Touch Screen MP3

These days, wherever we go, we find touch screens. For example, when you go to an ATM, you will find yourself pressing commands on a touch screen to remove your money. If you are interested in buying a mobile phone, the newest models have a touch screen. And even the humble MP3 player now exists with a touch screen. But what is a touch screen? And is it a capacitive touch screen or a resistive touch screen?

The touch screen at your ATM may be a capacitive touch screen, while the touch screen at the bank to get a ticket for standing in line is probably resistive. Why? What’s the difference? When you go to the ATM, you touch the screen with your fingers. This is a capacitive touch screen. But when you are in the bank and you have to punch in some numbers on a screen to receive a number to stand in line, you need to use a stylus. This, for most people, is the difference between a capacitive touch screen and a resistive touch screen.

A capacitive touch screen is made from an insulator, like glass, but for it to work it has to be coated with a transparent conductor. As the human body is also a conductor, when a finger touches the screen, this distorts the electrostatic field. When the location of the touch is detected, this is passed on to a special computer software application, allowing the computer to follow various commands.

Although there is something called surface capacitance, the capacitive touch screen that we usually see around have what is called projected capacitance. They have a higher resolution than resistive touch screens, and they also allow operation without any direct contact.

Capacitive screens are used for many purposes, including in smart phones, iPods and point of sale systems. As they rely on the body’s electric attributes, you cannot use one with a stylus. Even a glove could be a hindrance.

However, most authorities believe that resistive touch screens are more efficient than the capacitive touch screen. Crucially, the mobile phone companies, which are probably the leaders in the touch screen market, prefer resistive touch screen to its capacitive sister. This is especially true as interfaces are being developed for resistive technology that will allow the use of the finger on the screen. This means that the capacitive touch screen will probably not overtake the market, but will continue to be used for other, more specific purposes.

A capacitive touch screen is usually more popular with consumers, since it allows you to directly touch the screen instead of needing to keep track of a stylus or other additional tool. The whole point of a touch screen device is to make it easier to use for the person handling it. The most efficient way of doing something, therefore, is by the use of your hand, which a capacitive touch screen allows for in certain electronic devices.

One thing is for sure – the capacitive touch screen is part of a growing and developing future market. Let’s enjoy watching it progress.