When Apple Inc. introduced the iPhone and finger-touch features, it started a new trend in portable technology.
It's likely more devices that incorporate finger-touch technology will be unveiled in 2008, and Dell has recently implemented similar technology with its Latitude XT convertible tablet computer.
Dell touts the new tablet as the only sub-four-pound 12.1-inch device with capacitive touch technology. Though a review unit wasn't available at press time, a video posted on a Dell product blog demonstrated how far finger-touch technology has come in such a short time – first with a cell phone, now a tablet computer.
Why should those in the agriculture industry care? Capturing important yield data on crops or production data in the beef industry out in the field with a tablet computer could lead to increased efficiency and profitability.
Expect big breakthroughs in the computing world, feeding off this cutting-edge technology this year.
"We are listening and aim to exceed customers' expectations," said Margaret Franco, Dell Product Group director, in a statement.
The new system starts at $2,499. What separates Dell's new tablet computer from traditional lines on the market today is resistive-touch technology, which requires the application of force for the system to recognize user interaction.
Those who have owned one of the early personal digital assistants (PDAs) can relate to how much force is required to enter data with a pen stylus.
The one that I've owned for several years is now worthless after continuous use. For my own unit to work, it takes tremendous force with the stylus to input data.
According to Dell, the older technology can be less accurate and durable than capacitive-touch and may not support multi-touch.
In addition, many customers who use resistive tablets that support both pen and touch functionality may disable the latter because the palm rejection technology is sub-par.
When not opting for your index finger for direct use, the unit also comes with a no-battery pen with eraser and right mouse click functionality. The advanced digital palm rejection technology helps prevent inadvertent contact that disrupts pen input.
According to company officials, once consumers use the system for the first time and realize that the zero pressure combined with the accuracy of the new pen, it will change their views on tablet PCs and they won't want to go back to mouse-operated laptop computers.
For more information about the Latitude XT visit www.dell.com.
Tech Trough Bytes
Total 2007 net farm income was forecast to be $87.5 billion - up $28.5 billion from 2006 and more than $30 billion above its 10-year average of $57.4 billion. This exceeds the previous record of $85.9 billion for net farm income earned in 2004.
One of the reasons is likely due to enhanced science and technology related to biofuels production, which has increased the demand for many major commodities and increased prices.
A report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture- Economic Research Service said corn is the prime beneficiary of increased production for biofuels, but soybeans are also used and are seeing fluctuations in supply and price.
• Blair Fannin reports on technology in agriculture. Email Fannin at agtechreporter@gmail.com.
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