Any advice for buying touch panel screens?

If you’ve decided to buy touch panel screen, there’s just a few things I’d recommend because there is very little difference really between the well made brands in terms of price and quality.

1. Buy local – this is particularly important for after-sales service. If there’s a problem, you want to be waiting the least amount of time for it to be rectified
2. Get a decent after-sales service when buying your screen – Following on from above, this is essential. Don’t buy local if you get a terrible guarantee. Look for at least 5 years.
3. Buy from someone who’s going to be around in 5 years – Lots of companies come and go, especially in the education world when there’s a quick buck to be made. With ICT money floating around again, it’s a good time to get into the market. However, will these companies be around in the long term? Even if a company isn’t that local, you might be better off going with a company who have survived the last 2 recessions.
4. Buy a brand name – I think it’s safer to buy a brand name. There are a lot of very cheap Chinese imports around at the moment. If it looks like it’s going to save you €1,000, you’re taking a big risk. Things have changed a lot since the early days of Interactive Screens and, these days, you generally pay for what you get.