Microsoft Courier would use Tegra 2 and ship late in 2010

9th March, 2010 by adina
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The dual-screen Courier tablet of Microsoft is a book-like device and should be powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 250 processor. Certain leaked details of its hardware configuration show the tablet as being relatively portable. Despite having a second touchscreen, Microsoft’s tablet should be lighter than an iPad and have the weight of just over one pound and would be under an inch thick. Its footprint would be comparable to that of a 5-by-7-inch photo.

Some details of the operating system are also revealed. Although Microsoft’s preference for Windows 7 on tablets is well known, the use of an ARM-based processor would require Zune HD and Project Pink. Previous leaks have revealed an operating system optimized primarily for note taking and including handwriting support. New details show the previously hinted at e-reader player.

E-books would play an important role and would include a “dedicated ecosystem” implying an online bookstore like the iBookstore of its main rival. Applications are mentioned in one screen and hint for a Courier marketplace.

A release of the Courier tablet seems more certain now than ever. Earlier rumours mentioned Microsoft undecided of whether or not to release the tablet at all, but now it is likely to ship in summer or fall. The price is obviously unknown at this time.

Leakes about Microsoft’s Courier tablet appeared months before the iPad but it seems to enter the competition relatively late, as shipping is delayed with at least three months compared to the iPad. The Courier will also face a higher price pressure than was originally estimated, the $499 base price of the iPad making practically impossible a significantly higher price for Microsoft’s tablet potential buyers.


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