I have used both joysticks and touchscreens for multimedia presentations
and other applications, like virtual reality environments.  Touchscreens
are certainly an 'elegant' way to implement a public computer terminal,
and I tend to prefer them for both aesthetic and practical purposes.  If
cost is a factor, several companies make touchscreen adapters for standard
monitors -- I have seen adapters by IBM & Digital Equipment Corporation
that function very well.  The IBM unit was under $1,000 ($699.00 I think).
 Home Automation Laboratories also makes a low-end adapter for $100.00
that is good enough to get by in a lower traffic area.  There are a number
of practical benefits to considering this route over a traditional touch
screen.
 
Good Luck,
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Kevin J. Comerford                      |   internet: [log in to unmask]
Visual Resource Librarian /             |
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Dallas Museum of Art                    | compuserve: 71233,2412
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On Thu, 8 Sep 1994, Prokopowicz, Gerald J wrote:
 
>             Does anyone have any thoughts on the relative merits of joysticks an
> d
>             touchscreens for interactive computer exhibits?  We are facing the o
> ptions
>             of spending more money on superior software, with joysticks for user
>  input,
>             or compromising on the software in order to afford touchscreens.
>             We're interested in your experiences with visitor response, initial
> cost,
>             maintenance, and any advice or horror stories you might have.
>
>             Gerry Prokopowicz
>             Historian, The Lincoln Museum
>             Fort Wayne, Indiana
>             (219) 455-4517
>             [log in to unmask]