Pictures of an iPad from 2003? Not quite, but still a cool design

The iPad-like device is the MobiNote EP8403 and runs Windows CE. While it's not multi-touch, it does have touch, an e-Book Reader, Office and supports the ability to connect to the internet via WiFi and 3G, via PCMCIA.

It's no secret that Microsoft had the tablet long before the iPad was birthed, but for whatever reason couldn't get the world to embrace it. Perhaps it's less about the technology and more about the "cool factor" of an Apple product?

With Microsoft now offering up its next version of the tablet in the form of the HP Slate, it will be interesting to see what special UI considerations Microsoft and HP take into account for providing a touch-friendly experience to users who will be expecting something as fluid as the iPad.