Suggestions for Reliable Touch Screen Displays?

seigniory asks: "I'm looking to put about 20 touchscreen displays into operation as information kiosks in low-traffic areas (i.e. private waiting rooms, not malls). The application is written, but is mouse-driven, so a conversion to touch screen is necessary. At present, I'm imagining a 12-15" LDC with active-matrix, but will entertain other suggestions. Without much experience with the quality and durability of most touchscreen solutions, or the 'gotcha's' of converting an existing app to touchscreen, I'm at a loss as to where I should begin. I can't start the touchscreen w/o the actual screen, and I don't have a ton of money to play with yet, so I can't afford to waste money trying to find my ideal solution. Searches for 'LCD Touchscreen Display Reviews' has turned up not much more than ads. What experiences or advice can Slashdot offer?"

Comments

Quality does matter!

[jptechnical]

Speaking from experience working with both food service companies and small mailbox etc. type stores, you will suffer if you get the cheapest available.

Biggest problem was inaccuracy or under sensitivity (the sense screen far enough off the display that viewing angle made it a pain to calibrate) and it just wearing out from use.

In the case of the small post office place, they decided that the amount of typing made the touchscreen a bad option since it was difficult to say the least for typing.

What kind of industry is this for? Is a mouse or trackball surface mounted out of the question? I know that the mouse/trackball is real short money.

Re:Different types of touchscreens

[crisco]

3M Dynapro demos their NFI touchscreens with spraypaint, stickers and stuff glued to the panel and it still works. NFI is a variant of capacitive technology and looks like it works well.

Our product uses resistive from 3M and works well enough, although occasionally someone gouges the screen hard enough to start ripping the resistive layers of plastic out.