Ask HN: How many people use touch on their touchscreen laptop?

[fancy_hammer]

Do you use your touchscreen on your laptop when browsing the web?

Has anyone seen data on how many people actively use the touchscreen on their laptop or desktop computer when browsing the web?

[jay_kyburz]

I do! A lot every day.

Not long ago I picked up an Asus VivoBook 13". Its not my primary computer, I needed something for travel. When not traveling I use it around the house for watching TV and a bit of lite web surfing.

In the browser particularly, I like resting my hand next to the screen and using my thumb to scroll the page as I read. It much smoother and more responsive than the track pad. Navigating all the new windows UI such as the settings is much easier using the touch screen than the track pad.

Both the touch screen and the 360 degree hinge I now consider essential. I would not want to go back to a traditional laptop.

I would consider one of those machines where the keyboard detaches, but I couldn't find one I liked.

I've had a Surface Pro in the past, but the battery swelled and cracked the screen two weeks after the warranty expired. I wont buy Microsoft again.

[TowerTall]

Me same. I also use it a lot and have done so for many years. I will never go back to a laptop without a touchscreen.

[anshumankmr]

I had a Lenovo laptop with touch on Windows 11. It was kind of gimmicky but I enjoyed the experience. But when I had that laptop, I stuck to using the standard mouse combo unless I was travelling somewhere and could use the laptop.

[beardyw]

On my wife's Chromebook, the problem with the touch screen when in normal laptop position is bounce back, so a click becomes two clicks etc. She only uses it for scrolling.

[leros]

I use it for two things

1) Zooming in on something like a map. The pinch gesture is very natural.

2) I run a CNC operating program that has a touch interface so I use the touch screen for that.

[simplecto]

I sometimes have an iPad next to my MacBook when working.

I laugh at myself when I start swiping on the MacBook with my Apple Pencil.

Not sure if that means anything but that is my experience :-)