Reviewing the HP Touchsmart
HP's computers at times dazzle the reviewers as they did with the tx1000z, a tablet PC. They bombed with the tx1000. They are back on the right path, this time with the HP TouchSmart (next generation). It is destined to be a favorite of fans of the all-in-one Windows based PC. I read one review where the reviewer called it his "all time all-in-one3 computer."
The TouchSmart comes in two screen sizes, 22" and 25 1/2 ". That is a heck of a lot of viewing real estate. It also has a wireless keyboard and mouse standard.
This review will primarily be about the HP TouchSmart IQ816 which is one of the larger models. It comes ewith a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor , along with 4gb ram and a 750gb hard drive. It has a Blu-ray DVD read/write and a dock for an HP media drive.
The large screen 25" supports hi-def video and is powered by an nVidia GeForce 9600M GS graphics adapter with 500mb of standalone memory. No memory sharing for this bad boy! It also boasts an analog TV tuner that can work as a DVR with Vista Home Premium Media center features. Sporting a Gigabit ethernet port and a built in 802.11n wi-fi adapter. There are a fairly decent set of speakers under the screen.
The touch screen on the TouchSmart PC steals the show and with more than 25" of real estate, it supports multi-tasking as never before. It does a good job with movies. A downside is a relatively narrow range of viewing, more than likely caused by the inclusion of the touchscreen components built into the glass. When you move to the side, the colors distort and the screen becomes darker. The screen is similar to the iPhone in that you can multitouch, probably with the index fingers of each hand. You will have to resist the urge to press hard on the screen because the screen is not pressure sensitive. You will need a firm but light touch.
The price for the TouchSmart PC is a bit steep at $2099. You can grab a 22" screen model for around $1450 and if you drop the Blu-ray from the 25.5" model it lessens the bite to $2050.
Gvie yourself a nice Christmas present. The HP TouchSmart is a winner in my book.
The TouchSmart comes in two screen sizes, 22" and 25 1/2 ". That is a heck of a lot of viewing real estate. It also has a wireless keyboard and mouse standard.
This review will primarily be about the HP TouchSmart IQ816 which is one of the larger models. It comes ewith a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor , along with 4gb ram and a 750gb hard drive. It has a Blu-ray DVD read/write and a dock for an HP media drive.
The large screen 25" supports hi-def video and is powered by an nVidia GeForce 9600M GS graphics adapter with 500mb of standalone memory. No memory sharing for this bad boy! It also boasts an analog TV tuner that can work as a DVR with Vista Home Premium Media center features. Sporting a Gigabit ethernet port and a built in 802.11n wi-fi adapter. There are a fairly decent set of speakers under the screen.
The touch screen on the TouchSmart PC steals the show and with more than 25" of real estate, it supports multi-tasking as never before. It does a good job with movies. A downside is a relatively narrow range of viewing, more than likely caused by the inclusion of the touchscreen components built into the glass. When you move to the side, the colors distort and the screen becomes darker. The screen is similar to the iPhone in that you can multitouch, probably with the index fingers of each hand. You will have to resist the urge to press hard on the screen because the screen is not pressure sensitive. You will need a firm but light touch.
The price for the TouchSmart PC is a bit steep at $2099. You can grab a 22" screen model for around $1450 and if you drop the Blu-ray from the 25.5" model it lessens the bite to $2050.
Gvie yourself a nice Christmas present. The HP TouchSmart is a winner in my book.