Maybe it would be really innovative if they combined this with something like Tactus. <http://www.tactustechnology.com/technology.html>

I'm also skeptical of Tactus. If they would build a similar input pad with embedded actuators that could create the illusion of a click, I would think this could be made more robust. An e-ink display built into the surface, and this would be perfect.

The Microsoft thing is nifty, but it screams "planned obsolescence" to me.