A networked doctor’s office where each patient room has a large multitouch display on the wall would undoubtedly add a lot of functionality, like zooming in on virtual x-rays or CAT scans. Architecture firms and advertising agencies would surely benefit from this, but I still think we’re a long way from the everyday user running a word processor or composing an email on their display. Don’t get me wrong, I would ditch my iMac in a second if these were available now, but the applications need to catch up with the technology first.

Now, I’m a programmer, and I work on projects on the computer practically the whole time I’m work. And I’m using the keyboard constantly. That will not translate over to touchscreens very well. But what about general computer work, or work that isn’t so keyboard-centric? Well, imagine a TABLE that is touchscreen. Suddenly, you countertop is also literally your virtual workspace.

I dunno.. It opens doors, but like you said, it certainly requires a shift from our current perception of computer use.

Second, this technology is cool, but I can’t imagine how it would be applied to personal computing today. I don’t want to run my fingers across the screen of my iMac, my arms would get tired. I also don’t want to stand a foot away from a large screen all day. If anything, I can see this technology being used in a dual-display setup, where the keyboard and mouse are replaced by the multi-touch display, but you still have a “screen” display in front of you. Kind of like a big Nintendo DS on your desk.

Of course, I’m looking at this from the perspective of how we use computers right now. I’m sure that once technology like this advances, all of that will change.