Dell Inspiron 11z laptop is official for $399Dell’s Inspiron 11z notebook is finally ready for the masses, starting at a cheap $399 and going up from there. Some specs include: 1.2GHz Intel Celeron 723 CULV processor, Intel GS45 integrated graphics, 11.6″ display at 1,366 x 768 resolution, 2GB RAM, 250GB hard drive,Wi-Fi connectivity, and 1.3-megapixel webcam.
The Dell Inspiron 11z runs the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system. In addition to the rest of the specs you’ll get 3 USB 2.0 ports, a 3-in-1 memory card reader and HDMI output for watching high definition videos.
Not bad. Not bad at all
source:slipperybrick.com/2009/08/dell-inspiron-11z-laptop-is-official-for-399/
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Dell Inspiron 14z and 15z now on sale
Dell Inspiron 14z and 15z now on saleIf you’re looking to lighten your laptop load and go for an ultra-light model, (Who wouldnt?) Dell has debuted its 14-inch and 15.6-inch Insprion Z series portables. Both models have pretty much the same specs: up to a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 with GMA X4500HD graphics, 1366 x 768 resolution, 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 802.11a/b/g/draft-N, Bluetooth, a 7-in-1 card reader, 1.3 megapixel camera, and a 6-cell battery.
The starting prices are as low as $599, but if you want them all loaded up with all of the extras, you’ll pay around $1,034.
They are available now.
source:.slipperybrick.com/2009/09/dell-inspiron-14z-and-15z-now-on-sale/
The starting prices are as low as $599, but if you want them all loaded up with all of the extras, you’ll pay around $1,034.
They are available now.
source:.slipperybrick.com/2009/09/dell-inspiron-14z-and-15z-now-on-sale/
Click here to find out more! Dell needs a homerun with its fall line-up of consumer desktops and laptops
dell-1Dell is hoping to score a comeback with its latest line-up of consumer laptops and desktops for the fall selling season.
The Round Rock, Texas-based company is one of the first to unveil its new fall season computers, the first of a number of releases that are coming in time for the Oct. 22 launch of Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system. We can expect to see waves of new computers this season, which is a critical period for many computer makers, including Dell, that are counting on a big turning point in the recession.
If consumers go for these machines, then all will be well with the computer business. But if these designs fail to inspire consumption, there’ll be a lot of disappointment. Dell is counting on corporate consumers to start spending again in 2010, but it needs consumers to carry the burden of buying during the rest of this year.
Today, the company is launching new models in its Inspiron laptops (pictured above) and Studio XPS desktops. The Inspiron 14z uses several versions of Intel’s mainstream microprocessors and an Intel GS45 chip set with up to eight gigabytes of main memory. That’s pretty beefy hardware for a machine that will be touted for its energy efficiency. But the attention grabber will be its sleek look and one-inch height, since fashion is starting to matter more with PCs.
It uses the AMD Mobility Radeon HD4330 graphics chip and has built-in WiFi. The models come with a 14-inch high-definition dsiplay and a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery that can last more than eight hours under light usage. It weighs 4.4 pounds with a DVD drive and is one inch thick. The Inspiron 15z comes with a 15.6-inch display, weighs 5.1 pounds, and is similar in most other features. Both come in black or red. The keyboards are designed to let consumers make better use of the function keys.
Studio XPS 8000 Desktop with PeripheralsThe Studio XPS 8000 and 9000 desktop models (pictured) are the new top-of-the-line desktops for consumers. These machines carry the XPS label that was once targeted at gamers but now means Dell’s top model for computer enthusiasts. (The Alienware brand is now the sole Dell brand for gamers). These machines are focused on entertainment: they have the new Intel Core i5 processors, though you can upgrade to the new Intel Core i7 processors. They have the Intel P55 chip set, up to 16 gigabytes of main memory, a choice of AMD Radeon HD 4350 or Nvidia GeForce GTS240 graphics, and a choice of a standard DVD read-write drive or a Blu-ray drive. The machines have the Cyberlink MediaShow Espresso software for fast video conversion and an HDMI port that can connect to a variety of monitors. You can access a media card reader and universal serial bus ports the top front of the machines.
You can pay extra to get an Nvidia 3-D glasses bundle to give a 3-D effect for games and other apps, if you also have a Samsung 120-hertz 3-D display. Dell’s decision to include this as an option means the technology is getting more acceptance now, but I still think it has a long way to go. Dell’s computers are available in 43,000 locations now. That means the once direct-shipment-only company is no longer religious about its distribution model.
So far, Dell’s comeback from its foibles of a few years ago is going well. Last quarter, the company increased its unit shipments worldwide by 17 percent, though revenues were down 9 percent from a year ago. Dell has more models coming through the month of October. But these new models set the tone for its new design approach: sleek designs, good performance, energy efficiency and choice. We’ll see if consumers find it appealing enough.
source:venturebeat.com/2009/09/08/dell-launches-fall-line-up-of-desktops-and-laptops/
The Round Rock, Texas-based company is one of the first to unveil its new fall season computers, the first of a number of releases that are coming in time for the Oct. 22 launch of Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system. We can expect to see waves of new computers this season, which is a critical period for many computer makers, including Dell, that are counting on a big turning point in the recession.
If consumers go for these machines, then all will be well with the computer business. But if these designs fail to inspire consumption, there’ll be a lot of disappointment. Dell is counting on corporate consumers to start spending again in 2010, but it needs consumers to carry the burden of buying during the rest of this year.
Today, the company is launching new models in its Inspiron laptops (pictured above) and Studio XPS desktops. The Inspiron 14z uses several versions of Intel’s mainstream microprocessors and an Intel GS45 chip set with up to eight gigabytes of main memory. That’s pretty beefy hardware for a machine that will be touted for its energy efficiency. But the attention grabber will be its sleek look and one-inch height, since fashion is starting to matter more with PCs.
It uses the AMD Mobility Radeon HD4330 graphics chip and has built-in WiFi. The models come with a 14-inch high-definition dsiplay and a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery that can last more than eight hours under light usage. It weighs 4.4 pounds with a DVD drive and is one inch thick. The Inspiron 15z comes with a 15.6-inch display, weighs 5.1 pounds, and is similar in most other features. Both come in black or red. The keyboards are designed to let consumers make better use of the function keys.
Studio XPS 8000 Desktop with PeripheralsThe Studio XPS 8000 and 9000 desktop models (pictured) are the new top-of-the-line desktops for consumers. These machines carry the XPS label that was once targeted at gamers but now means Dell’s top model for computer enthusiasts. (The Alienware brand is now the sole Dell brand for gamers). These machines are focused on entertainment: they have the new Intel Core i5 processors, though you can upgrade to the new Intel Core i7 processors. They have the Intel P55 chip set, up to 16 gigabytes of main memory, a choice of AMD Radeon HD 4350 or Nvidia GeForce GTS240 graphics, and a choice of a standard DVD read-write drive or a Blu-ray drive. The machines have the Cyberlink MediaShow Espresso software for fast video conversion and an HDMI port that can connect to a variety of monitors. You can access a media card reader and universal serial bus ports the top front of the machines.
You can pay extra to get an Nvidia 3-D glasses bundle to give a 3-D effect for games and other apps, if you also have a Samsung 120-hertz 3-D display. Dell’s decision to include this as an option means the technology is getting more acceptance now, but I still think it has a long way to go. Dell’s computers are available in 43,000 locations now. That means the once direct-shipment-only company is no longer religious about its distribution model.
So far, Dell’s comeback from its foibles of a few years ago is going well. Last quarter, the company increased its unit shipments worldwide by 17 percent, though revenues were down 9 percent from a year ago. Dell has more models coming through the month of October. But these new models set the tone for its new design approach: sleek designs, good performance, energy efficiency and choice. We’ll see if consumers find it appealing enough.
source:venturebeat.com/2009/09/08/dell-launches-fall-line-up-of-desktops-and-laptops/
Photo: Nancy O'Dell and Yoplait Pair Up to Educate Families on the Basics of Better...
Photo: Nancy O'Dell and Yoplait Pair Up to Educate Families on the Basics of
Better Bone Health
O'Dell Promotes the Importance of Calcium and Vitamin D in Your Daily Diet
MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Nancy O'Dell, co-anchor of Access
Hollywood, celebrity mom and author of the new parenting book Full of Life /
Mom-to-Mom Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Pregnant, recognizes the
importance of building and maintaining strong, healthy bones through a diet
rich in calcium and vitamin D. Along with milk and cheese, enjoying a creamy
cup of yogurt such as Yoplait(R) - the only leading brand of yogurt containing
calcium and vitamin D in every serving - is a good way to help children and
adults get the recommended amount of these two important bone nutrients.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/yoplait/39966/
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090908/NY71386 )
"After my recent knee injury I recognize the importance of a proper diet and
exercise to help me get back on my feet," said O'Dell. "My family and I eat
healthy foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, to help build and maintain strong
bones. Yoplait yogurt is a delicious and nutritious way to get both of these
essential nutrients throughout the day."
As part of the program, O'Dell and Yoplait will provide personal diet and
fitness advice featured on Yoplait's new Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/Yoplait. The tips will demonstrate how O'Dell and her family
build and maintain strong, healthy bodies.
Data reveals that adults are falling short on nutrients important for bone
health, with 76 percent of the population not getting enough vitamin D and 72
percent not getting enough calcium in their daily diet.*,** These statistics
reinforce the need for daily diets rich in calcium and vitamin D - vitamin D
is naturally present in very few foods (i.e., cod liver oil, fatty fish like
salmon and tuna, and in limited amounts in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks).
A report released in 2006 from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that
eating dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt during childhood and
adolescence may help build strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures and
osteoporosis later in life.*** Calcium and vitamin D work together to build
strong bones, with vitamin D aiding calcium absorption.
"Yoplait yogurt is the only leading brand of yogurt containing vitamin D and
calcium in every serving. These nutrients are important for bone health," said
Katherine Brooking, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian. "Based on recent
research, it is clear we need to do a better job of incorporating both vitamin
D and calcium into our own and our children's diets. Yoplait yogurt,
specifically its Original and Light varieties, provides an excellent source of
calcium for both adults and children. Yoplait offers a large variety of
flavors to help the whole family meet their dairy, vitamin D and calcium
needs."
Product Serving Size Vitamin D Calcium
(% DV) (% DV)
Yoplait(R) Original
99% Fat Free Fruit 6 oz 20 20
Yoplait(R) Light
Fruit Flavors 6 oz 20 20
Yoplait(R) Thick
and Creamy 6 oz 20 30
Yoplait(R) Light Thick
and Creamy Fruit Flavors 6 oz 20 20
Yoplait(R)
Whips!(TM) Flavors 4 oz 10 15
Yoplait(R)
Chocolate Whips!(TM) 4 oz 10 10
Yoplait(R)
Kids Yogurt 4 oz 10 20
Yoplait(R)
YoPlus Yogurt 4 oz 10 15
Yoplait(R)
FiberOne Yogurt 4 oz 15 10
About General Mills
One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in over 100
countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios,
Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El
Paso, Progresso, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen and more. Headquartered in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A., General Mills had fiscal 2009 global net sales
of US$15.9 billion, including the company's $1.2 billion proportionate share
of joint venture net sales. Visit www.generalmills.com.
* American Academy of Pediatrics, Clinical Report "Prevention of Rickets and
Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children and Adolescents," 2008
** National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2004
*** American Academy of Pediatrics, Optimizing bone health and calcium intakes
of infants, children, and adolescents, Pediatrics. 2006
SOURCE General Mills; Yoplait
Jodi Housman, Cone, +1-617-939-8384, jhousman@coneinc.com; or David Witt,
General Mills, +1-763-764-2487, david.witt@genmills.com
source:.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS127239+08-Sep-2009+PRN20090908
Better Bone Health
O'Dell Promotes the Importance of Calcium and Vitamin D in Your Daily Diet
MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Nancy O'Dell, co-anchor of Access
Hollywood, celebrity mom and author of the new parenting book Full of Life /
Mom-to-Mom Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Pregnant, recognizes the
importance of building and maintaining strong, healthy bones through a diet
rich in calcium and vitamin D. Along with milk and cheese, enjoying a creamy
cup of yogurt such as Yoplait(R) - the only leading brand of yogurt containing
calcium and vitamin D in every serving - is a good way to help children and
adults get the recommended amount of these two important bone nutrients.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/yoplait/39966/
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090908/NY71386 )
"After my recent knee injury I recognize the importance of a proper diet and
exercise to help me get back on my feet," said O'Dell. "My family and I eat
healthy foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, to help build and maintain strong
bones. Yoplait yogurt is a delicious and nutritious way to get both of these
essential nutrients throughout the day."
As part of the program, O'Dell and Yoplait will provide personal diet and
fitness advice featured on Yoplait's new Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/Yoplait. The tips will demonstrate how O'Dell and her family
build and maintain strong, healthy bodies.
Data reveals that adults are falling short on nutrients important for bone
health, with 76 percent of the population not getting enough vitamin D and 72
percent not getting enough calcium in their daily diet.*,** These statistics
reinforce the need for daily diets rich in calcium and vitamin D - vitamin D
is naturally present in very few foods (i.e., cod liver oil, fatty fish like
salmon and tuna, and in limited amounts in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks).
A report released in 2006 from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that
eating dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt during childhood and
adolescence may help build strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures and
osteoporosis later in life.*** Calcium and vitamin D work together to build
strong bones, with vitamin D aiding calcium absorption.
"Yoplait yogurt is the only leading brand of yogurt containing vitamin D and
calcium in every serving. These nutrients are important for bone health," said
Katherine Brooking, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian. "Based on recent
research, it is clear we need to do a better job of incorporating both vitamin
D and calcium into our own and our children's diets. Yoplait yogurt,
specifically its Original and Light varieties, provides an excellent source of
calcium for both adults and children. Yoplait offers a large variety of
flavors to help the whole family meet their dairy, vitamin D and calcium
needs."
Product Serving Size Vitamin D Calcium
(% DV) (% DV)
Yoplait(R) Original
99% Fat Free Fruit 6 oz 20 20
Yoplait(R) Light
Fruit Flavors 6 oz 20 20
Yoplait(R) Thick
and Creamy 6 oz 20 30
Yoplait(R) Light Thick
and Creamy Fruit Flavors 6 oz 20 20
Yoplait(R)
Whips!(TM) Flavors 4 oz 10 15
Yoplait(R)
Chocolate Whips!(TM) 4 oz 10 10
Yoplait(R)
Kids Yogurt 4 oz 10 20
Yoplait(R)
YoPlus Yogurt 4 oz 10 15
Yoplait(R)
FiberOne Yogurt 4 oz 15 10
About General Mills
One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in over 100
countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios,
Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El
Paso, Progresso, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen and more. Headquartered in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A., General Mills had fiscal 2009 global net sales
of US$15.9 billion, including the company's $1.2 billion proportionate share
of joint venture net sales. Visit www.generalmills.com.
* American Academy of Pediatrics, Clinical Report "Prevention of Rickets and
Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children and Adolescents," 2008
** National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2004
*** American Academy of Pediatrics, Optimizing bone health and calcium intakes
of infants, children, and adolescents, Pediatrics. 2006
SOURCE General Mills; Yoplait
Jodi Housman, Cone, +1-617-939-8384, jhousman@coneinc.com; or David Witt,
General Mills, +1-763-764-2487, david.witt@genmills.com
source:.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS127239+08-Sep-2009+PRN20090908
Dell Announces Endeavor Co-Founder & CEO Linda Rottenberg as One of the Inspiring Entrepreneurs for the Take Your Own Path Campaign
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Endeavor`s Co-Founder & CEO Linda Rottenberg was named one of Dell`s "Inspiring
Entrepreneurs" for the Take Your Own Path campaign that launches nationwide
today.
Take Your Own Path distinguishes entrepreneurs as "heroes," and is being
introduced in the U.S., Japan, Germany, China and the UK following its initial
successes in India and France. Linda receives this honor along with LinkedIn CEO
Reid Hoffman, Cakelove founder Warren Brown, and Sew What? President Megan
Duckett.
The campaign celebrates these entrepreneurs with joint local, national and
global exposure through a variety of advertising initiatives. It is also being
integrated with Dell`s online marketing efforts, expanding on the company`s
Small and Medium Business Solutions Center.
"Dell has always believed that it takes an extraordinary person to launch and
run a business. We understand the potential of medium and small businesses to
transform the global economy and the Take Your Own Path campaign underscores
Dell`s commitment to supporting individuals with a big idea," said Paul-Henri
Ferrand, VP of global marketing for Dell Small and Medium Business. "Today, Dell
celebrates the many achievers and dreamers who dare to forge ahead in their own
way with a view of how they could change the world, pushing boundaries and
ultimately, leading the global economic recovery."
"Dell clearly understands the needs of entrepreneurs who take risks and bet big
on business success. We`re excited to participate in this one-of-a-kind
campaign," said Linda Rottenberg.
About Endeavor
Endeavor breaks down barriers that prevent emerging-market entrepreneurs from
reaching their high-impact potential. Hailed by NYT columnist Thomas Friedman as
the "mentor capitalist" model, Endeavor identifies entrepreneurs leading
high-growth innovative companies in emerging markets. These entrepreneurs are
given world-class strategic advice, access to key networks and other tools that
will catapult them to success. With Endeavor's guidance they become
"high-impact" - expanding employment, generating wealth and inspiring others to
innovate. Often overlooked, these local entrepreneurs are now jumpstarting
private sector development in their countries.
As of 2008, Endeavor Entrepreneurs throughout Latin America, South Africa and
Turkey have created over 96,000 new jobs and generated over $3.15 billion in
revenues. For more information, visit www.endeavor.org or follow us on
http://twitter.com/endeavor_global.
Endeavor
Elmira Bayrasli
Office: +1-212-352-3200
Mobile: +1-646-491-2969
e-mail: elmira.bayrasli@endeavor.org
source:reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS178716+08-Sep-2009+BW20090908
Endeavor`s Co-Founder & CEO Linda Rottenberg was named one of Dell`s "Inspiring
Entrepreneurs" for the Take Your Own Path campaign that launches nationwide
today.
Take Your Own Path distinguishes entrepreneurs as "heroes," and is being
introduced in the U.S., Japan, Germany, China and the UK following its initial
successes in India and France. Linda receives this honor along with LinkedIn CEO
Reid Hoffman, Cakelove founder Warren Brown, and Sew What? President Megan
Duckett.
The campaign celebrates these entrepreneurs with joint local, national and
global exposure through a variety of advertising initiatives. It is also being
integrated with Dell`s online marketing efforts, expanding on the company`s
Small and Medium Business Solutions Center.
"Dell has always believed that it takes an extraordinary person to launch and
run a business. We understand the potential of medium and small businesses to
transform the global economy and the Take Your Own Path campaign underscores
Dell`s commitment to supporting individuals with a big idea," said Paul-Henri
Ferrand, VP of global marketing for Dell Small and Medium Business. "Today, Dell
celebrates the many achievers and dreamers who dare to forge ahead in their own
way with a view of how they could change the world, pushing boundaries and
ultimately, leading the global economic recovery."
"Dell clearly understands the needs of entrepreneurs who take risks and bet big
on business success. We`re excited to participate in this one-of-a-kind
campaign," said Linda Rottenberg.
About Endeavor
Endeavor breaks down barriers that prevent emerging-market entrepreneurs from
reaching their high-impact potential. Hailed by NYT columnist Thomas Friedman as
the "mentor capitalist" model, Endeavor identifies entrepreneurs leading
high-growth innovative companies in emerging markets. These entrepreneurs are
given world-class strategic advice, access to key networks and other tools that
will catapult them to success. With Endeavor's guidance they become
"high-impact" - expanding employment, generating wealth and inspiring others to
innovate. Often overlooked, these local entrepreneurs are now jumpstarting
private sector development in their countries.
As of 2008, Endeavor Entrepreneurs throughout Latin America, South Africa and
Turkey have created over 96,000 new jobs and generated over $3.15 billion in
revenues. For more information, visit www.endeavor.org or follow us on
http://twitter.com/endeavor_global.
Endeavor
Elmira Bayrasli
Office: +1-212-352-3200
Mobile: +1-646-491-2969
e-mail: elmira.bayrasli@endeavor.org
source:reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS178716+08-Sep-2009+BW20090908
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Best Computer Interfaces: Past, Present, and Future
Say goodbye to the mouse and hello to augmented reality, voice recognition, and geospatial tracking.
By Duncan Graham-Rowe | Monday, April 06, 2009 |
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Computer scientists from around the world will gather in Boston this week at Computer-Human Interaction 2009 to discuss the latest developments in computer interfaces. To coincide with the event, we present a roundup of the coolest computer interfaces past, present, and future.
 | ||
| Multitouch screen: Microsoft’s Surface is an example of a multitouch screen.
Credit: Microsoft | ||
| Multimedia
|
The Command Line
The granddaddy of all computer interfaces is the command line, which surfaced as a more effective way to control computers in the 1950s. Previously, commands had to be fed into a computer in batches, usually via a punch card or paper tape. Teletype machines, which were normally used for telegraph transmissions, were adapted as a way for users to change commands partway through a process, and receive feedback from a computer in near real time.
Video display units allowed command line information to be displayed more rapidly. The VT100, a video terminal released by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1978, is still emulated by some modern operating systems as a way to display the command line.
Graphical user interfaces, which emerged commercially in the 1980s, made computers much easier for most people to use, but the command line still offers substantial power and flexibility for expert users.
The Mouse
Nowadays, it's hard to imagine a desktop computer without its iconic sidekick: the mouse.
Developed 41 years ago by Douglas Engelbart at the Stanford Research Institute, in California, the mouse is inextricably linked to the development of the modern computer and also played a crucial role in the rise of the graphic user interface. Engelbart demonstrated the mouse, along with several other key innovations, including hypertext and shared-screen collaboration, at an event in San Francisco in 1968.
Early computer mouses came in a variety of shapes and forms, many of which would be almost unrecognizable today. However, by the time mouses became commercially available in the 1980s, the mold was set. Three decades on and despite a few modifications (including the loss of its tail), the mouse remains relatively unchanged. That's not to say that companies haven't tried adding all manner of enhancements, including a mini joystick and an air ventilator to keep your hand sweat-free and cool.
Logitech alone has now sold more than a billion of these devices, but some believe that the mouse is on its last legs. The rise of other, more intuitive interfaces may finally loosen the mouse's grip on us.
The Touchpad
Despite stiff competition from track balls and button joysticks, the touchpad has emerged as the most popular interface for laptop computers.
With most touchpads, a user's finger is sensed by detecting disruptions to an electric field caused by the finger's natural capacitance. It's a principle that was employed as far back as 1953 by Canadian pioneer of electronic music Hugh Le Caine, to control the timbre of the sounds produced by his early synthesizer, dubbed the Sackbut.
The touchpad is also important as a precursor to the touch-screen interface. And many touchpads now feature multitouch capabilities, expanding the range of possible uses. The first multitouch touchpad for a computer was demonstrated back in 1984, by Bill Buxton, then a professor of computer design and interaction at the University of Toronto and now also principle researcher at Microsoft.
The Multitouch Screen
Mention touch screen computers, and most people will think of Apple's iPhone or Microsoft's Surface. In truth, the technology is already a quarter of a century old, having debuted in the HP-150 computer in 1983. Long before desktop computers became common, basic touch screens were used in ATMs to allow customers, who were largely computer illiterate, to use computers without much training.
source:technologyreview.com/computing/22393/page1/
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