Cool gear: CTOUCH Laser Air +
Is the new series of CTOUCH Laser Air Plus interactive displays a revolution or an evolution? We invite you to read our test to find the answer to this question!
A few words about the series
Laser Air + (Plus) is the successor to the well-received Laser Air series. A whole range of screen sizes is available within this series:
An interesting move is making the 65″ model available in two resolutions – Full HD (1920 x 1020) and UHD (3840 x 2160).
What makes the Laser Air + series stand out
32 touch points
The Surface Light Wave touch technology used in this series allows for the free use of 32 touch points simultaneously. All this without the interference that occurs when using multi-touch in optical or infrared technology. In Windows, we have 20 touch points available at the start. However, it is enough to install a driver to get all 32 touch points. Such a large number of points may seem unnecessary, but it is slowly becoming a standard thanks to applications that creatively use the available capabilities.
JBL 2 x 40W speakers
The most common audio solution in today’s interactive displays are speakers with a power of 2 x 10W or 2 x 15W. They will ensure sufficient audibility of the material (e.g., film, music) in a small or medium-sized room, provided that the audience is focused on watching. In larger rooms, or in places where it is simply noisy, such power is not enough. If a client expects a true All-in-one device, efficient in terms of visuals, interactivity, and audio, they should choose the Laser Air +. The JBL system from Harman in this series is a guarantee not only of high volume but also of sound quality. We tested it – the two-way JBL speakers perform great, especially when playing movies.
7-year warranty
You would be hard-pressed to find a manufacturer that trusts the reliability of its equipment as much as the Dutch company CTOUCH. A 7-year door-to-door warranty on the Laser Air+ series is probably the best proof that we are dealing with top-tier equipment. As a distributor of this equipment in Poland, we can confidently confirm this quality – the failure rate of this equipment is less than 1%.
Unlocked Android with good performance and built-in Wi-Fi
A trend in today’s display market is the presence of the Android system on board. However, it is not always sufficient to run demanding applications. Additionally, installing applications is often blocked. A high-performance module in the Laser Air+ series, along with a proprietary app store, allows you to use the monitor like a large tablet. Another convenience is the built-in Wi-Fi module, which allows for immediate connection to an existing wireless network and the use of all the benefits of the Android system.
Specification
• Android version: 5.0.1
• CPU: ARM Cortex A53 1.5 GB (64 Bit 4 Core)
• GPU: Mali-450
• RAM: 2 GB
• ROM: 16 GB
Additional slots – OPS and mini PC
The ability to build a computer inside an interactive display is a standard today. CTOUCH not only does not deprive us of this possibility but offers as many as 3 types of OPS computers with different performance levels (i3, i5, i7). A nice addition is also space for mounting a mini PC in a standard such as Intel Nuc. How is it mounted? Well, properly spaced mounting holes (VESA standard) in a special recess allow the computer to be screwed to the monitor housing.
uWand remote control
Laser Air+ also means more available control methods – in addition to a standard remote control (very clear and easy to use), an interactive OSD menu, and RS232, there is the uWand remote, which allows for convenient control of the monitor, Android, and the Windows system installed on the OPS computer. This works on a principle similar to Wii Remote controllers – by pointing the remote at the screen, we see a cursor that we can control by pointing to a location.
USB port on top of the monitor
Hardly anyone doesn’t have Skype installed on their phone or tablet – a popular messenger for video calls. Why not turn a monitor with built-in Android into such a tool? A large screen, good quality sound, the ability to add notes to any image – all this makes it a good business tool. However, it is the ability to conduct video conferences. Thanks to the USB port located on the top of the housing, we can easily connect any Plug-and-Play camera with a built-in microphone to the Laser Air + monitor and enjoy video conferences from the Android level.
The devil is in the details
CTOUCH has always paid attention to details. It is no different in the Laser Air+ monitors, which are an extremely refined device on almost every level. The housing itself is pleasing to the eye and has convenient carrying handles, the usefulness of which is known to all installers of such solutions. It is worth noting the characteristically rounded corners.
Another thing is the Android system menu, which is adapted for interactive displays, has a package of interesting applications to start with, and is really good in terms of graphic design.
The set also includes two special styluses that look great and can be attached to the monitor frame (magnet).
Need a manual? In the Laser Air+ series, just call up the quick menu and press the “i” button to launch the manual file.
Is this enough to proclaim the new CTOUCH series a revolution in the interactive display market? Probably not, but we are definitely dealing with another successful product from the Dutch manufacturer. This is an evolution in the right direction, and in some areas, almost a revolution. First of all, it is worth praising the establishment of cooperation with Harman, a leading audio manufacturer, which has yielded very good results in the form of great sound quality. Also, the proprietary Android overlay, which looks and works very well, should be counted as a plus.
In summary: Laser Air Plus is definitely the most refined series of interactive displays released by the Dutch manufacturer. In our opinion, it is currently the best interactive display designed for business.
Finally, we invite you to the gallery at the beginning of the article, where you will find more photos from our tests.