Microsoft Courier Concept Will Be a Dual-Screen, Folding Tablet PC

[Ed Hardy]

Microsoft is reportedly working on an innovative concept for tablet PCs. The Courier project will create devices that have two screens, and are capable of folding like a book.

Not all the details are known yet, but a rough overview has leaked out.

The Courier's 7-inch dual screens will support multi-touch, and will be used for controlling the device, entering text, and drawing.

When closed, it will be protected by a leather cover, and will include a rear-facing camera.

It will allegedly have some for of wireless connectivity, but at this point, many details are still unknown. Processor speed, screen resolution, battery capacity all remain mysteries.

Release Date Unknown
The Microsoft Courier project is supposedly in the late prototype stage, but when devices based on it will be released is not yet known. 

It's unlikely that Microsoft will introduce Courier tablet PCs itself. Instead, it is developing the software for products that will be offered by other companies.

These devices could find themselves going up against Apple's tablet, which is rumored to be launching early next year.

Video Preview
A short video demonstration of the Microsoft Courier has appeared on the Web:

Source: Gizmodo

[Ed Hardy]

I've wanted a smaller version of this as a smartphone for years. What I'm looking for is a clamshell with two screens, instead of a screen and a keyboard. One of the screens could act like a keyboard when I wanted one, and the rest of the time it could be used to display additional information.

Screen space is so constrained on smartphones that adding a second one just makes sense to me.
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[jigwashere]

I've wanted a smaller version of this as a smartphone for years. What I'm looking for is a clamshell with two screens, instead of a screen and a keyboard. One of the screens could act like a keyboard when I wanted one, and the rest of the time it could be used to display additional information.

Screen space is so constrained on smartphones that adding a second one just makes sense to me.
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On that note, is there any follow-up to this article:
Smartphone with Folding Screen Coming Later this Year? I thought the concept was very interesting, but don't recall ever seeing it delivered.

[Ed Hardy]

jig, the company blog hasn't been updated since 2008... I suspect the Readius is dead.

But that device isn't close to what I'm asking for here. I want a smartphone with a lot of screen space and easy text input. A roll-up screen would only give me half that.
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[Guest]

I've wanted a smaller version of this as a smartphone for years. What I'm looking for is a clamshell with two screens, instead of a screen and a keyboard. One of the screens could act like a keyboard when I wanted one, and the rest of the time it could be used to display additional information.

Screen space is so constrained on smartphones that adding a second one just makes sense to me.
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Maybe a Nintendo DS?

[Hook]

Okay, this gets me excited and, actually, the size is about right for me. Of course, I can't watch the video at work, so I'm getting excited about what I think it should be like. We will have to see what reality is when it gets past prototype.

[jigwashere]

The video is cool, Hook. Unfortunately, the voice over was done by what sounds like a very young, techno-hip woman. I hope an old fart caveman like me can use it, too.

[ro_bro]

amazing device. count me in for one.

[Antoine Wright]

I like the concept; and will say that its very similar to the XO2 that is supposed to be underway in terms of being developed. Don't care who gets there first, but I've been looking for a mobile in this size and form factor since getting my first PDA.

[DragonHunter]

It has potential, that is for sure....could be interesting to see if anything comes of it.