Microsoft's Courier 'digital journal': exclusive pictures and details | Hacker News Reader

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

engadget.com

31 pointsyumraj28 comments

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.

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

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?

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.

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

> 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?

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.

You are an optimist.

Windows Mobile, under various names, has been under development since the late 90's. Microsoft had more than a decade to come out with a usable product and failed in that regard year after year after year. If Windows Mobile 7 turns out to be usable, I will start believing in miracles.

I think Microsoft has finally realized that design really matters. Few people will argue that Windows 7 is not well designed, and even most of my mac "fanboy" friends concede this fact by stating "It's about time! Apple's been doing this forever!" as if that fact makes it ok that Windows 7 is friendlier and (imho) more usable than OS X ;)

Fanboy wars aside, I reiterate my first (and only real) point. I think Microsoft has finally realized that design really matters.

From what I've seen of Windows Phone 7, and Windows 7, and the few screenshots that came out of the Courier, I think that they have a _strong_ chance of it being gorgeous, well designed, and with a friendly interface.

Besides, I _really_ want a competitor to the iPad, not because I dislike Apple (I don't, their products are well designed and I own plenty of them), but because competition breeds innovation, and then we all win.

edit: typo 'won' = 'own'

It's entirely possible they realized, after decades, design matters. What I doubt is that an organization that consistently failed to arrive at that simple realization, despite having a role model to follow (or copy) is, indeed, capable of acting on that conclusion.

The yesterday's weather principle dictates it's doubtful.

You forgot Zune, the UI interface is pretty slick.

We shouldn't really count Microsoft out. Back in early 2000s, Palm had the lion's share of PDAs and then Microsoft pretty much turned the tables on them with the PocketPC which eventually became Windows Mobile.

However, when MS had the market lead, they just rested on their laurels and failed to innovate.

I don't think Apple will stop innovating soon. Still, don't count MS out.

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.

Hey if you want pen input you might look at getting a pogo sketch from tenonedesign.com - I've got one that I use on my mbp with inklet and I've tried it on my 1st gen ipod touch and it works there too. I'm guessing with its beefier processor the ipad will work even better.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Apple's Newton is sooo doomed...

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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