I know this challenge is about what new things a notebook app CAN do with these different input methods but it’s nice that some devs are acknowledging the reality of a non-standardized platform. They can choose to program for the lowest common denominator in order to get a larger user base or to the few who have touchscreens, GPS, accelerometers, constant internet access (WLAN and WWAN), etc.

Of course, they can go with what George and Suresh are doing and take the middle ground (and probably more work) by ensuring the same ease of control with either a mouse or touchscreen but they may forgo the use of other input. I remember reading somewhere about Microsoft saying that devs should design their UI with a touch first mentality and they’ll work out the rest. This was around when Metro was first introduced. I wonder how that will pan out.