EETI to purportedly ship 7- and 12-inch capacitive touchscreens this year
By Darren Murph 
posted March 7th 2009 5:39PM
posted March 7th 2009 5:39PM
It doesn't take much to make us happy -- in fact, just mention the word "capacitive" and you're already halfway to winning us over. Throw in "multitouch," and you've got us hook, line and sinker. According to an admittedly dodgy DigiTimes report, Taiwan's own EETI is gearing up to ship laptop-grade 7- and 12-inch capacitive touch panels in the the latter half of this year, and if you're to believe it, that's word straight from company president Mei Tsai. EETI has already begun shipping smaller capacitive touch panels, so larger ones for use in netbooks and ultraportables is just a logical extension of the business. Of course, just because these things ship to OEMs doesn't mean we'll see them right away in commercialized products, but we feel pretty good about seeing a few near-final units at CES 2010.[Via Slashgear]
Both would be perfect for some nice new toys from Apple for 2010. A full multitouch 12" iBook/MacBook* for the student and mobile creative, and a larger screen 7" iPod Touch that would be the perfect eBook reader, browser etc. (All said, for an eBook reader, Apple will probably do what they do best and use state of the art ultra-thin eInk or OLED technology.)
I don't think so...
Sorry but never going to happen. Apple won't release a 7" ipod touch because the size and cost would make it pointless in comparison to netbooks and they'd be afraid of cannibalizing the normal iTouch sales. And an Apple tablet has been rumoured to happen for years and so far nothing, and I wouldn't expect that to change because a manufacturer starts mass producing capacitive panels - as mass production to cut final costs has never been high on Apples priorities.
iBook? that is so PowerPC
Why does it have to be Apple? Did they patent using new technology in products, too?
"Why does it have to be Apple? Did they patent using new technology in products, too?"
Just some iDiot that wants Apple to "rip off" someone idea and create a "me too" product so he can then give them the credit for the idea.
Why can't Apple come up with an original idea, huh?
@Look_Around_You
Are you like, the anti-Apple Fanboy? You use the same tactics... Besides, that wasn't the point I'm trying to make. Apple has made some great devices, I just wonder why it's assumed that Apple should pick up this new tech and bring it to consumers. There are plenty of other companies that can make great products out of this.
Darren Murph found out about capacitive touchscreens and JIZZED IN HIS PANTS.
engadget "purportedly" invests in thesaurus, monotiny no longer ensues...
Smorgasbord... thats one they like.
If it was a 7 inch capacitive touchscreen with an active digitizer I'd be much more impressed. That size would be very useful for tablet PCs.
"It doesn't take much to make us happy -- in fact, just mention the word "capacitive" and you're already halfway to winning us over. Throw in "multitouch," and you've got us hook, line and sinker."
Is that why you love the Iphone so much?
Honestly, I think they love capacitive and multitouch *because* of the iPhone.
Capacitive buttons the way of the future?
OH NO! The end is here!
Very cool
the 7 incher would be great for a windows 7 carputer. hmmm...
I'd like to see some announcements about Stantum coming out with similar sized touchscreens with their amazing multitouch resistive interface. That video from MWC was amazing! Considering the cost of capacitive panels supposedly shoots up with size, not to mention that an active system like that must hurt battery; seeing something amazing from the resistive side that actually kicks butt would be killer.
Capacitive screens SUCK. They are lazy and the result of companies cutting corners. To use a capacitive screen you must create a circuit - like the iPhone or BofA ATMs - and thus you must physically press your flesh to the screens. No thanks, give me resistive. I prefer not to press my finger onto an ATM screen or do anything more than tap a phone screen with a finger nail.
These things would be great for netbooks, but not on the inside. Put one on the reverse side of the regular LCD screen for when the netbook is closed. Stronger hinge support and instant tablet when the machine is closed. I think these things are best used in tablet format. Hanging your arm out over your keyboard is a drag.