There are lots of rumours floating around today about the Microsoft Courier booklet project and the HP Slate – are they true?
Back at CES in Las Vegas, there was a lot of talk about two particular products, the Microsoft Courier booklet and a Windows 7 Slate device from HP. These were both considered to be rivals to Apple’s iPad device (which at that point no one had actually seen).
Well, it looks like both of those projects are now dead.
Image Courtesy of Engadget
Here is what Microsoft is saying, or not saying, depending on how you read it regarding Courier:
Over the past few months there has been a ton of speculation about the “Courier” project from Microsoft. We’ve not discussed or confirmed the project. There is more speculation today, and below is what we are saying publicly:
“At any given time, across any of our business groups, there are new ideas being investigated, tested, and incubated. It’s in Microsoft’s DNA to continually develop and incubate new technologies to foster productivity and creativity. The ‘Courier’ project is an example of this type of effort and its technologies will be evaluated for use in future Microsoft offerings.”
I am excited about the great set of products and services rolling out from the company in the next few months – Office 2010, Windows Phone KIN, Windows Phone 7, SQL Server 2008 R2, Project Natal from the Xbox team, Windows Live Wave 4, among others. It is going to be a fun next few months!
Posted by Frank Shaw
Corporate Vice President, Corporate Communications.
So, it looks to me like they are saying the technology might appear later, but don’t expect it anytime soon.
And as for the HP Slate, which having seen at CES was so cool and I really wanted one, it seems that this is also dead, perhaps because HP just bought Palm this week? There is no official statement from HP but a number of sites are reporting that it’s dead, at least in its current Windows 7 form.
So, is anyone bothered? Watch this space for more information as it develops.
I remember reading about both devices. Loving both for the spy shots, hardware specs specifically for the HP Slate. Now both devices are but a dream! It makes me feel like Microsoft wants me to buy an iPad instead of a Windows powered device. I'm sure HP will want to load WebOS on the slate, to ensure longer battery life and a better competition against the iPad, but come on, both devices in 2 days time they get cancelled. Talk about ruining my birthday and Christmas at the same time!
yeah, I know exactly what you mean.
I kept saying to people I wouldnt need an iPad as I was looking at the slate – oh well 🙁
Andrew
i was just wanting a few of these for Windows 7 powered touch panels around the house to control lights and music ect.
hey i wonder if i can get the ones they throw away
well if you find a few, send one my way 🙂