Touch Screen Laptops And The Advantages They Bring To The User
For the first time in history, there are now more laptop sales than desktop computers. This is attributed to the improved computing power that manufacturers are able to crunch into a compact space. But what is not a very popular device right now are tablet PCs. They are basically touch screen laptops that offer a totally different kind of user interaction.
There are two varieties available with similar technology. The tablet PC, true to its name and form is a solid piece of touch screen that does not come with a keyboard and mouse. The user interacts with a stylus directly onto the screen. There is, however, the option of connecting a wireless or USB keyboard or mouse and most tablets come with the drivers to recognize most standard devices.
The most practical models today are much like normal laptops in that the screen folds over the keyboard and touch pad. However, the screen is built on a swivel so it can rotate and fold over backwards to go from laptop mode to tablet mode. Then it operates the same way a tablet does in that it is controlled entirely by the screen and stylus.
Both devices allow the user to create drawings, handwritten documents, diagrams and other such things directly onto the screen with a stylus. It also allows for flipping through and resizing media with multi-touch recognition. Objects and applications can be launch by interaction with the screen without the need for a mouse or touch pad.
The screen is the weak point of the design. Both the face of the screen tends to wear after a while because of all the touch, scrapping, and tapping which is no surprise since it is a touch screen after all. But also, the swivel on which the screen is attached is a flimsy hinge even for a laptop since most standard laptops screen hinges are already flimsy.
Fortunately, as technology advances, these screens are becoming more durable with each new model. Manufacturers are well aware of the problem and a nice bit of money is always going to the research and development department of companies in this industry.
Since the weakness is in the physical build of the laptop, a good warranty is probably beneficial for many people. It can be expensive to repair, and usually too much money to buy another. Extended warranty packages are usually very affordable with any laptop.
A touch screen laptop is a good idea for anyone who could use one. From the student who just wants to take notes on some medium other than a notebook, or a businessman who needs to draw diagrams on the fly, or control presentations from the screen a touch screen laptop is a good investment.
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