A guide to touchscreen computing

Touch technology is the term given to a device which allows users to apply finger gestures to a display to generate commands that control the device.

Multitouch is a more advanced type of touchscreen technology which allows the user to apply multiple finger gestures at once; such technology is used on Apple’s famous iPhone and even more famous iPad.

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There are several ways of implementing touch screen technology, examples include:

• Resistive touchscreen – a panel composed of several layers, including two metallic electrically conductive layers separated by a narrow gap. When the surface is pressed, by a finger for example, the two layers connect and cause a change in the electrical current, sending a “touch event” to the controller to process.
• Surface acoustic wave – this technology uses ultrasonic waves which pass over the screen. When the screen is touched, a portion of the wave is absorbed and this ultrasonic change sends this information to the controller for processing.
• Projected capacitance – This is the most widely used technology. It consists of an etched pattern of electrodes, either in one layer or two perpendicular conductive layers, laid out in parallel lines to form a grid. The grid of capacitors is created once a voltage is applied.

A finger or stylus touching the surface changes the electrostatic field and the capacitance changed can be measured accurately using the grid to determine a touch location. Devices that use this technology include the iPhone the LG KE850 and Google’s Nexus One

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There are many benefits to touchscreen technology, besides that fact that it is a real novelty to be able to control your computer with the touch of a fingertip!

Most touchscreen desktops are slim and space-saving, a real bonus if you have a rather cluttered office. No mouse and keyboard means you save more desk space and have less wires spidering out of your system.

This means you can also eat and drink while working without the dreaded fear that your coffee will spill and you’ll ruin your keyboard. It may seem like a small comfort but it is one that is worthy enough to mention!

Using a Touchscreen can also prove to be much faster; you can select the menu/icon/button you want without dragging your mouse all over the screen first.

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With the very hands you were blessed with of course! For more detailed tasks (or for those who are a little heavier handed) most touch-based machines come with a stylus – a pen like device developed specifically for use on a touchscreen.

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Touchscreen computers are simpler making them ideal family computers; the often larger screens make them easier for children use. The HP TouchSmart 300 desktop is a prime example; it has a large 20 inch LCD widescreen and an easy-to-use interface.

HP also has the Mini 5102 laptop, a notebook that can be converted into a slate by swivelling the screen around. This slate was developed with artists and designers in mind as it can act as a normal PC but convert to a “digital ink” tablet to assist with sketches and drawings.

The Lenovo U1Hybrid Notebook is another touchscreen winner, with its removable 1.6 inch HD LED screen which also acts as a tablet computer. It is surprisingly light, supports multitouch gestures and gives you then the very best of both worlds.

The Sony VAIO L Series provides customers with more entertainment orientated touchscreen desktop. The full HD screens with multitouch capabilities allow you to interact with your media, whether it is photos, videos or music with just a simple touch.

NOTE: Touchscreens computers may take a while to get used to after a lifetime of using buttons but believe me, once you have it pinned down, you’ll never look back!