W510 Multitouch screen questions

I've been searching this forum, and the net in general, for details about the multitouch screen on the W510. Seems to be very little information on it, though. I understand the touch layer will dull the screen a bit, but I'm looking for real world owner feedback as to if that's a big deal. Is it completely unreadable under bright light or outdoors? Not that those using it in those situations are a huge deal for me, but just trying to quantify it compared to the non-multitouch FHD screen. Are there other downsides besides a little less brightness?

The other question is, how useful is it? I've used the touch screen on other computers in some local stores, and it seems pretty nice and, I think, useful. But I realize I'd still have to use the trackpoint quite a bit, too. So is it something that folks use for a little while when the system is new and then don't bother with anymore?

There are no Lenovo dealers in my area to get first hand experience from. I'm a longtime IBM Thinkpad user, and want to stay with them, even though I know IBM is no longer part of the picture. No offense, but I'm not really looking to get into a discussion of if I "need" multitouch. I'm just looking for some real world user information to help me figure out if I want it or not.

Thanks in advance.

 

The MT screen is good and bright for indoor but I didn't try the one I tested outdoors. I did notice the MT screen seemed to be a little glossy compared to the regular FHD screen and my other thinkpads.

I would look for a professional scientifically measured review and comparison.

I'll take my W510 FHD screen outside later today. I don't think I've used it outside yet. Considering how much brighter it is compared to my T61p, I'm sure it will be fine.

 

Thanks. So it doesn't sound like you saw a dramatic decrease in brightness or screen quality?

Trust me, I looked hard. But you do bring up a good point. I forgot to ask for that. If anyone knows of a good review, professional or not, of the Lenovo Multitouch screen, please provide a link or otherwise point me to it. It would be much appreciated!

 

I just took my w510 outside. With direct sunlight on the screen, it was still possible to make out what was going on. Indirect sunlight was more than usable. A shade area right next to the sunlight was even better. This was conducted poolside.

Now keep in mind this is the 1920x1080 FHD screen without multitouch.

Regarding the screen quality, I have never been a big fan of tablet or touch screens because they just look a bit odd to me. I don't know quite how to describe it but the MT screens always look a bit grainy to me.

That said however, I could live with the W510 MT screen if forced due to a company standard or some othere requirement.

 

I got the MT screen because the non-MT-FHD screens were not on the horizon for the foreseeable future. I played with it for one day, then turned it off.

Laptops and windows 7 just aren't the right form factor and interface for touch. It's clumsy, awkward, and a pain in the . Besides, it's so hard getting greasy fingerprints off the screen. Why add more?

 

I have the MT FHD screen as well. Once the novelty wears off the utility of the touch screen is simply not there for me either. I show it off periodically so I keep it enabled... LOL! As for keeping it clean and free of fingerprints, I use these LCD wipes from a company called Innovera Technology Essentials. They do a spectacular job, and were inexpensive... Just an FYI...

 

Thanks Halobox!

zozo and aadadams, thanks for your responses. So good to hear from actual owners! I'd noticed aadadams had the system I'm looking at, but I apparently can't send PM's yet, so really glad you folks chimed in. Do you two notice any other issues from the MT screen? Dullness, hard to see, stability issues, etc? Does the system come with some utilities/SW to use with the MT, or is it just whatever is available from Windoze for it? The MT screen has the same resolution as the FHD, correct?

 

The MT does absolutely nothing to detract from the FHD screen in my experience. I never used it with the 32 bit OS as I had my IT department install a fresh copy of the 64 bit Win7. So, I'm not sure if they gave us any extra apps that take advantage of the MT or not.

 

Lenovo does have a custom app and touch interface they add to Windows 7. See Simpletap at Lenovo Support & downloads - Lenovo SimpleTap for Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) - ThinkPad and ThinkCentre systems with multi-touch screen

I always flatten every machine and have not used it.

 

My MT screen has a general very light haziness/cloudiness to it, which could just be the matte finish. My second monitor has a glossy finish and is definitely crisper/sharper.

There are Lenovo utilities that I played with and seemed to work well without stability problems. But I just couldn't find a use for it that wasn't more hassle than it was worth.

@aadadams: Thanks for the wipes tip. I'll check those out. I didn't think I had OCD, but there's something about catching a smudge on the screen that makes me twitch.