This month, we review SonixTOUCH, the latest offering of ULTRASONIX, a Canadian based company that is entering the Indian market this year. Sonix TOUCH offers a completely touch screen driven user-interface, premium image quality, advanced imaging modes, full connectivity and all packaged in a light-weight, compact system.
FIRST LOOK
The machine is appealing to look at. It has a large (10.7 inch) flat screen monitor with a small well packaged unit on wheels. As we approach the machine, we realize that it is a fully touch screen unit, indeed the first of its kind. Touch technoology has been introduced partly by some ultrasound manufacturers earlier on the console, but this is a first. The console is pleasant looking and all keys are well spaced out.
EASE OF USE
The machine is fairly easy to use. Within a few minutes, one can get around using almost all the buttons and the screen fairly easily. The touch screen tactile feel is not like that of an iphone (does any equipment have that !), but within a minute or so, one gets used to the firmness of the push required, and rarely do you have to key in the button twice to move from one section to another. The system includes premium-level imaging, advanced imaging modes such as Spatial Compounding, Pulse Inversion Harmonics, Extended Pulse Imaging, Elastography, and Panoramic Imaging.
Many advantages on this model include broadband frequencies on most transducers, and a 90 minute battery backup on this model, that is a first of a kind in this machine range. Presence of Elastography is a plus on this model. It offers easy and also wireless connectivity, and hence an easy sync with your present PACS server can be done. Connectivity with the Apple OSIRIX platform is also available.
FINAL VERDICT
This is a good machine to launch as a first for a new Ultrasound company, and will find a place in premium institutes as well as mid-upper ultrasound centres. The pricing of the machine is vital as it needs to compete in the bracket of HD 7-9 and GE P3-P5. The presence of Elastography and touch screen technology may tilt the user to buy this product if the price is just right.
For more information, please contact Mr. Anil Rao, Country Manager, India @
