Microsoft Cans Tablet Project

Microsoft's "iPad killer" tablet computer has been killed. The two-screen Courier device created a buzz when images of a prototype were leaked last year, but Microsoft execs say the project has now been shelved. The strong launch of the iPad may have convinced Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer to rethink entering the tablet market, Gizmodo speculates.

A Microsoft spokesman said the project is among many ideas the company tests but doesn't proceed with. "At any given time, we're looking at new ideas, investigating, testing, incubating them," he said. "The Courier project is an example of this type of effort. It will be evaluated for use in future offerings, but we have no plans to build such a device at this time." (More Courier stories.)