Computer Interface Archive

  • Why Desktop Touch Screens Don’t Really Work Well For Humans

    Why Desktop Touch Screens Don’t Really Work Well For Humans

    Posted on October 13, 2009 | No Comments
    Hewlett Packard refreshed their TouchSmart line of computers today. If you’re not familiar with these, imagine an iMac all in one computer that has a touch screen, and you’re most of the way there. I really like the TouchSmart line, and use a second generation machine as my main Windows test computer. The touch interface is done via infrared, which is a very cost effective way of creating a touch interface on a large screen. Microsoft, in fact, uses it in their experimental TouchWall product that can make a touch screen of virtually any size wall (more TouchWall footage). Overall I give the TouchScmart top marks – the only drawback is that it is inexplicably heavy at something like 60 lbs., and no one seems to know why. But since it sits on your desk, it’s not like you’re lifting it very often, so it doesn’t really matter. But the machine is still all wrong. Anyone who has used one for a long time will tell you that they quickly revert to using the keyboard and mouse. And it isn’t because of the software or touch technology – both are fine.

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  • Toshiba unleashes 640GB 2.5-inch HDD

    Toshiba unleashes 640GB 2.5-inch HDD

    Posted on September 2, 2009 | No Comments
    Toshiba Japan today announced a new 2.5-inch HDD whose 640GB capacity is the highest in its class. The MK6465GSX [JP] is just 9.5mm thick and weighs 102g. It's the high-end product of Toshiba's new MK series of HDDs, which also includes models with 160/250/320 and 500GB capacity.

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