[Merged] HP TouchSmart (IQ500 Series) All-In-One Computers with Multi-Touch Screen

[illtype]

imac killer is now shipping

This thing really looks like a imac killer.


http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/hps-touchsmart-2-all-in-one-pc-now-shipping/#comments

 

[MinorBidoh]

looks like apple has lost out to the pc touch evolution... or has it?

 

[mkrishnan]

Okay, sorry, I was kind of doing several things while I was listening to the video (and my French is imperfect) so I missed that. Thanks. Here's a text description of the feature set, as of a couple of weeks ago:

http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=11&id=2588

And I guess it apparently is starting to trickle into stock already -- it's up for order in the US at Circuit City. Price is not overly unreasonable.

 

[mahonmeister]

They both fail because of their respective 'chins.' Seriously, Dell is the only one who got it right. Put the computer behind the screen, not underneath it.

Just curious, I totally just grabbed this image straight from Dell's site without hosting it elsewhere. Is that an internet no-no?

 

[flopticalcube]

They both fail because of their respective 'chins.' Seriously, Dell is the only one who got it right. Put the computer behind the screen, not underneath it.

Both the iMac and the HP are, for the most part, behind the screen as well. Dell has moved it from the "chin" to the "ears". I do agree it looks better, however.

Glad to see someone else testing these waters (touch screen home computers) rather than Apple.

 

[bedoig]

It runs Vista + HP application on top or something like that. The video says Vista can't do touch screen so HP had to create their own applications for it.

Thanks for moving it to the more appropriate forum.

I agree. Looks to me like some HP add-ons for media, etc.

Vista has plenty of built-in touch screen control though. That input panel you see that he is using to write with his finger is straight out of Vista, as are a number of other touch-related features. Windows Media Center is also great with a touch interface. Personally, I like Vista a lot. I'm running it on an 800mhz UMPC no problem. A dual boot for OSX might be nice too though

 

[illtype]

this thing is so amazing. i used one and it is the real deal. the price is great. perfect for a kitchen or den. i think i am going to sell my imac and get this.

 

[mahonmeister]

Both the iMac and the HP are, for the most part, behind the screen as well. Dell has moved it from the "chin" to the "ears". I do agree it looks better, however.

Exactly. The Dell machine is vertically symmetrical as well as horizontally (mostly). The lack of horizontal symmetry for the iMac and this HP machine create an unbalanced, awkward appearance.

I wouldn't mind playing with this machine though. Touchscreens are quite fun, given some good software to play with.

 

[NiroNavro]

Would any of you consider this over an iMac?

 

[mpw]

Would any of you consider this over an iMac?

Yes.

 

[Techguy172]

It runs Vista + HP application on top or something like that. The video says Vista can't do touch screen so HP had to create their own applications for it.

Thanks for moving it to the more appropriate forum.

Of Course vista supports Touch, it's just the bigger buttons in the HP interface make it easier.

 

[NiroNavro]

Should I?

This thing looks fricken awesome. I was set on getting a mac because I hear nothing but good things about their computers and operating systems. But then this is coming out. I'm kind of sick of Windows and the computer I have. It is very slow, it gets viruses and spyware often and I don't always find it to be the easiest to use.
So, I have some hang ups with Windows. Granted I'm using Windows XP. I haven't used Vista but then again I haven't heard very good things about it either.
The Touchsmart looks great but the specs are lower than the iMacs (slower processor, less frontside bus, lower end graphics) and I'm looking for a machine that is nice, quick, and easy to use. I'm not using my computer for much other than internet, music, photos, movies, office tools. The basics. I'm not a PC gamer either.
So, my question is, should I still plan on an iMac or should I get the Touchsmart?
I like the thought of a touchscreen, I have an iPod Touch and love it, but the low specs and OS make me question it.

Please HELP!!!

 

[mkrishnan]

The Touchsmart looks great but the specs are lower than the iMacs (slower processor, less frontside bus, lower end graphics) and I'm looking for a machine that is nice, quick, and easy to use. I'm not using my computer for much other than internet, music, photos, movies, office tools. The basics. I'm not a PC gamer either.

I think for those kinds of applications, the specs of both the iMac and the IQ500 are more than sufficient. The big unknown (to me) is how that interface performs -- it looks reasonably responsive, but I've never tried it. If you got this HP, I would think you'd be using it with the touchscreen as much as possible. I think you have to go see one -- it's hard to tell amazing use as often as possible touchscreen (like using an iPhone for the first time) from pain in the ass never does what you want touchscreen. And really it'll depend on you a little bit. So again, try and see if there isn't somewhere you can see one?

 

[mahonmeister]

This thing looks fricken awesome. I was set on getting a mac because I hear nothing but good things about their computers and operating systems. But then this is coming out. I'm kind of sick of Windows and the computer I have. It is very slow, it gets viruses and spyware often and I don't always find it to be the easiest to use.
So, I have some hang ups with Windows. Granted I'm using Windows XP. I haven't used Vista but then again I haven't heard very good things about it either.
The Touchsmart looks great but the specs are lower than the iMacs (slower processor, less frontside bus, lower end graphics) and I'm looking for a machine that is nice, quick, and easy to use. I'm not using my computer for much other than internet, music, photos, movies, office tools. The basics. I'm not a PC gamer either.
So, my question is, should I still plan on an iMac or should I get the Touchsmart?
I like the thought of a touchscreen, I have an iPod Touch and love it, but the low specs and OS make me question it.

Please HELP!!!

Get the HP so you can tell us how it is.

But seriously, just get what ever you want. They goth will be plenty fast for what you want to do.

 

[bluecrow628]

vista! it burnssss! id rather get an imac, even if it is touch sensitive

 

[bob vansteel]

Glossy display on a desktop computer, like iMac
Included black cloth for wiping down display, like iMac
Slot loading DVD on top right hand side, like iMac
Unusually thin keyboard (for a PC), just like the one with my iMac
Includes a remote control, like iMac
Concealed webcam, like iMac
Brushed aluminum stand holding up the display, like iMac
Even the glossy-plastic mouse is very reminiscent of the Mighty Mouse

Its pretty obvious to me that HP did a few things based on the success of the iMac. That being said, it looks like the HP has a nicer remote, A/V inputs, card reader, a couple more ports, etc. I would LOVE to have A/V inputs without buying an EyeTV 250+ - and even then the 250+ isn't quite fast enough for gaming sometimes. Its a shame I have this gorgeous 24" display and I can only really use it for computing! I prefer the HP design because I'm more of a function over form guy, but I'd still buy the iMac because of OS X.

-really a glossy display like many screens out there in the world(sry i frgt every monitor with a glossy screen copied apple)
-oooo a cloth, i have one of those bundled in evry electronic device i get that has a screen
-wow it comes with a remote, oh ya just like every other HP pc
-huh a concealed webcam....wait, you mean that apple is the only company in the world to "conceal" a webcam, thats just crazy!
-oh ya, i'm sure that because aluminum has a nice design, widely abundant, and cheap has nothing to do with it.
-and of course, becuase the mouse is made of plastic its copying the crappy mighty mouse

really....hmm ya exactly like the iMac

sorry if i'm being sarcastic, but this is exactly why i hate mac fanboys...i'm not saying i don't like apple or osx, in fact i like both....i just can't stand you annoying little mac fanatics.

 

[benzslrpee]

all the reviews i've Googled on this machine has included some sort of iMac reference/comparison. whether it be the touch screen control, all-in-one factor, screen size, slim keyboard etc etc etc. hell even the comments on the reviews left by users keep using iMacs as a base comparison. i have yet to read anything written on how this looks like it's related to the XPS One.

this has nothing to do with mac fanboy-ism. you want to see Mac fanboy-ism then go look up these threads:

- things i hate about OS X
- the green button

i'm sure there are more but those are the only two off the top of my head.

-really a glossy display like many screens out there in the world(sry i frgt every monitor with a glossy screen copied apple)
-oooo a cloth, i have one of those bundled in evry electronic device i get that has a screen
-wow it comes with a remote, oh ya just like every other HP pc
-huh a concealed webcam....wait, you mean that apple is the only company in the world to "conceal" a webcam, thats just crazy!
-oh ya, i'm sure that because aluminum has a nice design, widely abundant, and cheap has nothing to do with it.
-and of course, becuase the mouse is made of plastic its copying the crappy mighty mouse

really....hmm ya exactly like the iMac

sorry if i'm being sarcastic, but this is exactly why i hate mac fanboys...i'm not saying i don't like apple or osx, in fact i like both....i just can't stand you annoying little mac fanatics.

 

[mpw]

all the reviews i've Googled on this machine has included some sort of iMac reference/comparison...

So? Just because the iMac has a media friendly image doesn't mean anybody is copying it, or that it hasn't copied elements from elsewhere either.

 

[benzslrpee]

that's odd, i don't recall my post saying anything about copying either. all i was saying that it's used as a reference or in comparison

So? Just because the iMac has a media friendly image doesn't mean anybody is copying it, or that it hasn't copied elements from elsewhere either.

 

[mpw]

that's odd, i don't recall my post saying anything about copying either. all i was saying that it's used as a reference or in comparison

Okay, but you were taking part in a tread of conversation by quoting a previous poster who was, in turn quoting a previous poster, the poster you were quoting countering the previous posters argument that the HP was in some way guilty of copying the iMac. You appeared to be countering his argument.

 

[Kinderhauz]

HP Touchsmart? More like the HP Touch-STUPID!

 

[mpw]

HP Touchsmart? More like the HP Touch-STUPID!

Care to elaborate on why? Do you have any thoughts on the subject?

 

[NiroNavro]

Nevermind

Based on cnet.com's review of the touchsmart I'm definitely going to stick with my original plan and that's to get an iMac. Cnet said it would be a better deal and I think I'd have to agree.

 

[bob vansteel]

Based on cnet.com's review of the touchsmart I'm definitely going to stick with my original plan and that's to get an iMac. Cnet said it would be a better deal and I think I'd have to agree.

i agree...another incredibly big reason why am not even thinking about getting this, is because its a touch screen, BUT Multi-touch screens are right around the corner and are well worth the wait when compared to crappy old single touch screens.

 

[Aperture]

I don't think the touch interface is developed fully yet for conventional computing. If I had that HP machine (which doesn't look bad) I'd probably only use the touch for media. (like the above poster)