New to the Touch

what problems does multitouch technology solve?

Helps people with disabilities - Helps autistic students to speak to and communicate with others.

Replace the use of mouse and keyboard - For users who cannot grasp a mouse and want the functionality of a PC. (e.g the Dell Latitude XT tablet.)

Minimize clutter with portable device - Such as the Android operating systems for smartphones has support for multi-touch. Users can manage emails, contacts, calendars and hold virtual meetings through a built-in webcam and microphone.

Advantages

Extremely good for object manipulations - Touch, drag, "pinch" to zoom in and out, slide finger up and down or sideways as if they were physical objects without moving a mouse, pressing buttons or striking keys. For example,Perceptive Pixel offers pressure-sensitive multi-touch displays that can sense an unlimited number of simultaneous touches with accuracy and precision. Their displays come bundled with the right software and have applications in broadcasting, medical imaging, data exploration, digital storyboarding, industrial design and more.

More versatile than single-touch interfaces - as opposed to the single-touch screen, which recognizes only one touch point. Multitouch interface allows one or more fingers to perform gestures to manipulate objects.

Multi touch gestures are easier to remember than commands - Based on ingrained human movement that do not have to be learned. touch is ideal for consuming/presenting information. Because it is a more natural interface, it increases user productivity.

Collaborative use - before the multitouch technology was invented, even with computer display connected to an external projector and another mouse, it was impossible for more than one person to make edits when pulling together a PowerPoint presentation. There is now an operating system that would support a minimum of dual input for "group conversations" on a single workstation. Made editing easier as more than one person can make edits to a project or presentations at the same time.

Disadvantages

Incompatible hardware & software programs - Microsoft Windows vs Apple. Apple's choice to preinstall the OS X operating system can represent either an advantage or disadvantage. OS X boasts a user-friendly design; several built-in software suites for productivity. On the other hand, OS X still lacks compatibility with a large number of Windows programs, and users comfortable with Microsoft's operating system may find OS X initially difficult to navigate.

Some users might find difficulty in getting familiar with the interface - Need some time to learn.the smaller the touch screen, the more you obscure what is being pointed at. This is a disadvantage as for note taking and writing as well as for applications for drawing and designing since it is ineffective.

Expensive technology investment - Microsoft Windows surface costs approximately $7,000 - $20,000. Prices of such devices might be too high at the beginning as it is for every new emerging technology. That might be a disadvantage and people might refrain to buy it and be afraid to try new stuff but eventually prices will continually decrease year after year until the product reaches every customer it can in order to spread the new technology.

How useful is it?

makes it possible for home users to engage in casual computing : putting on music while preparing dinner, quickly searching for directions before leaving the house, or leaving written, audio or video notes for family members. (e.g the TouchSmart from Hewlett-Packard)

touch technology has great potential in the business marketplace as it greatly benefits the businesses operating systems. Touch screens are popular in the medical field, and in heavy industry, as well as kiosks such as museum displays or room automation, where keyboard and mouse systems do not allow.

Touch screen systems are relatively simple to clean and maintain. There are not many accessories or devices needed for these systems, so they can often be moved without any complications. The screens themselves are durable, yet sensitive enough to detect touch, even if protective gloves are worn. A touch screen can be gently wiped when cleaning becomes necessary. The lack of small parts reduces the risk of accidental damage.

Using a touch screen also eliminates the need for input devices, such as a mouse or keyboard. This is especially convenient if there is not much space available. With a touch screen, one does not have to worry about hooking up several devices or untangling cords. The use