Courier Prototype Tablet: Microsoft Declines to Comment

Video and photos of Microsofts tablet PC device, code-name Courier, showed up yesterday on Gizmodo. Microsoft declined to comment, fueling speculation on whether the device was rumor, vaporware, or for real. Sporting touch screen and stylus input, the dual-screen device is something of a mystery as to its operating system or price range. The article does allege that the proect is being headed by J. Allard, who also worked on the Zune and the Xbox, neither of which use the Windows user interface model or operating sytem.

Reportedly, the device will also feature a built-in camera, Wi-Fi capability, and a hinge in the middle of the two side by side 7 inch screens, allowing it to fold up like a digital moleskine. It appears to be a Frankenstein-like mashup of different purposes, technologies and concepts at this point, as opposed to the simplicity of a typical Apple device. Rumors of an iTablet have been circulating for months, with the launch date thought to be in early 2010.