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[Timbuktu]

the more i think about it, the more i think the size is going to limit what can be done on it. And for note taking... assuming it can't search through my scribbles, I don't want to have to sort my notes and it feels more claustrophobic when you can't flip through the pages like you can with a real notebook of this kind of size (A5?)

 

[D4Danger]

For what it's worth, this thing is going to be waaaaay too small to type on with an on-screen keyboard, so you aren't going to be manipulating PowerPoints, Word documents or Excel documents.

The bottom half could be used as keyboard and the top as a screen.

That would make it the exact same size (maybe bigger) than the iPad's implementation.

 

[Nerevar]

How big is the iPad screen? How much of that screen is used for the keyboard?

A quick glance at wikipedia shows that this is basically the same size as the ipad:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipad

Dimensions
9.56 in (24.3 cm) (h)
7.47 in (19.0 cm) (w)
0.5 in (1.3 cm) (d)

I'm not sure why everyone is short-changing this in size compared to the ipad. Outside of video or games, you don't need both screens to be interconnected for productivity type applications. I agree with the poster who basically said this is a productivity-minded device, compared to the ipad which is an entertainment-minded device. And as Liu Kang points out - neither one is particularly revolutionary.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

This is very productivity oriented whereas the iPad isn't. From that standpoint, I could see it winning over business and design types that just want something for jotting down ideas really fast and prefer using a pen for such practices. Really, I don't think the two are competing for the same crowds. Which is probably better for them both.

I agree that they don't really seem like competing products. The graphic designer in my office may like the Courier more, seems like it would be right up her ally, and I can see how this can appeal to the right audience. Some of the functionality is very cool indeed.

 

[Karma]

The bottom half could be used as keyboard and the top as a screen.

That would make it the exact same size (maybe bigger) than the iPad's implementation.

That is what I was thinking. So, RubxQub thinks the iPad is way too small to type on.

 

[CrankyJay]

Wonder if this software will take into account left vs. right handed writers. Will they give users the option to customize the layout of where they would like to write? I'm imagining it would be easier for lefties to do stuff on the left screen.

 

[Keylime]

You guys are right in that you could orient the device to have keyboard bottom, screen on top...but now you're working with just one screen to fit both tools and text for these productivity applications (if they exist on this device). Orienting the iPad in landscape will easily give you a larger keyboard.

Look at that interface video on Gizmodo again and tell me how the hell you're even supposed to use the damn thing :lol

I think it looks awesome as hell, but the learning curve on the thing looks incredibly high at a glance.

...don't try and paint me as a hater, I'm just discussing the thing.

 

[Medalion]

Microsoft's answer to the Nintendo DS(i)

 

[captive]

You guys are right in that you could orient the device to have keyboard bottom, screen on top...but now you're working with just one screen to fit both tools and text for these productivity applications (if they exist on this device). Orienting the iPad in landscape will easily give you a larger keyboard.

Look at that interface video on Gizmodo again and tell me how the hell you're even supposed to use the damn thing :lol

I think it looks awesome as hell, but the learning curve on the thing looks incredibly high at a glance.

...don't try and paint me as a hater, I'm just discussing the thing.

:lol still a little touchy from all the apple fanboy accusations from the apple suing HTC thread?

Depends on the type of work they do, and on how much this thing ends up costing. It's too early to tell where this is going to fit in though; we really need a full run-down on what it can do and how before making any judgements.

Yea, would love full specs, price, release date and what kind of apps will come with it and can be designed for it.

 

[Vinci]

winning over what? iPad in a business world? maybe. A real (lightweight) notebook? Not likely.

Depends on the type of work they do, and on how much this thing ends up costing. It's too early to tell where this is going to fit in though; we really need a full run-down on what it can do and how before making any judgements.

 

[D4Danger]

You guys are right in that you could orient the device to have keyboard bottom, screen on top...but now you're working with just one screen to fit both tools and text for these productivity applications (if they exist on this device). Orienting the iPad in landscape will easily give you a larger keyboard.

Look at that interface video on Gizmodo again and tell me how the hell you're even supposed to use the damn thing :lol

I think it looks awesome as hell, but the learning curve on the thing looks incredibly high at a glance.

...don't try and paint me as a hater, I'm just discussing the thing.

I was just pointing out that a keyboard COULD be done on this because it's the exact same size as the iPad.

If I'm honest I don't think a keyboard will be used at all (it will probably still be an option). The device seems centred around pen input.

I imagine a little button or something that could pull up a keyboard overlay for text input.

 

[Keylime]

:lol still a little touchy from all the apple fanboy accusations from the apple suing HTC thread?

People are already jumping on my back in this thread, so I'm hoping to not fuck up this one as I try and discuss a new cool tech toy.

I was just pointing out that a keyboard COULD be done on this because it's the exact same size as the iPad.

If I'm honest I don't think a keyboard will be used at all (it will probably still be an option). The device seems centred around pen input.

Same exact size is misleading.

The iPad doesn't have a thick massive line down the middle of it. This makes a landscape oriented keyboard pretty much impossible without ruining the display above (you could have some keys on the left, some keys on the right, but now your work area above is sliced in half).

I agree, though. I think MS would be wise to include text entry via some kind of onscreen keyboard, but assume the primary input would be the pen throughout for a good user experience.

 

[CrankyJay]

Reminds me of Penny's computer book from Inspector Gadget:

Off-topic aside...I google imaged "penny inspector gadget book" and a bunch of perv hentai pictures of Brain and IG screwing Penny are on there. WTF?

 

[Vinci]

People are already jumping on my back in this thread, so I'm hoping to not fuck up this one as I try and discuss a new cool tech toy.

I don't see any problem with what you're saying. The fact that I'm discussing it in a less critical fashion than you doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to Day One the damn thing. Hell, I'd likely buy an iPad long before I'd purchase one of these simply due to the iPad fitting into my lifestyle more. I do really like the pen functionality though - and I think turning it and using one screen for a keyboard makes a great deal of sense. That wouldn't differentiate it from the iPad, of course, but simply suggest that it can do the same thing from a typing respect. The real difference is the pen, when all is said and done, honestly.

 

[Karma]

You guys are right in that you could orient the device to have keyboard bottom, screen on top...but now you're working with just one screen to fit both tools and text for these productivity applications (if they exist on this device). Orienting the iPad in landscape will easily give you a larger keyboard.

Look at that interface video on Gizmodo again and tell me how the hell you're even supposed to use the damn thing :lol

I think it looks awesome as hell, but the learning curve on the thing looks incredibly high at a glance.

...don't try and paint me as a hater, I'm just discussing the thing.

The iPad keyboard would be 2 inches wider but an inch shorter. Assuming it takes half the height of the screen in landscape.

 

[CrankyJay]

Not sure why you would need a keyboard for this. The pen to text functionality should work just fine, and it's more of a note/sketch book. If you want to type wouldn't you want to use a laptop?

 

[Littleberu]

Shog should be around to tell all of you that this sort of thing has been around forever. I use a janky old Toshiba with a pen that syncs OneNote.

If it's really cheap, I can see the appeal. I feel like I saw a thousand of these book style pen tablets at CES earlier this year.

Nonetheless, it is a way better concept than the Ipad, which was your original question.

 

[CrankyJay]

Nonetheless, it is a way better concept than the Ipad, which was your original question.

It's a better concept if you're going for productivity. Not sure if productivity is iPad's #1 intent.

 

[Vinci]

Nonetheless, it is a way better concept than the Ipad, which was your original question.

No, it's really not. At least not for the market iPad is going to be primarily tackling. Again: I don't think they're going after the same markets. They are two very different products and they're trying to appeal to very different types of people. You can prefer one over the other, but dismissing the iPad as being keenly well designed for its target market is insane. It's about as perfect as it could be.

 

[CrankyJay]

No, it's really not. At least not for the market iPad is going to be primarily tackling. Again: I don't think they're going after the same markets. They are two very different products and they're trying to appeal to very different types of people. You can prefer one over the other, but dismissing the iPad as being keenly well designed for its target market is insane. It's about as perfect as it could be.

Agreed. It seems like if I wanted a good web-browsing environment, the Courier wouldn't be my first choice: iPad would. Likewise, if I wanted productivity I would prefer the Courier.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Nonetheless, it is a way better concept than the Ipad, which was your original question.

Disagree. It may be a better concept for a certain audience, but the iPad certainly has it's appeal for the right crowd too. Both have some great functionality built in. I happen to think that the iPad will have more mainstream appeal, and this will be a hit with a smaller, more focused market.

 

[LCfiner]

It's a better concept if you're going for productivity. Not sure if productivity is iPad's #1 intent.

not sure? i'm pretty damn sure. :lol

The ipad can do productivity (hence the iwork demo) but that ain't the focus.

the courier is focused on being a new PDA device. I think the market for it is smaller than the ipad but I can see the appeal and its uses with the pen.

 

[luoapp]

Agreed. It seems like if I wanted a good web-browsing environment, the Courier wouldn't be my first choice: iPad would. Likewise, if I wanted productivity I would prefer the Courier.

what if you already have a productivity tool, like a laptop?

 

[Karma]

Nonetheless, it is a way better concept than the Ipad, which was your original question.

I think the iPad will be better for watching videos and browsing the web. The courier would be better for ebooks and notes. Students would love the Courier.

 

[mrkgoo]

The courier is looking good, and a more innovative product than the iPad. I think it may be bit less approachable at first, however, and since it is really high concept, it will likely be pricey. I think that's why the iPad is not so high-concept - it needs to really win the masses and be at a good price.

Also, the Appstore is more or less tried and proven. The iPad will have many applications out the door.

 

[CrankyJay]

what if you already have a productivity tool, like a laptop?

I don't know of any laptops that are pen-centric that let you drag and drop elements from the web into a notebook style journal.

Again, if the type of productivity you're aiming for isn't best served by an iPad or a Courier, why would you buy one?

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Nonetheless, it is a way better concept than the Ipad, which was your original question.

I asked why it's a better concept. I'm getting "it is because it is."

Really, none of us know what this thing is at all. We know it likes a pen and it folds. I feel like we're seeing the same silliness we see from Apple fanboys when they call an abstract concept or a new idea amazing, innovative, magical, etc.

 

[Vinci]

I happen to think that the iPad will have more mainstream appeal, and this will be a hit with a smaller, more focused market.

To echo this sentiment: I think the iPad is going to royally fuck over a lot of PCs and laptops on its way to mass relevancy. From a mainstream viewpoint, I see the iPad as game-changing.

 

[CrankyJay]

The ipad can do productivity (hence the iwork demo) but that ain't the focus.

Yes, it has iWork stuff, but like I said, don't think that was the #1 intent of the iPad.

 

[Keylime]

...out of curiousity, how many people write anything these days?

If I was still a student at school, I wouldn't want an iPad or a Courier, but a full-blown laptop or tablet.

Typing is infinitely faster than writing and you can look at the board/teacher while you do it versus writing. People who write notes are dinosaurs in my opinion (outside of formula heavy classes) :lol

 

[Phobophile]

I think the iPad will be better for watching videos and browsing the web. The courier would be better for ebooks and notes. Students would love the Courier.

I dunno how many of your textbooks in college were the size of a paperback but I'd rather have something closer to 8.5 x 11" as a textbook replacement.

 

[MThanded]

Looks good. Really wish the screens were bigger though.

 

[CrankyJay]

...out of curiousity, how many people write anything these days?

If I was still a student at school, I wouldn't want an iPad or a Courier, but a full-blown laptop or tablet.

Typing is infinitely faster than writing and you can look at the board/teacher while you do it versus writing. People who write notes are dinosaurs in my opinion (outside of formula heavy classes) :lol

Some people retain more information when they write it out by hand as opposed to just mindlessly typing it. At least that sort of holds true for me. Can't speak for anyone else.

Being able to circle key notes in a lecture or whatever seems beneficial to me as opposed to bolding or italicizing something in Word.

 

[Keylime]

Some people retain more information when they write it out by hand as opposed to just mindlessly typing it. At least that sort of holds true for me. Can't speak for anyone else.

Being able to circle key notes in a lecture or whatever seems beneficial to me as opposed to bolding or italicizing something in Word.

I hear ya, I guess I'm just thinking you're missing a ton of info by hand-writing since it's slower and you need to look away.

...probably shouldn't have even brought it up, but I'm still shocked people write their notes.

 

[mrkgoo]

...out of curiousity, how many people write anything these days?

If I was still a student at school, I wouldn't want an iPad or a Courier, but a full-blown laptop or tablet.

Typing is infinitely faster than writing and you can look at the board/teacher while you do it versus writing. People who write notes are dinosaurs in my opinion (outside of formula heavy classes) :lol

Ugh, I take notes in the lab with this device called a pen, and it cramps my hand if I write more than page.

Touch devices, and light keyboards have really made me soft. I'm sure even just a tablet style stylus would give me a bit of relief - it's the pressure you have to apply with a ball-point. I do find it easier using gel-ink pens, for example.

 

[CrankyJay]

I hear ya, I guess I'm just thinking you're missing a ton of info by hand-writing since it's slower and you need to look away.

...probably shouldn't have even brought it up, but I'm still shocked people write their notes.

btw, good point about formula heavy notes. I figure this thing may be pretty useful for math/physics/chem majors.

 

[aoi tsuki]

There's so much convergence and feature overlap in consumer electronics now that when i see devices like this, the iPad, and even MP3 players and have to ask myself "what purpose does this serve that my smartphone or laptop don't?" Adding another device to the mix means having to remember to bring it with me, having a way to charge it, and managing media (ie. remembering which device i copied a particular album to). Like the iPad, i wouldn't mind owning one, but i'm guessing i couldn't justify the price, or adding another device to my threesome of smartphone/laptop/desktop.

 

[Vinci]

There's so much convergence and feature overlap in consumer electronics now that when i see devices like this, the iPad, and even MP3 players and have to ask myself "what purpose does this serve that my smartphone or laptop don't?" Adding another device to the mix means having to remember to bring it with me, having a way to charge it, and managing media (ie. remembering which device i copied a particular album to). Like the iPad, i wouldn't mind owning one, but i'm guessing i couldn't justify the price, or adding another device to my threesome of smartphone/laptop/desktop.

The iPad is meant to replace these two alternatives for many, many people.

 

[luoapp]

btw, good point about formula heavy notes. I figure this thing may be pretty useful for math/physics/chem majors.

Actually, I am very comfortable with taking notes in Mathematica, and I seriously doubt this thing can recognize hand written formula, not to mention all the calculation/manipulation you can do with Mathematic.

 

[C.Dark.DN]

What's the best tablet PC?

I want to see Apple and other companies to refine the tech and come up with advanced note taking software.

The pad and courier can exist for whoever wants them.

 

[Deku]

There's so much convergence and feature overlap in consumer electronics now that when i see devices like this, the iPad, and even MP3 players and have to ask myself "what purpose does this serve that my smartphone or laptop don't?" Adding another device to the mix means having to remember to bring it with me, having a way to charge it, and managing media (ie. remembering which device i copied a particular album to). Like the iPad, i wouldn't mind owning one, but i'm guessing i couldn't justify the price, or adding another device to my threesome of smartphone/laptop/desktop.

That and certain devices are still preffered for their specialization. So we end up with 5-6 devices with a lot of features overalp but each are used mostly for one function only.

I think the next big trend in the next 20 years is the relatively novel idea of divergence of features.

Not every computing device with a LCD screen , and wifi needs to play games, or have web access, when 4 other devices can already do the same.

It's a lot of 'duplication' consumers are having to pay for.

 

[Einbroch]

Holy shit it actually folds in half.

 

[luoapp]

Holy shit it actually folds in half.

Nintendo DS says "hi":lol

 

[luoapp]

That and certain devices are still preffered for their specialization. So we end up with 5-6 devices with a lot of features overalp but each are used mostly for one function only.

I think the next big trend in the next 20 years is the relatively novel idea of divergence of features.

Not every computing device with a LCD screen , and wifi needs to play games, or have web access, when 4 other devices can already do the same.

It's a lot of 'duplication' consumers are having to pay for.

Then you end up with 5-6 gadgets with you. Forget about that, thinking "cloud"...

 

[Deku]

Then you end up with 5-6 gadgets with you. Forget about that, thinking "cloud"...

one google future?

 

[Zozz]

The iPad is meant to replace these two alternatives for many, many people.

I'm sorry but no way in hell can an iPad replace a laptop or a computer. Netbook yes, but that's how far it will go.

 

[LCfiner]

Yes, it has iWork stuff, but like I said, don't think that was the #1 intent of the iPad.

I was just joking around with the use of your phrase "I'm not sure..." regarding the ipad.

you can be 100% sure the iPad was not aimed as a productivity focused device.


that being said, I'm not sure what MS's intent is with this device. i know it's funky and I like it but it's not focused the way their Win Phone 7 OS is focused.

 

[Sol..]

god dammit. This is literally the very reason I just bought my T91MT. This thing would serve it's purpose a million times better. But then again my 91's value as a actual computer has been fulfilled every purpose i created thus far. I still will probably get a courier if it's less than 400. I really can't see paying as much or more than my T91 which is so good for it's 475 dollar price tag. Thats the core issue with the ipad for me. Well that and i got an iphone.

...out of curiousity, how many people write anything these days?

If I was still a student at school, I wouldn't want an iPad or a Courier, but a full-blown laptop or tablet.

Typing is infinitely faster than writing and you can look at the board/teacher while you do it versus writing. People who write notes are dinosaurs in my opinion (outside of formula heavy classes)

Welp you said it best

for me, typing is only valuable in fact heavy courses like POLS, History, Etc. I'm CE so i only type for my global issues class. Everything else is writing. I write my Diff EQ notes digitally and i write my audio technology notes on the provided hand/print outs. In embedded PCs i don't take any notes. I play tecmo bowl, eat cheetos, and fart whenever i please. I also write personal/club project notes digitally. Typing them seems to provide a bit of an thinking barrier. I like to throw in sketches rather than write out thoughts completely.

 

[C.Dark.DN]

That and certain devices are still preffered for their specialization. So we end up with 5-6 devices with a lot of features overalp but each are used mostly for one function only.

I think the next big trend in the next 20 years is the relatively novel idea of divergence of features.

Not every computing device with a LCD screen , and wifi needs to play games, or have web access, when 4 other devices can already do the same.

It's a lot of 'duplication' consumers are having to pay for.

You think divergence will be the trend in the next 20 years? :lol

 

[Captain N. Tenneal]

This is definitely targeting more of the "working professional" more than the iPad, I would say. This could be an absolute boon as a digital sketchbook when I'm out and about - as long as it has decent pressure sensitivity.

Looking forward to more info on this bad boy.