I am not sure if this strictly qualifies as a competitor, but damn is it cool, slick and innovative.

http://gizmodo.com/5365299

It is still not clear as to what other capabilities it will have, other than those shown in the video, but I am finding it very difficult not to be drawn to it.

This really does seem to be an order of magnitude ahead of what we are used to.

It is unbelievable that it is coming from Microsoft too, of all people.

Looks like Microsoft bought another startup.

Yes that is right, the genesis is probably here
http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/c...softs-courier/

looking at that stylus and that writing on the tablet, here come the OH NOs sinec it must be a resistive screen

It's not any kind of screen, because you're watching a concept animation, not a video of a device.

It fooled me but that doesn't mean to say that it won't be a device one day?

so basically it's just an electronic multimedia diary ?

Actually it's not right. The Codex was developed by Ken Hinkley in Microsoft Research who was working on Microsoft's InkSeine. It is based on two standard OQO 02s.

http://community.research.microsoft....rch-codex.aspx

OQO was not purchased by Microsoft (although it is bankrupt and available cheap) and the hardware for the Courier looks nothing like the OQO devices.

So to Microsoft's credit (something I am rarely willing to offer), it looks like this is a home grown device.

could be a dual mode, that is resistive for finger use and a active digitizer for the stylus (think wacom).

thats a setup thats become common on the later tablet pc generations...

Thanks Rebski: http://tabulacrypticum.wordpress.com...-to-the-table/