The new HP TouchSmart IQ506 makes some significant improvements from its predecessor, the IQ770, in terms of design, performance, and touch interface. Plus, its larger screen, touch UI, and other smaller features really distinguish it from its competition, like the Apple iMac and Averatec All-in-one. However, compared to these other solutions, this computer has average performance at best.

According to the review on CNET, probably the greatest advantage of the TouchSmart is found in its touch-screen. Previously 19 inches, it now has a wide 22” widescreen with a higher resolution of 1680 x 1050 pixels. Plus, its color scheme is very vibrant and bright.

In addition, its touch-recognition feature takes advantage of drivers already built into Vista. Compared to the IQ770, it possesses a stronger touch UI, whose command gestures resemble that of the iPhone.

According to the review on PCMagazine, the TouchSmart also comes with a software suite that functions like a meta-desktop. In the suite, programs are organized into two rows of “tiles” that can be scrolled through like a CD carousel and selected to run, similar to the album view on iTunes. You can also customize the suite to include other programs and to run right when the system first boots up.

The suite also comes with a couple of common programs, like a calendar, sticky notes, RSS reader, photo viewer, music player, and video player. The notes program is somewhat interesting, since you can type or draw your notes and organize them like a refrigerator door.

Furthermore, the music player will allow you to import your Windows-based or iTunes-based music library (but not both at once), so you can sync your iPod to it as if you were in iTunes. Plus, the video player features a button that allows direct uploading to YouTube once your videos are recorded.

The computer also has many other features that distinguish it from its competition. The model comes with Vista Home Premium 64-bit already preinstalled and starts off with 4GB of RAM. Plus, it has a useful keyboard-illuminating, bottom-edge light. It’s perfect for working at night.

Furthermore, it has energy star and EPEAT silver certifications, making efficient use of its power supply. In addition, they replaced the 1.9 GHz AMD x64 processor with a 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Moreover, to top it all off, its $300 less than the $1,799 24-inch iMac.

On the other hand, the TouchSmart does fall short in terms of performance. CNET ran some benchmark tests on the TouchSmart and compared it to other all-in-one computers, like the Apple iMac and the Averatec All-in-One. They found that the TouchSmart was outperformed by these two computers in terms of Photoshop image rendering, iTunes encoding, multitasking, and CineBench.

In addition, there are several other smaller shortcomings with this computer. For instance, there are no multi-touch capabilities in the touch UI, only single-touch (although some of the touch gestures are still similar to a multi-touch interface). Plus, it doesn’t come with a high definition optical drive, so you won’t be able to watch your Blu-Ray movie disks right out of the box. Then there’s all the lovely crapware we’ve come to expect from HP, like internet security packages, ISP offer software, etc.

Overall, the new HP TouchSmart IQ506 is a significant improvement from its previous models. If you want a PC that allows you to view your multimedia content, must be Vista compatible, and the iPhone-like touch screen impresses you, then this a computer worth considering. However, if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that’s capable of doing gaming, photo or video editing, or anything else CPU intensive, then consider the iMac or Averatec and not this computer.

Here is a list of some of its specifications:

For more information about the HP TouchSmart IQ506 and IQ504 and where you can buy one, check out their website at HP.com.

Related:

Entry was posted on Saturday, July 12th, 2008 at 7:29 pm under Technology.

Read more entries by TJ Kirchner.
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