Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Wednesday, 28 January 2009 13:14
Opinion and Analysis
Page 2 of 3
In the Windows world, Microsoft had a “Pen” enabled version of Windows 3.1, light pens existed before then, too, and Tablet PCs tried to make pen/stylus computing standard for all, without blockbuster success.
Apple’s iPhone has taken touch into the mass consciousness as no other device before it, and while Apple still hasn’t touch enabled the screens on its computers, preferring instead to deliver large multi-touch touchpads, the iPhone has delivered.
HP has too, with its touch screen computers, but hasn’t had the same “wow” effect as the iPhone.
Now, with companies like Asus who will deliver touch screen enabled Eee PCs later in 2009 and has now delivered the Eee Touch, along with HP’s efforts and those of many other companies coming into the Windows 7 era with touch screen computers to come, touch is finally going more mainstream than ever.
Although we’ll see several touch screen computers launch this year, we’ll see plenty more in 2010 as the Windows 7 bandwagon will finally be widely rolling along at retail.
In 2009, until Windows 7 arrives, computers powered by XP and Vista will still rule the touch computing roost, beyond the iPhone and iPod Touch models, of course.
When it comes to marketing the touch capabilities of the Eee Top, Asus goes into overdrive, saying the Eee Top: “provides countless communication possibilities convenient for the whole family.
“With a comprehensive suite of touch-optimised applications, the Eee Top enables users to do virtually anything, easily. In the kitchen, a new recipe, online cooking class or just enjoying music while you cook is a touch away. In the living room, learn the art of relaxation, watch the news or a movie, with just a touch. In the bedroom, chat with a friend, surf the net to research or catch up on reading.
“Placed at the entrance it is touch and go with the Eee Top – ideal for quick access to information before leaving the house, purchasing movie tickets, checking the weather, time or map. Additionally, it is a welcome addition to leave convenient notes and reminders for family members.
Equipped with a myriad of features, the Eee Top displays large icons and tabs which provide easy access to applications such as Eee Manager for easy system management, out-of-box productivity with Microsoft Works and Star Office, handwriting recognition with Soft Stylus, Eee Memo scribble sticky notes, YouCam for video chat, exciting Eee Cinema media centre, and powerful web surfing that supports drag-and-drop functions, widgets and ‘speed dialing’ with Opera Touch.”
So you can see where and how Asus hopes its customers will take advantage of touch screen technology, something that will hopefully become standard for most new computers by 2010, no matter which operating system you choose, while still using keyboards and mice for input.
Netbooks are going touch this year too, as are more portable notebooks and desktop LCD monitors - surely this will far more quickly push touch screen technologies down to a point where touch is a standard part of any screen, as this change has happened much more slowly in the Pen/Stylus based Tablet PC era.
Asus also promotes the Top’s “entertainment centre” capabilities, saying that the “Eee Top 15.6” widescreen (16:9) LCD is sharp and vibrant”, and is “ bolstered by Eee Splendid™ Video Intelligence Technology”.
I’m sure it looks fantastic, but with my monitor being a 22-inch widescreen model, 15.6-inches clearly must be the size at this point in time that its most economical to deliver touch technology with today.
Much bigger touch screen monitors will be standard for all relatively soon – HP has had them for a while now and both N-trig and Wacom have developed reliable “dual touch” technology that works with both pen and finger touch input.
The Eee Top’s specs are
on page 3, please read on…
