DETAILS OF Microsoft’s Courier tablet device have been sprayed all over the Internet.

Information on the Courier was leaked to Engadget back in September but Microsoft’s “Digital Journal” has also been spotted starring in a Youtube video. The internal Microsoft video is a demo of the Courier’s interface and its similarities to Apple’s Ipad and HP’s Slate cannot be overlooked.

While the demo only showcases the interface, it’s obvious that the Courier has a dual stylus or digit touchscreen and is intended as an e-book organiser with web browsing and handwriting recognition capabilities.

Engadget’s sources go a few steps further. They claim it is powered by Microsoft’s Tegra 2 chip that the Vole uses for its Zune HD music player rather than Windows 7 and will have a built-in camera, a feature that’s missing in Apple’s first Ipad. Engadget goes on to guesstimate a release date in the second half of this year.

So far Microsoft hasn’t released any statements to confirm or deny Courier. But the Vole always wants high volume sales so we’re betting on a price much lower than either the Ipad or the Slate.