HP has “cancelled” the Slate. Microsoft has “cancelled” the Courier. I think there needs to be a discussion on what “cancelled” means in each of these statements.
While it is true that HP will not release the Slate tablet PC with Windows 7, I doubt the project is dead. Pointing back to my recent statements, I submit that HP will most likely put a mobile operating system on hardware that is similar to what the Slate offered. They may change and use a processor that is more mobile friendly, provide for solid state storage, provide a solid sync strategy and provide a channel for users to buy applications. I am very encouraged by these events as I think they will make the next revision of the Slate a better product for consumers.
I am also encouraged by news regarding the Courier, with a caveat, I’m not sure Microsoft ever intended to produce the device. My concern about Microsoft’s intent aside, I think Microsoft taking another look at the direction of such a device at this point is the right move. Making changes to a rocket on the launch pad is much easier than trying to make changes to a rocket after it has been launched! Microsoft needs to compete with the iPad and I think they can, if they re-think their mobile strategy. As it stands now, Windows Phone 7 is limited to two (2) screen resolutions, neither of which will allow it to be viable competitor for a tablet form factor. This limitation is artificial, political and should be removed. Removing artificial barriers such as this could put Microsoft in a competitive position in the tablet space.
