Add touch to any PC with the Lenovo ThinkVision LT1423p touchscreen
If you’re not quite ready to shell out for a touch-capable rig just to take full advantage of Windows 8, you’re not alone. Lenovo’s solution may be exactly what you need, as long as you’re interested in adding another screen to your setup.
There are two very different worlds of Windows 8 use: those who use it with touch and those who use it without. Windows 8 can be used without your grimy fingers, in fact the shortcuts make it one of the most keyboard-friendly versions of Windows since 3.1… if you can manage to train yourself to use them. The ModernUI begs to be touched, and that can only be ignored for so long. If you’re not ready to go and replace your laptop or desktop monitor with something touch capable, Lenovo’s got your back with the ThinkVision LT1423p.
The Lenovo ThinkVision LT1423p is a touch monitor add-on that works with just about any computer, though the focus on Windows 8. Using a USB 3.0 connection, this 13.3-inch display adds exactly what you need to make Windows 8 more enjoyable. Every gesture from Windows 8 is accepted with this plug-and-play display, and the screen itself supports up to 10 fingers of multitouch. You can pick the screen up and use it like a tablet or set it on your desk to use as a secondary, touch-friendly monitor.
Lenovo’s design for this display allows you to position your new screen in several different ways. If you’ve got the desk real estate, the screen can lay tablet style on the desk, allowing you to use it like a giant touchpad. This method works especially well with the pen input, which allows you to take advantage of the handwriting recognition in Windows 8. There’s an adjustable wedge on the back of the display that allows you to control the angle, and an included tray that allows you to stand the display up at laptop viewing angles, where you can just reach out and interact with the screen.
If you set the ThinkVision up as a mirrored display, you’ll have a hard time noticing any lag between the two displays. As an extended monitor, Lenovo’s display can be used for all of your Start interactions, as well as allow you to interact with the pen whenever appropriate. It’s the best of both worlds, with the only possible hindrance being whether or not your computer has what it takes to drive the hardware without causing any performance issues.
The IPS display and Gorilla Glass face of the monitor look nice and work well on any desk.
Pricing isn’t cheap, but it’s not unreasonable either: $349 will get you the tethered model, with wireless version available for another $100. The Lenovo ThinkVision LT1423p is an inexpensive way to add interesting functionality to your current computer. It’s not going to be the best solution if portability is your goal, but the home office or workstation with Windows 8 would be well suited for this kind of add-on.
