gswitz
Using Windows 7, you can do a bunch of cool stuff with touch. I wouldn't rush Windows 8. Windows 9 is right around the corner and jumping straight to 9 might make more sense for you.

How do you move the faders?  I can select them, but any drag scrolls the console.

I don't have that issue, but I'm on Windows 8. is your screen properly calibrated?

Hmm. . .   The touch screen seems to be working outside of sonar.  In sonar it is accurate, it's just that the drag and movement actions do not do what tey are supposed to..  And if the plug-ins are not touch capable yet. . .  So close, yet so far. .. 
 
Even if I get this to work, in general the buttons are too small for this to be comfortable in my workflow... 
 
I think a Korg Nanocontrol would probably do what I'm looking for with a whole lot less fuss.   Maybe a Behringer X-touch Compact.

Well, that was a disappointment.  Returned the monitor, returned Win8 (uninstalled).
 
I have a Tascam DP-24 that is a joy to use and I was trying to recreate that experience on the computer because I'm tired of working with the limitations of the portastudio.  What I realized is that having dedicated hardware controls over the transport (stop play rec rew), punch in/out, loop, track arm/select/mute, faders, jog,  and EQ is what is needed for a creative experience.  Using a mouse with a daw is like trying to eat ice-cream with a straw.
 
Even on its best day, touch SONAR is still missing half of those things.   While I liked the monitor, it introduced compromise to my desk.  The music keyboard is now back front and center where it needs to be and everything feels less cluttered, more creative.
 
If SONAR is to become an effective touch experience, they will need to design a touch version of the UI.  Everything needs to have big "playskool" buttons, with big color contrast to show what is selected.  They also need to finish the touch control of the transport, but instead of finishing the take lanes, the transport control will need to have big dedicated buttons for everything, much like a hardware control surface.  Many of these controls will be DUPLICATES of things you can do with the mouse.  Also, the faders need to have MUCH longer throw.  It will probably need to take the bottom third of the screen. 
 
Looking at hardware controllers, anything from a Korg NanoKontrol to a MCU will probably work better.

The touch perhaps can enlarge the working buttons and sliders. Use a shortcut to toggle this feature. To be able to control transparency of the active window would be helpful.
 
I see myself on a 40 inch multi-touch monitor where everything will be a bit larger. It will be 30 degrees off flat and One or two non-touch monitors vertical. The touch monitor at the bottom will have a multi-touch midi keyboard or a note generating app similar to the many midi controllers now available for the ipad.
 
Will wait for Windows 10.
 
My current setup is identical to the above except I have a tiny iPad instead of the 40" screen.

Vas
The touch perhaps can enlarge the working buttons and sliders. Use a shortcut to toggle this feature. To be able to control transparency of the active window would be helpful.
 
I see myself on a 40 inch multi-touch monitor where everything will be a bit larger. It will be 30 degrees off flat and One or two non-touch monitors vertical. The touch monitor at the bottom will have a multi-touch midi keyboard or a note generating app similar to the many midi controllers now available for the ipad.
 
Will wait for Windows 10.
 
My current setup is identical to the above except I have a tiny iPad instead of the 40" screen.

This is a good plan, but IMO if a touch monitor is too big in a horizontal, 30* placement, it will push the vertical monitors behind it too far away.  Only the bottom half of a touch monitor is in easy reach, I think it should be designed for 22/24" monotors with everything really big.

I cut out a 36 x22 inch (40" screen) cardboard to get the feel of things to come. My two non-touch monitors (total 39" wide) sit 7" off the desk and are on a swivel that can be pushed back or brought forward.
 
Keep in mind that the 40" monitor goes beyond the edge of the desk and is on my lap. I will make devise that will allow it to change angle and to be pushed back under the 7" gap.
[image]G:\BC4 DATA\Music\Photos of Studio[/image]
apparently images are not allowed here!
 
 

I have a Mackie Control the original. I have had it since it first came out. I also think touch is a great idea. 
 
I do believe that an actual control surface is a great way to control Sonar. However I see touch as potentially more versatile. What this thread has shown is though touch is going to be a useful feature it can't displace a real CS. 
 
If you don't have a real CS touch may be an alternative that over time will get better. However I do think with both we have perhaps the best of both worlds. The only trouble I see is where do we put all this gear?
 
Again this thread has address this too. At least as a consideration. In my view this is an outstanding thread with very interesting points being made by informed users.  

I installed TouchDaw ($5 android) on my Nook HD+ and its basically a Mackie Control touch interface.  Haven't gotten it working but it looks better than anything in Sonar.  
 
The problem touch will always face is that you cant rest/stabilize your hand on the scrren.  Large screens take up too much real estate; it may be that smaller screens like TouchDAW will prove superior.  They certainly have cost in their favor.  That said, I don't see the big touch screen becoming prevalent.  

Just got Touch DAW working.  Its pretty cool.  Its a touch version of Mackie Control.