Asus N550 Display: Touchscreen vs Normal

I've narrowed down my next laptop to the N550jv; it's got everything I need. The last thing I can't decide is what to do with the screen.

I understand that the touchscreen comes with another layer of glass on top of the display, which increases glare. This is a laptop that I would be using at home, in a classroom with tons of lights, and perhaps even outside. That said:

1) Is the touchscreen worth the extra cash? I know Windows 8 is big on having a touchscreen, so I imagine it'll be easier to use. But I havent used a laptop with a touchscreen yet, so i'm not sure how big of a usability upgrade it is.

2) Is the glare issue really that bad? I obviously don't want glare to be a problem on my screen.

Thanks!

 

8.1 should be more user frindly. I would not want a TS since I hate having any fingers on mine. They do provide you with a piece of cloth or something to wipe it.

And glossy is glossy

 

Lets be honest here, Windows 8 sucks. But I think it sucks a little less with a touch interface.

My opinion is that in the coming years Windows is going to go more and more toward a touch interface, so getting a touch screen now will help future-proof your laptop as much as possible.

Personally I HATE shiny screens, so I was very much debating as to whether I should be getting the touch screen version or not, but in the end, I think (or at least I hope) I made the right choice. The reflections on this screen are no worse than any other laptop with a glossy screen, so keep that in mind. Also realize that you really aren't going to be able to use this laptop outside on a really bright day... and its not a limitation of this particular machine, but rather all laptops.

 

IMO Window s8 is nice if you have a touch screen and have it to goof around on the net with photocrap. But my serious work cpu I still use Winodws 7 which I like better. No touch go straight to work. But the touch on Winodws 8 can still do the same thing just seems to have added steps until you learn how to avoid them. But if you are getting Windows 8 a touch is a must JMO

 

I have a small notebook (tablet PC) with touch and Windows 8 on it and lets just say that in laptop mode, I don't use touch, the trackpoint and keyboard is just more efficient. I might touch the display once in a while (think 2-3 times a month) when I feel like it, but a touch screen on a traditional notebook is mostly a gimmick in my opinion. It also leaves fingerprints which are the bane of my existence.

Windows 8 does work well with touch when in Tablet mode though and it works pretty well on my Thinkpad Tablet too, but with a regular notebook, I won't bother to get a touch screen.

 

Yeah, I don't think I'll really need the functionality of a touch screen. Those are all good points.

That said, should I even bother getting Windows 8? I know there's a mode where you can have the standard desktop interface, but I heard that that itself is just an "app". If i'm not going to be utilizing the touch, should I get 7 or 8?

 

Maybe Windows 8.1 will be better.

I use 7 and I do not consider 8 ar this point.

 

I use both, I have both on my M6700, my desktop is Windows 7, My Elitebook 2760p is Windows 8, so is my Thinkpad Tablet 2. My N50 and G73 are obviously Windows 7. I don't mind using Windows 8, it's different and definitely takes some time getting used to, but I don't have the urge to go back to 7. I don't have the urge to upgrade Windows 7 to 8 either. If you know someone with a windows 8 computer, you could try it to get a feel for it. If you end up not liking 8, there are programs like startisback that will bring back the good old start menu that people know and love as well as the boot to desktop functionality.

 

I like the touch with W8. The weather, news, and travel apps are nicely done. Photos is nice too but a bit bare. Switching to desktop mode for productivity/legacy apps is pretty easy and natural. Switching makes you much more sensitive to the times you're flying around the screen with the cursor clicking on stuff. I bet your wrist would be happy that you use touch more and more.

I've been at it for a few days now and have yet to open the included towel to wipe the screen. If you don't eat near your laptop and clean your hands, smudges aren't a problem. I have relatively oily hands too, I'm told.

One annoyance is that some apps are still nerfed, ie Dropbox is basically its website disguised as an app with no syncing capability. Shame on Dropbox. Maybe I'll switch to the built-in Skydrive app but then again I use dropbox on my rooted Nook. Ack.

EDIT: ok I may switch to skydrive after all
http://gizmodo.com/the-new-skydrive-might-be-the-best-cloud-storage-yet-863771582
pls excuse the diversion