Microsoft Courier: Another iPad alternative could enter the mix....manufactured by ASUS?

The Microsoft Courier provides similar functionality to a tablet/e-book but with a unique hardware configuration. It looks similar to a real book with dual screens, best described as the digital version of a journal. Could this be the ASUS device mentioned here by an ASUS exec? Where he hints at two devices, one for the google OS and the other for Microsoft.

The Microsoft's Courier seems to be signalling a change in Microsoft approach to defining the user experience. In a welcome move by Microsoft, the Courier is to run on the Zune OS rather than Windows 7, which is definitely a good choice by Microsoft. The design considerations behind the Zune OS were probably completely different to Windows 7, Windows 7 wasn't built from the ground up as an OS for the new generation of touch screen devices and the pen and touch based UI concepts explored in the demo are extremely creative for a Microsoft offering. The question which comes to mind however is, Where does the Courier really fit in? the answer? It seems to be a device aimed at students, writers, designers or busy executives.

Microsoft have a good opportunity to learn from a number of projects, which have delivered innovation in User Interaction Concepts and Interface design (Metro UI, Windows Phone 7, Zune, Windows 7) and combine the best to bring consumers something fresh, will this be another success story for Microsoft? Only time will tell.

With a launch date around Q3/Q4 or no launch at all, will the courier remain a concept? if it does enter the consumer market then it definitely has the potential to be a strong contender!

Source: Engagdet.com