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.