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View Full Version : HP Launches New TouchSmart IQ500 Series PC


Jason Dunn
06-12-2008, 09:25 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/2008/06/11/hp-redefines-home-computing-putting-the-digital-lifestyle-at-peoples-fingertips-with-new-touchsmart-pcs/#more-8768' target='_blank'>http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/2008/06...-pcs/#more-8768</a><br /><br /></div><em>&quot;HP today unveiled a new generation of all-in-one PCs that change the way people interact with their computers by making digital entertainment a truly compelling, hands-on experience. The new HP TouchSmart family of PCs features HP software designed specifically for touch. A finger tapped or swept across the high-resolution screen delivers quick access to information, entertainment and social networks. Without using a keyboard or mouse, consumers can play music and create playlists, zoom in or out of photos, and quickly check the weather or watch TV. HP TouchSmart PCs are designed to resemble the lines of a messenger bag and to fit wherever life happens, whether in the living room to entertain friends, in the den as a social hub, or in the home office. The simple yet sleek design and natural user interface adds style and elegance anywhere it is placed.&quot;</em><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1213258724.usr1.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />Is HP the only PC OEM innovating on the Windows side of the fence? It sure seems that way sometimes. This new series of <a href="http://www.hp.com/touchsmart" target="_blank">TouchSmart PCs</a> looks quite compelling. I like the full-screen, finger-tip friendly software layer that HP has put on the TouchSmart PC. I used to feel all-in-one computers were more of a liability than a benefit, but for a &quot;kitchen computer&quot; like this one, having everything in a single piece of hardware makes a lot of sense. Priced between $1299 and $1499, this is a premium computer compared to the $499 computers on the market, but if your family needs a central computing hub in a high-traffic area of your home, this looks like it could fit the bill nicely. Want to see more? Gear Live has a <a href="http://unboxing.gearlive.com/unbox/article/q208-hp-touchsmart-pc-gets-refreshed-unboxed/" target="_blank">few unboxing photos</a> for you to check out.

Dyvim
06-12-2008, 01:28 PM
This looks really nice for a kitchen computer. I'm surprised that Apple didn't beat HP to the punch and release a multi-touch screen iMac (what with all the focus on touch technology at Apple in the past year). The UI in the first video looks pretty neat.

Jason Dunn
06-12-2008, 04:45 PM
This looks really nice for a kitchen computer.

Yeah, I've been thinking about that myself - I need to measure it to see if it would fit under my cabinets...although the problem is always what do you sacrifice from the counter to put the computer there? All of my counter-top space is full. But I might be able to make it work. :)

Phronetix
06-12-2008, 10:53 PM
Is HP the only PC OEM innovating on the Windows side of the fence?

Yup.


That's the short answer. The long answer is that while others try to "innovate", only HP appears to be releasing compelling, attractive, well supported products. (Apple fanboy comment coming) It's a shame they only have Vista to work with.

I like the competition. I want to see Apple kept on its toes, especially in the desktop/computer as appliance category.

Dennis

MarxMarvelous
06-12-2008, 11:19 PM
I thought the new Voodoo Envy laptop looked pretty sweet (Voodoo is now owned by HP)...

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/10/voodoo-floats-13-3-inch-envy-133-in-the-air/

Jason Dunn
06-12-2008, 11:29 PM
I thought the new Voodoo Envy laptop looked pretty sweet (Voodoo is now owned by HP)...

Yeah, definitely. Rahul lives in Calgary, and I've known him for years - I'm hoping to get some hands-on time with the Voodoo Envy and an interview with Rahul in the coming weeks...

I'll front-page that video - I watched it the other day, but forgot to post on it. :-)