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, =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Kevin J. Comerford | internet: [log in to unmask] Visual Resource Librarian / | Manager of Information Technology | Dallas Museum of Art | compuserve: 71233,2412 1717 North Harwood | voice: 214-922-1281 Dallas, TX 75201 | fax: 214-954-0174 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Disclaimer: Any opinions I express may not be representative of my actual beliefs or convictions. --The Management. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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]