The Courier - Microsoft's Answer to Apple's Cool Tech

Ok, I admit it! I think this looks like a great gadget that might just get added to my "must have" tech toy list:

http://gizmodo.com/5365299/courier-first-details-of-microsofts-secret-tablet

There's not much information about this product yet but it definitely appears to be a cool concept. I like the dual screen though I'm not sure about the hinges in the middle of it. I also have eyes that are older than a 20 year old's and hopefully it won't be too small for someone with my poor eyesight to read (caused by too much computer screen time, I believe...)

I saw an interview with one of the Gizmodo guys and there was a reference to the Courier as a type of electronic scrapbook. Note to people who will be marketing this toy - do not advertise it as having to do anything with scrapbooking or "scrapping" as people who are into this bizarre hobby refer to it. (You know there's a subculture involved when a noun - scrapbook - is shortened and used as a verb or gerund). I like technology! Give me a toy with lots of buttons, beeps, and flashy slash screens and liken it to something cooler than a scrapbook, please!!! :-)

http://g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/theloop/68515/First-Details-on-Microsofts-Courier-Tablet.html

Ok, so there's not a lot of information beyond Gizmodo's initial video clip scoop about what a user can do with it. The capabilities seem to be more in line with a day planner on steriods and I can definitely see some real applications of using this tool while working on projects. I can't wait to see what capabilities the Courier will have to tie it into some of Microsoft's office tools. As a PM, being able to tie a portable day planner/tablet into sharepoint or other PMIS could ultimately be a real win since blackberries are too small to do anything more than email and laptops can be a real drag to carry around.

I look forward to learning more about the Courier. If Microsoft would like a field tester, I volunteer!