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3M Says Its Multi-Touch System Means Almost No Lag

jonniee writes "3M has rolled out a 22-inch digital display capable of 20-finger multi-touch input with less than 6 millisecond response time. The monitor incorporates 3M's Projected Capacitive Technology based on mutual capacitance operation theory. The result produces a silky smooth response that has almost no lag in execution."

120 comments

  1. Digital, Indeed! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...20-finger multi-touch input

    Wow! Does that mean you can use your toes for input as well as your fingers?

    1. Re:Digital, Indeed! by BrokenHalo · · Score: 1

      Yep. Maybe.20-finger multi-touch input with less than 6 millisecond response time...Capacitive Technology based on mutual capacitance operation theory.

      Flux capacitors for aliens?

      w00t!

    2. Re:Digital, Indeed! by Fluffeh · · Score: 5, Insightful

      ...20-finger multi-touch input

      Wow! Does that mean you can use your toes for input as well as your fingers?

      How about two people using a screen at the same time when talking about something on the screen. Both are turning objects that are being rendered, to view different angles and the like.

      Seems that 20 inputs for a 22 inch screen is the most fingers that would be able to realistically get to it... Any more than two people huddling around the same screen would mean it needs to be significantly bigger in size than 22 inches.

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    3. Re:Digital, Indeed! by TuringTest · · Score: 3, Funny

      How about two people using a screen at the same time when talking about something on the screen.

      That would require having someone physically at the same place. Like inviting a friend to his basement, or something. Not going to happen soon.

      --
      Singularity: a belief in the "God" idea with the "demiurge" relation inverted.
    4. Re:Digital, Indeed! by xtracto · · Score: 1

      How about two people using a screen at the same time when talking about something on the screen. Both are turning objects that are being rendered, to view different angles and the like.

      All that while eating cheetos! Yum!

      I seem to remember someone developping a coating (spray) that prevented surfaces getting dirty... that will be a MUST for this touch-screen-happy era.

      --
      Ubuntu is an African word meaning 'I can't configure Debian'
    5. Re:Digital, Indeed! by cybereal · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Forget two people, think bigger. Stitch 6 of these together, mount them into a conference room table, and use them for planning meetings. Why do you need 20 touch inputs per screen? Well you never know when everyone is going to go for the same screen portion at once. If this can be done with minimal or no bezel, it finally makes tabletop screens practical (for large companies).

      --
      I read the script, and I think it would help my character's motivation if he was on fire. -Bender
    6. Re:Digital, Indeed! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      just think how amazing this would be for our children in schools! Lets spend billions to retrofit every classroom with one of these. Our children must be prepared for the future.

    7. Re:Digital, Indeed! by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Wow! Does that mean you can use your toes for input as well as your fingers?

      I can forsee a new type of two player (or ten player) single screen videogame. This could turn out to be interesting. It will especially be cool when they incorporate it into big displays.

    8. Re:Digital, Indeed! by Custard+Horse · · Score: 1

      One of the limitation not mentioned in the article is that it is CRT technology and is 7 feet deep. Integration into cell phones might prove to be a challenge..

    9. Re:Digital, Indeed! by Dzonatas · · Score: 1

      Future of Real-Time Strategy table top games... but I don't think Twister has been ranked as RTS, yet...

    10. Re:Digital, Indeed! by tophermeyer · · Score: 1

      I'd imagine with all that empty space in a CRT monitor, integrating a cell phone would be no challenge at all.

      Carrying that cell phone would be no fun at all.

    11. Re:Digital, Indeed! by hackingbear · · Score: 1

      Yes, agree! Queen size or King size may be more suitable.

    12. Re:Digital, Indeed! by stewbacca · · Score: 1

      Classic requirements over-engineering.

  2. Why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why would you want to be able to touch it with twenty fingers?

    1. Re:Why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Cyber sex? Wait there's no force feedback...

    2. Re:Why? by andreicio · · Score: 1

      I imagine the marketing for it will be along the lines of "many people can interact with it at once". Imagine a larger screen, on the floor, as the twister mat. :)

    3. Re:Why? by Aeternitas827 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yet.

      --
      I don't post AC. I like my -1, Flamebaits. Trump/Sheen 2012 on the Batshit Insane ticket!
  3. Thank God. by RightSaidFred99 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now I can finally use both my fingers and toes to play games on my 22" monitor!

    Still not perfect, though. I really need 21 point for reasons I won't go into.

    1. Re:Thank God. by Rakshasa+Taisab · · Score: 1

      I only need one point, an elongated one to be precise.

      --
      - These characters were randomly selected.
    2. Re:Thank God. by stms · · Score: 0

      I think that there could be some use for 20 finger multi-touch. When I read it it made me think of the R.U.S.E trailer. Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ohNzHWL7FI.

    3. Re:Thank God. by clickety6 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Still not perfect, though. I really need 21 point for reasons I won't go into.

      The only thing worse than a smart-arse is a clever-dick !

      --
      ----------------------------------- My Other Sig Is Hilarious -----------------------------------
    4. Re:Thank God. by weicco · · Score: 1

      Touch screen with tongue support \o/

      --
      You don't know what you don't know.
    5. Re:Thank God. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Now I can finally use both my fingers and toes to play games on my 22" monitor!

      Still not perfect, though. I really need 21 point for reasons I won't go into.

      Apparently Mozart wrote a piano piece once that had an 11-note chord at one point. (but I believe he used his nose to play the 11th note, so possibly not quite what you were thinking of...?)

    6. Re:Thank God. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      If you need elongation, I can forward you some e-mail contacts who can offer help.

      Don't worry, you're not alone -- the sheer number of e-mail offers arriving each day must mean that there's a big enough demand to support so many suppliers.

    7. Re:Thank God. by TheRaven64 · · Score: 1

      Depending on the relative positions of the notes, it's possible that two of them were intended to be played with a single finger. I've done this a few times while learning the piano, although never intentionally...

      --
      I am TheRaven on Soylent News
    8. Re:Thank God. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      21 would be fine too for me, however the screen needs to be larger than 22" for reasons i cannot get into.

    9. Re:Thank God. by Cow+Jones · · Score: 4, Funny

      So we meet at last...
      Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

      --

      Ah, arrogance and stupidity, all in the same package. How efficient of you. -- Londo Mollari
    10. Re:Thank God. by PacketShaper · · Score: 1

      Must be hard typing comments on slashdot with a combined two fingers and toes.

    11. Re:Thank God. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I want to say whoosh, but I just can't.

    12. Re:Thank God. by slaingod · · Score: 1

      I think the 21st point was say at waist level :P

      --
      http://blog.slaingod.com
    13. Re:Thank God. by barberousse · · Score: 1

      Laugh all you want but I was born 12 fingers. Should I prepare to die anyway?

    14. Re:Thank God. by jesset77 · · Score: 1

      Touch screen with tongue support \o/

      Weicco, get off chatroullete THIS INSTANT, and go do your homework! ;P

      --
      People willing to trade their freedom of expression for temporary entertainment deserve neither and will lose both.
  4. Mistake in article by Capena · · Score: 2, Interesting

    They say that "one of the limitations of devices like Android and iPhone is the sampling of only two active points" but the iPhone can sample 5 points.

    The iPad can actually do 11 touches. Feel free to speculate on what part is the 11th finger :)

    1. Re:Mistake in article by gandhi_2 · · Score: 3, Funny

      A few years ago, you would get yelled at for touching someone's screen. Imagine the furor in the office if someone did it with the "11th finger".

    2. Re:Mistake in article by w0mprat · · Score: 1

      The iPad can actually do 11 touches. Feel free to speculate on what part is the 11th finger :)

      Don't touch my iPad with your 11th finger! hey! ok you can keep it now.

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    3. Re:Mistake in article by w0mprat · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Finger? I find that an inadequate euphemism for my 11th digit.

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      After logging in slashdot still does not take you back to the page you were on. It's been that way for 20 years.
    4. Re:Mistake in article by ErroneousBee · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      I've spoken you your girlfriend and she confirms your euphemism is indeed inadequate.

      --
      **TODO** Steal someone elses sig.
    5. Re:Mistake in article by teh31337one · · Score: 1

      They say that "one of the limitations of devices like Android and iPhone is the sampling of only two active points" but the iPhone can sample 5 points.

      Really... ? My Galaxy S android device samples at least 5 points

    6. Re:Mistake in article by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      11th finger? Don't you mean "third leg", or does your girlfriend keep asking "is it in yet?"

      Oh, right; hand, finger... I get it. Never mind.

    7. Re:Mistake in article by gandhi_2 · · Score: 1

      For the record, yes she does ask me that. But technically, she is your girlfriend.

    8. Re:Mistake in article by jo42 · · Score: 1

      Feel free to speculate on what part is the 11th finger

      Your nose, dummkopf! Everyone has a nose. Only like half the population has a tallywacker.

      Of course, that half the population could potentially do 12 touches if they where flexible enough...

    9. Re:Mistake in article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Mutually Assured Pwnage

    10. Re:Mistake in article by An+ominous+Cow+art · · Score: 1

      Your nose, dummkopf! Everyone has a nose.

      Mein Hund hat keine Nase.

    11. Re:Mistake in article by Beardydog · · Score: 1

      Wie riecht es?

    12. Re:Mistake in article by treeves · · Score: 1

      Really? How did that happen? Poor dog.

      --
      ...the future crusty old bastards are already drinking the Kool-Aid.
    13. Re:Mistake in article by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      No, technically she's somebody else's wife until after the court date.

  5. Multi-touch. by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 1

    ... 20-finger multi-touch input with less than 6 millisecond response time. ... The result produces a silky smooth response that has almost no lag in execution."

    Sounds more like a porn or sex-lube ad.

    --
    It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
    1. Re:Multi-touch. by furgle · · Score: 2, Funny

      Agree, The images looks dirty with all those hands reaching out to touch part of the monitor. The monitor will have fingerprint stains that will never quite come off, signs of an experience it will never forget. For really dirty action get two of those monitors together for some: Hot screen on screen action. -- you know like the M.C. Escher drawing, but with 20 fingers from each monitor.

  6. 3M sure does a lot! by pablo_max · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I am really amazed that this company is able to do so many different thing. From post-it notes to medical equipment. Not bad for a company that started in 1902 selling minerals to the east.

    1. Re:3M sure does a lot! by dammy · · Score: 1, Informative

      I'm extremely impressed with 3M for supporting Linux with a driver. I always liked their products, even more now that I know they support my Linux addiction with deeds instead of words.

    2. Re:3M sure does a lot! by Vintermann · · Score: 5, Interesting

      They also made some great boardgames back in the day.

      I suspect they were the real-world inspiration for ACME corporation in Looney Tunes.

      --
      xkcd is not in the sudoers file. This incident will be reported.
    3. Re:3M sure does a lot! by tpholland · · Score: 5, Interesting

      A lot of it is down to the famous 15 percent rule--the idea that their researchers and engineers are free to spend 15% of their time pursuing their own ideas.

      Some of the younger developers at our place are in awe of Google having "invented" the whole one day a week innovating thing, and are shocked that some of the less cool corporations were doing this back in the sixties.

    4. Re:3M sure does a lot! by Paradise+Pete · · Score: 1

      They also made some great boardgames back in the day.

      Yes, and the money all had the same serial number: 3M4FUN4U2.
      (amazing what my brain is willing to waste space on :-( )

    5. Re:3M sure does a lot! by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      Just to be clear, are you somehow being paid for your contribution to this obvious slashvertisement? If it could be any more loving of 3M's new product then perhaps we could completely ignore that 3M has probably done as much damage to our environment as any other single company. Scotchgard, anyone?

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    6. Re:3M sure does a lot! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Did they make Twister? That would explain the idea behind the screen.
      Playing twister without having to get up. And using only your fingers.
      It has the potential of being fun although I wouldn't want to be the guy who has to clean the screen afterward.

  7. Does 20 fingers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    equal 10 fingers and 10 toes? I think I can pull that one off.

    1. Re:Does 20 fingers by korean.ian · · Score: 1

      No, it equals a friend. Think you can pull that one off?

    2. Re:Does 20 fingers by M8e · · Score: 1

      Pull his friend off?

  8. This will be great for my mutant 20 fingered kids by bradrum · · Score: 3, Funny

    If I survive the impending nuclear apocalypse, my 20 fingered mutant zombie offspring will be the ultimate power users. I can't wait!

  9. form over function by Luckyo · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    So now, instead of two fingers covering about 1/3-1/2 of the screen space, we can have 20 fingers covering... the entire thing?

    Doesn't this define "form over function"?

    1. Re:form over function by sammyF70 · · Score: 1

      depends on whether they have an antenna running across the screen.

      --
      "DRM is like the Ford Pinto: it's a smooth ride, right up the point at which it explodes and ruins your day."-C.Doctorow
    2. Re:form over function by mgblst · · Score: 1

      Yes, because you HAVE TO KEEP all 20 fingers on the screen at once, or it will not work. It actually runs on the energy it pulls directly from the finger. Or maybe you can shut the hell up.

  10. 20 times more fingerprints than before by Joce640k · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Good luck being able to read text on that...

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    1. Re:20 times more fingerprints than before by w0mprat · · Score: 1
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      After logging in slashdot still does not take you back to the page you were on. It's been that way for 20 years.
  11. Hm by Arimus · · Score: 1

    Some needs to stop the genetic modifications of those scientists, while I agree 4 hands would be better than two most of the human race still (least last time I counted when sober) have only 10 fingers... 22" screen isn't really big enough to get two people poking at it comfortably so what's the use?

    --
    --- Users are like bacteria -> Each one causing a thousand tiny crises until the host finally gives up and dies.
  12. 20 Fingers... by frrrrrspl · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...ought to be enough for anybody.

    1. Re:20 Fingers... by Dekker3D · · Score: 1

      You'd be surprised when the aliens land and scold us for our user-unfriendly touchscreens!

  13. Latency by Barny · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Well, on the plus side its only 6 times more lag than my mouse and keypad gives me, a lot better than consoles but still, not quite there yet :)

    That and there's only so many games that support touch, let alone multi finger touch, but of course world of goo, crayola physics and plants vs zombies will be just as playable on this as on my little hp tablet.

    Oh, and RTS of course, but keep a keyboard handy for shortcuts (sins of a solar empire comes to mind as the most "zomg this is the future" game you could show off with).

    --
    ...
    /me sighs
    1. Re:Latency by tedgyz · · Score: 1

      Well, on the plus side its only 6 times more lag than my mouse and keypad gives me, a lot better than consoles but still, not quite there yet :)

      That and there's only so many games that support touch, let alone multi finger touch, but of course world of goo, crayola physics and plants vs zombies will be just as playable on this as on my little hp tablet.

      Oh, and RTS of course, but keep a keyboard handy for shortcuts (sins of a solar empire comes to mind as the most "zomg this is the future" game you could show off with).

      Did you raid my game collection? I'm still try to wean myself off PvsZ.

      --
      "No matter where you go, there you are." -- Buckaroo Banzai
    2. Re:Latency by Barny · · Score: 1

      Nah, just those are the ones that work damn well on a touch screen.

      Steam has made me into a "browser" so far as games go, any time there is a new indy deal I snap them up as fast as I can :)

      --
      ...
      /me sighs
    3. Re:Latency by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      You guys aren't thinking far enough ahead. Think of a sixty five inch screen multiplayer game. There aren't (m)any touch games (except these Linux games), but there will be. I see they've ported a few to the iPhone.

    4. Re:Latency by An+ominous+Cow+art · · Score: 1

      Yeah, this thing is 22", which might work well as a cocktail-style video game surface. A larger screen would make a good tabletop and be nifty for some kinds of wargaming/RPGs (etc).

      I doubt it works underwater, else you could put it in a shallow basin and have a BSG Cylon-type interface...

  14. Re:This will be great for my mutant 20 fingered ki by Eternal+Vigilance · · Score: 1

    Ha. Even after a nuclear apocalypse leaves the future of the species at stake Slashdotters still won't be able to get laid.

    "Hey there, beautiful! I run my smoldering pile of radioactive rubble entirely on Linux. Wanna see?"

  15. 20 finger multi-touch? by Profane+MuthaFucka · · Score: 0, Troll

    Someone ought to buy some hookers for those 3M engineers. The dry spell is starting to affect their work.

    --
    Fascism trolls keeping me up every night. When I starts a preachin', he HITS ME WITH HIS REICH!
  16. With a pace like this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I predict soon there will be Guitar-Hero-like sex games played on the screen... ...literally.

    1. Re:With a pace like this by nicodoggie · · Score: 1

      The stuff from Illusion might be close enough to what I think you're imagining...

  17. Roll out the MultiTouch Ouija Board by mrbill1234 · · Score: 1

    It is bound to happen.

  18. Don't make fun of the 3M engineers too much... by ericvids · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Assuming you can set the screen down flat, you can do a lot of multiplayer games with this. Like duet piano, or playing Magic the Gathering with two players (and "tapping" virtual cards couldn't be any more realistic too!)

    --
    Pet peeve: Profane people propagating perfunctory pedantry.
    1. Re:Don't make fun of the 3M engineers too much... by ceraphis · · Score: 1

      It may never happen, wizards is already showing its disdain for tapping in Duels of the Planeswalkers.

    2. Re:Don't make fun of the 3M engineers too much... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Magic: The Gathering gets kinda iffy if the same display is used for both players. Seeing the other player's hand breaks the game. Of course, this could be solved by intentionally making the viewing angle for each half of the screen very narrow, but that would limit the general functionality.

    3. Re:Don't make fun of the 3M engineers too much... by ceraphis · · Score: 1

      That's basically the reason why the simultaneous usage of an iPad and multiple iPhones to hold your cards (also a notion ink adam? and multiple EVOs) will likely be the more popular alternative.

      I already read a lot about people discussing how awesome they think the whole scrabble tile rack app is. I hope this type of interesting usage continues.

      Seriously, wizards. Make this!

    4. Re:Don't make fun of the 3M engineers too much... by WidgetGuy · · Score: 1

      I love alot of alliteration!

      I come for the summaries. I stay for the sigs.

      --
      One "Aw, Shit!" is worth 100 "Ata boys!"
    5. Re:Don't make fun of the 3M engineers too much... by Urza9814 · · Score: 1

      Actually, you bring to mind another interesting point - what if those 20 fingers aren't fingers at all, but game pieces of some kind? More difficult on a capacitive screen than a resistive one I think, but it should still be fairly simple. The tough part would be if you needed to distinguish one piece from another. My imagination is rather limited at the moment, but at the very least you could combine a huge portion of all the classic board games into a single small device. Monopoly, Clue, any games of that general style.

      Now we just need 100+ touch screens with very high resolution (to distinguish different pieces) so we can use them to play Axis and Allies with real game pieces. But then again, the worst part of Axis and Allies was always setting up the board, so maybe we don't want real pieces for that :)

  19. For Reference... by tobiah · · Score: 4, Informative

    about 150ms for instinctive (spinal/stem) response, 300ms for a conscious(cortical) response, 400ms to be aware of what you decided to do.

    --
    "The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool" - Jane Wagner -
    1. Re:For Reference... by w0mprat · · Score: 2, Funny

      64000ms for comment response to think of something funny to say.

      --
      After logging in slashdot still does not take you back to the page you were on. It's been that way for 20 years.
    2. Re:For Reference... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ... Priceless

    3. Re:For Reference... by camperdave · · Score: 1

      64000ms for comment response to think of something funny to say.

      Slow down cowboy. Slashdot requires you to wait longer between hitting 'reply' and submitting a comment. It's been 5,820,076ms since you hit 'reply'.

      --
      When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
    4. Re:For Reference... by tool462 · · Score: 1

      300ms for a conscious(cortical) response, 400ms to be aware of what you decided to do.

      Therefore it takes 100ms to induce regret...

    5. Re:For Reference... by jayegirl · · Score: 1

      I call bullshit.

      I've been recently been wiring my drumkit for recording and have been finding that actions that I consciously perform -- flams in particular -- are timed in the 2-10ms range. Hell, 150ms is rolling through four fingers on a surface less than twice a second. Pretty much everyone can do better than that.

      Sure, the OP's figures above might apply to single-shot actions, as opposed to repeated or sequential actions, but 150ms is still a damn long time.

  20. a multi-doctor usage dispay by grag · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Instead of having several screens for one display, a large touch display can be divided into several touch screens for a number of doctors at one time. Just proposing an idea for hospitals.

  21. Huh? by ceraphis · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I was under the impression that iDevices could handle more than two inputs at a time? The first paragraph mentions that only up to a pinch is polled at a time?

  22. This is just a pit-stop on the road. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...The real goal is a multi-touch system the size of a coffee table.
    Then we could have all those good ol' board games in a digital format. Monopoly, Star of Africa, Space Hulk, etc...

  23. Two things by Linker3000 · · Score: 1, Funny

    1) Time to get shares in companies that make screen cleaning and protection products

    2) Anne Boleyn is disappointed.

    --
    AT&ROFLMAO
    1. Re:Two things by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      1) Don't 3M make those?

  24. cat attacks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    i'm sure this will all seem like a great idea until your cat walks by the screen and drags your files into the trash with it's tail.

  25. Unchained Melody app by RenHoek · · Score: 1

    20 fingers? Finally the input device needed for my Unchained Melody application..

    *continues programming on his 3D pottery wheel*

  26. Hypeware? by hairyfish · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Does anyone else think that touch technology is gonna end up being mostly hype? I get to play iPhones, Android, iPad etc as part of my job, and always end up going back to my Laptop and Blackberry. The touch interface has cool factor and works for small quick input (eg phone, quick game, ebook etc) but for productivity nothing beats keyboard and mouse (and gaming with k&m is unbeatable too). The whole touch thing to me reeks of gimmick value. A small percentage of usefulness but the fact that you have to always check you input to ensure you've touched the right place, means it will never compete for speed with a tactile touch type keyboard with a mouse. Thoughts?

  27. lazy surfer by stimpleton · · Score: 2, Interesting

    It is Friday 10:25pm for me, after had week at work, with a few beers under my belt.

    Reading this story I have noticed my own user habits. My mouse cursor can move from one side to other of my 24" screen in about 1.5 inches mouse movement. I click links.Mouse wheel up and down.

    I doubt I could accept using my hand to move over 24 " of screen. In fact I just emulated it, holding my hand to the screen, then moving 20 inches to a link that interested me.

    To much effort. Do not want.

    --

    In post Patriot Act America, the library books scan you.
    1. Re:lazy surfer by Hatta · · Score: 1

      You take your hands off the keyboard to surf? What a workaholic.

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      Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
    2. Re:lazy surfer by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      There's no reason you couldn't have both mouse and touochscreen, just like you can have both a mouse and joystick. That was my preferred way of playing Quake. It would supplant rather than replace it.

      Of course, that's assuming clueless programmers program with good design in mind, which they seldom do. Why do I have to take my hand off the keyboard to close a window (minimize, maximise, close in the upper right of the screen in both Windows and KDE) when I'm in a word processor or text editor? Sometimes even a mouse gets in the way when programmers don't think thins through thoroughly and just follow the clueless conventions someone else set earlier.

  28. There's an app for that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is exactly the advancement in science I was looking for.

    Now I write write a digital fondue app. It will be a hit at parties once you turn the monitor to face the ceiling
    and people gather round...

  29. Cartoon Mickey's magic sorcerer's fingers by grikdog · · Score: 1

    I can image Captain Hook trying to use those magic gestures with a multi-touch screen. Does it pass the Americans with Disabilities Act test? Imagine Tinker Bell using her feet. Does everyone have thalidomide on the brain? They keep dropping the ball.

    --
    ``Tension, apprehension & dissension have begun!'' - Duffy Wyg&, in Alfred Bester's _The Demolished Man_
    1. Re:Cartoon Mickey's magic sorcerer's fingers by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Captain Hook is going to have a hard time using a mouse and keyboard, too. Just because some people are blind doesn't make it illegal to sell sunglasses, and just because some people are deaf doesn't make it illegal to sell headphones.

      Does everyone have thalidomide on the brain?

      "Duh" often?

  30. Slashvertisement? by davidwr · · Score: 1

    Dear /. editors:

    Please check for common advertising terms like "silky smooth" before putting articles on the main page. Thank you.

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    1. Re:Slashvertisement? by cstacy · · Score: 1

      Dear /. editors:

      Please check for common advertising terms like "silky smooth" before putting articles on the main page. Thank you.

      This capacitive touch screen is New And Improved! Why use a laggy, jittery, limited old-fashioned screen when you can have 22" of gleeming silky smooth goodness under your fingers. Some users liken this luxury experience to "getting a massage". You'll effortlessly glide across this screen, making powerful decisions with pinpoint accuracy! You'll hit the sweet spot every time. And you know that's what the ladies really want. Don't be the last one to get this! We're taking orders now -- Have your credit card ready. "It's the silkiest!"

    2. Re:Slashvertisement? by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Please check for common advertising terms like "silky smooth" before putting articles on the main page

      I believe in this case it was a snarky joke.

      No man is so evil that he cannot turn around and receive God's embrace.

      Maybe not, but I know a few women who are.

  31. $1600 Dollars by BobMcD · · Score: 1

    The pricetag is roughly $1600 Dollars. Ouch.

  32. TPS Reports much easier now! by DarthVain · · Score: 1

    Thanks, now not only can I work with two hands, but my Boss can sidle up and start trying to "help" me while I am trying doing work...

    This has office fight written all over it!

  33. Not so extreme multi touch by OrangeTide · · Score: 1

    I worked with a multitouch system that supports tracking 64 areas/points (the points had a radius AND a pressure).

    the extra points were mainly used for different kinds of palm reject. but even 16 would have been enough for any circumstance I could come up with.

    --
    “Common sense is not so common.” — Voltaire
  34. I wonder by MadGeek007 · · Score: 1

    I wonder if any components were taped together...

  35. this is terrifying news by cstacy · · Score: 1

    Eeeeek! What manner of gigantic monster alien has 20 "fingers" and considers a 22" screen to be an iPod Touch?!?

  36. I for one... by cstacy · · Score: 1

    I for one welcome our terrifying 20-fingered alien overlords who use the 22" iPod Touch !

  37. Resolution sag by Omega+Hacker · · Score: 1

    OK, so a brand-new 22" $1500 display, and it's only 1680x1050??? That's absolutely pathetic.

    --
    GStreamer - The only way to stream!
  38. iPad supports 11 simultaneous touches by snowwrestler · · Score: 1

    http://mattgemmell.com/2010/05/09/ipad-multi-touch

    I don't know what the article meant either. I have an old Fingerworks iGesture and it supports multi-finger pinches in and out for file commands like save, open, find, print, etc. Apple bought Fingerworks and used their multitouch tech to develop the i-devices.

    --
    Build a man a fire, he's warm for one night. Set him on fire, and he's warm for the rest of his life.
    1. Re:iPad supports 11 simultaneous touches by ceraphis · · Score: 1

      It's like somebody just used an iPhone or iPad browser and noticed that rubbing their palm across the screen didn't do anything different than swiping their finger.