Among the new products announced by Advantech in recent weeks is its FPM-7211W flat-panel monitor, a 21-inch widescreen multi-touch display that features a 16:9 aspect ratio and full 1920×1080 HD resolution.
Advantech describes the front profile of the FPM-7211W as “truly-flat,” meaning that the transition from the integrated bezel is pleasantly seamless. I have an older convertible laptop with a raised bezel surrounding its touch surface. The raised bezel isn’t an issue when navigating the screen with a stylus in hand, but becomes a nuisance when trying to activate a scroll bar or such target located at the extreme edge of its active touch screen. The FPM-7211W’s truly-flat workspace eliminates this problem.
The front panel enclosure of the FPM-7211W is constructed of die-cast magnesium alloy in a design that accommodates panel, wall and desktop mounting. The FPM-7211W is stylishly thin despite its rugged construction. The front panel has a thickness of only 28 mm, but can be inserted nearly flush into a panel thanks to snap hooks that are integrated into its rear cover.
The full expanse of the FPM-7211W’s glass panel is rated at 7+ on the Mohs hardness scale making it as scratch and ding resistance as mineral quartz. On the zero-to-10 Mohs scale on which diamonds register a 10, a hardness of 7 is very hard indeed. Better yet, the front panel is rated IP65, which indicates that it is both dust tight and resistant to jets of water, making it very easy to clean.
The touch interface uses Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT) technology, an especially robust touch system that is capable of sensing passive stylus and even gloved fingers, in addition to bare touch. PCT technology is also more inherently accurate than lessor systems. Although PCT is relatively expensive to implement, Advantech delivers its enhanced capabilities in a surprisingly affordable package.
The FPM-7211W’s 5-point multi-touch capability accommodates four-finger gestures for fluid control of a full range of graphic interfaces. Zoom, slide, twist and other complex commands are intuitive, allowing gestures that are now common to high-end mobile devices.
The FPM-7211W has a generous viewing angle of 178 degrees in both vertical and horizontal, and a luminance of 300 cd/m2. Its back-light life is rated at 50,000 hours. Touchscreen interfaces include both RS232 and USB ports, and the panel is equipped with DVI and VGA input ports, as well. This industrial-grade multi-touch solution is also available in a new18.5-inch format, the Advantech FPM-7181W.