HP IQ506 TouchSmart Desktop PC (2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5850, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

Amazon.com Product Description
Redesigned with a next-generation, touch-enabled 22-inch high-definition LCD screen, the HP TouchSmart IQ506 all-in-one desktop PC is designed to fit wherever life happens: in the kitchen, family room, or living room. With one touch you can check the weather, download your e-mail, or watch your favorite TV show. It's also designed to maximize energy, with a power-saving Intel Core 2 Duo processor and advanced power management technology, as well as material efficiency--right down to the packaging. It has a sleek piano black design with elegant espresso side-panel highlights, and the HP Ambient Light lets you set a mood--or see your keyboard in the dark.

The next-generation, touch-enabled PC combines a 22-inch high-def screen with a powerful, energy efficient Intel Core 2 Duo processor in a single, sleek integrated design.

The built-in TV tuner (providing both standard NTSC and high-def ATSC transmission) and personal video recorder (PVR) let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television--perfect for watching cooking shows in the kitchen or keeping up with your favorite series. Use the included remote control or touch screen to quickly and easily access music, movies, photos, TV shows, or radio programs. The TouchSmart IQ506 comes with a bevy of special software features to make your computing life a breeze, including TouchSmart Video and Photo for quickly sharing your snapshots and videos to the web, TouchSmart Calendar for helping your family manage its busy, overlapping schedule, and TouchSmart Notes for both text and voice notes right at your fingertips. And it comes with a wireless keyboard and wireless optical mouse to help you keep clutter to a minimum.

It's powered by the 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, in addition to excellent power management. It has a built-in webcam and microphone for video chats with family and friends, and it includes integrated stereo speakers that produce crisp, clear audio from DVD movies and downloaded video purchases. Other features include a 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximizing capacity), a dual-layer DVD±RW drive, the latest in Wi-Fi networking (802.11n as well as backward compatibility with 802.11b/g), Bluetooth wireless technology, Gigabit Ethernet, and an Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS HD video card with up to 2047 MB of total available memory.

The pre-installed 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1) includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

HP and the Environment
HP is committed to providing products that are designed with the environment in mind, and all HP TouchSmart IQ 500 series PCs have earned Energy Star and EPEAT Silver designations. They also use HP power management technology can reduce PC energy use up to 45 percent, and their chassis design uses 55 percent less metal and 37 percent less plastic than standard PCs and monitors. To top it off, the new packaging design greatly reduces plastic foam cushioning materials.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 processor has a 2.16 GHz processor speed, fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM) provides more than enough space for storing all your photos and home movies, your digital audio library, and downloaded movies and TV shows. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed and boosts the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this desktop's video card.

• DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 6x DVD±R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 24x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This TouchSmart PC comes with an HP ow-profile Wireless Keyboard with numeric keypad as well as an HP Wireless laser mouse.

The low-profile wireless keyboard stows away when not in use, freeing up valuable desk space.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated tri-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in older home routers). You'll enjoy wireless connectivity to a wide range of peripherals with the built-in Bluetooth. This TouchSmart PC also offers ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000). It comes with the following external connectors:

• 5 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 front, 3 rear)
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 2 headphone jack (front
• 1 line-in and 1 line-out jack (back)
• 1 IR receiver
• 10/100/1000 Ethernet
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit version) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works 9, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 (with 60 days of Live Update), Muvee Autoproducer, Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe, Cyberlink YouCam (for easy uploading of personal videos to YouTube).

Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 21 x 17.4 x 2.6 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 24 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP TouchSmart IQ506 desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, remote control, IR receiver, and power cord. Every HP TouchSmart PC comes with special HP Total Care, which includes 24/7 service and support for the first year via HP's North America call center and dedicated toll-free telephone support in English and Spanish in the United States.

Great all-in-one computer at a great price
My wife and I decided to buy the HP Touchsmart IQ506 to use in the kitchen to help us stay organized. Our kitchen has a built-in granite desk with no holes for wiring. At first I was planning to get a mini-ITX, but when I came across this product, it looked perfect. My wife and I have used it for about 3 weeks and are very happy with it. The unit looks great and every detail about it makes it convenient and easy to use.

First, about the touch screen--it is different technology from a typical tablet PC. On the plus side, the screen can accept input from any form of touch. However, this means you can't rest your hand on the screen for stability--even when using a stylus. So you have a lot less precision. There is also no pressure sensitivity--just on or off. On my older tablet PC, I can draw just as naturally as with a pencil and paper, but on the Touchsmart, it takes effort just to write my name or draw a stick figure. This type of touch screen is ideal for pressing buttons or dragging things around but not for writing or drawing. It's main strength is that you can perform simple tasks without pulling out a mouse or keyboard or even a stylus. (If you plan to use a stylus to draw or write, I'd recommend a tablet instead). The screen also supports two simultaneous touch points, but since there doesn't seem to be much software that uses it, the multitouch is a little hard to appreciate--but neat to have though.

The display is large, bright and crisp. The speakers are surprisingly loud and clear for their size. But obviously if you want deep base you'd want to get external speakers (on the back there is a line out and a digital coax out).

The Touchsmart applications that come preinstalled look very sleek and are easy to use. The calendar and notes applications allowed us to get rid of the whiteboard, calendar and magnetic stickies that were cluttering our refrigerator--our number one reason for buying the computer. Except for basic kinds usage, their functionality is a bit limited, but they are fun to use though. The "slide show" function of the photo application looks especially good on the large display.

A few problems I ran into...

1. When I first turned on the computer, the touch screen didn't work. I tried everything, rebooting, etc. The calibration wouldn't even work. I figured my unit was defective and was about to call HP, but then I tried running my finger along the inside edges of the screen, which caused it to suddenly start working. Since then it's been working fine.

2. I also had a problem with the volume control on the right side of the screen. One time while holding it down to turn the volume all the way up, it apparently got stuck (volume kept going up). It wasn't stuck physically, but behaved as though it was. Rebooting didn't fix it; I had to unplug the power. This only happened once.

3. When I first tried Windows Media Center, the performance was quite bad (hard drive churning and freezing up), but after a day or two, it seemed to work better.

Overall though, I have to say I'm really satisfied with this product. The unit isn't perfect but it does a great job filling a specific need. And for the price, you can't beat it.

Great buy
The item is better than expected great for my wife, she didn't like computers and now it's all she use.
The company that I got it from very helpful and quick to respond.
I will recomend this company

I'm glad I didn't listen!
My Dell Demension 8300 was a great computer, but it finally gave up the ghost after 5 years. I went to the local computer store to look at replacement possibilities, and found the IQ504. I uncharacteristically bought the unit immediately and am very happy with it.

None of the complaints that I have read here have been an issue for me. The computer has worked perfectly since I took it out of the box. Maybe I'll discover something annoying in the future, but all is well now. DVDs play great, my music sounds wonderful, display is clear and sharp, touch screen operates elegantly. The only reason I penalized it one star is because it only has a 320 gig hard drive. These days every computer should have a 500 gig unit minimum. A 1 terrabyte external drive corrected that shortcoming.

If this thing continues to exceed my expectations I will probably buy another TouchSmart (the IQ516) to replace my television. I think it would make a nice centerpiece for a small scale home entertainment center.

I'm glad I bought this thing BEFORE reading the negative comments here!

Wow, easy to use and ready in seconds
I just bought this a week ago for my 70 year old mom. I was hesitant becasue it is a little more then I wanted to spend, but I love the machine. Large display but small footprint. My mom loves the touchscreen and learning to like it more every minute. I would recommend to everybody. I personnally like the tv tuner and the TIVO type of use, but doubt my mom will use it.

I will check back in several months to see if it hold up.

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HP IQ506 TouchSmart Desktop PC (2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5850, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium) & More...

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