Enhanced touch monitor delivers flexible benefits

3M Touch Systems UK Ltd. Has launched a greatly enhanced 15" LCD touch screen monitor, targeted particularly at the retail and hospitality sector, with new features that give greater flexibility in the location of peripherals and new protection against spillage.

The new 3M MicroTouch M150 LCD touch screen monitor features a peripheral attachment system to help deal with the growing number of peripherals required in point-of-sale (POS) applications, such as chip and PIN terminals and fingerprint readers. The 3M peripheral attachment system allows for maximum flexibility in counter layout, combined with ergonomic cable management and allows quick and easy swapping of peripherals for maintenance.

Using the system, peripheral devices can be mounted on the right or on the left side of the unit, and even simultaneously on both sides of the monitor if required. Channels in the monitor case inconspicuously route peripheral cabling along the M150 monitor and into the cable management area. The system allows VARs and end users maximum configuration flexibility when developing market or site-specific solutions, while still capitalising on peripheral-specific brand value and feature sets. The system also enables quick on-site replacement of non-functional peripherals, which aids in minimising down time and spare inventory requirements.

In addition to the peripheral solution, the display now boasts an IPX1 rating, making the M150 Monitor ideal for locations where a "drip-proof" certification is required. To further extend the enhanced market adaptability, stereo speakers have been relocated to the display head allowing for full multimedia capability in ergonomic arm or wall-mounted installations.

Since its introduction nearly two years ago, the M150 Touch Monitor has generated a strong following in the POS, Retail and Hospitality segments in part due to its unique feature set including remarkable touch stability. This is achieved through innovative design, which ensures that the monitor does not move when touched even at the corners of the screen, yet is easily adjusted and locked into the required position.

The monitor can also be readily attached to any VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) standard mounting to meet the needs of specialised applications.

3M is offering the new M150 MicroTouch monitor with a choice of durable capacitive or more flexible resistive touch screen technology, both of which offer accurate and reliable touch performance. For applications where the monitor is likely to be exposed to scratching, dirt or spillage, or is subject to exceptionally frequent use, 3M recommends MicroTouchT ClearTekT Capacitive Touch Technology. For more standard applications, MicroTouch Resistive 5-wire touch technology responds to the touch of fingernails, credit cards, gloved hands and fingers and still offers a long service life.

"The expanded feature set of the M150 touch monitor enables the product to excel across application segments. The M150 monitor is now an increasingly versatile tool for VARs as they look to expand their focus into new markets that require touch solutions. They now have a single touch monitor that can be configured almost on-the-fly to meet customer requirements across a host of usage environments, with multiple peripherals if necessary," said Carolin Sommer, Product Manager for MicroTouch monitor products, 3M Touch Systems UK Ltd.