Laptop buying advice forum: Poll: Do you think that all laptops will eventually have touch screens on them?

I know for a fact that all laptops will NOT eventually have touchscreens as this one doesn't now and will never in the future!

Touchscreen is a gimmick, absolutely useless for somebody who uses his computer for work.I already hate the touchscreen on my cell phone. Innovation has to make sense, this one does not. If laptops all get touchscreen, I will give up on laptops

As an educational consultant who works with a variety of able-bodied AND handicapped students and adults, I am a HUGE proponent for ALL laptops being provided with technology accessibility that would suit and make the vast growth in assistive technology available for everyone. Touch screens would also allow those with fine hand or finger manipulation better access; especially if one cannot manipulate a mouse. Although I agree that touch screens are NOT something everyone may enjoy (for obvious reasons), the alternative use of a stylus (as another poster suggested) is always an option for providing equal accessibility too. Again, I am personally all for equal access as everyone may benefit from techie tools available in this century and beyond that were not accommodations for us in the baby-boomer generation. I also must mention that having 3 teenage children of my own, I am amazed at the motivation new technology and accessibility allows even the most challenged or more lethargic student! I have personally experienced the most challenged students become highly motivated and rise to the challenge of working through their specific difficulties when presented with an iPad or hi-tech tool that they see as a new toy! Yes the initial excitement wear-offs (as w/any new "toy"), but the ultimate marketing czar behind tracking when sales decline then offer a new "accessory" to draw the masses back for addt'l sales and will again encourage students! I've also learned from the younger generation that technology continues to advance at this pace because students and young adults alike are NOT intimidated with continuously seeking and trying out new advancements that teach more time efficient management that propel us forward; unlike (sorry to say!) some of us from former generations that perhaps are a bit more intimidated or less likely to "roll with the punches"!

It's rather amusing that Acer and HP have got the drop on Apple putting out touchscreen Laptops first. I felt sure that Apple was going to announce that all new MacBooks would be touchscreen as soon as they released OSX 10.7 (Lion), but here they are, on 10.8 and still no touchscreen from them.

As for the Poll: Everything should have been touchscreen within 6 months of the first iPad being released as far as I'm concerned. It's really annoying going to my laptop after spending a day using a Tablet and the first thing I try to do is open an app by touching the display! Our phones and now tablets have been touchscreen for years. I've used a touchscreen monitor for my desktop for 4 years, I put a touchscreen display on a Netbook I owned a few years ago, and still, touchscreen's on Laptops aren't standard.

As for 4G - it's a nice idea, but not practical with 4G setups from carriers at present. I'll stick with my mobile wifi thingy. I turn it on and it sits in my backpack. It only costs me $99 a year and I get 12GB a year data allowance (which I've never completely used any year in the 3 years I've had it). Besides, I use my tablet mostly when I'm away from the office - I only take the laptop when I'm travelling.