One of the things that Windows 8 brings is compatibility: it likes old school computers. Whether you have Windows XP, Vista, or 7, you can upgrade. But if you don’t have a touchscreen, you probably won’t enjoy your Windows 8 experience as much, and that’s where Viewsonic is coming in.
Heading to stores later this year, Viewsonic’s TD2220 can play the part of the upgrade for Windows 8 machines, bringing touch interactivity to a monitor for under $400.
The screen brings a 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio to a 22 inch screen (only 21.5 inch is viewable) with 1920×1080 resolution.
Touch is obviously the reason someone would consider this monitor, and Viewsonic’s technology on this screen only allows two points of touch, going with optical tracking technology, a different choice from the capacity surfaces with ten point touch we’re used to seeing in touch screens.
It won’t be everyone’s favourite, but it will bring touch connectivity to a desktop system where mouse control is still the dominant force, and that should allow people to use the Windows 8 touch-based tile menu, as well as other gestures with a maximum of two fingers on the screen.
The screen also features a hardened scratch-resistant surface, and works with either VGA or DVI connections, while delivering the touch-support over USB.
Viewsonic’s TD2220 will hit stores in mid-December for $399 RRP.