NEWS MONITORS

After touch-sensitive displays have become established for several years in the world of handheld devices, manufacturers are increasingly using the flavour of device-free input methods even for full desktop monitors. 3M is following suit with its 22-inch M2256PW, which can register up to ten different touch points and thus also be used for text input.

Advertisement

The projected capacitive touch screen on the M2256PW is protected by a robust, anti-reflective glass panel. 3M’s latest monitor thus not only offers sufficient protection for the panel, but also allows for easy cleaning of the front of the monitor. In addition, input even functions with gloves. The input response time is currently indicated as 15 milliseconds by 3M, which means that nothing stands in the way of using an on-screen keyboard.


M2256PW: The top class multi-touch display registers up to ten different touch points at the same time and is aimed primarily at industry-based customers. (Photo: 3M)

The 22-inch display itself offers a resolution of 1,680 x 1,050 pixels and has a VGA connection as well as a DVI input. Integrated stereo speakers will also be included. Users with older hardware can also be pleased that 3M not only passes on the datastream from the input sensors via USB cable, but also via the serial port on the computer that has come into use gradually over the years; an unmistakeable sign that 3M sees its customers as being based primarily in industry.

This impression is emphasised by the lofty sales price, which 3M indicates as around 1,499,00 US Dollars (1,066.00 Euro). However, no precise date has been named by which the model will appear.