Thread: Microsofts tablet/ebook.

Looks neat!
Microsoft's Courier 'digital journal': exclusive pictures and details (update: video!) -- Engadget

stupid microsoft - it isn't eInk but it's being marketed at ebook lovers....

I disagree. I don't think it's intended to compete with the iPad in terms of functionality. Microsoft is beginning to realise they can't beat Apple at their own game. They are however both electronic gadgets from rival companies, so they'll be compared to each other regardless.

The iPad seems to be a compact media centre, photo album, e-book reader and web browser tablet that you keep handy on the coffee table at home whereas the Courier looks to be more of a journal/scrapbook/filofax type thing oriented towards creative types, corporate wankers and mouth-breathing teenagers which is actually meant to be carried around with you. It's smaller and the clamshell aspect means it can survive the rigours of being jostled around in a handbag, manbag, backpack or perhaps even your larger varieties of pocket without running the risk of scratching the screens.

I would have included hipsters in that last statement but they're all buying iPads (although so will a lot of wankers, but not the corporate ones - they choose Blackberries over iPhones and they'll choose the Courier over and iPad).

I think this ship has sailed, though. The iPad is going to market and MS will be a several months behind. As with the iPod and the Zune, there won't be any people left to buy Microsoft's product by the time the thing launches. They'll ship this only to find out that everyone's slapped down their cash for an iPad and don't see the point in doubling up. Of course there'll be the handful of eccentric weirdos who shun Apple stuff, will hold out for a Courier and then form a shadowy cult with other owners.

It might do ok though if Microsoft succeed at making these functional distinctions between itself and the iPad clear. As long as people think this is just an iPad clone they're doomed to fail, because... well, Apple stuff is shinier.

Mind you if this thing supports flash (which it probably will) the iPad can go get FUCKED. Although if I get a Courier I'll probably just use it for drawing pictures of dicks and sending them to people anyway.

I really like the look of it. Two screens for a start is a massive bonus (hello to multitasking) and the size is great.

who said anything about ipads? it isn't eInk either. also - i doubt MS will support Flash on it, they want the world to use Silverlight.