Bill Gates has always told about how good a tablet PC would be. Finally, Microsoft have announced their first tablet PC product – The official name is the Microsoft Courier.
Controlled by a stylus on it’s touchscreens, the Microsoft Courier has two 7 inch displays, which are hinged together in a book-type fashion. According to Microsoft, it will be smaller than an average-sized laptop, but bigger than a normal PDA.
The product will operate as a web browser, media player and a book reader, which isn’t bad for a device like this. Bill Gates has also said that this is currently only a late-prototype, and that a digital camera and even wireless charging may be included in the final release.
Another interesting point is that Apple are apparently working on a product of the same type. Apple’s tablet PC will have a 10 inch screen, and it will work like a big version of the iPhone. It will work as a games console, book reader and an internet hub. What is surprising is that Apple’s device may even be in shops by Christmas, which gives them a significant advantage as far as sales are concerned. There is no release date announced for Microsoft’s product, as of yet.
One thing to think about, however, is if this Microsoft product will actually be successful. Microsoft have never had much luck in the gadgets market, as shown with the Zune MP3 Player which is struggling to fight against Apple’s iPod range. So far it looks like a good idea, but will they be able to turn a good idea into a good reality?
