TOUCHSCREEN technology has been sweeping consumer electronics, leaving few devices untouched, and even digital cameras are affected. Commonly found in monitors in airports, banks and other public places, the technology is now a staple in consumer products, thanks to Apple Inc's popular iPhone and phones by companies such as Palm Inc. Joining them are computer desktops, calculators, MP3 players and watches that let users control functions by tapping, sliding or dragging a finger. Earlier this year, Hewlett-Packard Co, the world's biggest computer maker, launched touchscreen PCs, signaling the trend was spreading to computers. Swiss watchmaker Tissot even has a “T-Touch” line of touchscreen watches. Customers want touchscreen devices because they are well designed, are “cool” and have no buttons. In New York, taxis have touchscreen television sets that come with the message: “Touch, don't press.” Sony has a wide range of touchscreen cameras and demand for them encouraged Nikon to launch the CoolPix S60. But the technology has its drawbacks. Touchscreens often fall short in terms of functionality and picture quality, compared with devices that are similarly priced. But many customers do not seem to care. Circuit City Stores Inc sales executive Danielle Brannigan said customers first walk into the store to get a camera without knowing it has a touchscreen feature. “Then they go ‘Whoo. Touchscreen.' They get excited like little kids and the first thing they say is, ‘We wanna have this one,'” she said. The only device that might remain unaffected could be television. For many couch potatoes, a remote control is all the “cool” technology they want.
