The advantages and disadvantages of using a touchscreen display
Touchscreen displays have been around for a few decades now, but it's only in the last ten years or so that they've really taken off. Nowadays you can find them on everything from smartphones and tablets to cash registers and car dashboards. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a touchscreen display, and help you decide whether it's the right choice for you.
Advantages of Using a Touchscreen Display
1. Intuitive to Use
One of the biggest advantages of using a touchscreen display is that it's very intuitive to use. With a traditional keyboard and mouse, you have to memorize a variety of different keyboard shortcuts and gestures in order to get things done quickly. But with a touchscreen display, everything is right at your fingertips. You can simply tap, swipe, and pinch your way through menus and apps, which makes it much easier to use for people who aren't tech-savvy.
2. Faster Input
Another advantage of using a touchscreen display is that it can be much faster to input information than with a keyboard and mouse. With a keyboard, you have to physically move your fingers to type in each letter or number, whereas with a touchscreen, you can simply tap the virtual buttons directly on the screen. This can be especially helpful for tasks like typing in a web address, where you may need to switch between numbers, letters, and symbols quickly.
3. Saves Space
A touchscreen display can also save a lot of space on your desk or in your bag, since you won't need to carry around a separate keyboard and mouse. This can be especially helpful if you're using a tablet or a laptop on the go. Many touchscreen devices also have foldable keyboard cases, which make them even more portable.
4. Great for Collaborative Work
One advantage that many people don't consider is that a touchscreen display can be great for collaborative work. With a traditional computer, only one person can use the keyboard and mouse at a time. But with a touchscreen display, multiple people can work together on the same screen at once, since everyone can simply tap or swipe the screen to interact with it.
Disadvantages of Using a Touchscreen Display
1. Fingerprints
One of the biggest complaints about touchscreen displays is that they tend to get covered in fingerprints and smudges very easily. This can make it difficult to see what's on the screen, and can even make it harder to use in some cases. If you're someone who is particular about keeping your devices clean, a touchscreen display may not be the best choice for you.
2. Can be Less Precise
Another disadvantage of using a touchscreen display is that it can be less precise than using a traditional mouse or trackpad. This is especially true when it comes to tasks that require fine motor skills, like drawing or editing photos. It can also be frustrating when you accidentally tap the wrong button or link because your finger slips.
3. Not Great for Typing Long Documents
While a touchscreen display can be fast for short bursts of typing, it's not ideal for typing long documents or emails. This is because it can be tiring to hold your arms up in the air for extended periods of time, and because touchscreen keyboards can be smaller and more difficult to type on than physical keyboards.
4. Can Be More Expensive
Finally, one factor to consider is that touchscreen displays can be more expensive than traditional displays. This is because they require special hardware and software to work properly. If budget is a concern, it may be worth considering a traditional display instead.
Conclusion
Like any technology, touchscreen displays have their pros and cons. Ultimately, whether or not you should use one comes down to your own personal preferences and needs. If you need a portable device that's easy to use and great for collaborative work, a touchscreen display can be a great choice. But if you require precision, or need to type long documents frequently, a traditional keyboard and mouse may be a better bet. Whatever you choose, make sure to consider all of the advantages and disadvantages before making your decision.