OSNews takes a look at the technology powering the latest generation of touchscreen personal computers. Have the stars finally aligned to give the touch interface the combination of price, precision, sensitivity, and software support to make it attractive to the mainstream PC buyer? And if so, what does that mean for the elusive Tablet PC? We take a look at a Dell Studio One, which is powered by NextWindow's optical touch screen technology. (With video)
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2008-12-31
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FYI, there was an article last week in ComputerWorld about a touchscreen tablet running Windows 7, the Archos 9. I don't know if the screen is 10", but it's 0.68" thick, Bluetooth-capable, priced around $500, and positioned as a netbook-class machine. No word of a docking station, unfortunately, but otherwise it's pretty close to what you're asking for. Something to keep an eye on. :-)
Here it is in the article:
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139194/Windows_7_to_go_New_...
And here's the company page:
http://www.archos.com/products/nb/archos_9/index.html?country=jp&la...
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2008-07-15
The issue I see, even once touch screens become available for the average computer user, is the way applications and other software programs are designed. They're designed for a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The iPhone's touch interface is so efficient and quick because all of the applications are designed for it and do not cling to desktop ui design. Contrast that with, for example, windows mobile which clings much more to standard desktop interface designs. I can't see it being as nice if we still, say, have to reach to the top of the screen to select an item from a menu/ribbon/tab bar/whatever the app in question has, especially if the screen is larger than say 10 inches. It's not just about the tech, it's about the design of the software to use that tech, and I don't personally think that traditional desktop layout is appropriate or streamlined for a touch-based computer. I'm not saying to dumb down interfaces or anything like that, just that traditional layouts may not fit in this context.
Member since:2009-08-19
I agree with you. A tablet-type computer is a fundamentally different platform. Most attempts at a touch-based operating system have been an attempt to force the tablet platform into the PC "box."
Indeed, when that nut is cracked it could be the smartest interface devised. Personally, I think that fast, accurate, and fuss free handwriting recognition must be at the heart of the interface.
I'm surprised that Microsoft didn't try to ship their tabletop OS with the Studio One.
Edited 2009-10-20 07:03 UTC
Member since:2008-07-15
While it would certainly be important for some situations, I don't think handwriting recognition is the end all of input methods as some seem to. There are some things, many things in fact, where even an on screen keyboard is faster than actually writing it out manually. It's certainly important, but I think the heart of the interface would be making the software and interaction with the screen streamlined. Hand writing is just an input method when you come right down to it, and the best recognition in the world might not make up for a bad interface in other areas.
Member since:2009-08-19
Day-in, day-out I would rather type than write too. A two-handed keyboard is more efficient unless you just want to jot down a quick note. The problem with an on screen keyboard on a device the size of a tablet is that you would need to set it down to take full advantage of the keyboard. Plus, there are still a handful of people who don't know how to type. Maybe I'm being too inflexible, but I think a tablet will be at its best when it works like a clipboard.
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I use my tablet's touch capabilities tons for taking notes in class.
Type type type type, draw the graph, type type type, draw the picture. etc.
A non touch device was basically worthless for this, and before I got my tablet, I really couldn't justify bringing it to class at all.
