Microsoft Courier dual-screen tablet photos leaked

Microsoft may launch a multitouch dual-screen tablet or booklet, code-named Courier, to take on Apple’s rumored iTablet.Gizmodo has reported that the Microsoft Courier is in the late prototype stage of development.

Photo: Microsoft Courier dual-screen tablet photo Source: Gizmodo

Leaked photos posted by Gizmodo show that the Microsoft Courier is a 7-inch dual-screen tablet that offers both multitouch capabilities on its touchscreens, finger and pen input.

The multitouch functionality allows users to write, draw, drag and flick with a stylus, and using fingers. The dual screens are connected by a hinge that holds a single home button, Gizmodo has revealed.

Photo:Microsoft Courier dual-screen multitouch tablet with stylus

The hinge area of the Microsoft Courier will function as a sort of pocket, to hold items and then transfer them to the other screen.

A camera is located on the back cover of the Microsoft Courier.

Photo: Microsoft Courier dual-screen tablet has a camera at the back

The rim of the two screen display the status of wireless signal and battery life.

Photo: Microsoft Courier tablet battery status on the rim

Some other reports say that the Microsoft Courier is one among several other prototypes that the company is working on.

The Microsoft Courier is said to be a skunkworks project headed by Head of Entertainment & Devices division, J. Allard. Apparently, the company is now showing design concepts to external agencies.

The Microsoft Courier, if launched in the mass market, will give Apple, which is said to be working on an iTablet as well, tough competition. It might worry Apple a bit, but for us its great news.

The Microsoft Courier is expected to be launched sometime in 2010.

Initial response the the photos and video of the Microsoft Courier have been positive, some even saying that they would buy this instead of the Apple tablet.

Sceptics are there too, who say that Microsoft has a history of such vapourware, and that the final product may not be anything like what you see here.

What is unavailable at this moment though are any specifications of the Microsoft Courier. No information on connectivity, or storage.

A lot matters on the processor and the memory. And what version of Windows would this new tablet / booklet computer run, and would it have WiFI or WiMax? Questions, questions.

We will keeping our ears cocked for any more info on the actual specs of the Courier. Till then, hold your horses.