Microsoft Watch scored a scoop (http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,1995,1785645,00.asp) that Microsoft was working on a prototype of a new device - described by their sources at Microsoft Redmond campus as a type of hybrid Tablet PC/e-Book reader. The mini-Tablet, allegedly one of Bill Gates' pet projects, measures about 6x8 inches and features a digitizer like a regular PDA. During an interview this February (http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=506354&page=1) Gates was directly referring to this project:

"I am meeting with our tablet people about the idea of carrying text books around. They'll have just a tablet device that they can call up the material on. That's been a dream for a long time, we're making progress there. So review of the software projects and encouraging them in terms of what they are doing well and telling them who else they need to work with."

To wit, Engadget, Gizmodo, et al, are reporting that this, "Ruby" (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_9485.html) might be a prototype. I don't think so, but maybe a sign of things to come.

The trick with this will be price, display, compatibility and if it can display PDF files.

To wit, Engadget, Gizmodo, et al, are reporting that this, "Ruby" (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_9485.html) might be a prototype. I don't think so, but maybe a sign of things to come.
Looks nice. Hope it'll not just stay a prototype.