Irfan’s Corner on the Web On Mac, Linux, Grid, Virtualization and Software Technology

Whats wrong with a Touch Screen interface?

Maybe its just me, but I feel a LOT more productive with a touch screen interface. I just came across this post, which highlighted numerous problems with touchscreen interfaces (a la iPhone) namely:

"Some of his problems with touchscreens include: sun glare (MacBook users are already intimate with this one), grease, lack of one-handed operation and the potential for trapped dirt."

I agree with most of the highlighted problems, they indeed do cause a nuisance, however one claim which I just can't agree is that touchscreen interfaces are 'slower' at writing text than regular keyboard interfaces. I dont believe that's true at all. Touchscreen interfaces are just so much more productive. I use a Motorola e680i, which features a touchscreen interface and has no keyboard. I can write on it a lot quicker than on a regular cellphone, additionally its word prediction technology is a great time saver, theoretically in a touch screen interface you can type as fast as you can move your finger. I think there will be many problems with the iPhone's touchscreen interface, but typing is not going to be it!