More Multi-touch: Microsoft's Courier Touch & Stylus Input "Digital Journal"; Pre-order the iPad ---Possibilities for education!

Lately I've been thinking deeply about ways new multi-touch technologies, running on screens and surfaces of all sizes, can support learning and collaboration, in and outside of the classroom.  Microsoft's Courier and Apple's iPad are two tools I'd love to test out in the digital mix in the schools. Here's the latest information about the Courier, via Engadget:

The applications running on this demo look useful!

Apparently the Microsoft Courier, a dual screen 7-inch notebook, accepts multi-touch and stylus input:


-via Deeper2K's YouTube channel

According to Engadget, the Courier is "built on Tegra 2 and runs on the same OS as the Zune HD, Pink, and Windows Mobile 7 Series...We're also hearing that there will be a built-in camera, and there's a headphone jack for media playback. Most interestingly, it looks like the Courier will also serve as Microsoft's e-book device...."

More information can be found on the Engadget website:
Microsoft's Courier "digital journal": Exclusive pictures and details (update: video!)
Also read Ina Fried's article on CNET news:
More details leak on Microsoft's 'Courier'

-Engadget: Courier User Interface Gallery


By the way, you can pre-order your shiny new iPad from the Apple Store right now!


-Apple Store

For the Techies and the Tech-Curious:

The iPhone SDK 3.2 beta includes what you'll need for developing applications for the iPad. You can go to the iPad webpage and dowload the SDK, which includes an iPad Simulator, programming guide, sample code, human interface guide, and more.   But first, you must be a member of the iPhone Developer Program.  The fee is $99.00 a year.

I will share my thoughts about these devices and their use for learning/education in future posts.