The Microsoft Courier remains at the rumor stage, but (like Apple's long-rumored tablet) may shake up the eReader market if it eventually comes to market. The Courier is allegedly two 7-inch multitouch tablets which fold together as a book, somewhat similar to the enTourage Systems eDGe or Asus Eee Reader also in development.
The device is still in the "late prototype stage," according to insider sources cited by Gizmodo (see their leaked picture). Until recently, the Courier was a secret project known only to a few engineers and executives at Microsoft, though it has allegedly moved into a stage where Microsoft is showing the design to other partner companies.
It currently looks like a Dayrunner-type personal assistant with drawing and notetaking features, but it may well have an eReader angle, although Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has said the company is not interested in building an eReader.
From the pictures, it looks like the Courier's two screens can accept handwriting from a stylus or multi-touch inputs from your fingers. It would not have a keyboard, and rely entirely on handwriting recognition for text input. The Courier's stylus would let you switch between writing, sketching, and painting. On the side of the pen would be two quick access buttons that let you switch between a writing pen and a marker. The second button would have an undo function and you could also twist the stylus to activate Courier's drawing functions. Courier would have a camera on the back of the device.
The Courier's main functionality is the "Infinite Journal," limitless virtual pages where you can take notes, sketch, and store Web clippings. The hinge doubles as a "pocket" to hold items you want move from one side to another.) The Courier would rely on the “Cloud” to provide web-based access to your Journal. You can share part of your Journal online and allow collaborators to comment. You'll also be able to access your own Journal from any web browser to view items or make changes.
Connecting: The Courier is supposed to have WiFi connectivity, but it's uncertain whether Redmond plans to add 3G internet connectivity as well.
Accessories: The Courier's potential accessories are speculative at this point.
Price: There's no indication as to the price of a future production model Courier, or when, if ever, it will be released.
The Courier is still allegedly at the late prototype stage, and is not even an e-ink display, but we're following it closely as it may impact the eReader market.
eBook Reader Basics