Microsoft Stuns with Dual-Screen Tablet

No sooner do rumors start flying that Microsoft has re-initiated plans to manufacture its own Surface-based tablet, than images and video of the device arrive. And it’s not what anyone expected — it’s an absolutely stunning device worthy of giving Steve Jobs nightmares.

Gizmodo landed the exclusive scoop: Microsoft is planning a dual-screen “booklet” (not tablet) code-named Courier. Though it’s still merely in the prototyping stage, a leaked video Gizmodo acquired proves that it’s real. It sports 7″ dual screens that fold up and work with each other in surprising ways (wait till you see this video…). Both screens can be manipulated with either fingers or a stylus, so you can not only swipe and use multitouch gestures, you can actually write and draw on the surface as well.

My mind is utterly blown by this video I keep hyping, which demonstrates the uber-impressive capabilities planned for Courier far better than any words I can come up with. See for yourself.

Is Courier the first true iPad killer — before Apple’s fabled device has even been officially announced? Though I tend to lean towards the Apple crowd for my personal computing needs, Microsoft’s Courier prototype has me floored. Imagining the possibilities of what a device like this could allow me to do has my head spinning right round, baby.

Bottom line: if Courier delivers on its current plans, then it’s going to take every ounce of Apple’s mojo to top it.

Image: Gizmodo.