Video: SMART Table 50-inch multitouch Interactive Display Panel

The last time we ran into SMART Table, they were demoing a very sturdy multitouch table to a group of schoolkids in Chicago, but they're here at Macworld with some sexier tech -- 50-inch and 65-inch multitouch plasma screens that interface with any OS X machine. The tech allows you to use the screen just like the built-in multitouch trackpad on newer MacBooks, so it works in basically any app, and while it's super-pricey (they just smiled and said "thousands" when we asked), the main cost is the screen and not the touchpanel, so we could see it come down to earth sometime soon. Check the video after the break.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 3:52PM]

touch my body

[compwhiz Posted Jan 6th 2009 3:59PM]

How about no.

[OneLove Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:48PM]

what's the verdict on screen burn in with plasmas used as pc displays? Is burn in still an issue?

I have a new samsung 50 inch and i notice my vista icons leave an outline. (my screen saver comes on after 5 minutes)

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 5:51PM]

Is it just me or is anyone else bothered by the lag on that thing.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 3:53PM]

sounds sweeeet... except for when you dont want to watch a slideshow, rotate a picture, zoom google maps or fingerpaint.
Seriously, tho, I want one.

[doubleofive Posted Jan 6th 2009 3:53PM]

Performance is pretty sketchy...would that be a problem with the processor/graphics being used in the CPU or a multi-touch hardware problem?

[gonintendo Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:08PM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cpu

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 3:56PM]

Two words: Gorilla arms.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:03PM]

Ha!
For those who dont know,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchscreen#.22Gorilla_arm.22

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:34PM]

"Remember the gorilla arm!"

[Peytral Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:05PM]

Yay more picture resizing.

[TIMMAH Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:21PM]

Yeah tired old picture resizing demo again. If this technology is soooo compelling, why can't they come up with other uses for the thing they can demo!?!?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:09PM]

there are many bugs ;)
show it again ... e.g. scrolling hung up

[Wwhat Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:13PM]

I'm old enough to use a computer without pawing it, but for younger than 6yo this might be nice, I'd suggest sending sales representatives to pre-schools.

[teamlouish Posted Jan 6th 2009 6:11PM]

I like how most of his gestures didn't respond and do what he wanted it to do.

[Hi Kenneth Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:34PM]

good...it works for mac...this is probably a better news story than that keynote that just dissapointed me.

[jbcaro Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:36PM]

Somehow, the word 'Table' does not fit when it is attached to a wall.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 4:59PM]

Where's the video for it? There's just a big space after the story and when i right click the big white space it says Movie not loaded...
I think there's a bug on the site.

[ai4281 Posted Jan 6th 2009 5:10PM]

At couple of thousands of dollars, you'd expect the Mac to be IN there. You need a Mac in addition to the display!

I wonder how well it'll work with Win7

[Billy Gun Posted Jan 6th 2009 5:18PM]

How much $$?

This will be nice with Windows Media Center!

[Hydra Posted Jan 6th 2009 6:57PM]

Sure looks buggy/laggy

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 8:17PM]

Looks slow, I've seen better touch plasmas from the Japanese/Asian companies

[superhobo Posted Jan 7th 2009 1:32AM]

But...but...they're copying Microsoft! :O!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 10:55AM]

SMART Technologies is the leader in the field and has almost 50% market share worldwide (3M, Panasonic, etc., being the lesser players in the field of interactive panels and white boards). SMART invented the technology more than 20 years ago and has 1000+ employees and almost $1 billion in sales for its interactive screens and whiteboards. It's Microsoft that is copying the long established SMART technology. I do not work for SMART or a distributor, but I am impressed with the success of this company - still privately held by the original inventors and a limited number of shareholders.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 1:09PM]

dude smart sucks technology wise

Ford invented the car over 100 years ago, was # 1, and an innovator, look where they are now. Smart = Crap, well marketed crap. They haven't changed their board tech in years. Touch resistive boards? Are you serious? Look how buggy that demo was from an employee! Imagine an actual user. From a financial, marketing, and investor view they're the shit, but in terms of innovative technology... I think like other Canadian companies they should stick to bacon and maple syrup.

[dec Posted Jan 8th 2009 12:00AM]

@Mojo lol, RIM is Canadian you douche

[Giroro Posted Jan 10th 2009 6:53PM]

The video didn't inspire a lot of faith for me, it looked like it was picking up very many of his gestures and it was anything but smooth