You Could Buy a New Smartphone

Tuckerfan · Jan 10, 2024

Or you could buy a big ass table.

Crowdfunding Smash: A Coffee Table that Tilts to Become a Touchscreen Monitor

This NXTABL Coffee Table, made by a faceless company in Hong Kong, is actually a 43" touchscreen monitor that runs Android. It tilts up on a hinge for a more natural viewing angle.

It does seem it would be convenient for storing digital versions of boardgames. However, the playing experience looks ergonomically poor, given the table's height:

I'm really not sold on the UX of using it as a monitor. I think constantly having to clean it off prior to tilting it would get tiresome, and whatever was on the table now has to go onto another object or the floor. And if you simply keep the surface clear at all times, then it isn't really a table and doesn't earn its keep.

As usual, Kickstarter backers don't share my skepticism. At press time the NXTABL had blown well past its $10K goal, landing $160K and counting, with 15 days left to pledge. The table starts at $900 and is scheduled to ship this May.
Click to expand...

MS launched a similar product at the same time Apple launched the iPhone. Had they used this pitch, you might still remember that.

Nyx · Jan 10, 2024

It has "rule of cool" factor, and then it kind of just seems more cumbersome in every day usage if you're not a major business focused on technology.

Tuckerfan · Sep 26, 2026

This one will even charge your phone!

ed629 · Sep 26, 2026

I have a 55in touch screen at home, it runs on a mini PC. It's ok I guess.

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