This is a bit sad.

Microsoft has confirmed that it will not build the Courier project “at this time”. That’s a real pity. The device has real merit, with two opposing screens, very much in the traditional paper notebook mould.

We have to wonder what’s going on over at Redmond. The prototype was apparently, almost ready to go, and goodness knows, Microsoft could really use some innovative products in the market. Even the most ardent of supporters agree, the ideas that have come out of the lab recently have been superb. Delivering on the promise? Not so much.
What happened to Surface, the giant touch-based coffee-table computer idea? Those who’ve seen and played with one, rave about it, despite the $30k price tag.
Where’s PhotoSynth? There’s a technology that could revolutionise crowd-sourced photo sharing, if ever there was one.

Of course, I could be wrong, but this latest put-it-on-the-shelf action, smacks of reluctance to go up against the arch-enemy, Apple. The iPad, even though it was launched in wi-fi form only, at first, has enjoyed enormous adoption, and fanatical acclaim. The 3G version, now shipping will only extend that buzz. I certainly hope I’m wrong. Strong competition fuels the constant drive for innovation and refinement.

And when that happens, we all win.