Desktop PCs

Though HP IQ500 TouchSmart 4gb RAM Desktop computer is not a hyper-quick PC, it works very satisfactorily. This PC boasts a powerful configuration by using...See more » Though HP IQ500 TouchSmart 4gb RAM Desktop computer is not a hyper-quick PC, it works very satisfactorily. This PC boasts a powerful configuration by using Intel T5850 Core 2 Duo CPU which runs at 2.17GHz, and a very attractive 4GB of RAM, a good upgrade from the 1.6GHz AMD and 2GB of Random Access Memory which was the case with the original. HP has provided us with the latest software that includes touch-sensitive media browser, note taking tools, original photo cropping and many more. The 22 inch screen is a welcome technology for us to view the videos but it is disappointing that HP has not included a Blu-ray player, the ultimate winner of the hi-def war in the PC. HP could have considered this at least in the higher end between the two models, ie, IQ506. Both the PCs have 64-bit version of windows Vista Home Premium and 4GB of RAM. HP TouchSmart Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS card is quick enough to run high-definition movies, but it can be just equivalent to some mediocre laptops. IQ500 has an AverMedia A326, a hybrid Digital TV tuner card that can support both the digital and analogue signals. The PC does not have HDMI and so, the TV signal cannot be piped to a larger display with the help of a digital connector. The aerial must be bought as the package does not have one. You can browse through the channels with the Infrared remote control or the wireless keyboard and mouse. The built-in speakers provided full sound and performs more than what you may expect out of it but at times they rattle when the volume is very high. In order to adjust the volume, you can use the controls provided in the right side of the screen. The touch-technology of the touch sensitive screen works in a similar way of that of its predecessor. The screen has a set of LEDs around it which detects the movement of your fingers. This works well and also enables the multi-touch capabilities. But it is very tricky and difficult when you want to point to the icons that are petite such as the closing button of a window or the icons in the system tray. HP Touchsmart IQ500 Desktop Computer has also included TouchSmart, a touch-centric interface which can be launched either from the desktop or from the touch-sensitive button that is placed in the bottom right bezel on the desktop. TouchSmart has two rows of tiles that represent the mostly used applications in your PC. You can browse the tiles by sliding your finger across it and touching an icon launches it. This interface allows you to interact with the PC by holding, dragging and tapping on the screen reminding you about Apple’s iPod-touch, though it does not support multiple inputs. You can use your fingers even to draw and write, but you have to use the wireless keyboard and mouse while using the conventional tasks such as the internet and office applications. Since the TouchSmart does not have the Express Card Slot, we can understand that the screen technology is not completely based on the mobile technology and as a replacement, IQ500 comes with a 3.5” 320GB hard drive which spins at the rate of 7200 rpm hence providing a great speed. HP TouchSmart IQ500 retains the Bluetooth 2.0 technology and 802.11b/g wireless support that was found in the previous version and has also upgraded itself with the new support for a high-speed wider-bandwidth 802.11n Wi-Fi. The PC’s overall performance was average and like its predecessor, the PC was noiseless and kept itself cool. IQ500 performed well with the multimedia and office applications and its multi tasking capabilities are good too. The IQ500 costing lesser and also with a faster hard drive, a TV tuner and a faster CPU is very pleasing. It can be said as one of the best all-in-one PC in the current PC markets. You may still think that a 27″ or a 30” version of the system with a built-in Blu-ray player and a TV tuner would have been spectacular. This style icon is recommended for sure for both a home and office environment. Wireless freatures: TouchSmart technology:See less »