of the design industry works on Mac. Probably around 50 percent for the music industry. The majority of colleges that teach multiple forms of design will have a Mac suite Companies like Pixar mainly use Macs. iPods are more popular than sliced bread.
And apparently YOU CAN go from working at Best Buy to earning 145K plus bonuses with a vocabulary that consists of ‘U’ and ‘ppl’. – Thats just great, I’m glad to see the economical environment being so reckless.
I love typical 20 year olds with as much sense as a lemming, heres the sad truth… You’re probably still working at Best Buy, showing your co-workers WoW porn at break-time.
One of the points you brought up was that you couldn’t easily work a Mac? And you thought that opening the start menu, then rolling over the application menu, only to have to pick from a further list of contextual menus to finally navigate to the application you’re looking for was much, MUCH easier than moving your cursor to the bottom of the screen and clicking the application in your dock? – Wonderful.
Sorry for the language but how the **** did you even get a job working at Best Buy? Did they have some form of government program to help the mentally challenged in place? Or does your dad work as the manager there?
Please, please don’t come back and say that PC’s are more wide spread and ‘uber’ because ‘they canz playz gamez!’, because I’d have to take down your pants and spank you like a little *****. Macs have always been a professional tool, not that I’m saying PC’s arn’t, but they have always been used in the industry… obviously your current employment isn’t classified under that category, simply because if I was to buy a Mac, I’d go to an Apple Store and not to Best Buy, exactly for the reason you gave – Annoying 20-something sales representatives that will try and sell you a *****, half baked PC with Vista and monitor for over 900 dollars.
You know, all Mac slander aside, with them supposably being so ridiculously expensive is madness when you take builds by Alienware and other like-companies. Funnily enough I bought my wife a *****, half baked HP 4GHz, 8GB RAM Quad-core, PC with Vista and a monitor from some 20-something annoying sales representative at Best Buy last year…. and the gods honest truth is, my 2GHz 4GB RAM, Duel iMac is faster. And I’ve never had viruses or problems with installing applications or external hardware. To be honest with you, I’d rather pay an extra 200 – 400 dollars more for the peace of mind.