iPad 4 VS Windows 7 or 8 multi-touch surface

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Hello,

I need some help to deciding which way to go. I will be using the multi-touch (ten digits minimum) surface whether iPad or an approx. 22" monitor hooked up to my Windows 7 music computer.

Right now I do not have an iPad nor a 22" touch screen so I do not want to invest funds until I am sure which way to go.

My primary use of the touch surface is to use it an alternate midi keyboard controller where the keys can be arranged by presets or better yet customizable. I improvise and experiment with music. Secondarily I will use it as a controller for the VSTfx and VSTi's. So I hope midi learn works under these circumstances.

The main reason I want the Windows 7 with 22" touch screen is that the sheer size will allow me to open several apps at the same time. I will be able to open the midi keyboard controller and VST controller at the same time. This will improve workflow and creativity.

Questions:

1.Can I use Windows 7 to do this or is Windows 8 a must to use a touch surface. Usine http://www.sensomusic.com/usine/ requires Windows 7 or 8 however are there programs that must run under Windows 8? Trying to avoid getting Windows 8 so I hope this touch screen can work under Windows 7.

2. Besides Usine what else is available for the Windows touch screen especially as an alternative midi keyboard controller?

3. Is it too early to adopt the Windows setup, not enough apps? I see that the iPad has many apps of which some are used as controllers such as enChord http://www.avantgardesound.com/.

4. Are there any multi-touch monitors that sense velocity? Do they have adequate response time and accuracy?

5. Perhaps for iPad apps that will not be ported to Windows 7/8 someone my produce a wrapper that will allow the iPad apps to be played on the Windows with on a huge touch/screen monitor.

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Hi,

I'm just going to toss in here some gibberish and hopefully somebody will join in with more proper answers.

First of all, do you really think controlling touch via the monitor will be not-cumbersome?
I mean, 22" is 22" so I don't know how you'd feel about that on your lap/desktop (laying down of course), while tablets in general are meant to be used in your legs and so on. Just throwing it out there in case you haven't thought of it (yet).

About the "wrapper" for iPad apps, not a chance (there is an Android wrapper tho).
The only thing available right now are apps that will act as AirPlay receivers (AirPlay for instance) so you can "share" the iPad screen on the Mac/PC, but you cannot control the iPad from within Mac/PC.

I was also going to recommend a drawing tablet, but then you'd have to learn how to use it without looking down, but then it might not be the ideal setup in your case (unless you get one of those expensive-ass Intuos that have a built-in screen... but for that price I'd get the iPad).

In any case it seems to me like you are just looking for a touch-screen based solution to a customizable MIDI controller... in that case and if you never tried the iPad before... can't you find a friend/acquaintance you could borrow the iPad for a couple hours and then try something like TouchOSC (or enCord) and transmit MIDI via Wifi and then have a feel at latency and everything else?
Notice that, if you would intend to primarily use the iPad as a MIDI controller, then you could get away with an used iPad 2, if money is an issue.
All in all, I think the iPad has already a good stablished library of apps that can acts as midi controllers, with customizable setups and I find it pretty fun to work it.
Of course, a proper MIDI keyboard with pianist keys and whatever wont be replaced by some toy thingy called the iPad bla bla bla (you know how it goes). I don't think the iPad is just a toy, but some people do, and they have their reasons to believe so.
What better religion than music itself?

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Kpsychedelic,

Thanks for your reply.

I now have a 28" viewing monitor. I believe a 22" touch sensitive monitor would be fine but I will also try a 19" to be safe. I am handy and can make a device to hold it at an angel off my desk.

The tactile feedback is nice. I am looking at the Roland RD700nx http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1128 . A beautiful instrument with near perfect piano feel and great piano sound.

I go back looking at touch sensitive screen in the last century. In this 2009 I was the OP at http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=259919 So in my present frame of mind I want to improvise and am willing to give up tactile feedback.

If I do with the iPad I need the #4. It has Bluetooth 4 which is required for a stylus for using it with Photoshop.

What music or midi advantage will I get by using Wacom or similar interactive pen displays? http://www.wacom.com/products/pen-displ ... multitouch They may be limited to two fingers touch.

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A bit off-topic and just curious, what is the stylus you intend to use, if at all, with the iPad that requires bluetooth?

It's correct I confused the Cintiq series with Intuos (I think Intuos is just the prosumer series while things like the Bamboo are for amateurs, cheapstakes and so on -tho I have a tablet myself, but a good knock-off by monoprice). I wasn't aware of it being just two fingers sensitive, so it's probably a no-go (that and the high price). I don't think you will have any special advantages with them, was just mentioning other thing apart from what you mentioned, that can act as second monitor and receive input.
What better religion than music itself?

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Stylus for iPad http://adonit.net/jot/touch/ requires Bluetooth 4. The earlier IPads had the older Bluetooth version. Before I decide on the stylus I will do more research. I would like to have a stylus that also senses angle and rotation. Google http://tinyurl.com/a4kuzx9

My first priority is music creation. So help me decide Ipad or Windows 7/8 touch sensitive monitor.

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If it was me, it would be ipad now and wait for large windows 8 touchscreen monitor.

The appeal of ipad to me is small form factor and not needing mouse or keyboard hanging off it. Portability and optimum screen space before it gets too big and considered bulky. Also battery life is outstanding.

Windows 8 is made for touch, but drivers available, more intense apps taking advantage of touchscreen, will be a number of months away until they reach decent amount.

Ipad apps and music creation tools are definitely a factor in getting a small tablet.

So, ipad now, touchscreen windows 8 in a year.

That's the way I would go.
"I am a meat popsicle"
Soundcloud Vondragonnoggin
Soundclick Wormhelmet

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Yep, for anything related to music production, iPad is the best choice, for now.

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I suspected that iPad now and Windows in a year. So this is not totally bad news as the Windows touch screen will be a superior way of work with multiple apps. In any case one can get a small monitor or even the MS Surface which runs Windows 8.

I need to meditate and make my decision shortly.

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I don't agree. I've been a bit of an ipad fanboy for quite some time, but things have really improved on the windows 8 front. Usine is amazing on windows 8 and you can get a 15.6 inch i5 dell with 10 point touch for around 400 USD these days. Also, stagelight has made done improvements, FL Studio, and cakewalk touch to name a few daws that support. With JUCE plugins allowing multitouch, I expect even more touch goodness. I started shifting after realizing the money pit that apple has over me. These are my two cents.

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marlow wrote:I don't agree. I've been a bit of an ipad fanboy for quite some time, but things have really improved on the windows 8 front. Usine is amazing on windows 8 and you can get a 15.6 inch i5 dell with 10 point touch for around 400 USD these days. Also, stagelight has made done improvements, FL Studio, and cakewalk touch to name a few daws that support. With JUCE plugins allowing multitouch, I expect even more touch goodness. I started shifting after realizing the money pit that apple has over me. These are my two cents.
You tokin to me?

Well I already got the iPad and using it as a midi controller. Got some apps and testing to see if this is going to be helpful. I am still looking forward to more Windows 8 touch apps. There will come a time when I add the Windows 8 multi-touch setup to my studio. Perhaps even later this year.

I already have Sonar X3. Ii would be great if Lemur also supported windows 8. Yes I had looked at Usine and it looks interesting but not enough at the moment to take the plunge especially since I already took the plunge with iPad.

Please keep in touch with your progress.

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I was really surprised when I realized that "The Mangle" was a multitouch VSTi with granular goodness in Cakewalk Touch. As for Usine, I'm sorry that you missed the free stage version that they had a month or two back... It is really quite awesome to attach multitouch controls that are recorded in realtime with a VSTi in Usine. It can be a little technical, but it is fun...

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Kalamata Kid wrote:I suspected that iPad now and Windows in a year. So this is not totally bad news as the Windows touch screen will be a superior way of work with multiple apps. In any case one can get a small monitor or even the MS Surface which runs Windows 8.

I need to meditate and make my decision shortly.
A year and half later and deeper in debt.
The songs goes something like that no?
Ok I got the iPad Air. There are so many great music creation apps available on the iPad.
Glad I got it.

A year and a half later and not many more apps available for the Windows touch screen
what a bummer
Check this out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIKUQpjkTng
Rheyne is great but has to buy three iPads to do his work.
In a a widows system with a large screen
https://www.google.com/search?q=windows ... s+OR+large++
You can run your DAW, VST’s, VSTi’s and apps on the same screen! This is why I am hoping for things to change.

For those that do not desire or need more real estate and are happy with the iPad you are set! I am happy for you.

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Have you tried remote desktop yet?
Latest release and Socials: https://linktr.ee/ph.i.ltr3

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musikmachine wrote:Have you tried remote desktop yet?
Will that allow me to play iPad apps on my Windows machine touch screen?

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No the opposite, you can use it as a second monitor. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1nFu4tWAng

Like that but i've no idea how well it works but you could maybe use it to edit vst parameters or the mixer levels in a seperate window.
Latest release and Socials: https://linktr.ee/ph.i.ltr3

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