This is a list of available multitouch devices that we know of, excluding ad-hoc systems such as the Microsoft Surface or IntuiLab's tables. Do not hesitate to contact us to correct mistakes or add devices to the list. If you download Linux drivers to try on your computer, have a look at our Linux multitouch howto and X.org multitouch howto.

Trackpads

CircleTwelve DiamondTouch. Available in 32" and 42" sizes. Proprietary USB protocol. Multi-user, that is up to 4 persons can use it independently. No finger tracking at all; the device sends profiles of contact surfaces along the X and Y axes, and it is up to programs to decide where contact points are. Up-to-date Linux driver available from ENAC.

Broadcom 5974. Available on MacBooks. HID protocol. Linux driver included in the kernel since 2.6.30.

Apple MagicMouse. The mouse's back works as a trackpad. Proprietary Bluetooth HID protocol. Linux driver recently submitted, patches by ENAC soon available.

Synaptics. The company has recently announced the distribution of proprietary drivers for Linux.

Touch screens and digitizers

Stantum. Resistive layer currently available as a development kit named SMK 15.4 or on a Slate PC distributed by Stantum. The firmware was licensed to ST Microelectronics and another company, so it should soon appear in other devices. Proprietary USB protocol until recenty; Windows 7-compatible HID protocol on new products. Finger tracking in firmware, up to 20+ fingers. Multitouch driver available in Linux since 2.6.34 (look here for the most recent version)

3M-MicroTouch distributes a development kit for a 19" capacitive multitouch layer, and started selling a 22" version. HID protocol, probably undergoing Windows 7 certification. Finger tracking is done in the firmware, up to 10 fingers currently. Multitouch driver available in Linux since 2.6.34 (look here for the most recent version)

Cypress semiconductor has a touch panel named TrueTouch. 10 fingers, Windows 7-compliant HID protocol. Linux driver successfuly tested at ENAC, currently undergoing tests by Cypress.

N-Trig DuoSense. Available on the HP TouchSmart tx2 (12.1"), Dell xt2 (12.1") and Dell Studio (17"). HID protocol, not yet Windows 7-certified. Up to 6 fingers. No finger tracking in the firmware, has to be done in the driver. Apparently, some versions of the firmware do multitouch, others do dual input (stylus + finger), and the most recent can switch from one to the other. Multitouch driver available in the Linux kernel since version 2.6.31 but there are recurring firmware issues. See our N-Trig firmware list.

Quanta Optical Touch. Windows 7-compatible HID protocol. Two fingers. Available in Acer T230H monitor, Packard Bell Viseo 200t and Iiyama T2250MTS monitors, Acer Z5610, HP2105tm and probably others. Multitouch driver available in Linux since 2.6.34 (look here for the most recent version)

MosArt. Two fingers, Windows 7-compatible HID protocol. Available in the Asus T91MT, the Acer Aspire 1420p, the Packard Bell Butterfly Touch and probably the Acer 1820PTZ. Multitouch driver available in Linux since 2.6.34 (look here for the most recent version)

NextWindow. Available as a standalone product from NextWindow, in some HP Touchsmart, Dell Studio One 19 Touch, and Sony Vaio VPC L12ME1 all-in-one computers, in the Dell SX2210T Monitor. Optical technology, two fingers. Proprietary protocol. No Linux driver available.

PQ labs sold a so-called multitouch device called the G2 in 2008-2009, with very low performance. Their G3 is much more mature: true multi-point (up to 32 fingers, according to PQ labs), with reasonably good tracking. Optical technology. HID protocol, non compliant with Windows 7. No Linux driver available.

Inexio distributes a dual-touch infrared panel named Nexio. HID protocol. No Linux driver available yet.

Wacom has multitouch in their Bamboo Touch and Bamboo Pen&Touch products. A Wacom multitouch panel is embedded in the HP tm2, HID protocol. Another is is the Fujitsu LifeBook T4410 and T4310, with a serial interface. The 'wacom' kernel driver handles these, but is not yet compliant with the kernel multitouch protocol.

Cando Multi Touch. Capacitive panel, available in the Lenovo S10-3t netbook and the Acer Timeline 1825PTZ. Two fingers. Its HID protocol is a subset of the Windows 7 protocol (no Confidence field). Multitouch driver available in Linux since 2.6.35-rc1 (look here for the most recent version)

EETI/eGalax. Two fingers, Win7 compatible, said to be capacitive. Available in the Eee PC T101MT. Said to be available in the Acer 1820PTZ but there is conflicting information. Multitouch driver available in Linux since 2.6.35-rc1 (look here for the most recent version)

Tyco-Elo has announced a multitouch display. More information soon.

Flat Frog has announced a multitouch 40" display, available Q2 2010. More information soon.

Wintek?

Sintek?



Contact: chatty at enac.fr
Updated Jul 11, 2010.