I haven't talked to DH yet ... he is getting a shot in the back this morning so when he is lounging in bed I will ask him about the touchscreen but given what you described as your wish list for DS I can almost bet his response will be to invest in a touchscreen laptop so your DS can have the function of the touchscreen but then later build on his computer abilities. The laptop my DH had to get with the latest technology was an HP TouchSmart tx2z series laptop. It really allows you to just use a finger but you can also use a stylus as well. I personally have an HP laptop with stylus ability but his new laptop blows mine away and it would definitely give your DS the freedom but growth potential.
And as for interaction with the child... same here chris... My DD is very independent and we have to allow her some of that or we have a battle. Really is about each child and their personalities.
