Tablet PCs did not take off when Microsoft announced them in 2001. They were bulky, heavy and the Windows operating system did not translate well for pen-based input. Now, Microsoft is back with a concept device called “Courier” - a notebook-styled “booklet” PC that could give Apple a reason to worry.
Microsoft’s Courier Tablet: Paper 2.0
The Courier is a book-like tablet computer with two multi-touch displays. The left screen is meant for navigating the web, keeping track of your calendar and manipulating photos, among other tasks. The right screen will be mostly used for managing what Microsoft refers to as the “Infinite Journal” - the place where the user's notes and important multimedia will be stored. Users will employ a combination of multi-touch gestures (similar to the iPhone/iPod Touch) and a stylus pen to input and manipulate data.
The main focus of this device is to take notes, but not with an on-screen or external keyboard. The user is meant to utilize the stylus to physically write on the journal as if it was paper. According to leaked videos and documentation, users will be able to highlight, annotate, cut and paste information from websites and e-books seamlessly from screen to screen.