Touchscreen or no-touchscreen

**Outsider787** · 06-16-2006, 09:43 AM

What is the general concensus on using a touch screen vs. a non touch screen?
The reason I ask is because I got thinking about this after seeing the display the new S class Merc has. The system is driven by a dial, which can be pushed.
The BMW system for controlling the on-screen stuff is the same. A knob you twist, and push to select.

Why would these manufacturers choose not to go with a touch screen system?
To me it seems like the easier to control option. And it certanly isn't cost (when the car costs as much as a small house), so anyone got any ideas why?

I'm planning my car system, and I want to make sure I understand when one control system is better then another.

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-16-2006, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by Outsider787

Why would these manufacturers choose not to go with a touch screen system?

Because they have written propritary programs that are designed to be controlled in this fashion.

Most likely you will be running windows, which is nothing like the programs that they have written.

While there are many people who have successfully implemented the use of a dial for controll functions, I would find it incredibly annoying for those times when you just need to touch the screen/use a mouse.

Just think about the whole application, imagine sitting in your car and trying to use your laptop with nothing but a knob...

Some of the front ends might work well with it, but that's something you will just have to test to find out.

**Genesisfactor** · 06-21-2006, 11:57 PM

I have a "dial" like interface for my project. It works nice, but sometimes you just need a mouse/touchscreen. Its like the difference between a pistol and a machine gun. Sure it works, but one's a hell of alot faster and more efficient at taking out a squad. Okay, not exact, but you get the picture...plus i bought a gyration mouse.

Anywyas, i bought a touchscreen monitor. True, when all else fials, touchscreen is a great fallback. The best fallback is a mouse though. If you would rather do a system by dial, let me know. Buy a shuttleXpress (MEASURE OUT YOUR CAR AND PLACEMENT FIRST) and then we'll take it from there. I'll help you out if that's what you want.

**Maheriano** · 06-22-2006, 12:48 AM

The same reason PDA are touchscreen and a Blackberry isn't.

**Sidewalksalvage** · 06-22-2006, 12:54 AM

its mostly user choice...I HIGHLY suggest a Touch screen cuz in those moments when a mouse is no where to be found (cuz you hit a turn at 60 and the wireless mouse flew clear out the window....

) and a dial interface cant get what you need. Its great to have around....

(its also much easier to impliment)