Nov
05
2025
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At Ideum, every piece of hardware is designed and built with precision, from the rugged enclosures of our touch tables to the high-performance computers that power them. Rather than relying on off-the-shelf PCs, we assemble and test our own computers in-house at our studio in Corrales, New Mexico, ensuring that each system is purpose-built for multitouch interactivity and demanding exhibit environments.
By building our own computers, we can optimize every component for performance, reliability, and long-term support. Each system is engineered to meet the unique needs of our touch tables, displays, and custom A/V installations, whether being used to drive ultra-high resolution content, running complex multitouch interactives, or running continuously in an operations center. This approach gives us complete control over quality and integration, so every Ideum system, from the inside out, reflects the same craftsmanship and attention to detail that define our work.
From the start, Ideum has taken a holistic approach to interactive design. Our hardware is developed in consideration of its use case, ensuring that all elements work in harmony. Building our computers in-house isn’t just a technical choice - it’s central to the performance, reliability, and versatility of our multitouch tables, kiosks, and displays.
We’ve designed slim, form-factor computer cases that fit seamlessly into the base of our touch tables, creating a clean and compact setup without sacrificing performance. Integrating the computer directly into the table allows the system to be powered on and off with a single push button, removing the need to operate the display and computer separately. Security was a key consideration in the design: the computers are enclosed behind a locking access panel, including the power button, ensuring that each system is secure and ready to meet the demands of museums, science centers, and other public installations.
Our touch tables are as versatile as our clients, with different needs and requirements for each installation. By building our own computers, we can customize each system for a range of use cases without having to rely on pre-built specifications. We offer three different levels of computer configurations - Standard, Performance, and Ultimate. Each configuration features processors from Intel and dedicated graphics from NVIDIA, and operates on Windows 11, making them all capable of running a wide range of software, from off-the-shelf applications like Bluebeam to fully custom applications built by the Ideum development team. You can see our current computer specifications for each model here.
If one of our standard computer configurations doesn’t work for you, we also provide fully custom PC builds. Whether you need a custom server to connect to a multi-screen A/V installation or the removal of wireless components for use in a secure environment, Ideum touch tables can accommodate very specific requirements while maintaining full functionality.
Building our computers in-house allows us to design systems for longevity and upgradability. By utilizing the latest industry-standard components, our computers are always top of the line. While they are built to last, with many of our systems still in use after 10+ years in busy museums (such as the Ideum Colossus at the National Air and Space Museum, on site since 2015), many users choose to upgrade the computers with the advancement of components. Our design allows for this possibility, whether swapping an entire computer or replacing individual components, we ensure that our touch tables can be current with the latest technology. This approach also enables us to provide comprehensive support and service with a level of care and assistance that simply is not possible with off-the-shelf, third-party computers.
Before shipping, each computer undergoes comprehensive stress testing and benchmarking in addition to our other quality control checks that confirm optimal performance with our touchscreen hardware. The thorough process ensures that every computer that leaves our studio is ready for immediate and long-term use. By designing and assembling our own computers, we ensure that every Ideum system is optimized, secure, and built to perform reliably for years to come.
In addition to our different component configurations, the computers for our touch tables are also available in several form factors to fit the needs of different installations.
The integrated computer is our most common form factor and is found in our Platform II, Drafting II, Pico, Portrait, Pano, and Reader Rail models. This computer features powerful components, including dedicated graphics cards, built into a custom-designed slim form-factor PC case that was designed to securely integrate into the above lineup of multitouch tables and kiosks. The design maintains the clean lines and small footprint of these multitouch systems without compromising thermal management and serviceability. These integrated computers are ideal for public environments where a compact, all-in-one form is essential.
The rear-mounted external computer is found on two of our models - the Presenter and the Inline. With a slim form-factor design similar to our integrated computers, the rear-mounted external system features a key difference: a locking mechanism. Since the computer is technically external, it was important to include a security feature to prevent tampering when used in a public space. The rear mount is informed by the use case for each model. It allows the Presenter to be mounted to a wall or motorized stand while staying true to its versatility as a modular system. For the Inline, it enables the display to be easily integrated into custom enclosures with minimal need for complex cable management between the display and computer.
While less common in our touch table lineup, we do build full-size tower computers for situations where more powerful computing is required. As the standard option in our Pro and Colossus tables, the tower computer is perfect for situations that require extra power, such as complex AI computing or live rendering of 3D graphics. Built with high-end components and extensive cooling, touch tables with these systems are great for developers, design studios, operation centers, or other installations that demand maximum graphics capabilities.
The rack-mount computer is Ideum’s most uncommon PC build, and is generally reserved for environments where equipment needs to be centralized. Control rooms, A/V closets, and networked exhibit spaces all benefit from the same reliability and performance as our standard lineup, with the added security and serviceability the rack-mount grants. These computers are often entirely custom configurations, designed to network multiple screens, switches, and touch tables for multifaceted installations. The case is based on our external computer design that has been modified to fit seamlessly into a 2U server rack.
All of these different form factors are built to order to Ideum’s standards, with industrial grade, industry standard components selected to handle continuous operation and heavy workloads.
As interactive technology continues to advance, Ideum’s in-house production allows us to innovate quickly and effectively. With full control over hardware design, we’re prepared to integrate the latest GPU and CPU technologies to meet the increasing performance demands of next-generation exhibits and installations. By continuing to build our computers in-house, we ensure that Ideum systems remain powerful, reliable, and ready for whatever comes next.
Building computers in-house is more than a manufacturing choice - it’s a commitment to quality, performance, and integration. By designing every system from the ground up, Ideum ensures that each touch table and display delivers the best possible experience for our clients and their audiences. From the chassis to the processor, every element reflects our belief in building better by building from within.
