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Microsoft's Prototype Multi-Touch Tablet/Booklet

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Apr 12, 2001
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Gizmodo reveals some details about a top secret Microsoft project working to introduce a new booklet device with dual 7-inch multi-touch screens.
The dual 7-inch (or so) screens are multitouch, and designed for writing, flicking and drawing with a stylus, in addition to fingers. They're connected by a hinge that holds a single iPhone-esque home button. Statuses, like wireless signal and battery life, are displayed along the rim of one of the screens. On the back cover is a camera, and it might charge through an inductive pad, like the Palm Touchstone charging dock for Pre.
Click to expand...
The concept video provided shows the device in use. It incorporates a stylus with handwriting recognition, swipe gestures, and multi-touch actions including pinch zoom.

All the visuals of the devices appear to be concept mockups rather than showing an actual device in action. While Gizmodo describes the device as "late prototype", Engadget claims it isn't near production.

Meanwhile, Apple has been rumored to be entering the tablet market as early as 2010.

Article Link: Microsoft's Prototype Multi-Touch Tablet/Booklet
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/22/microsofts-prototype-multi-touch-tablet-booklet/
While this is a neat idea, I can imagine how many people will treat it as a real booklet and end up breaking/shattering it.
 
Doesn't mean squat until I can actually use it. Still don't have access to a "Surface" dining room table. Apple will have an ACTUAL shipping device in Q1/10...until then, Microsoft can create mockups of unicorns and it'd be just as real.
 
... but it runs on a MS operating system.

I'm sure people will love the blue left page of death.
 
MovieCutter said:
Doesn't mean squat until I can actually use it. Still don't have access to a "Surface" dining room table. Apple will have an ACTUAL shipping device in Q1/10...until then, Microsoft can create mockups of unicorns and it'd be just as real.
Click to expand...

Apple has released less info about a tablet than this, tbf.
 
Ahhhhhh....let the fanboys begin...
From a competition standpoint, this is freaking great. Lots of people might compare this to iPod/Zune war, but the key difference is that Apple and Microsoft's products could be introduced at similar times- meaning much more comparisons and (hopefully) improvements for both.

I'm just damn suprised we hadnt heard of this sooner- this is already in the prototype stage. Score one for Microsoft.

I just watched the video....damn, this thing is killer. I'm excited. And personally, I like the "booklet", folding in half idea better than a large, flat tablet.
I hope this really jacks up Steve and Co. to bring a new level to the MacTablet.
 
is it just me or does that thing look incredibly uncomfortable to use? you could only really use it on a table of some sort. the "mobile" just isnt there for me.
 
Oh, stop with the hate.

That looks AMAZING. Instant sale, if they can hurry up and get one to market, and if it isn't hindered too badly by the usual suspects -- battery life, software, sunlight readability (let's not use OLEDs this time, OK?) etc.

It's the Hitchhiker's Guide -- for real! :D
 
notjustjay said:
It's the Hitchhiker's Guide -- for real! :D
Click to expand...

YES! I'm liking this product now that you said that.

But, the only issue I would have, would be the screen breaking from me using it like I use current booklets. You know the basic toss, throw, slam down, and jam into your bag. Stuff like that I would see people having to get used to with this. Otherwise it looks great from a design point.
 
MovieCutter said:
Doesn't mean squat until I can actually use it. Still don't have access to a "Surface" dining room table. Apple will have an ACTUAL shipping device in Q1/10...until then, Microsoft can create mockups of unicorns and it'd be just as real.
Click to expand...

Yeah... Because that rumored Q1/2010 launch window is so credible. :rolleyes:
 
MovieCutter said:
Doesn't mean squat until I can actually use it. Still don't have access to a "Surface" dining room table. Apple will have an ACTUAL shipping device in Q1/10...until then, Microsoft can create mockups of unicorns and it'd be just as real.
Click to expand...

You seem pretty certain about Apple's release of a tablet device. I was just wondering how long you've been with the company because you seem to be able to confirm rumors that don't seem, until now, to have any type of realistic confirmation.

While I love Apple and think they are great, this looks amazing. Not only that, you can clearly see the functional implementation it carries, which is important. Perhaps Apple will reveal a tablet very soon, because they do have a habit of keeping this very secret until they are ready to be distributed. Even if Apple hold a special event tomorrow and show off a groundbreaking magical tablet that no one could have predicted and they announce it ships tomorrow, this is still a cool device.

I do agree that a major problem is the Microsoft OS and what will probably inevitably lead to a "blue left page of death," however people, myself included, constantly slam Microsoft for copying Apple all the time and not being innovative themselves. I think this product squashes all of that. Even if Apple comes out with a better product and even launches it sooner than this is available, it still shows that Microsoft is trying new things, and that's good.

Competition is never bad. The video attached to this article raises the stakes all on its own. Steve Jobs will see this and either feel good about what he's focused on or will up the ante in his own product.

Just my thoughts on the matter. Bring on the flaming of Microsoft from the irrational fanboys...
 
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