The concept tablet is a touch sensitve tablet, somewhat similar to the graphics tablet. But instead of a pen, a sheet of plastic with various pictures and graphics is placed on the surface.

Tapping a picture will cause a command to be input into the computer. The appropriate software will be running on the computer that can make sense of that specific command.

For example, the concept tablet is very popular in fast food shops as a method of using the cash register. The cashier takes your order and simply taps on the 'Cheeseburger' picture to load the price into the till. This means they do not have to know the price of anything in particular.

Concept tablets are also used in factories to control machinery such as 'Start Conveyor Belt' or 'Fill tank'.

Some are used to assist people at home with physical disabilities. For example a concept tablet could be linked to a computer that can open and shut curtains, switch off lights. They can even be used to create speech for someone unable to speak.

Advantages:

• Can be used to issue specific commands to the computer.
• Avoids staff having to know the price of everything.
• Allows software to be controlled with a single touch of the tablet.

Disadvantage:

• There has to be the right software running for the command to make sense.
• Number of commands that can be issued is limited by the size of the device.