There is no hard requirement to redesign the whole UI around touch on a laptop. Touch will never be the only or even primary interaction mode on a laptop. It is

There is no hard requirement to redesign the whole UI around touch on a laptop. Touch will never be the only or even primary interaction mode on a laptop. It is an alternate mode suitable for some interactions and as a way to “take a break” from the repetitive movements of keyboard/trackpad/mouse. If you observer people who use a touch-enabled laptop, they will dynamically switch interaction modes depending on the situation. Scrolling the screen, pressing a button, dragging an element, zooming are all actions that lend themselves to touch. It is not an either/or choice. That is why fears of “gorilla arm” are overblown. I also find that switching modes can be a relief when the keyboard or trackpad/mouse gets tiring. It helps to switch up movements to avoid repetitive stress.