Microsoft Surface Duo Folding Phone - Where Have I Seen This Before?

Microsoft Surface Duo
Picture: Microsoft

Ten plus years ago I used to be a lot more interested in gadgets and hardware, specifically the mythical world of tablet computing (yes, tablets weren't a thing back then but they were on the horizon).

Microsoft recently released its new Surface Duo Foldable Phone and I immediately thought this looks incredibly familiar...

Back in 2009 Gizmodo uncovered a super secret Microsoft project, the Courier Booklet, a foldable tablet computer that looks remarkably similar in size and appearance (almost down to the hinge even) to the Surface Duo.

The Microsoft Courier Booklet (2009).

Keep in mind that back in 2009, no one, not even Apple, had released any kind of consumer tablet device. Below is a demonstration video that is kind of a case study as to how a designer might have used the Courier Booklet.

As a device for creatives, that seemed to have a pretty accurate stylus, I was very excited about it (as you can read in my article from the time). Had it ever been released I would've seriously considered getting one, even though it would probably be way out of my budget range.

Based on the early reviews of the Surface Duo, which is an Android phone, not a Windows phone, I would say someone at Microsoft definitely dusted off the old project files for the Courier for inspiration.

I think Marques Brownlee's review below pretty much 'gets' what the Surface Duo is kind of all about with the whole two screen concept.

Based on Marques', and a couple of other reviews, I'd have to agree, the Surface Duo is trying to be something different that could be amazing. Maybe even as amazing as the Courier looked to the 2009 me, who had yet to experience any kind of tablet computing.

I too, hope that Microsoft really push the device to something special in its second generation. Perhaps even with some of the functionality seen in the Courier.

The Duo is not the device you throw in a bag ready to take selfies with, or film adventure sports at a moments notice. It's the device for being more productive on the go. Not so much a phone as a digital pocket book or journal perhaps?

The kind of device I've dreamed about since the Courier Booklet.

Skateboard Trick Tips: Two Ways to Ollie North (Ollie One foot)

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How to Transfer Any Line Art to Your Griptape - Easy Skateboard Griptape Art Tutorial

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Embarrassing Yourself with Doof Doof Music

Ever since Spinal Tap popularized the notion of turning an amp up to eleven audio systems have been rising to the challenge of louder, more awesome sound. In particular, car audio systems have embraced the notion of the bigger the noise the better the sound must surely be. What I'd like to know is, if these sound systems are so good, why do they make all music sound the same... Doof, Doof, Doof? You've all heard them. Pimped up cars, with audio systems seemingly worth more than gold, volume blasting way past eleven. Sound waves booming long before you make a positive visual on the car... Doof, Doof, Doof. It has to be the audio system right? Surely all these people can't be playing the same tune? Doof, Doof, Doof. Could it be that the more money spent on a car sound system the less musical range it will actually play? Maybe these people can't afford to buy music after purchasing the audio system so they all play the same demo track? Doof, doof, doof. In my own car I hav

One Week on Light n' Easy #lightneasy

My partner, Enigma, and I recently decided to try Light n' Easy to replace all our daily meals in an effort to eat healthier (and not have to think at all about cooking evening meals). Enigma is about to embark on her third week of their full menu but I caved after one and opted just to get the dinners.

The Braille Skateboarding App - How it Changed My Mind on Switch Skating

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The Lego Man - He's got all that!

Who would have thought that owning one of the worlds largest, private Lego collections could take you so far. Tom Lucieer of Angaston, South Australia, not only has met the Queen (of England) but is a frequent guest of her majesty and family when they are in Australia. He's also met Prince Charles, Lady Diana and Camila Parker-Bowles. Not only that, he grew up with TV Vet, Dr Harry, and is a friend of the Irwin family (yes, that's Steve Irwin's family). Tom will happily tell you all this as part of the guided tour of his collection, which, aside from Lego, includes much railway memorabilia and colourful anecdotes about days gone by, his achievements and more. Frequently he will finish each particular monologue with the phrase, "Have you got that?", just to check that he hasn't confused you because, as he points out, his display and the stories behind it are a lot to take in at once. In the photo you can see Tom holding a special award, which I think is for bei

TET.Life (The Extraordinary Tourist Life)

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