Touch Screen Monitor: Why?

Micahb · 12-06-2008, 02:35 PM

Can anybody tell me what the purpose of a touch screen monitor is?
Was at Costco today and saw a HP TouchSmart, and just couldn't figure out why.
It's specs were good, and the thing looks fantastic, I just don't understand the draw to touch.

**surferdude9375** · 12-06-2008, 04:39 PM

It fits the idea that people see of the future. Plus people always want to have cool stuff that impresses other people. I've seen the commercials for it a few times and it doesn't seem to have any other strong selling points besides being "cool."

I'm sure that type of computer would have to have good specs running some type of touch screen software good.

dtaylorl · 12-06-2008, 04:43 PM

I think mostly its the cool factor. There are some practical uses to it as well, but I do prefer a keyboard and mouse to touching the screen.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 12-06-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtaylorl

I think mostly its the cool factor. There are some practical uses to it as well, but I do prefer a keyboard and mouse to touching the screen.

I prefer a wacom tablet for signing documents myself...

But touch screen sounds really cool. Unfortunately, hands are filthy and often loaded with abrasive grime.

But as you see the touch screen keyboard of the iphone is the "in" thing... people will piggyback on that.

Until they come up with a waterproof, touchscreen monitor I can windex... not interested.

Cam42 · 12-06-2008, 05:08 PM

I can see this being used for casual web browsing. writing something for school? no. most definitely not.
Physical keyboards ftw.

If it was horizontally oriented (IE microsoft surface), It might be different, but I can't imagine typing on something vertical. it just wouldnt work for me.

Cam42 · 12-06-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillSPrestonEsq

I prefer a wacom tablet for signing documents myself...

But touch screen sounds really cool. Unfortunately, hands are filthy and often loaded with abrasive grime.

But as you see the touch screen keyboard of the iphone is the "in" thing... people will piggyback on that.

Until they come up with a waterproof, touchscreen monitor I can windex... not interested.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the iPhone touchscreen covered in glass? If they did something like that work for a larger computer moniter?

Almost Enough · 12-06-2008, 05:14 PM

It has a mouse and physical keyboard.

I have been interested in one for quite some time. I tend to multitask with non-computer related activities (such as playing guitar). The ability to touch a screen would be much nicer than reaching for a mouse and controlling it while trying to hold a guitar.

Also, when it comes to graphic art, I have the worst time using a mouse for smooth curves and shapes. A pen would be ideal for this sort of application.

I've been considering it for my next computer, actually, other than the question of whether or not I can fit an upgraded soundcard and such into it.

Micahb · 12-07-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillSPrestonEsq

I prefer a wacom tablet for signing documents myself...

That's exactly what I was thinking. The idea of touch is cool, but not a screen. I like to sit with the monitor back a bit so it's not so harsh on my eyes. To touch the screen I'd have to lean in a bit, which would be fine for the occasional thing, but for any long period of time it would for sure stress my back.
Having a tablet that I could touch with my fingers instead of a pen would be fantastic.

Bryan · 12-07-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam42

writing something for school?

I can't wait for voice recognition to be really good.

Cam42 · 12-07-2008, 01:59 PM

Yeah, because at the moment (for my computer anyways) it sucks.

Cam42 · 12-07-2008, 02:00 PM

also, does anybody know if this is multi-touch?
I wouldn't think so, but It'd be pretty sweet.

Nate · 12-09-2008, 08:45 AM

The most obvious applications are not on the individual, private, home-user basis. They're probably just marketing it as a home PC to squeeze a few extra bucks out of the technology. Touch-screen monitors are already all-but-ubiquitous in retail, banking, and travel applications.

MrCrabby · 12-09-2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate

The most obvious applications are not on the individual, private, home-user basis. They're probably just marketing it as a home PC to squeeze a few extra bucks out of the technology. Touch-screen monitors are already all-but-ubiquitous in retail, banking, and travel applications.

You got it. We've had touchscreen monitors on our cash registers for over 2 years now. Honestly, I think they're annoying. A physical keypad is much faster than trying to navigate imaginary buttons on a flat screen.