2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a multitouch interface? How

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1 Hellett 1 Katie Hellett MIS 220 3/5/13 New To The Touch 1. What problems does multitouch technology solve? An important hurdle multitouch technology helped overcome was with an autistic student. After being unable for 14 years, TouchSmart computing helped the student to speak and communicate for the first time (Laudon 179). It also simply solves the difficulty of using a mouse and a keyboard some users cannot use or physically grasp a mouse and the multitouch enables those users to still use computer s in today s society (Laudon 178). 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a multitouch interface? How useful is it? Explain. The key advantage of the multitouch interface is that you can peruse the Internet, swipe through photos, shuffle applications around, zoom in & out, and save files and all with just your fingers (Laudon 178). Personally, I enjoy that I can swipe my apps around on my iphone 5 it allows me to organize where I want my games, , music, and so on, not to mention it lets me move my apps into folders and then slide the folders around for the ultimate organized experience. TouchSmart makes using computers as easy as possible. Most multitouch interfaces are much more mobile than those that are not (the ipad or a tablet PC for instance) even in the home you can carry the devices around with you and listen to music anywhere or pull up directions and zoom in on a map as you re walking through your living room and out the door

It also simply solves the difficulty of using a mouse and a keyboard some users cannot use or physically grasp a mouse and the multitouch enables those users to still use computer s in today s

2 Hellett 2 (Laudon 178). I love being able to walk everywhere with my ipad and having the capability to run multiple music applications and go back and forth between streaming from SoundCloud and then swiping to a playlist I created in seconds. Another advantage is the easy-to-use aspect to children. TouchSmart technology is a simple computer that elementary level students can use (Laudon 179), not too mention kids love the touch interfaces. Whether I m babysitting or simply around children, they seem to love playing with the ipads and iphones. Kids are becoming increasingly tech-savvy thanks to the touch screens because it s so easy for them to use. An even more positive note from that is that kids enjoy playing education games on the devices like WordSearch and gives them access to dictionaries and calculators in a pinch. Lastly, advantage wise, the TouchSmart tech is becoming exponentially useful in the business arena. Co-workers can hold video chats with one another, message, e- mail, manage contacts, update calendars, send photos, and many more, all without a mouse or a keyboard (Laudon 179). Touch technology has multiple advantages but few disadvantages. The main issue is that some devices are more touch sensitive that others. For example, when I use an ipad or an iphone, I can t wear gloves or anything that covers my fingers in the slightest. So when it s below subzero outside and you need to use your iphone, you either need those fingerless gloves or your hands will freeze. Another disadvantage would be if you were big on typing, therefore having a touch keypad might not be optimal.

created in seconds. Another advantage is the easy-to-use aspect to children.

3 Hellett 3 3. Describe three business applications that would benefit from a multitouch interface. A beneficial multitouch application would be electronic signature software, like the Square app. Businesses can easily sign the multitouch devices with their finger [or a stylus] something important for businesses that are mobile or completely immersed in the digital world and heavily rely on touch devices for the success of their business. Another beneficial business app would be collaborative work apps like , messaging, google docs, or even doodle docs. Employees can communicate with one another incredibly fast by swiping through their touch devices and they can easily view photos and documents or even projects like full PowerPoint presentations. For example, when I was working on a crucial group project for a French Literature class and my partner was having trouble with her laptop s keyboard, I opened the PowerPoint presentation on my iphone and scrolled incredibly fast through it going back & forth between slides in a flash and we were able to finish preparing for our presentation hassle free. Lastly, tax applications. Many businesses are on the go and are under a time crunch, they need to be able to keep track of things like deductible expenses for taxes and multitouch interfaces are great for that. Employees can download apps like Slice, that manage your receipts, or Expensify, to keep track of deductible expenses like car mileage or meals on business trips (Pinola). Using the multitouch interface, personnel can easily swipe between the applications and input their data quickly and easily, especially if they re on a plane or walking out of a hotel (i.e. on a tablet or touch phone).

touch devices for the success of their business. Another beneficial business app would be collaborative work apps like e-mail, messaging, google docs, or even doodle docs.

4 Hellett 4 4. What management, organization, and technology issues must be addressed if you or your business was considering systems and computers with multitouch interfaces? Issues that must be addressed if a business were to make the switch to multitouch devices are things like employees who aren t tech-savvy and employees who are resistant to change. Being a 21-year-old college student, I am well versed in the world of technology and multitouch interfaces so if I were to work for a company that made the switch, I would be able to adapt, however, there are corporations that are compromised of older faculty members. Some of these older faculty members have trouble understanding how to use today s technology especially, multitouch technology. Classes would have to be held to teach all employees to use the new interfaces and to inform them of why it s important to make the change for those resistant to change, enlighten them with facts.

Being a 21-year-old college student, I am well versed in the world of technology and multitouch interfaces so if I were to work for a company that made the switch, I would be able to adapt, however,

5 Hellett 5 MIS In Action 1. Describe what you would do differently on your PC if it had multitouch capabilities. How much difference would multitouch make in the way you use your computer? If my PC had multitouch capabilities I would download countless virtual DJ software. The [laptop] PC I have now is barely mobile and constant clicking internally and externally (program wise) makes mixing and playing music through most software pretty difficult. And now companies are releasing DJ software exclusively for multitouch interfaces to seamlessly crossfade and mix music. It would make an incredible difference in the way I use my computer because I mainly use my computer for musical purposes; I would have so much more potential in the way I engaged in DJ software.

The [laptop] PC I have now is barely mobile and constant clicking internally and externally (program wise) makes mixing and playing music through most software pretty difficult.

6 Hellett 6 Works Cited Laudon, Kenneth C., and Jane P. Laudon. Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, Print. Pinola, Melanie. "Best Apps to Help You Prepare Your Taxes." NBC News. N.p., 23 Feb Web. 05 Mar

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