Sorry - new list user. Very embarrassed. Obviously that was only meant
for David. 

Hopefully I've learned my lesson now and that's the one and only time
I'll make that mistake!



-----Original Message-----
From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
David Prytherch
Sent: 19 November 2008 14:59
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Microsoft Surface

Hi Lindsey,

Microsoft surface is their name for what everyone else calls Multi-touch
screens and there are a number available. If you put MultiTouch into
Google you'll find them.

You can even get a do-it yourself kit (touchKit) to assemble yourself
and put them into whatever console (wall, tabletop etc.)you wish. You
can also buy ready made units with support. It depends on how much
funding you have.

We are hoping to get some of these kits soon to test with students and
start to develop some new software for these systems. This is where you
might come across problems. There is currently no real software
available for this type of interface and anything you wish to do with it
would involve some programming. The University of Aberdeen are in the
early stages of a very large research project looking at how these
systems could be used in schools so they may have developed some
software for this type of use but I get the impression that they are not
yet thinking about other applications as we are.

A final thought is that if you wish to pursue this, we might be able to
form a partnership for a funding bid to speed the development somewhat.

I hope this helps. Please come back to me if you have other questions.

Good luck in your quest! I admire your forward thinking! :-)

Best regards, David

David Prytherch PhD. FGE.
Senior Research Fellow in Haptics and Computer Interfaces
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-----Original Message-----
From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Lyndsey Clark
Sent: 19 November 2008 13:37
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Microsoft Surface

Hi, 

I'm a new subscriber to this list so excuse me if this has been
discussed before. 

I have tried searching the archives but to no avail. I am interested in
Microsoft Surface (http://www.microsoft.com/SURFACE/index.html) for
on-gallery exhibits but can't find any information about when it might
become available for this type of use in the UK. 

So, my first question is - does anybody know anything about Microsoft
Surface beyond what is on their website? 

My second question is - if they won't commit to a launch timetable, what
solutions are similar that we could use in the meantime? Which
interactive table exhibits already in existence are particularly good?
Are they always designed from scratch? Do they all involve a suspended
component (I have very high or absent ceilings in my museum!)? 

I'd be interesting in all your experiences or musings on this subject so
if you don't want to reply to the list feel free to contact me directly.


Thanks, 
Lyndsey 

Lyndsey Clark 
Interactive Displays Manager 
National Museums Scotland 
Chambers Street 
Edinburgh EH1 1JF 
Tel +44 (0) 131 247 4455 
Fax+44 (0) 131 247 4311 
e-mail [log in to unmask] 
http://www.nms.ac.uk


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”The world's greatest dressmaker.” Jean Muir: A Fashion Icon.
http://www.nms.ac.uk/jeanmuir

National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130

This communication is intended for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the addressee please inform the sender and delete the email from your system. The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of National Museums Scotland. This message is subject to the Data Protection Act 1998 and Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. No liability is accepted for any harm that may be caused to your systems or data by this message.

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