In working through my old tabs I discovered http://cs.nyu.edu/~jhan/ftirtouch/ which now has a link to http://www.perceptivepixel.com/. I have to admit, this stuff looks impressive, but what would you use it for? Ok ok, we have the iPhone. However, if you consider the table-size model and then remove GIS applications from the mix what are the remaining profitable use-cases?
I'd also really like to hear of any investigations into the effect on the body of repeatedly interacting with one of these screens. I have done absolutely no research into this, but my first thought is that it would be tiring to use these for any length of time.
This interaction style is an interesting way-point on one of the many roads leading away from the mouse-pointer and the GUI. However, I believe the applications that will be successful are further down the path.