TechGazing

All the hype around the Apple Tablet (if it comes) is just the latest chapter in the touchscreen romance that has enthralled the world ever since the launch of the iPhone. Be it cameras, cellphones, e-book readers or computers - just about every gadget manufacturer in town is trying to incorporate an element of touch in their products. But, hype apart, there are several practical reasons for opting for a touchscreen over a conventional physical button interface. Here are just five of them.1. Larger displays: The conventional touchscreen display will always be larger than its button-driven counterpart, simply because there has to be more room for your fingers - in a normal screen, the buttons are below the display, on a touchscreen, they are literally on it!

2. Easier to operate: Although this really depends on the interface and operating system, most people find touchscreens more intuitive to use than their button-driven counterparts. For instance, if you need to select an item, you just tap it, rather than navigating your way to it.

3. Easier to read: This flows from point 1 - a bigger screen would naturally be better to read on. Hence many e-book manufacturers are turning to touchscreens.

4. Tailormade for videos: Again, a spillover from point 1 - a large screen is easier to watch videos on. Also the fact that most of the control buttons are on the screen itself and move into the background once the video starts makes a touchscreen so much better for watching videos.

5. Better-looking: Thanks to their bright, colourful screens, touchscreens will in general always look better than their button-riddled competition. Part of the charm of gadgets like the iPhone and the Droid is the fact that they look so much better than say, a Nokia E72 or a Sony Ericsson W995.