ADVANTAGES OF LIGHT PENS   V   TOUCH SCREENS

Economy:
Light pen systems (pen plus interface) are less expensive than touch screen systems and our pens are competitively priced.  Light pens work on standard software, reducing programming.  The same screen can be used as the mouse.  In fact a mouse can be connected as well as the pen.  The cursor is then controlled by which ever device is used.

Flexibility:
Light pens can be used on any size screen and because they operate on smaller buttons multiple screen selection but the user is reduced.

Higher Resolution:
Light pens target specific pixels, while touch screens activate finger-sized "buttons".  Pens offer more active and accurate interaction between the user and the system.  In older touch screen systems, the effects of ageing, normal drift, or adjustments made by the user can move the active area away from the displayed image ("Button"), causing repeated attempts by the user to get the program to work.

Interactive:
Light pens give the user the full range of mouse capabilities, without the use of a pad or any horizontal surface.  Users can interact more with the application, in such modes as drag and drop, or highlighting.

Switches:
Most touch screens cannot provide a separate indicator (cursor) of where the finger is pointing.  To avoid false selections, the buttons have to be overly large.   Light pens, in addition to a cursor, give the user acknowledgement from separate switch mechanisms, such as keyboard keys, or the nosetip or side switch on the pen itself.

Appearance:
Touching the screen leaves a smudge.  The screen has to be cleaned often in order not to present a dirty appearance.  Some touch screens use an overlay that can affect the quality of the image.  Results from touch screen polling applications may be tainted by smudges that leave a trail of previous selections.

Portability:
Light pens can be moved easily from system to system by the user, while touch screens require more complex set-up procedures.  Some touch screen systems can only be installed at the factory.  This also has negative repair implications.

Screen contact:
Light pens cannot scratch or damage a screen, thanks to the soft, yet polypropylene nosetips.

Field replacement:
Touch screen repairs mean the whole system is down until the unit is returned and reinstalled. Replacement of a light pen can be done in seconds. In addition, light pens are guaranteed for two years, and rarely fail at all.

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