A touchscreen monitor is an integration of an input and output unit. The touchscreen is typically layered directly on top of an internal electronic viewing screen of an integrated data processing system. While the unit is typically a tablet, laptop, or mobile phone, the display is often either an LCD or OLED touch screen. These touchscreen are used in a variety of different environments, including automobiles, medical devices, industrial applications, and consumer electronics.
There are several factors that must be taken into consideration when purchasing a touchscreen monitor. The first factor is the screen size. In order to get the best output, you will want to choose a screen size that is proportionate to the size of the device being used. It is also important to consider the amount of desktop space available for the application in question.
The second factor is the resolution of the touchscreens available on the market. While many are capable of providing crisp and clear images, others have a higher native resolution and should be avoided if possible. Higher resolution screens can also produce a better color reproduction. Screen size and resolution are the two main considerations when purchasing touchscreen monitors.
One of the most common interfaces for touch screen monitors is a USB interface. The advantage of using a USB connection is portability and flexibility; you can connect a touchscreen monitor to multiple computing platforms without the need for additional hardware. However, some of the newer generation USB ports use newer technologies that may limit compatibility and provide less robust operation.
Other popular interfaces for touchscreen monitors include FireWire and HDMI ports. FireWire is commonly used in high end professional grade digital audio work because of its greater bandwidth and compatibility with high resolution video displays. HDMI is relatively new on the market, but provides excellent quality video output. HDMI carries over all of the benefits of using a HDMI connection, such as high definition video and superior display support. However, all modern televisions will support the use of HDMI if it is built into the television’s motherboard.
When considering which type of touchscreen monitor to purchase, one of the most important factors to consider is connectivity. If you only plan to use the monitor on a specific application, consider whether it will be convenient to travel with or carry the monitor. Connectivity is also an important factor for those who use their computers for other purposes, like remote monitoring. Some of the newer generations of touchscreen monitors sport built in FireWire and HDMI ports, making them more compatible with portable computing. If you intend to use your new computer as a media center, check out what types of ports are included on your model.