Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
66,695
36,047



093243-touch_imac_patent_drawing.jpg



<small>Drawing from Apple patent application</small>
DigiTimes reports that Apple has received samples of large-size touch panels that would be used in a new touch-capable iMac. According to the report, Sintek Photronics is utilizing projected capacitance touch technology for the panels.<p class="quote">Projected capacitive touch panels are typically produced by placing touch sensors over the panel, and then a cover glass over the sensors. The conventional method is not only costly and complex, but affects display brightness.

The new iMac is rumored to have a good vertical and horizontal viewing angle, and its projected capacitive touch panel will adopt a one-glass solution, which integrates the touch sensor and cover glass, to reduce thickness and weight.</p>Rumors of a touchscreen iMac surfaced in January, with claims of a 22-inch model set to debut sometime during 2010. A second rumor made the rounds in June claiming that Apple would be holding a special event to introduce a touch-enabled iMac capable of running both Mac OS X and iOS within the following two months, although that event obviously failed to take place.

A recently-disclosed patent application has also fueled rumors for its discussion of how a desktop computer could use physical hinges and accelerometers to transition between a traditional mouse-driven desktop setup and a more horizontal touch-friendly orientation.

Given the report's claims that Apple is only just now receiving samples of the touch panels that would be used in such a device, it is extremely unlikely that Apple would be able to make a 2010 launch for the new iMac as had been previously rumored. It would indicate, however, that progress is being made toward a potential 2011 release.

Article Link: Apple Testing Touchscreen Panels for Future iMac?
 
My first thought was - well Dashboard needs an overhaul - who actually uses it these days - Dashboard enabled iOS?

Then - why not just integrate iOS apps into OSX with OSX10.7 and have them running along side OSX apps?

Touchscreens would be awkward for the curent iMac - but having something like the diagram suggests - the screen pulls down - would be a lot more usable. Touch screen navigation is a lot quicker than mouse.
 
I don't think anything that big would be practical to use with a touch screen. Plus if it's running OS X most programs won't work well with a touch screen since they were designed for a mouse and keyboard.
 
So now the mirror screen will show the lamps in the ceiling? :(
 
Yeah, the smudging and (especially) the ergonmics (or lack thereof) is what kills this concept, which doesn't mean that people won't buy just because it's new and they can (e.g., I bought the magic trackpad and have hardly used it since the first day). Imagine dragging a file from the upper left corner of the screen to the trash on a 27" one of these things, and then multiply this kind of motion by 1000 a day :rolleyes:
 
Yeah, this doesn't really make any sense. Touch interface is great on a small device like a phone or tablet. Doesn't really make much sense when you get to something as large as a desktop monitor which normally sits a couple of feet away from you.
 
No touchscreens for desktop computers. It's just silly!

I agree! Do you know how tiring it would be to touch everything on your 30" screens, rather than a few inches of space with your mouse area....

Ew, touchscreens are as tacky as a yellow convertible. Why dont you just hold a sign that says "Look at Me"

believe Apple will just keep their touchscreens to their iDevices.

BUT if you want to turn my office desk into a touch screen, then by all means.
 
Totally Crazy

This is really unsuitable,crazy,un-realistic & down right stupid.......

I am sure it's real and will go ahead
 
I like the idea of using a second screen for a keyboard and mouse. You could reconfigure the keyboard for the language you are typing in at that moment. You could also use it with a standard keyboard. Just fill up the touch screen with macros.

I don't know how I feel about using a touchscreen as the main monitor on a desktop computer.
 
What apps from the App Store would you actually find useful on an iMac? Can you name even one? Most games are accelerometer controlled, they would not work, the utilities can all be replaced by dashboard widgets, and apps like Facebook are only useful on an iPhone because the screen is too small to actually go on Facebook.com. Even on the iPad people are using less apps and more browsing.

I think Apps are good for portable devices but they're not better than what you already have on your normal computer. Or at least not comparable, which means many apps simply don't make sense on an iMac.

... Or, what if Apple found a way to make today's non-touch applications useable on a touch screen? Basically, a touch-enable Snow Leopard with bigger buttons and touch-friendly controls, running the same apps we run today... But then the apps would not be touch-friendly enough...

I don't get it.
 
I wonder what all of you would say if/when Apple does release one of these. Remember how people ridiculed the original iMac for not having a floppy drive?

Also, I know Steve Jobs doesn't like them, but I would like a stylus & pressure sensitivity. Think about artists. Some may need finer control than what their fingers offer. Just my 2¢
 
What apps from the App Store would you actually find useful on an iMac? Can you name even one? Most games are accelerometer controlled, they would not work, the utilities can all be replaced by dashboard widgets, and apps like Facebook are only useful on an iPhone because the screen is too small to actually go on Facebook.com. Even on the iPad people are using less apps and more browsing.

I think Apps are good for portable devices but they're not better than what you already have on your normal computer. Or at least not comparable, which means many apps simply don't make sense on an iMac.

... Or, what if Apple found a way to make today's non-touch applications useable on a touch screen? Basically, a touch-enable Snow Leopard with bigger buttons and touch-friendly controls, running the same apps we run today... But then the apps would not be touch-friendly enough...

I don't get it.

I think the idea is, new apps would come out designed for the new platform.

The more that I think about this, the more I think this may be less for the average user and more for upscale retail. This would make a great POS system.
 
I guess if you're wanting to make larger, kiosk appliance type computers, this might work. Agree with most in that touching the screen is not ideal for many reasons.
 
This should have been released in 2008.

It's about time. Aside from compartmentalized usage, the regular home computer will be a much more efficient device when people can just TOUCH the thing and have direct influence on the objects on the screen.

Keyboards--great for serious data entry
Mice--only special ones needed for complex gaming
Tablets--great for art, unless a touch screen can have direct stylus use

I'm surprised Apple didn't approach the iMac with the touchscreen solution yet. Once the desktop becomes a single form for 99% of all common usage, it will be truly convenient. The "oh no i need tuh clean" people should a) stop eating greasy crap b) wear wrist bands c) stop sweating like pigs d) quit picking their zits through the day e) learn to be clean and wash their hands a couple times a day. Join the human race.
 
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Love Apple - Hate Steve's stupid idea of a touchscreen mac.

Lets face it - he's had his day and should move on.

Touchscreen Mac === MAJORLY IDIOTIC.
 
I wonder what all of you would say if/when Apple does release one of these. Remember how people ridiculed the original iMac for not having a floppy drive?

Also, I know Steve Jobs doesn't like them, but I would like a stylus & pressure sensitivity. Think about artists. Some may need finer control than what their fingers offer. Just my 2¢

The Wacom Cintiq already has them covered. Actually, I don't think the price point is too far off from most Apple hardware, either.
 
a) stop eating greasy crap b) wear wrist bands c) stop sweating like pigs d) quit picking their zits through the day e) learn to be clean and wash their hands a couple times a day. Join the human race.

Care to explain how natural oils in the fingers will be combatted then for those of us who arent sweaty pigs?

It'll get dirty. An iPhone/pod/pad has a case. You cant expect people to try and wrap their nice mac in a rubber condom at the end of the day to stop if getting dirty.

S-T-U-P-I-D I-D-E-A-!
 
Yes that is what i have heard

Rumors of a touch screen iMac are never going to stop, now a source is reporting that Apple is ‘testing’ touch screen panels for the upcoming iMac. According to DigiTimes Sintek Photronics have sent samples of capacitive touch panels to Apple for testing that are going to be used in the new iMac. The source has also claimed that the new iMacs with touch screens are going to have screens sizes of 20 inches and greater. - Source http://theiloop.com
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.