Will touchscreen devices replace traditional computers? [Tech Round-up]

[CyberInferno]

Steve Jobs has described the iPad as "an 'uncomfortable' transition to post-PC (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/06/01/ipad_is_harbinger_of_uncomfortable_ transition_to_post_pc_jobs_says.htm l)." Do you think fully-touchscreen devices will someday replace traditional mouse/keyboard PCs?

This poll is in conjunction with this week's Technology Round-up (http://j.mp/APtech060510).

[Neo Cassady]

No. There are a number of instances in which a touch screen is simply impractical. The most glaring thing I can think of is the lack of ergonomics--who's going to write code or a novel with a touch screen? I could see it replacing the mouse, but never the physical keyboard.

[bobsheiskawy]

i think the possibilities of touch-based technologies have nowhere near been fulfilled so, while the keyboard may be important now, i think that a future generation of touchscreens will have the ability to overcome the technology we're used to today.

[chcougar1]

Eventually I think they will replace them. How long that takes people to adjust to I am not sure. I was all ready for a macbook touch, but apparently the software (and probably hardware) hasnt been made to do it yet

[abandonship]

I haven't really used touchscreens much, but I think I'd prefer pressing keys as opposed to pressing a touchscreen to type; however I think speech recognition could definitely replace keyboards .

[chcougar1]

I haven't really used touchscreens much, but I think I'd prefer pressing keys as opposed to pressing a touchscreen to type; however I think speech recognition could definitely replace keyboards .

Good call. I'm loving the voice to text feature

[E. Clectic]

I haven't really used touchscreens much, but I think I'd prefer pressing keys as opposed to pressing a touchscreen to type; however I think speech recognition could definitely replace keyboards .

I hope not.
It'll be pretty embarrassing when I have to say "midget mayonnaise porn," aloud to google in my public library.

[stevenisfading]

Yes, it is doomed.

How soon? I don't know but it is doomed.

[xRadioJoyx]

i would hate typing up all my assignments and everything on my iphone/a touchscreen. the keyboard is just so much easier to function with. then again, after a while i guess you may get used to typing quickly on a touchscreen just like you do with a keyboard. it would take me a long time to adjust i think. :\

[qwerty22]

I hope not.
It'll be pretty embarrassing when I have to say "midget mayonnaise porn," aloud to google in my public library.

:lol:

[Ryan Rumsey]

I sure hope this doesn't happen. Im already trying to avoid a touch screen phone, but thats hard to do when almost every new phone is touch.

[hemorrhaged]

I hope not.
It'll be pretty embarrassing when I have to say "midget mayonnaise porn," aloud to google in my public library.

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Anyways, I'm very skeptical about touch screens replacing mouse/keyboards. I would like to see it happen, and I think if it does it will not be for a while, but doubt it will :/

[CyberInferno]

I sure hope this doesn't happen. Im already trying to avoid a touch screen phone, but thats hard to do when almost every new phone is touch.
I used to be in the same boat. Using "iPhone" typing tests, I could type between 40 - 50 words per minute on my old Nokia N95 using the standard numberpad and T9. I also was able to type while driving without ever looking at the keys. So I was very apprehensive about getting something without tactile feedback. I can say that after switching to the G1 (and never using its QWERTY keyboard) then the myTouch (keyboard-less), that you get used to not having a keyboard. Do I still miss my physical keyboard while in the car? Absolutely. But I shouldn't be texting either way. The keyboard I use is Swype, which is just as a wonderful as the commercials make it appear.

[Ryan Rumsey]

I used to be in the same boat. Using "iPhone" typing tests, I could type between 40 - 50 words per minute on my old Nokia N95 using the standard numberpad and T9. I also was able to type while driving without ever looking at the keys. So I was very apprehensive about getting something without tactile feedback. I can say that after switching to the G1 (and never using its QWERTY keyboard) then the myTouch (keyboard-less), that you get used to not having a keyboard. Do I still miss my physical keyboard while in the car? Absolutely. But I shouldn't be texting either way. The keyboard I use is Swype, which is just as a wonderful as the commercials make it appear.

Yeah texting on a touch screen phone while driving sounds like a task. I also currently have a phone with the QWERTY keyboard available, but never use it unless I have to. I guess ill give one a try when I basically have no other choice.

[BozzBlonde]

I dislike touch screens.

What about typing up large amounts of information or online computer games? I'd hate to do any of that with a touch screen.

[cristinaa]

I hate touch screens.

[3GunGaz]

No. There are a number of instances in which a touch screen is simply impractical. The most glaring thing I can think of is the lack of ergonomics--who's going to write code or a novel with a touch screen? I could see it replacing the mouse, but never the physical keyboard.

Isn't that just a case of getting used to it though, as it was with a physical keyboard?

I much prefer the old style but if they make them efficient enough then they are bound to take over..... I'm sure there'd be an option for an external keyboard anyway (which means they won't replace them entirely)

I like my Macbook and my old school phone!!

[one8=2zeros]

I dislike touch screens.

What about typing up large amounts of information or online computer games? I'd hate to do any of that with a touch screen.

Typing large amounts of information is certainly an issue with touch screens. However, I wouldn't worry about online computer games. Shoe-horning current game UI and controls into a theoretical touch-screen world is certainly problematic, but by the time the world is ready to go touch screen, computer games will be ready too.

Humans are highly adaptable creatures, so it won't take more than a decade or so before people are sitting around going "How did anyone ever use a computer before voice recognition and multi-touch screens!?"

[pennie]

I hope so.

[Say Nothing]

I have thought about this before, and this is my thought on it. Unless some sort of holographic device could be made that could simulate the feel of a keyboard is made, touch screens will never fully take over. Too many people, including myself, prefer physical buttons rather than a digital one.

[fuxkholly]

Have You Seen Avatar?

[Scrawns]

it seems like everyone else is judging this poll based on what they "think" or what using touchscreen "sounds like". my input is based on experience as i use both a 28'' touchscreen computer, and also use a standard computer setup for gaming. i also use a touchscreen/tactile keyboard phone. honestly, my touchscreen comp would own my time if it could register multi touching (touching two spots at the same time), and it it could distinguish the difference between someone trying to use a right/left 'click'. thats what is really bringing down the whole touch thing. another disadvantage is that touch computers mostly stand upright like a regular monitor so having to hold your hand up for long periods of time is taxing. if all of these issues were adressed, then touchscreen tech would seal its longevity in the market. however, when it comes down to it, whatever gaming catches on to is what is going to stay around. the same is true with television media, and the porn industry.

[gaga_lover]

How the hell are you supposed to type on the pad if you can't put it down? It's inefficient.

[HoldThatSound]

im sure there will be touch screen keyboards, but they won't out rule regular ones. at least i hope so. haha.

[frenchatticus]

No. There are a number of instances in which a touch screen is simply impractical. The most glaring thing I can think of is the lack of ergonomics--who's going to write code or a novel with a touch screen? I could see it replacing the mouse, but never the physical keyboard.

Exactly what I'm thinking.

[HelloxAlone]

Touch screens are just annoying.

[notoaststereo]

I think touchscreen technology is still very much undeveloped. In time (years) I believe it will be more advanced than we could have imagined. As of right now, in the near future, I don't see touchscreen wiping out tradition computers or laptops, but I certainly don't think it's a fad.

[zachff]

I voted no, but the choice available were way too cut and dried. Do I see people using keyboards and mouses in 200 years from now? Definitely not. But I also don't see them sitting there poking at big 2160p screens like massive iPads either.

[thechetearly]

No. There are a number of instances in which a touch screen is simply impractical. The most glaring thing I can think of is the lack of ergonomics--who's going to write code or a novel with a touch screen? I could see it replacing the mouse, but never the physical keyboard.

my thoughts exactly.

[SuNDaYSTaR]

I hope not.
It'll be pretty embarrassing when I have to say "midget mayonnaise porn," aloud to google in my public library.:tumbleweed:

[secretsociety92]

I hate touchscreens, not only are they not practical it also costs a lot more to replace or repair. I used a keyboard for at least four years (I spilt drinks on it, dropped it and all sorts) and it never failed.

[R3ality]

Obviously they will, have you never watched Sci-Fi shit? Everything's gonna be fucking holograms!

[spansen]

fuck touch screens.