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Lenovo makes multi-touch, anti-glare screens

Published on 16th September 2009 by Gareth Halfacree

The new ThinkPad X200 tablet from Lenovo is available with either a two-finger multitouch or outdoor readable screen - but not both.

Lenovo has announced a pair of new display technologies which will grace its first Windows 7 products - including a neat multi-touch system.

As reported over on BetaNews, the company - which is now the holder of the ThinkPad name after manufacturing the devices for IBM for many years - is set to launch a multi-touch display along with an iPhone-inspired application to make using the system sans mouse easier on its X200 tablets and T400s notebooks.

Dubbed SimpleTap, the multi-touch aware application provides what the company describes as a tile-based "quick-access control center." As well as pre-configured tiles for common tasks including adjusting volume or brightness, users are able to create their own tiles which can run applications or open web sites.

The multi-touch functionality of the screen should work well with the improved touchscreen support introduced by Windows 7, although how usable the SimpleTap application will really be remains to be seen. If you're hoping to be able to track all your fingers you might be disappointed, however: the X200 tablet will support a maximum of two finger multi-touch, with the more expensive T400s notebooks supporting up to four.

The second technology, which will only be available as an option on the X200 tablet, is an display which can be easily read even in direct sunlight - making using the tablet outdoors far easier. A smart anti-glare screen - previously restricted to bulky, ruggedised notebooks designed for military use - drops the reflectivity of the display down to 1.2 percent from the more traditional 4-8 percent. The reduced reflectivity means that a lower level ofback-lighting can be used when the tablet is outdoors, resulting in an easy-to-see display and improved battery life.

Sadly for anyone wanting to spend top-dollar on a tricked-out tablet PC, the multi-touch display and outdoor-readable coating are mutually exclusive: Lenovo has stated that to combine both technologies into a single device would "bring too much bulk."

The X200 tablets start at $1,729 for the multi-touch unit or $1,779 for the outdoor-readable version, with the T400s coming in at a pricier $1,999 for the multi-touch version.

Which display technology most interests you - the multi-touch screen or a laptop which is finally usable outdoors? Share your thoughts over in the forum.

7 Comments

Discuss in the forums Reply

outlawaol 16th September 2009, 17:45

I just got a Lenovo laptop for my sister in-laws sister. I must say I really like Lenovo laptops now. Its not to flashy but really has a style all its own.

I wonder who will want a multi touch laptop though. The fine details of a modern PC desktop have so many options that these seem more of a novelty then a functional useful PC. Perhaps this will lead to the LCARS menu system that we all wish existed... :D

leslie 16th September 2009, 20:59

Do you really want to be using hand control on a 22inch screen, much less a 36inch screen?

I think all of these companies who keep pushing touch technology, need to be put in front of a computer for a week, with no mouse or touchpad, and forced to only use touch. Care to place bets how long they last before they scream for a mouse?

Imagine using an ATM terminal for all of your controls on a computer. Waving your hand all over the screen... Yeah, thought so. It's a fail to start technology. Once people use it once they will see they paid a bundle for nothing.

dyzophoria 16th September 2009, 21:37

i like multi-touch systems, but their applications are gonna be specific, if something works better with a mouse, use a mouse, if its better with a keyboard, use a keyboard or both, will productivity be boosted if a well designed multi-touch app/screen is added? then go, I doubt it will replace anything, its just like the mouse, its an added bonus, but you would never give up your keyboard for it and vice versa :), if multi touch was a fail then apple's iphone and ipod touch failed when they launched. i think it will have its place if implemented correctly

Herr_SturmGeist 16th September 2009, 21:48

What I wonder is whether the multitouch on this will still be using the resistive touchscreen of the bog standard X200 tablet or a capacitve one like on the Dell Inspiron XT2. Any clarification?

xprodancer 17th September 2009, 01:38

i do find this tech rather savy! i would like to get this tech and dule screen it with me projector and use the touch for everything! what would be impressive tho is if you could use this tech as a mouse/keyboard and even use it for just this without it being a netbook or laptop! having a wirless setup with this would be perfect for me!!!!!

dec 17th September 2009, 03:36

i like the itouch qualities of the multitouch just to show off with. when would i use this outside? make a laptop that can run when submerged in water and we'll talk lenovo.

Spaceraver 25th September 2009, 08:40

I'd want multitouch for mine thanks... Nothing like using a CAD program or perhaps Photoshop if I could manipulate stuff by touching it....