Hewlett-Packard‘s just unraveled two new HP TouchSmart PC all-in-one models in time for Microsoft’s Windows 7 launch later this month, and we’ve already gone hands-on with the pair. Can they stand out when the likes of Sony and Medion have already set up camp on the tabletop?
The higher end, 23-inch HP TouchSmart 600 is certainly one of the most impressive all-in-ones we’ve seen in the recent rush: as well as a full HD screen, 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive and Blu-ray, you’ll find ambient lights hiding under the display to light up the keyboard area. The HP TouchSmart 600 also boasts proper TV skills on the resume, including HDMI-input, built in Freeview and DVR capability.
Really though, what makes the HP TouchSmart 600 stand out when it looks so similar to the Sony VAIO L is the software: the bundled apps which take advantage of Windows 7 are a delight to use, and the TouchSmart tutorials will ease you in to cropping pics with your fingers. You can also set favourite websites as huge, finger friendly “live” tiles, similar to how Safari or Chrome offers up favourite site icons.
HP Envy 13 hands-on photofest!
HP also took the time to dish out the smaller, cheaper 20-inch HP TouchSmart 300, which drops the resolution (still staying HD-ready mind), and packs a 500GB hard drive plus the same multitouch skills.
You can probably guess when the Windows 7 powered HP TouchSmart PCs hits shop shelves: 22 October. But at least the price (£899.99 for the 20-inch version, £1199.99 for the 23-incher) is a pleasant surprise. Somehow though, we suspect these won’t be the last all-in-ones we see before D-Day.
Out 22 October | £from 899 | HP
