When I first used the iPhone, I was not impressed by its lack of tactile feedback. I mean, when I want to push a button, I should be able to feel it, for crying out loud! Considering that touchscreens are starting to become even more common place these days, I suppose we all have to accept our inputs on faith.

Fortunately, for those of us who want the instant gratification of operating controls, research is now being developed to combine touchscreen and tactile controls.

The experimental device is called the SenseSurface, and it allows users to place working knobs on the screen’s virtual controls. It works by putting on magnetic knobs that can be placed anywhere on a touchscreen LCD screen.

Forget the iPhone 3G. You heard me. Forget it. You see, I got something better for you: the Basic Tab phone.

This Basic Tab phone, currently a concept by designer Jaren Goh, takes that same concept of the iPhone with the full touch screen interface and gives it an edgier feel. Comparing the coolness factors of the two devices is like comparing Herbie vs. Knight Rider.

In other words, I think we all know what looks cooler, hands-down. The Basic Tab has the edge because of its use of red translucent materials, and then adds a touch of chrome for a steel look.