Microsoft and HP tablets shelved

Even though the tablet computer has got to be the product of the moment, Microsoft last week announced it would be shelving its Courier tablet PC, closely followed by news that HP would be giving up on its Slate tablet with Windows 7.

Microsoft's Courier was a tablet designed to resemble a book, with two screens that fold together. It was also only ever presented as a prototype. Microsoft's Corporate Vice President, Frank Shaw, said that the Courier project 'will be evaluated for use in future offerings, but we have no plans to build such a device at this time.'

HP's tablet was first presented at the 2010 CES in Las Vegas. Since then, HP has reportedly been unsatisfied with the performances of Slate's OS (Windows 7) and the power-hungry Intel Atom processor.


In fact, with HP and Microsoft out of the way, it's starting to look like the iPad is both invincible and unstoppable. And given the spec, performances and battery life of the sturdy, reliable and highly profitable iPad, it's clear to see why the competition is more than a little nervous.

Remaining rival tablets are now the Fusion Garage JooJoo, the Archos Home Tablet 7, and the forthcoming Notion Ink Adam and Dell Streak.


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