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Comment by correctifier | Hacker News Reader

The Model S is a revolutionary car, but I really hope the the big touch display without physical buttons doesn't become the norm. I really prefer the feedback you get from them while keeping your eyes on the road, especially for common functions like the temperature and basic stereo control.

People will disagree with me, but I have really grown to like the current iDrive system which lets me keep my looking up high while my hand sits in a comfortable position.

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I prefer tactile response as well, however I'd guess that good voice activated controls will be introduced soon enough.

I'd really hate to have to have to say "increase driver side temperature by 2 degrees" when I could much more easily just turn a knob without looking, thanks to muscle memory & tactile feedback.

Me too, but I change temperature so rarely that it being on a touch screen would not be an issue either.

But, your car can take so many commands that one cannot make a physical knob for everything.

When driving, tactile response is a key safety feature, so you're eyes don't have to leave the road to make sure your button was pushed. However, I totally agree that the voice command is the next step, it is the only time I use Siri!

I don't want a touch screen OR voice controls. I want knobs and buttons.

I can use a physical control without looking. It isn't confused by wind noise if my window is down. It doesn't bother a sleeping passenger.

The only disadvantage to physical controls is mapping them to an ever-larger number of functions. The early iPods did that well with their scroll wheels and single button, but there are limits.

Then again, maybe the large number of functions is the problem, not the controls.

I believe the new display being (been?) developed by Cadillac has got tactile feedback.

Otherwise, yes, I agree with you. Touchscreen displays are as dangerous as texting while driving.

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