Types of Touch Screens

Touch screens add a space-age feel to any computer system and are one of the easiest human interface devices to work with. Touch-screen PCs come in a variety of configurations. The tablet-style laptop is a relatively recent (2002) entry into this market, while touch-screen laptops, desktop PCs and mainframe terminals have been around since the 1970s.

Three Types of Technology

Touch-screen technology falls into three categories: resistive, capacitive and surface wave. Each technology has strengths suited for specific applications.

Resistive

Resistive-type screens lack the clarity of other touch screens but they tend to be very durable and can be used in a variety of environments. Resistive-type screens are the most common in use today.

Capacitive

Capacitive screens are resistant to outside elements, making them very durable, and they still maintain a high clarity. Unlike resistive and surface wave screens, which can be used with stylus, capacitive panels must be touched with a finger.

Surface Wave

Surface wave touch panels are the more advanced of the three types, offering the highest clarity. But they are more easily damaged by outside elements.

Why Touch Screens?

Touch screens are very useful in environments where other human interface devices are unavailable or not practical. For instance, DVD rental kiosks use touch screens with an easy-to-understand, intuitive interface requiring no training to operate.

Resources

• Touchscreen Add-ons