TOSHIBA LIBRETTO W100 SET TO HIT MARKET IN AUGUST 2010

Is there anyone paying attention to what has transpired over the past few moths with the disappearance of the Microsoft Courier concept tablet device, and the mysterious appearance of the Toshiba Libretto W100? I find this to be very suspicious!

For months on end, we were teased by the prospect of the breakthrough Microsoft Courier (see my previous post and video) with its dual touch screens and proprietary Microsoft touch screen interface that was based on the Surface project. After much hullabaloo, Microsoft announced that they were dropping the project and postponing its introduction indefinitely. This was very distressing news to me.

I had my heart set on this device. This represented the only tablet concept that I would chose over the Apple iPad. I loved the idea of the dual screens, and all of the extras that you don’t get with an iPad. I also loved the concept of the “tuck” feature, whereas a user can transfer pictures and images from two different applications running on either screen by dragging and tucking that image into the fold. Some of the gestures featured on the Courier device, which come from the Surface, are not offered on even the iPad.The operating system was to feature Windows 7. It would have USB, a camera, a micro SD slot, and Adobe Flash capability, which represents a big draw to me as a PC user. All of these features had my mouth watering, and my piggy bank savings were growing in anticipation of an early 2011 release.

But lo and behold, the announcement came forth in late winter of 2010 that Microsoft was abandoning the project for no apparent reason. I was surprised that they would allow Apple, who surpassed them this year in market capitalization, to take center stage and dominate the new tablet market. To my shock, the new Toshiba Libretto W100 dual screen tablet concept was first reported in June of this year. It has striking similarity to the Courier tablet.

Even more surprising, they are planning on an August 2010 release. It has the same display dimensions and basic features of the Courier, all but the pointer device, and even runs on Microsoft Windows 7. Has anyone caught this but me? Are you as surprised as I am that the Courier, which was not due to enter the market until 2011, would come popping back on the scene, somewhat reincarnated, as the Toshiba Libretto? Is this the same device as the Courier, only more of a realistic production version and not vaporware concept?

I’d love to hear your comments if you know more about this than me. I’d also like to know your reaction, if you have been following the whole Microsoft Courier developments. The entry price of this device is supposed to be $1,099, and depending on features, could sell for $1400 on the higher end. This device, in my opinion, would be more useful to me as a heavy PC user who does not want to purchase a laptop or netbook. What are your thoughts? Comment below!

Carlton Flowers
Gadget Geek Supreme

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