All About Surface Computers
Surface computers are perhaps the most exciting technological development of the 21st century. A bold statement indeed, but these flat screens interactive potential has the ability to transform the way in which every one of us lives our lives.
Unless you have been very fortunate it is unlikely that you have been in direct contact with any surface computers, however you may have briefly seen them in action. They are interactive screens, which allow multi-touch technology to perform all tasks. These are the devices that are commonly used on news programmes or analytical sports shows to help control video from a computer with rapid speed and ease.
The dynamics of surface computers are some of the most unique in the world of modern computing. They combine a mix of interaction and touch screen technology to achieve one of the most groundbreaking inventions of the 21st century. Most appliances are seen on tables or walls predominantly, always on a flat surface, as the name would suggest. This allows the users to adequately run their fingers or palms across it without risk of damage or excess movement.
The screen itself on surface computers is around the same size as a standard household TV (around 32” as standard). This is a lot larger than the average size of a PC monitor and therefore allows you to make the most of an increased amount of space.
In practicality the users of surface computers interact in a similar way to those who own an iphone. There is no use for a keyboard or a mouse as all commands are carried out through touching the screen. Objects or windows are re-positioned in the same way that you would drag a glass across a coffee table. Where surface computers excel is in their use of multi-person interactive technology. Translated, this means that it can be used simultaneously, by two or more people, to perform different tasks. Whilst you are opening up youtube and watching a small video clip, your friend can be transferring music onto their mp3 player.
Considering the above explanation, I am sure you aware that the possibilities for surface computers are almost endless. For starters, it dwarfs any other computing technology in terms of the speed and simplicity to which it transfers files. Let us imagine a real life scenario. You are with a friend in a hotel lobby and are keen to sample a free podcast that they have recommended. You have your iPod with you but you have no connecting leads and it’s not long before you have to catch a train. Simply place your iPod on the face of the surface computer, wait a few seconds for it to recognise the device, open up iTunes and drag the desired podcast across to where your actual iPod device sits on the screen.
The capabilities of this sort of advanced technology have the potential to make certain tedious practices obsolete. In a restaurant you will soon be able to place your credit card on a surface computer and drag payment onto it. The same methods can be applied in retail, food shopping, hospitals, taxis or in bars and nightclubs. However, where it is currently achieving most popularity is inside the business market.
The file sharing ability of surface computers has practically put an end to this practice for wealthy businesses, in the position to own several models. Previously, ideas or important memos would have had to be transferred by fax or e-mail. Now they can simply place a memory stick on the screen and drag the relevant files onto it. It also has the added capacity of being positioned in a viewing point that can harbour several sets of eyes, commonly required in a boardroom.
The whereabouts of surface computers at present are relatively sparse in the UK. Although becoming increasingly popular in the US and in Asia, Britain is proving slow to cotton onto the phenomenon. However, certain well-funded establishments do house them. These are likely to be in; your top end hotels, quality restaurants, big financial companies, advertising agencies, or large law firms. All of these have a vested interest in providing surface computers to their customers and staff.
For those looking to obtain a surface computer for their business, there are a few places available, but the market is currently quite remote. The technology behind the invention was only first developed in late 2007 so the whole revolution is reasonably embryonic. Rather predictably Microsoft possess perhaps the most extensive range, with prices starting at around £10,000. As with the majority of technological enhancements not all can be ascertained with words, and seeing really is believing, which ironically is Microsoft’s tagline for this particular launch.
The advantages of surface computers are tremendous and have been loosely covered in the above explanation of the product. Their multi-touch technology means that they are not limited to one task at one time. In the future you could quite conceivably be using these devices at the same time as one or more people. They are also in essence totally wireless. How many times have you lost the whereabouts of your connector lead to your phone or camera? Surface computers mean this forgetfulness is irrelevant as they operate of a wireless interaction with other devices.
The only outstanding limitation currently with surface computers is its price, which makes it exclusive to a wealthy sect of big businesses. Currently it is operating at around the £10,000 mark, which is way out of reach for most businesses, which make that amount of profit in two months. It also means that it is not currently viable for consumer production. However, the word ‘currently’ is an important one to remember. At present companies are trying to recover some of the losses incurred in investing in the research of surface computers. Once this loss has been resolved the price will inevitably lower significantly