Another Microsoft Courier Video, Shows Pen Input

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Gizmodo has another mockup video of Microsoft’s Courier tablet concept showing how the device might be used for creative work.

The heart of the system is an “infinite journal,” an interactive work area that’s used to store and work on photos, handwritten notes and messages from colleagues.

But in four minutes of video, there’s just the pen. Fingers are used for navigation, but all the input is via pen and handwriting recognition. There’s no virtual keyboard to be seen.

It’s a pretty compelling vision of how a touchscreen device might be used in real life. I’m half convinced, but I can’t help feeling it won’t work. A tablet device has to be multitouch, not pen-based, otherwise it’s going to be  mainstream flop. History has shown, pen-based systems are niche products. The future is fingers.

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