Microsoft Courier RIP

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/microsoft-confirms-kills-courier-in-one-fell-swoop/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/...one-fell-swoop/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Well here's the deal, according to a source familiar with the situation: the Courier did indeed start life as a potential new product category for the company, one which was being incubated internally with very real plans for a marketable device. It seems, however, that things just didn't manage to take shape, and word was handed down very recently that the incubation period had reached its conclusion -- sans product -- and resources would be directed elsewhere."</em></p><p><em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1272918678.usr10.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></em></p><p>Quite the shame. &nbsp;I was hoping this made it to being a real product. &nbsp; But, I'm betting we'll see some aspects of this in products from Microsoft in the future.</p>

[ptyork]

I really hope we see some aspects trickle out, as well. I think as it was, it was a bit too convoluted to be a commercial success. Plus, I just don't ever see the folding slate concept taking hold. I mean, why? You basically add an additional bunch of bezel, a hinge mechanism, extra weight, and the problem of scratching the glass with anything caught between when folded. And you gain very little since it has to be opened to be used, anyway. Basically just the "tuck" notion and a slightly smaller footprint when closed (and perhaps some protection for the screen, though I think a simple leather case on a slate is better).

BUT, the concepts shown (multi-touch combined with pen) is fantastic. I firmly believe that these concepts will survive and make their way into a future product. Heck, you could even keep the twin screen concept simply by splitting a screen in landscape orientation. Lots of potential.

[Jason Dunn]

I'm pretty sad this isn't coming to market - I think Microsoft was on to something really special with Courier, and they need to move into new markets with touch computing...the tablet PC is mostly a clunker.

[John London]

Maybe something else will come from this development. Really a tablet would seem anequated compared to what I have seen of this device. Come on MS get something out there now.:confused:

[Jeff Campbell]

I hear Apple came out with something called the iPad (http://www.applethoughts.com/news/show/97978/my-month-with-the-ipad.html) that might interest you guys...maybe you have heard of it? ;)

[Jason Dunn]

I hear Apple came out with something called the iPad (http://www.applethoughts.com/news/show/97978/my-month-with-the-ipad.html) that might interest you guys...maybe you have heard of it? ;)

I've already got an iPod Touch, and I'm not completely blind, so why would I need an iPad? :D

[stlbud]

I hear Apple came out with something called the iPad (http://www.applethoughts.com/news/show/97978/my-month-with-the-ipad.html) that might interest you guys...maybe you have heard of it? ;)

Yeah, been there done that. We called it tablet PC. Yawn!!! Call me when something really interesting shows up.

[Jeff Campbell]

How is this for interesting (http://www.applethoughts.com/news/show/98022/turn-your-ipad-into-a-notebook-with-clamcase.html)? Have I sold you yet? ;)

[Jason Dunn]

How is this for interesting (http://www.applethoughts.com/news/show/98022/turn-your-ipad-into-a-notebook-with-clamcase.html)? Have I sold you yet? ;)

That's pretty slick! I like that quite a bit...:)