HP TouchSmart IQ506 Review,specifications,pros and cons

Specifications

Our review unit had the following specifications:

* Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 (2.16GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)
* Memory: 4GB PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM
* Hard Drive: 500GB 7200RPM SATA
* Optical Drive: SuperMulti DVD Burner
* Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce 9300 M GS (256MB dedicated, up to 2GB shared)
* Network: Gigabit ethernet
* Wireless Networking: 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth
* Audio: Integrated HD Audio, stereo speakers
* 5-in-1 memory card reader
* 5 USB 2.0 ports, 1 FireWire
* Headphone, line in, line out and digital audio out jacks
* Integrated webcam and array microphone
* Dual-format NTSC/ATSC television tuner
* Exterior LED lighting with four levels of brightness
* 22-inch widescreen 1680×1050 touch display
* Dimensions: 21 x 2.6 x 17.4 inches
* Weight: 24.0 pounds

Build and Design

When I first opened the box containing the TouchSmart IQ506 it was obvious that HP put a lot of thought into the styling behind the IQ506. It manages to be very high-tech without looking it; there aren’t a lot of buttons or cords to get in the way. In fact, HP went to significant effort to achieve just that effect. The IQ506 rests on two clear acrylic wedges which, when combined with the folding stand in the back, give the effect that the TouchSmart actually floats about an inch above your working surface. The most striking feature on the IQ506 is the really nice 22″ touchscreen display. It’s recessed into the surface and surrounded by a glossy black frame. A speakerbar is permanently attached on the bottom.

Inputs and Expansion :

Given the all-in-one nature of the HP TouchSmart IQ506, the subject of expansion is always a complicated matter. You can’t really add any additional cards inside like you can with traditional desktops, so the number of available ports becomes important. On the right side of the machine there is a memory card reader and FireWire port port, while the left has two USB2.0 ports, a microphone port, headphone port and switch to control the under machine lighting. There is technically one more USB port on the back of the machine, but it’s built to fit and support only the USB dongle for the supplied wireless keyboard and mouse

Conclusion

HP has a really intriguing product on their hands. In order to stand out from the rest of the desktop market, they’ve taken a line of computers in a whole new direction, and I think the gamble is paying off. The touch experience is just so compelling that it’s hard not to get excited. I let my very young niece paint around the touchscreen and she had a blast, making it a nice way of getting children comfortable around technology. The question is whether HP can continue to innovate in the space, and I think they can, but they need to be aggressive with adding new features, especially when it comes to software. As Apple likes to tout, software sells hardware, and with the right set of applications, HP could really have a hit on their hands. As it is, the TouchSmart line is an appealing option; even mahjongg was made new again when you could just tap two tiles with your finger to make them disappear. It would really shine, though, if HP encouraged users to write some applications designed with the TouchSmart in mind. Then it could be more than just a computer with a touchscreen and closer to what HP wants it to be: a lifestyle device that anyone and everyone could use; the good news is that they’re almost there.

Pros

* Outstanding display; 22″ touchscreen is a novel experience
* Built-in TV tuners
* Great speakers for an all-in-one device
* TouchSmart software suite is functional and fun to use
* One-button youtube webcam and video uploads

Cons

* Optical drive difficult to see when sitting in front of the machine
* Too many buttons on remote
* Power brick is enormous

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