Transform a Regular LCD Into a Touchscreen

eZtaR writes "NAVisis is introducing a new USB gadget (for Windows only including Vista) called LaptopTablet. You mount it onto the side of your regular LCD monitor to transform it into a fully functional touchscreen, controlled with an included pen. The gadget is priced at around $100 and seems a good alternative for Photoshoppers."

Just a gadget

[Frostclaw]

Unfortunatly, I don't think this will be much more than a neat gadget, and it certainly won't live up to the needs of a serious artist. There's no mention of accuracy or pressure sensitivity, and I didn't see art/photoshop listed on the website. I'd be keen on seeing some reviews of it, and the prospect of attaching it to a laptop screen sounds pretty interesting but for the price I'd rather just pick up a small Wacom tablet. The fact it's made mainly for a laptop monitor only and claims to work only for Windows makes it a pass for me.

Ugggh ...

[LaughingCoder]

Who wants to hold their arm out, hovering over the keyboard, attempting to "draw" on a surface that isn't firm (laptop hinges are not designed to resist pushing on the screen)? This is a terrible idea in my opinion. The big advantage of *real* tablets is that they fold "roughly" flat so you can write/draw on them more naturally. Even at that, they are usually too thick, making writing uncomfortable.

Curves of CRT?

[tepples]

Seems the only thing making this thing LCD-only is the design of the plastic clip for the sensor that determins the position of the stylus.

That and the tendency of cheap CRT screens to be curved in one or both of their dimensions, and possibly the static electricity that builds up on a CRT.

OT: CRT Vs LCD

[Anonymous Coward]

I considered myself a holdout but I just replaced the last of our CRTs. If you're designing for screen, output is increasingly going to be viewed on a flat panel. If you're designing for print, RGB output is always inaccurate.

LCD displays have improved since the late 90s and the advantages of CRT monitors are becoming fallacy.

Re:Ugggh ...

[slysithesuperspy]

I know it's not ideal but you could just fold the screen backwards so it's parallel to the desk. Or perhaps have the screen upside down and put the keyboard furthest away from you.

Re:Why LCD only?

[Anonymous Coward]

Seems better and cheaper than a Wacom.

Cheaper, perhaps. I'm not quite sure how you translate "lower resolution and no pressure or tilt sensitivity" into "better", but hey, whatever floats your boat...