Albatron Multi-Touch Touchscreen LCD Targets Windows 7 Optical Touch Monitor

Albatron Technology have taken the wraps off their up and coming OTM
(Optical Touch Monitor) which utilises the same multi-touch technology
that has previously been demonstrated by Bill Gates using a beta version
of MS's new Windows 7 operating system and which, as Albatron are keen
to point out, results in the same user experience as seen in Spielberg's
movie Minority Report.

The new Albatron Multi-Touch LCD, which appears not to carry a model
number at this stage, boasts a 21.5' Full HD screen, comes with DVI and
DSub ports for connection to your PC, an audio line-out allowing you to
hook up external speakers as well as USB 2.0 connectivity which is
utilised to convey the users touch and gesture controls to the connected PC.

Unlike traditional touchscreen devices, Albatron Technology's OTM based
display works by employing sensors embedded into the display's bezel
rather than relying on captive/resistance type sensing housed (as such)
in the screen itself and, according to Albatron Technology's press
release, offers the following advantages over 'traditional' type
touchscreen displays:

The OTM requires no recalibration as opposed to traditional touch
monitors that typically require recalibration after extended use.
OTM is more cost effective. When manufacturing larger and larger
traditional touch screens, there is a proportional increase in the cost
of 'sensing' material, since the technology is embedded into the screen.
As mentioned, there is no 'sensing' material in an OTM screen itself, so
increasing the size of the monitor does not result in a proportional
increase in the cost of 'sensing' material (there is only a marginal
increase in general costs due to materials needed for producing a larger
product).
OTM monitors are more durable. In a traditional touch monitor, wear and
tear from tapping, prodding, scraping, dragging can damage the 'sensing'
material on the screen. Since the 'sensing' material is not embedded
into the screen on an OTM, it is impossible to damage the 'sensing'
capabilities through normal use.
OTM has multi-touch capabilities (manipulating the screen with more than
one finger). Traditional touch panels are incapable of multi-touch
capabilities.
OTM can grow to unlimited size. Because of the simple structure of OTM
technology, these monitors can theoretically be built as large as you
need. Traditional touch monitors, however, are limited to 15' or less.
OTM display is more brilliant than traditional touch monitors because
the screen itself is not obstructed with embedded sensing hardware.

Albatron Technology's Multi-Touch/OTM 21.5' LCD is envisaged to begin
shipping sometime in March for an as yet undisclosed price.