7 Best Touchscreen Monitors in 2026

Touchscreen monitors sound like a simple upgrade until you're actually shopping for one. The category splits almost immediately into fundamentally different use cases: compact displays for kiosk and POS setups, portable units that travel with a laptop, and full-size desktop monitors that want to replace your existing screen with something you can actually reach out and tap. Get the wrong one and you'll end up with a beautiful 27-inch display your arms can't comfortably reach, or a portable screen that doesn't support touch on your specific laptop port.

The best touchscreen monitors don't just have touch capability bolted on. They nail the balance between resolution, refresh rate, connectivity (including that critical USB cable for activating touch), and ergonomics for the way you actually work. Touch registration that lags or jumps makes any monitor feel cheap regardless of its panel quality.

This guide covers seven solid options across the full range: two proven ASUS models for desktop and compact use, a genuinely portable option from CAPERAVE, budget-friendly 24-inch and 27-inch panels from CUNPU, the ViewSonic TD2423D built for commercial durability, and a 2K gaming-class panel from Pisichen that's the only QHD pick in the group. Prices range from under $110 to $300, and the right answer depends almost entirely on screen size, use case, and whether macOS compatibility matters to you.

TL;DR: The ASUS VT229H is the one most people should buy: a proven 21.5-inch IPS panel with 10-point touch and a track record of reliability. The ASUS VT169HE is the best compact desktop pick at 15.6 inches. The CAPERAVE 15.6" Portable is the clear choice for anyone who needs touch on the go. The Pisichen 27" 2K is worth the premium if you want QHD resolution with 100Hz refresh.

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Comparison Table

#	Product	Size	Resolution	Refresh	Price	Best For
1	ASUS VT229H	21.5"	1080p IPS	60Hz	$219.00	Best overall desktop
2	ASUS VT169HE	15.6"	1080p IPS	60Hz	$173.99	Best compact / NUC mount
3	CAPERAVE 15.6" Portable	15.6"	1080p IPS	60Hz	$109.99	Best portable touchscreen
4	CUNPU 24" FHD	24"	1080p IPS	75Hz	$178.99	Best budget 24-inch
5	CUNPU 27" Nano IPS	27"	1080p IPS	60Hz	$249.99	Best budget 27-inch
6	ViewSonic TD2423D	24"	1080p	75Hz	$300.00	Best for POS and kiosk
7	Pisichen 27" 2K	27"	2K QHD	100Hz	$269.99	Best 2K / gaming

Prices change frequently. Check the link for the current price before purchasing.

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How we picked

Finding the best touchscreen monitors meant weighting factors that matter more in this category than in standard displays:

• Touch technology and point count. Capacitive touch feels dramatically more like a smartphone or tablet; infrared touch (as on the ViewSonic) is more durable and mac-compatible but can feel slightly less precise. Ten-point touch is the minimum that makes gestures like pinch-to-zoom genuinely fluid.
• Panel type and color accuracy. IPS panels hold their color at wide viewing angles, which matters when you lean or tilt to touch. Lower contrast panels wash out at extreme angles just when you're reaching to tap something.
• USB connectivity for touch activation. Every monitor here requires a USB cable (usually USB-B or USB-C) connected alongside the video cable to activate touch. Getting clear documentation on this, and whether the cable is included, separates a plug-and-play experience from a frustrating setup.
• macOS compatibility. Several of these monitors explicitly don't support touch on macOS. If you're on a Mac, this is your first filter, not an afterthought.
• Refresh rate and use case match. Sixty Hz is fine for office work and media. If you're doing light gaming alongside touch navigation, 75Hz or 100Hz is worth prioritizing.
• Ergonomics and mounting. VESA compatibility, tilt range, and whether the stand is adjustable enough for comfortable touch use (you should not have to lean far forward to hit the lower portion of the screen) all affect daily usability more than most specs suggest.

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1. ASUS VT229H 21.5": Best Overall

The ASUS VT229H has been around long enough to have a real track record, and it shows. ASUS's Eye Care certification (TUV Rheinland-certified flicker-free backlight and low blue light filter) is not marketing copy here. It genuinely makes a difference over long sessions. The IPS panel holds 178-degree viewing angles, which means the color doesn't shift when you tilt it to a more touchable angle.

At 21.5 inches and 1080p, pixel density is comfortable for general use. It won't wow you like a 4K display, but for interactive work (forms, annotation, presentation control) the sharpness is more than adequate and the touch response keeps up. The frameless design makes it work cleanly in a dual-monitor configuration: one touch display alongside a standard panel. The 10-point multi-touch makes virtual keyboard input and pinch gestures feel natural rather than approximate.

Connectivity is HDMI and VGA, which covers most scenarios. If you want DisplayPort you'll need to look at the ViewSonic instead. One real bonus: ASUS bundles a one-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription with purchase, which is a genuine perk for anyone moving to a touch workflow. Windows users get the full feature set; macOS users should note that touch functionality is not available on this model.

Pros:

• TUV Rheinland-certified Eye Care with flicker-free and low blue light (not just claimed, certified)
• Frameless design integrates cleanly into multi-monitor setups
• Proven IPS panel with wide viewing angles that hold up at touch-friendly tilt angles
• HDMI and VGA cover most standard setups
• Adobe Creative Cloud one-month access bundled

Cons:

• No macOS touch support
• No DisplayPort
• 60Hz refresh rate; fine for office use but limiting if you also game

Best for: Windows users who want a reliable, mid-size desktop touchscreen from a name brand, especially those running a dual-monitor setup.

Check current price on Amazon →

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2. ASUS VT169HE 15.6": Best Compact Desktop Touchscreen

The ASUS VT169HE fills a specific and underserved slot: a small, VESA-mountable touchscreen designed to pair directly with a mini PC or NUC. At 15.6 inches and 3.2 pounds, it's genuinely light enough to mount on the back of a NUC stand or an arm without counterweight issues. That -5 to +30 degree tilt range makes it easier to position for touch use than most full-size displays.

The IPS panel delivers the same wide-angle color consistency as its bigger sibling, and the frameless design is cleaner than you'd expect at this price. ASUS Eye Care is included here too: certified flicker-free and low blue light for users who'll have this screen at close range all day. At 15.6 inches, "close range" is the default mode.

It's verified Windows 11 compliant, which matters for touch-first setups running Windows Hello or tablet-mode apps. The VESA mount (75x75mm) is the key differentiator from portable monitors in this size: you can mount this on a wall or arm and treat it as a fixed installation. Connectivity is HDMI only, so plan for that cable run.

Pros:

• VESA 75x75mm compatible for permanent mounting on arms or mini PC stands
• Lightest panel in this roundup at 3.2 pounds
• TUV Rheinland Eye Care certification (same as the VT229H)
• Windows 11 compliance verified
• Frameless design

Cons:

• HDMI only; no VGA or DisplayPort
• 15.6 inches is small for primary desktop use
• No macOS touch support

Best for: Mini PC or NUC setups where a small, permanently mounted touchscreen replaces the keyboard for POS, kiosk, or smart home control applications.

Check current price on Amazon →

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3. CAPERAVE 15.6" Portable Touchscreen: Best Portable Option

The CAPERAVE 15.6" Portable Monitor is the only genuinely travel-ready option in this group, and at about 4.25 pounds with a built-in kickstand, it's structured more like a tablet stand than a traditional monitor. The tempered glass cover is a real differentiator: it protects the touch surface during transit in a way that bare displays don't, and it gives the touch experience a premium feel.

This is also the only pick that explicitly supports both Windows and macOS for touch input, provided you're connecting via USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode (Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB-C 3.1 DP Alt Mode). That single-cable solution carries video, power, and touch simultaneously, which is the kind of desk-simplifying setup that sounds minor until you're packing up to move every day. For devices without DP Alt Mode, you connect HDMI plus a USB-A to USB-C cable for touch, which is still manageable.

The built-in speakers are a nice addition for travel use. They're not going to replace desktop audio, but for video calls or quick presentations in a conference room, having audio without hunting for Bluetooth speakers is useful. The IPS panel hits 178-degree viewing angles and covers its 1920×1080 resolution cleanly.

What you give up compared to the desktop monitors: no VESA mounting, no height adjustment beyond kickstand angle, and the kickstand approach means the stability on soft surfaces (a lap, a cloth bag) is less secure than a proper stand.

Pros:

• Compatible with macOS touch (via USB-C DP Alt Mode) – rare in this category
• Tempered glass protects the touch surface for travel
• Built-in kickstand and speakers
• Single-cable USB-C connection for video, power, and touch on compatible laptops
• Genuinely portable at 4.25 pounds

Cons:

• No VESA mounting; not suitable for permanent installation
• Kickstand is less stable on uneven surfaces
• HDMI touch requires an additional USB cable

Best for: Remote workers, students, and engineers who need a second touch-capable screen on the road and, critically, those on Mac who want macOS touch support.

Check current price on Amazon →

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4. CUNPU 24" FHD Touchscreen: Best Budget 24-Inch

The CUNPU 24-inch is the most straightforward value proposition in this lineup. At 24 inches and 1080p with a 75Hz IPS panel, you're getting a full-size touch display for significantly less than brand-name alternatives of similar size. The 100% sRGB coverage is notable at this price point: color accuracy for photo editing or design work holds up better than generic budget panels.

CUNPU includes HDR10 support for deeper contrast on compatible content. In practice, 220 cd/m² peak brightness means HDR content looks better than non-HDR but won't reach the dramatic pop of true HDR displays. Think of it as a perceptible improvement rather than a transformation. The blue light reduction and flicker-free tech are present, though not third-party certified the way ASUS's are.

The 75Hz refresh rate edges out several competitors here, making everyday scrolling and navigation feel just a bit smoother. Connectivity covers HDMI, VGA, and USB. The USB port activates touch (the USB-B cable is included) and can connect a keyboard or mouse, which streamlines the cable situation.

One important caveat: macOS is explicitly not supported. The touch layer requires the USB-B connection to a Windows PC. If you're buying this for a Mac setup, look at the CAPERAVE portable or the ViewSonic TD2423D instead.

Pros:

• 75Hz refresh rate at this price tier
• 100% sRGB coverage for color-accurate work
• VESA 100x100mm compatible for arm mounting
• HDR10 mode
• HDMI, VGA, and USB included

Cons:

• No macOS touch support
• Eye care features not third-party certified
• 220 cd/m² brightness is modest in bright rooms

Best for: Windows users who want the largest affordable touchscreen for general work and media, and don't need macOS compatibility.

Check current price on Amazon →

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5. CUNPU 27" Nano IPS Touchscreen: Best Budget 27-Inch

The CUNPU 27-inch Nano IPS is a bigger, slightly more premium take on the same formula as the 24-inch model, with one important upgrade: Nano IPS technology. Standard IPS panels are good. Nano IPS panels push color volume higher, delivering more saturated, accurate colors at wide angles. For creative work on a touchscreen, that matters.

At 27 inches and 1080p, pixel density drops to a point where individual pixels are visible at typical viewing distances. That's an acceptable trade-off if screen real estate and touch range matter more than sharpness, but anyone doing text-heavy work or fine detail editing may want to step up to the Pisichen 2K panel instead. The price difference between the two is real but the resolution difference at 27 inches is significant.

The 60Hz refresh rate is a step back from the 24-inch CUNPU model, which has 75Hz. For pure office and productivity use this is a non-issue. For anyone who switches between touch navigation and occasional gaming, the Pisichen at 100Hz would be the better long-term choice. Same USB-B touch activation requirement and macOS exclusion as the 24-inch version applies here.

Pros:

• Nano IPS panel for better color volume than standard IPS
• 100% sRGB
• VESA 100x100mm compatible
• HDR10 mode
• HDMI, VGA, and USB

Cons:

• 1080p at 27 inches is noticeably soft compared to QHD at this size
• 60Hz is a step behind the 24-inch CUNPU model
• No macOS touch support

Best for: Windows users who prioritize screen size and Nano IPS color quality over pixel density, particularly for video editing or photo work where the larger touch canvas is more valuable than sharp fine text.

Check current price on Amazon →

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6. ViewSonic TD2423D 24": Best for Commercial and POS Use

The ViewSonic TD2423D is the one monitor on this list built to be touched by strangers all day. The 7H scratch-resistant glass surface is a meaningful spec in retail, hospitality, or any environment where the display gets continuous contact. Consumer touchscreens use softer glass coatings that show wear. This one doesn't.

The touch technology here is infrared (IR) rather than capacitive, which is a considered trade-off. IR touch is generally more durable and works with gloved hands or a stylus, making it practical for checkout counters, museum kiosks, or medical reception. Critically, ViewSonic supports macOS touch via their vTouch driver, making the TD2423D the best option for Mac-based commercial setups (note that iPhone and iPad are excluded).

Connectivity is the most comprehensive in this group: HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, and a USB hub. That USB hub means you can route a keyboard, scanner, or receipt printer through the monitor itself, reducing cable clutter at a POS station. The freestanding tablet design, with its muted black finish and stable adjustable stand, is styled for commercial visibility rather than consumer minimalism. It doesn't look particularly elegant, but it looks deliberate and professional.

At $300 it's the most expensive desktop option here. For a home office or personal setup, that premium is harder to justify. For a commercial installation where durability, cross-platform compatibility, and port expansion matter, it's the right call.

Pros:

• 7H scratch-resistant glass for high-contact environments
• Infrared touch works with gloves; more durable than capacitive in commercial settings
• macOS touch support via vTouch driver
• HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, and USB hub
• 75Hz refresh rate

Cons:

• Most expensive desktop option in this roundup
• IR touch is slightly less precise than capacitive for fine on-screen work
• Freestanding design is functional but not elegant for home office setups

Best for: Retail POS systems, kiosk installations, education environments, and any setup requiring macOS touch compatibility or heavy daily contact from multiple users.

Check current price on Amazon →

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7. Pisichen 27" 2K Touchscreen: Best for QHD and Gaming

The Pisichen 27-inch is the only QHD panel in this group, and that resolution difference at 27 inches is visible immediately. Where 1080p at 27 inches starts to show individual pixels on text and fine lines, 2560×1440 sits in the sweet spot for desktop use: sharp enough that you won't notice pixels at normal viewing distance, but not so dense that scaling becomes necessary.

The 100Hz refresh rate is the other differentiator. Scrolling through documents, swiping between touch-navigated apps, and the occasional gaming session all benefit from the smoother motion. This is also the only monitor in this roundup to offer USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode for video input, which means a single cable from a compatible laptop handles video and touch simultaneously (the same arrangement as the CAPERAVE portable, but in a full desktop form factor). HDMI and VGA are included for everything else.

The white chassis is a deliberate design choice that stands out in a category dominated by matte black. It will look sharp on a clean desk but will show dust and marks more readily than dark finishes. Built-in speakers handle video calls and casual audio without external additions. VESA mounting and tilt adjustment are present, though the monitor doesn't offer height adjustment on its stand, which is a limitation for ergonomic touch setups.

One thing to confirm before buying: USB-C touch activation only works when the connected device supports DP Alt Mode. Standard USB-C charging ports won't carry video or touch. The listing is clear about this, but it's worth double-checking your laptop's specifications first.

Pros:

• 2560×1440 QHD resolution at 27 inches (the only QHD option here)
• 100Hz refresh rate for smoother motion and gaming
• USB-C (DP Alt Mode) single-cable connection
• HDMI, VGA, and USB-C connectivity
• Built-in speakers
• Clean white design

Cons:

• No height adjustment on the stand; tilt only
• USB-C touch requires DP Alt Mode support, not standard USB-C
• White finish shows dust and marks more than dark panels

Best for: Users who want the sharpest desktop touchscreen in this price range, especially those who also use the display for gaming or who connect via a modern laptop with USB-C DP Alt Mode.

Check current price on Amazon →

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Buyer's guide: how to choose a touchscreen monitor

The best touchscreen monitors for one setup can be entirely wrong for another. The key is matching touch technology, resolution, and connectivity to how you'll actually use it.

Touch technology: capacitive vs. infrared

Most monitors here use capacitive touch, the same technology in your smartphone. It's accurate, responsive, and excellent for finger gestures. The trade-off is that it generally doesn't work with gloves and degrades faster in environments with heavy, continuous contact.

Infrared touch (the ViewSonic TD2423D uses this) works by detecting interruptions in an invisible light grid just above the screen surface. It's inherently more durable, works with gloves, styli, or any object, and doesn't degrade with heavy use. The precision is slightly lower than capacitive for fine movements like precise cursor placement, but for most interactive tasks the difference is imperceptible. If you're buying for commercial or public-facing use, infrared is almost always the better long-term choice.

macOS compatibility

This is the most underappreciated filter in the category. Several monitors here explicitly do not support touch on macOS, including both CUNPU models and both ASUS models reviewed above. Touch on macOS requires specific driver support that many manufacturers haven't implemented.

If you're on a Mac: the CAPERAVE portable (via USB-C DP Alt Mode), the ViewSonic TD2423D (via vTouch driver), and the Pisichen 27" (via USB-C DP Alt Mode) are your options. Verify macOS compatibility for your specific Mac model before purchasing any touchscreen monitor.

Resolution relative to screen size

Resolution and screen size are linked in a way that non-touch monitors can ignore. When you touch a screen, your face is closer to it. Pixel density matters more.

At 15.6 inches, 1080p is sharp enough for comfortable close-range use. At 21.5 inches, 1080p still works well. At 24 inches, 1080p begins to look soft on text-heavy content at close range. At 27 inches, 1080p is noticeably soft at normal desktop distances, and the CUNPU 27-inch model reflects this trade-off: great color, less-than-ideal sharpness. The Pisichen's QHD at 27 inches solves this but costs more. If you're choosing a 27-inch touchscreen primarily for productivity work, the resolution upgrade is worth the cost difference.

Connectivity for touch activation

Every touchscreen monitor in this category requires two connections: one for video and one to activate touch. The video connection is the standard HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort cable. The touch activation requires either:

• A USB-B cable (the square-shaped printer-style USB connector) to a USB-A port on your computer, or
• A USB-C cable with DisplayPort Alt Mode support (for monitors that offer this)

The USB-C single-cable setup is cleaner and increasingly common. The USB-B approach works reliably but adds a cable. Check which cable is included in the box: most monitors here bundle the necessary USB cable, but confirm before purchasing.

Refresh rate and intended use

For pure office work, forms-filling, POS use, or annotation, 60Hz is adequate. You won't notice the difference between 60 and 100Hz when moving through a spreadsheet or signing a document. Where higher refresh rates matter: scrolling long documents or code, casual gaming alongside touch navigation, and any situation where fast cursor movement is common. The Pisichen (100Hz) and CUNPU 24-inch (75Hz) are the only options here that go above 60Hz; both are worth the consideration if your use goes beyond standard productivity.

Mounting and ergonomics

Touchscreen use changes the ergonomics of a monitor significantly. You need to be able to reach the bottom portion of the display comfortably without leaning forward in a posture that strains your back. This generally means the display should sit lower than a standard non-touch monitor, and the tilt angle should be fairly open.

VESA compatibility (present on every desktop model here except the CAPERAVE portable) lets you position the display on a monitor arm, which solves the ergonomic problem completely: you can bring the screen forward and tilt it aggressively without a fixed stand. If you're setting up a permanent touch workstation, a monitor arm investment alongside any of these displays will pay off in posture and comfort within a week.

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Frequently asked questions

Do touchscreen monitors work on Mac?

Not all of them. Several monitors in this category, including both CUNPU models and the ASUS VT229H and VT169HE, do not support touch functionality on macOS. Mac-compatible options include the CAPERAVE portable (via USB-C DP Alt Mode), the ViewSonic TD2423D (via vTouch driver), and the Pisichen 27-inch (via USB-C DP Alt Mode on compatible Macs). Always verify macOS touch support for your specific Mac model before purchasing.

Why does a touchscreen monitor need a USB cable in addition to HDMI?

The video signal (HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA) carries picture information only. Touch input is a separate data stream that travels through a USB connection. Without the USB cable connected, the display works as a normal monitor but the touch layer is inactive. Most monitors include the required USB cable in the box. USB-C monitors with DisplayPort Alt Mode can combine both video and touch in a single cable.

Can I use a touchscreen monitor as a drawing tablet?

To a limited extent. Ten-point capacitive touch monitors respond well to finger input and basic stylus interaction. They are not equivalent to dedicated drawing tablets: there is no pressure sensitivity, and most don't support active stylus technology (like Wacom or Microsoft Pen Protocol). For sketching, annotation, or interactive presentation control they work well. For professional illustration or photo retouching requiring pressure-sensitive strokes, a dedicated pen display is a better tool.

What is the best touchscreen monitor for a Windows kiosk or POS setup?

The ViewSonic TD2423D is the strongest choice for commercial use. Its 7H scratch-resistant glass withstands heavy daily contact, its infrared touch technology works with gloves and bare hands equally well, and its USB hub means you can connect a barcode scanner, receipt printer, and keyboard through the monitor itself. It also supports macOS via the vTouch driver, covering Apple-based POS systems.

How do I know if a touchscreen monitor will work with my laptop's USB-C port?

USB-C ports vary significantly. Touch-over-USB-C requires a port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, found on Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports and some USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports. Standard USB-C charging ports and older USB-C data ports do not support video output and will not activate touch. Check your laptop's specifications: look for "Thunderbolt 3/4" or "USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode" to confirm compatibility before purchasing a USB-C touch monitor.

Is 1080p resolution adequate on a 27-inch touchscreen monitor?

It depends on how close you sit and what you're doing. For video playback, casual navigation, and interactive kiosk use at arm's length, 1080p at 27 inches is acceptable. For text-heavy work like coding, spreadsheets, or document editing at close range, it starts to look soft. The Pisichen 27-inch's 2K (2560×1440) resolution makes a visible difference at typical desktop distances and is worth the extra cost if clarity on text is important to you.

Do touchscreen monitors add significant lag compared to regular monitors?

The touch layer itself adds minimal perceptible lag on modern capacitive panels. The response delay you might notice on a touchscreen monitor is more likely related to the monitor's input lag (typically listed in milliseconds) or the touch driver's calibration than the touch technology itself. For office and creative use, the difference from a standard monitor is negligible. For competitive gaming where milliseconds matter, dedicated gaming monitors remain the better choice even if some touchscreen options (like the Pisichen at 100Hz) are more gaming-capable than others.

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Final verdict

The best touchscreen monitors for most people are the ones that match size, platform, and use case rather than spec-chasing for the highest number. For a reliable desktop touchscreen on Windows, the ASUS VT229H is the safest recommendation: proven IPS panel, Eye Care certification, frameless design, and a brand that stands behind its displays. If 15.6 inches is enough screen for your setup, the ASUS VT169HE delivers the same core quality at a lower price and with VESA mounting that makes it genuinely flexible.

For portability and macOS compatibility, the CAPERAVE 15.6" is the clear choice. The tempered glass and single-cable USB-C setup solve two real problems that cheap portable touchscreens don't. On the commercial side, the ViewSonic TD2423D is the only option with scratch-resistant glass and infrared touch built for sustained daily use. And if you want the sharpest image in the group, the Pisichen 27" 2K at 100Hz is the one to buy: QHD at 27 inches with gaming-capable refresh rate makes it the most versatile panel here.

If you're still undecided, focus on two questions: do you need macOS touch support, and what size fits your desk and workflow? Those two filters will eliminate most of the wrong options before any other spec comes into play.

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