Johannesburg, 13 Sep 2012
All-in-one computers have been a runaway success in the consumer-focused retail segment over the past two years. This is largely due to factors like the reduced desktop footprint of notebook computers and the raw performance offered by desktop computers in a single category.
And now, with the arrival of the Lenovo IdeaCentre A720, the value proposition offered by all-in-one computers has been kicked up a notch.
Not only does it pack some serious punch in the proverbial 'gigabytes and megahertz' department, it has a gigantic 27-inch touch-screen that has support for up to 10 simultaneous finger presses.
"That means," says Alexi Hume, Lenovo product manager for Tarsus Technologies, "it allows for some truly interesting uses, well beyond the realm of what can be done with a conventional keyboard and mouse."
Hume says these use cases are hinted at with a ton of fun touch-screen software such as the iconic Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja and Cut The Rope, as well as a bundled piano application that - because of the 10-finger touch capability - allows for even the most complex of pieces to be played as accurately as the composer intended.
"A hidden benefit is that 10-finger touch is also a standard requirement when it comes to touch-screen implementations of Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 operating system," Hume adds.
"So, when that sees the light of day, on 26 October, customers can expect some truly remarkable applications to be available," she says.
While Hume says touch-screen capabilities add a fantastic new frontier to explore in the user interface environment, she admits that, in general, touch-screen computing has required more physical exertion from users because of the need to hold one's arms out in front for hours while computing.
This is a challenge Lenovo has tackled fantastically with the A720, allowing users to adjust the position of the A720's screen as they want by using a collapsible stand on the back of the unit.
"The stand even lets users position the A720 parallel to a desk or at a slight angle, allowing them to rest their arms on the desk, while touching the screen with their fingers," she says.
"The all-in-one is also made of quality materials, is visually appealing, and equally useful in the home and small office environment," she says, "and that's the reason we're expecting it to be a real hit with a number of consumers over the coming months.
"More than anything, however," Hume continues, "the A720 proves that touch-screen navigation - particularly in the context of the impending arrival of Windows 8 - has a great deal to offer the consumer.
"We can hardly wait to see where this trend goes in the coming years," she concludes.
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