Do You Really Need a Touchscreen on Your Windows PC?

Windows Touch Screen Laptop: Is it worth buying?

Today, touch screen technology has become standard for mobile phones, tablets and even car navigation devices, so it is easy to think that touch screen laptops are also indispensable. But for Windows laptops, whether the touch screen feature is worth buying is a question that needs to be carefully weighed.

Higher price

Touch screen computers are usually more expensive than non-touch screen computers. Even if the initial price difference isn't big, this extra fee can be used for other more important upgrades such as faster processors, more memory or better graphics cards.

And, that's not all. If your touch screen has cracks or damage, it is much more expensive to replace it than repairing a regular display.

Uneven touch screen quality

The quality of laptop touch screen displays varies greatly. Some touch screens are smooth and sensitive, while others may be slow to react and even malfunction – they feel like they aren't quite sure if you want to click or just hover at will. This is especially common on budget laptops, as some features are usually reduced to reduce costs.

If you are planning to buy a touch screen Windows computer, make sure it comes from a reputable brand and has good reviews on screen responsiveness. There is nothing more frustrating than just clicking the screen twice to execute a simple command. Also, please pay attention to the screen resolution. Low resolution touch screens (such as 1366x768) can appear pixelated and outdated, which conflicts with the overall vibe of a "futuristic" laptop.

Glossy screen with easy fingerprints

No matter how clean your fingers are, after a few swipes or clicks, the screen will eventually look like a toddler’s graffiti work. While it’s easy to ignore fingerprints on your phone, these greasy fingerprints can be very noticeable on larger laptop screens – especially in bright light or when watching movies.

Yes, you can always prepare a microfiber cloth to wipe every 30 minutes (you should definitely do this), but if you hate any type of screen dirt, this is something you need to consider. On the other hand, non-touch screen matte screens are less likely to be stained with fingerprints and are usually easier to clean.

Touch screens drain battery faster

Touch screens consume more power than non-touch screen computers. The reason is that the digitizer (the technology that makes the touchscreen touchable) is always on, ready to record your clicks, swipes, and inevitable unexpected touches. Even if you are not actively using the touch screen, it still drains battery power in the background.

So if you rely on your laptop for long hours working, going to classes, or traveling, this can be a bigger problem. Sure, you can carry a charger with you, but will that not undermine the "portability" of your laptop?

You may not be able to use it

Many people buy touch screen computers and think they will always use the feature…but then realize that they hardly use it. You can imagine yourself swiping through documents, enlarging photos, or sketching ideas with a stylus. However, unless you have a specific use case (I will mention it later), you may find yourself sticking to the traditional keyboard and trackpad you are already accustomed to.

I've seen this happen to many people (myself included). At first, the touch screen is exciting and you use it for every little thing. But after a week or two, you realize that using traditional input methods you are already accustomed to is just as easy — even easier. Touch screens end up being the “icing on the cake” feature, not a necessity.

Who really benefits from touch screen computers?

Touchscreen computers aren't for everyone, but when they fit your workflow, they'll likely fit perfectly. For example, if your daily routine involves sketching, designing, or photo editing, a touch screen laptop (especially with a stylus) may refresh you. Programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator become more intuitive when you can draw directly on the screen. I mean, are you more willing to use your mouse to draw portraits, or do you draw with your hands like you do with paper?

Then there are people like students, researchers, or anyone who insists on using pens and paper to record ideas into memory. Typing is great, but sometimes handwriting can help you remember them better. With a touch screen, you can take notes directly on the screen with applications like OneNote or Evernote, organize them digitally, and don't worry about losing them (because the chance of losing a computer is less than losing a physical notebook).

I think another category of people who will find touch screens very effective are those professionals who often need to browse spreadsheets, charts, and presentations. If you have ever tried highlighting a chart or commenting a presentation using the trackpad midway through a meeting, you will understand the difficulties. With the touch screen, everything will suddenly become...easy. Click, zoom, swipe—complete. Likewise, if you often need to sign documents or make quick comments, just scribble with your finger or stylus. Even if you are improvising, directly interacting with the screen can bring some confidence.

There are also people who are like me who just like to interact with their computers in the same way they do on their smartphones or tablets. I have a touchscreen HP EliteBook (which, in my opinion, is a very good 2-in-1 convertible computer) that I often flip into tablet mode to read e-books or watch movies, especially when I'm lying on my bed or on the couch. I found that there is a strange sense of satisfaction in this accuracy than using the trackpad to control media playback by clicking and scrolling the screen.

Will touch screen improve the gaming experience of Windows computers?

Usually not, but it depends on the type of game you play and how you like to play it. For traditional PC games, such as first-person shooters, real-time strategy games, or MMORPGs, playing games by tapping or sliding the touch screen can feel clumsy and inaccurate in most cases. It simply cannot match the speed, accuracy and comfort of traditional peripherals such as mouse, keyboard, or gamepad.

That said, touch screens do have their place in the gaming world—but this is primarily aimed at casual games or mobile-style games that you can easily find in the Microsoft Store. For example, if you like puzzle games or click-through games, such as Candy Crush or Microsoft Solitaire, the touch screen can make the experience feel more natural and fun. These games are usually designed for phones or tablets, so playing them on a touch screen computer feels like a natural extension of what you do on a smaller device. It doesn't make any breakthroughs, but if this type of game is your preference, it's a nice plus.

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