Microsoft to reveal tablet pc ahead of Apple

There have been months of speculation about Apple’s highly anticipated tablet PC. After the long wait  its unveiling may be as close as this month. For every new piece of technology that Apple is developing the enthusiasm of the public reaches boiling point in the weeks prior to the announcement. This time the its no different and speculation has been rife about the specifications and even the name. While speculation continues other companies are experimenting with applications for this type of device and competing devices are being launched.

A device that also goes beyond the more traditional readers is the Microsoft Courier that was launched today. Unlike the Kindle and its competitors it uses colour screens that will make the way we consume online magazines and newspapers more rich and interactive. These devices provide a great opportunity for creators of content as photography and video can be explored in much more depth by readers.

On Wednesday, Mr. Ballmer, Microsoft’s chief executive, will unveil a novel take on a slate-type computer during his evening keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, according to people familiar with Microsoft’s plans. The slate will be made by Hewlett-Packard and possibly available by mid-year, these people said via Microsoft and H.P. to Reveal Slate PC Ahead of Apple – Bits Blog – NYTimes.com.

Here’s a video of the device by Gizmodo: