The launch of Windows 7 with new touch screen capabilities is set to see a fight between Apple and Windows based notebook players with Apple still tipped to roll out a Mac touchpad next year.
Steve Ballmer the CEO of Microsoft is expected to show the touchscreen capabilities of the new Windows 7 at the CES Show in Las Vegas in January 2009 when he delivers the opening keynote in place of Bill Gates.
Apple insiders have told SmartHouse that Apple will definitely launch a touchscreen device in 2009 with the new Mac set to incorporate a new operating system that will be a mix of the Mac OSX which is currently used in MacBooks and that found on the Apple 3G iPhone.
Apple is aware that Hewlett-Packard is planning to rollout new generation touchscreen notebooks in 2009 along with at least six other major notebook brands.
According to Microsoft the new Windows 7 will include features to take advantage of multi-touch capabilities, in new notebooks and handheld devices currently under development by Taiwanese manufacturers BenQ, Asus and HTC who plan to roll out a new tablet device complete
According to DigiTimes notebook industry players believe multi-touch has the potential to take off in 2009 due in part to the success of the Apple iPhone.
HP who are keen to promote touch screen technology have had limited success to date, 18 months ago they were the first vendor to deliver a touch panel PC, the TouchSmart, however it has failed to set the world on fire as it is expensive, clumsy and slow to respond to commands as opposed to the iPhone that is fast and responsive.
DigiTimes also claim that Asustek Computer is set to launch multi-touch products for its mainstream notebook and Eee PC lines in 2009.
