Best Touch Screen Monitors

Once found only in science fiction novels and movies, touchscreen monitors have become commonplace; you can find them in just about every mall or store you visit. They’re becoming increasingly common in homes and offices as well; the technology has become affordable enough that even casual home users can equip their computers with a touchscreen. While using a keyboard or mouse to control things isn’t too much of a hassle, if you want the ultimate in convenience when you’re working on a project or just browsing the Web, a touchscreen monitor can be a great addition to your home computer setup. Here’s how to find a good one.

Touchscreens all work on the same general principle, so the difference between models largely comes down to the type of monitor it is:

• High-definition (HD) monitors: HD monitors are designed to provide the highest-possible picture quality.
• Liquid-crystal display (LCD) monitors: LCD monitors use liquid crystals to produce a sharp image on an incredibly light, thin screen, which is why the technology is so popular among notebook manufacturers.
• Light-emitting diode (LED) monitors: Like LCD monitors, LED monitors are lighter and more energy efficient than traditional models.

Here are some things reviewers have to say about their touchscreens:

• Image resolution: The best models feature crisp, lifelike image displays. That doesn’t mean that you have to buy the most expensive model, though; reviewers also say that good less-expensive models offer high resolution, even if it’s not quite as good as some of the premium brands.
• Durability: Since the user touches it frequently, it makes sense that durability is a big concern for touchscreen buyers. The best models stand up to heavy use.
• Screen glossiness: This is a function of the coating that the screen needs to stand up to being touched. Some reviewers report the screen being too glossy and reflective for their liking. Great models don’t make you trade off; the image is clear and non-reflective, while still allowing for heavy hand use.
• Mounting: Some users prefer to buy an aftermarket mount for their monitors (which, since they are substantially lighter and thinner than their predecessors, can’t just be set on a desk), but high-quality models come with their own sturdy mounts.

Screen size: When shopping for touchscreen monitors, check out the size of the screen in the product specifications. That way you’ll be able to find a screen that meets both your wants and your desk size.

Mounting: Look at the mounting options when you buy a touchscreen monitor. Most monitors will come with their own mounts, but you can also find a range of aftermarket mounting devices. In any case, because these monitors are so light and thin, the one you buy won’t be able to stand up on its own.

Connection: A touchscreen monitor should work with just about every computer on the market if it comes with a USB connector. If it uses a different kind of connection, then you’ll want to make sure that it is compatible with your computer. That might mean purchasing an aftermarket cord or adapter.

Dell: Dell is an American computer manufacturer that has-been an industry leader in computers and accessories since its founding in 1984, and with good reason—they have built a reputation for quality products, good prices, and excellent service.

Acer: Acer is a Taiwanese computer manufacturer. The company was founded in 1976, and has been making quality computers ever since. Today, it is one of the leaders in laptop manufacturing.

Planar: Planar is an American company that specializes in monitors, video walls, and other displays. The company was founded in 1983, and has been recognized as a leader in the display industry for years.

AOC: AOC is a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer. Founded in 1934 as a foreign branch of an American company, the company became independent in the 1960s and has been an important manufacturer of televisions and other display technologies for decades.