Going by a report in The New York Times, a dual-screen, touchscreen tablet computer, called 'Courier,' would be announced by Microsoft and HP at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on today, January 6, 2010; ahead of Apple's still-to-come announcement of its much-rumored tablet computer.

The report said that the book-like 'Courier,' which is an HP / Windows device with HP-manufactured hardware, will be unveiled by the Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer during his keynote speech that will mark the official opening of the 2010 CES.

Initially leaked as a concept in September, the 'Courier' is essentially a project being overseen by Microsoft's chief experience officer, J Allard.

As per the reports about the prototype of the tablet, the device has an iPhone-like home button; Wi-Fi; a camera at the back; and a Palm Pre-like inductive charging pad. The Courier features two hinge-held 7-inch multi-touch screens, which are designed for writing, and can be controlled either with a stylus or with fingers.

Saying that Ballmer will introduce the Courier's hardware, which functions as a multimedia device as well as a multitouch-enabled e-reader, at the CES, The NY Times report added: "It remains tough to tell where Microsoft's work ends and HP's begins on this type of product. But all eyes will be on Mr. Ballmer this week to see if Microsoft and HP and can out-Apple Apple before Apple Apples."