Asus Plans Competitor to Microsoft's Courier Tablet

Asus showcased a Courier-like dual-panel touchscreen PC at CeBIT this spring. The device is pictured below in a laptop orientation with a touch screen virtual keyboard on the lower panel.

Although it looks interesting, Engadget reports the device was not ready to actually be used. As seen in the photos, hardware and software is still in the prototype stage.

As we expect from Courier, the Asus dual-panel machine runs Windows 7. It's not clear if this device would directly compete, as there may not be a stylus for input, and the form factor more closely resembles a notebook.

Like the Courier, the Asus device does offer dual touch screens with a center hinge.

Here's the full gallery from Engadget at CeBIT 2009.