HP TouchSmart IQ500t

Entry-Level Multitouch All-In-One Desktop

The HP TouchSmart IQ500t is an all-in-one PC that features a 22″ touchscreen display and is an intuitive and powerful solution for your computing needs. Starting at $899.99, the TouchSmart IQ500t is a stylish PC that can be used in just about any room. There’s only one cord which powers the machine- once you plug it in, you’ll be all set to go! The speakers and webcam are integrated in the computer, while its mouse and keyboard connect wirelessly.

The IQ500t can be used to browse the Internet, run applications, navigate through pages, resize, move, delete, or even draw. Best of all, you’re not just confined to your mouse; you can use control the machine by taping, sliding or stroking your fingertips across its touchscreen!

HP TouchSmart IQ500t Product Demo Video

HP TouchSmart IQ500t Pricing and Configurations

Selling at $899.99 via HPDirect.com, the entry level IQ500t has plenty of power and enough features to keep the entire family entertained. It’s packed with high quality components which make it a great computer for home users. The IQ500t includes a mouse and keyboard, integrated speakers, and has the following specs:

• Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
• Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 (Speed of 2.0GHz)
• 4GB System Memory: Combined with the 64bit operating system, the IQ500t makes sure you get the best speed possible from your memory.
• 320GB Hard Drive: The drive is large enough to story a huge collection of multimedia files and documents.
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• Slot-load SuperMulti DVD Burner: You can use the optical drive to create CDs and DVDs, as well as play them on your machine.

The base configuration looks pretty similar to HP’s recommended configuration, which costs $1,129.99. However, the additional cost makes the machine even better equipped to function as your family’s one-stop multimedia hub. It comes with a TV tuner installed, meaning you’ll be able watch and record your favorite shows on your PC. It has a faster processor and an improved graphics card which makes playing video games and enjoying high-definition movies easier. It also comes with a larger hard drive for users who have a ton of files and data to store. Have a look at its specs:

• Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
• Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 (Speed of 2.0GHz)
• 4GB System Memory: Twice the memory of the base configuration
• 640GB Hard Drive: Double the hard drive size means a ton of extra space for storing pictures, movies, and other media files
• NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS HD card for enhanced graphic capabilities
• Slot-load SuperMulti DVD Burner
• TV tuner, ATSC & NTSC with PVR, remote

If you’ll be using the IQ500t as the main multimedia system for your house, you may want to replace the Slot-load SuperMulti DVD Burner with a Slot-load Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner. This will enable you to play Blu-ray disks on your computer for a much higher definition movie-watching experience. You may also want to upgrade to the HP 2.1 50W stereo speakers with subwoofer and remote control to get the ultimate audio experience.

HP TouchSmart IQ500t Reviews

• PC World claims the IQ500t’s “vibrant multitouch display and excellent general performance make it a competitive all-in-one option.”
• Given a 4 star rating by Personal Computer World as well as a verdict describing it as having a “auperb screen and well-thought-out touch technology.”
• PC Authority predicts “this could be the future of desktop PCs.”

Design

When you sit in front of the TouchSmart IQ500t, you’ll come face to face with an elegant piece of hardware coated with a piano black finish and highlighted in ambient lighting. The entire front is dominated by its imposing glossy touchscreen. At the top of the screen, you’ll find the integrated web cam and microphone, while at the bottom, you’ll see the high-performance speakers.

Move on to the back and you’ll notice that the entire unit is propped up by an adjustable stand that can be tilted up to 40º. As you’ll note, there’s only space for for one cable- the power cord. All other cables are non-existent due to the IQ500t’s extensive use of wireless technology and the integration of other components into the unit.

Hidden on one side, but accessible by your right hand, is the slot-loading DVD drive for your disks. Slide in your DVD or CD to view movies or listen to audio tracks on the IQ500t. Since the DVD drive is also a DVD burner, you can create your own personalized disks with it. You’ll find the 5-in-1 memory card reader on this side as well. The reader is where you can insert memory cards to transfer data from your camera, phone, mp3 player, and other mobile devices.

On the other side is a panel holding a nice selection of connectivity options: USB ports, Ethernet, digital audio, audio line out, TV in, S-Video input, stereo input, and IR blaster output. We usually can’t get enough of USB ports, so two more are found near the front, right below the ambient lighting switch.

Connectivity

To accommodate external storage devices, the TouchSmart IQ500t has a 5-in-1 memory card reader and 5 USB 2.0 ports. Two of the USB ports are conveniently located near the front for easy access while the remaining three are hidden at the back. These ports are perfect for connecting all your extra gadgets to the machine. Also found near the front are the headphone & line-in jacks.

Internet capabilities come by way of an integrated ethernet port and a Wireless-N LAN card. Whether you’ve got a wired  connection or have a wireless network in your home, it’s easy to get this PC online. Bluetooth connectivity allows additional connections to your Bluetooth compatible devices such as headsets and cell phones.