A touch screen monitor is the combination of an input and output electronic device. The touch screen monitor is generally layered directly on top of an existing computerized data processing system. While the system itself may be a tablet, laptop, or smartphone; the monitor is most often the LCD or LED screen. It also includes a pointing device, usually a stick or finger, which lets the user manipulate the display.
Touch screen monitors generally come in two formats: resistive and capacitive. Capacitive is often used for more sensitive applications, where color accuracy is not as important, and resistive is more practical for those who want a smaller form factor. Depending on the type of display, resistive may not always be the best option.
Capacitive touch screen monitors are responsive to finger pressure. The monitor takes a finger and “squints” the screen to detect the first few touches with the finger. After detecting the first few touches, most people’s finger reflexes will allow them to touch the screen without too much difficulty. In some cases, where people suffer from arthritis or other problems, this feature can prove problematic. In addition, there may be a delay between the first touch and the actual display, causing the computer to appear frozen or running slowly.
On the other hand, resistive touch screen monitors work based on electrical signals. Electrical signals, in the form of resistors, are passed through a circuit on the display port connector. Each individual LED pixel is lit up using a special LED light. This type of technology has the advantage that you can see a lot more detail on the screen than you can with the capacitive type. You’ll also find that the response time is generally faster.
The best touch screen monitors will be available in both analog and digital formats. The former offers compatibility between various operating systems, while the latter uses the USB port to connect to your computer. Digital monitors will have their own independent ports, while analog monitors will need to be connected to an analog input device via the USB port.
Since the price is much higher for the most technically advanced models, we’ll only be mentioning monitors on this list that include the most basic features such as touch screen. If you are only interested in viewing media or games, you should look at a pair of monitors that provide high DPI, good contrast, and good viewing angles. These types of monitors may cost a bit more than others, but you will definitely get your money’s worth if you are interested in buying one.
For those that want a touch screen monitor with more than the standard features, many manufacturers offer models that include not only an optical display but also DVI input connections and Display Port connections, which can be used to attach an external display to your laptop. A few other important things to consider when purchasing a monitor include the size of the display and the resolution of the display. You may also want to check out the different connection options that are included. Some models are only compatible with certain types of sources such as VGA, DVI, and HDMI, while others will work with all types of sources. For those that need to connect a projector to their laptop, it is important to make sure that there is an appropriate Video port on the monitor.
Some of the touch screen monitors on this list may seem pricey, but it is always best to shop around before making a purchase. Prices will vary depending on brand and model. One thing that should always be looked at is the warranty. Most warranty policies should provide at least a one year warranty on the display screen itself. If you are interested in using a laptop computer, touch screen monitors provide an excellent alternative to using a keyboard and mouse for inputting information, viewing information, and creating documents on screen.