Touchscreen PCs revisited

The touchscreen PC has been on the market for some time, but the sudden growth of multitouch tablet computers and smartphones has reignited an interest in the technology, as many reconsider how a touchscreen laptop or desktop could be useful.

Touchscreen PCs aren't a necessity for everyone. Most businesses can get by equipping each employee with a standard, mouse-reliant computer. There are some industries, however, that could benefit from multitouch capabilities.

The key benefit of the touchscreen PC over the tablet is processing power. The machine may lack the portability of tablets, but the ability to run more power-hungry processes makes up for this loss. Additionally, users can run programs with which they are more familiar, rather than adjusting to the new nuances of tablets.

Positions that involve an element of design, for example, may find touchscreen PCs especially helpful. Similar to the tablet, the multitouch monitor would allow designers, as well as architects, engineers and others, more freedom in their work. The abilities to point, tap, twist and zoom could extend the capabilities of these professionals, enabling them to take their work to new levels.

Touchscreen-enabled PCs aren't likely to cause quite the same stir that tablet computers have. But in the right environment, these machines may prove to be the best computer for the job.