Jerricho
Yes, touchscreens are the main method of use.
Heathrow Director
Some elements of strip use do require more heads down, but this is balanced by other areas requiring less. Also more thinking time gained in others where previously you reacted to events ie planning arrival route knowing the stands in advance, pushbacks in advance of ac calling.
055166k
Cost - who knows, but believed to be more than your guess.
ps. There is another thread running on the NATS forum on this subject.