Diki,

Let's just clarify, I am not against touch-screen, but just want to emphasize that for on-stage using buttons is far more reliable (and ergonomic) then using touch-screens.

It is true, of course, that touch screen equipped keyboards have advantage for both manufacturers (because of cutting cost compared to adding more buttons or sliders) and for users (for set-up purposes, i.e. when not using on stage, because all relevant controls can be on one place, and navigation is more natural). Also, touch-screen combined with properly organized GUI & work flow philosophy are more user friendly especially in terms of learning to use new equipment, because You don't have to search for the button You need to press, or use one button for different context.

But, buttons (and other mechanic controls) also have their own advantages as well.

Reliability is one of them ('the must' for on-stage use), I don't know about G-70 screen, but my experience involves both consumer products, and professional (heavy-duty) products as well, and I still haven't seen a single touch-screen reliable as good mechanical button.

Also mechanical sliders (although quite expensive and sensitive on dusty environment) are incomparable to on-screen sliders [on the stage of course :-)]

Buttons are not dependent on lightning condition and not as fragile as (touch) screens. They can 'suffer more abuse', and consequently, when you remember all the buttons pressing sequences needed for some action, You can do it faster then with touch-screen.

To summarize, it would be great to have keyboard with all the buttons and sliders for on-stage performance, and touch screen with good GUI & work-flow philosophy for easy set-up and programming.

P.S. I don't mind using touch-screens, but for certain things, buttons seems more appropriate. Maybe I am just 'tactile' kind of person :-), that might be the reason why I still use good old (13 years) IBM keyboard on my PC, I can hear it, I can feel it, and never miss a key (3270 terminal keyboards were not compatible, and a bit too more 'feed-back-y' for my taste).

;-)


[This message has been edited by kalimero (edited 01-30-2009).]