Apple preps touchy-feely iMac
Multi-touch display inbound
Here's an Apple rumour that doesn't centre - for once - on the iPad. The Mac maker will this year release an iMac based around a 22in touch-sensitive display.
No other details are known, but it's not hard to conceive of a new machine equipped with Intel's latest 'Arrandale' Core processors - the ones with graphics and memory controller modules built into the CPU package.
Apple's iMac: soon to be more touchy-feely?
Will Apple seize the initiative and become one of the first vendors to ship a computer with integrated USB 3.0 - aka SuperSpeed USB?
Either way, touch-sensitive all-in-one computers are in vogue, and it's hard to imagine Apple not wanting to tap into this trend. Particularly since, because of the iPad's arrival, Apple will be keen to do its utmost to promote multi-touch as a form of computer control.
According to the Chinese-language report from the Commercial Times that makes the claim, Apple will continue to offer non-touch iMacs too. ®
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COMMENTS
Point?
Other than specialized systems, like kiosks, I can't see a multi-touch desktop being that useful. iPhones and tablets can be held in a natural way for touching with your fingers, but desktop monitors are vertical, and typically greater than arms-length away. Even if the user moved the monitor closer, or leaned forward, how long could anyone use a vertical multi-touch screen before their arms got tired?
Not in that form factor
Can you imagine how tired your arm would get holding it up to a screen all day to interface with your computer. Maybe for a laptop where the screen can be angled a little more hosrizontally and is closer to a desk to rest your arm on.
Touch screen PCs
Touch screen PCs already exist. I would find them pretty annoying since I've spent ages trying to stop people touching the screen when pointing at something on the screen. It leaves greasy spots all over the screen.
So unless the screen has some sort of coating to stop greasy marks then I won't be bothering.
Personally I think lifting up your arm to touch a computer will be quite annoying. Having a tablet in your hand or flat on a desk is a more useful configuration.
It's about time Microsoft stopped hyping Surface and got a product out.
1000-pound gorilla
indeed...it's called "gorilla arm"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchscreen#Gorilla_Arm
and since they haven't solved the problem they had in the 80's with touchscreens these are no doubt going to go the same way.
