HP IQ506 TouchSmart Desktop PC
HP IQ506 TouchSmart Desktop PC (2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5850, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)
Cheap Computers: Hewlett Packard
HP IQ506 TouchSmart PC. The next generation, touch enabled PC combines a 22 inch diagonal hi-def widescreen with a powerful energy efficient Intel Core 2 Duo processor in a single, integrated design. Includes HP TouchSmart software, webcam, media card reader, and premium speakers for fast, easy access to photos, videos, music and applications. Touchscreen technology puts your digital life at your fingertips with fast, easy access to info, entertainment and social networks. Next generation HP TouchSmart software simplifies access to photos, videos, music and applications with quick and easy touch access to your digital world. Plug one power cord into the wall and you are ready to go. Wireless keyboard and integrated WLAN offer a truly wireless experience. Low profile wireless keyboard stows away when not in use, freeing up valuable desk space. Adjustable screen tilts back and forth for maximum comfort. HP Ambient Light lets you set a mood, or see your keyboard in the dark. Sleek piano black design with elegant espresso side panel highlights. Next generation HP TouchSmart software brings a new level of fun to your photos, videos and music. Built in webcam and microphone for video chat or conferencing. Watch your favorite shows on the integrated 22 inch diagonal hi def widescreen makes for amazing slideshows too. Enjoy high quality sound through the integrated premium stereo speakers. Watch and burn your personal videos with the built in DVD burner.
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.
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 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. |
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. |
The touch-enabled 22-inch widescreen BrightView LCD offers height/tilt adjustment for optimal viewing. It offers a native resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS HD graphics/video card, which provides 256 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 2047 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, GeForce 9300M GS graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista. The integrated audio card is configurable to 6-speaker surround sound, and it can provide two-channel audio via its integrated speakers.
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.
Lowest New Price: USD 1000.00
- All-in-one multimedia PC with integrated 22-inch touchscreen for living room or kitchen
- 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 processor, 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB RAM (max), dual-layer DVD-R drive
- NTSC/ATSC TV tuners, PVR capability, Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS HD graphics (up to 2047 MB total memory)
- Tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, 5 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 ExpressCard, 5-in-1 memory card reader
- Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit version); includes wireless keyboard and optical mouse
Color: Black
Model: IQ506
I feel like such a sucker
I'm going crazy with this machine 2 system recoveries and 2 visits to the geek sqaud, and hours on the phone with HP. I have experienced every problem that most of these reviewers talked about. Very Very UNHAPPY!
Everything at your fingertips
After 6 months of using the Touchsmart IQ504, I have no regrets of buying it. It does have it's pros and cons, like almost everything does, but for me the pros have far outweighed the cons.
It works well in so many places where a normal desktop just won't fit. It has a much larger screen than a laptop which makes it great for watching movies and viewing pictures, etc. Combined with the touchscreen capability, it is also the absolute best computer for using in the kitchen while cooking (using the touchscreen for browsing the internet for recipes is a lot easier than worrying about getting flour in the keyboard!). It's also a spacesaver if you like to have a tv in the kitchen as some models of this computer include a tv tuner and remote. Here is a useful link about using it as a family orgainizer or kitchen computer: [...]
Only big fault I have with this pc is that it's impossible to disable the touchscreen function. Why would I want to do such a thing? With the windows open during the summer, even the smallest fruit fly buzzing around it's glossy bright screen is enough to cause the arrow to hop around the screen clicking on whatever it flies over. If a future software update fixes this (hopefully), I will be completely satisfied with my HP Touchsmart's performance and usefulness. I anyway love to use it and would definitely buy it again.
One other thing that makes me happy about using this computer is that it uses much less energy than the typical desktop reducing my household energy consumption. Whether for saving money or helping the environment (or both), every little bit helps. :)
SIMPLY AMAZING!
I purchased this TouchSmart Computer back in January 2009, and have enjoyed using it every day. The setup was very simple. The sleek design is totally awesome. The 22" monitor is a perfect size for viewing. HP really out-did themselves on this one! I read some scary reviews complaining about problems with Windows Vista, but I haven't experienced ANY problems. I was hesitate to buy this computer at first due to the price, and the fact that I have 2 young grandkids who loved to use my old HP computer. It is definitely worth every penny I spent! And I no longer fear allowing the grandkids to use it because it is a very heavy-duty unit. Whether I'm using it as a regular desktop computer, TouchSmart, or flat-screen TV, this computer is simply amazing! I highly recommend this product to anyone.
Perfect for this moderate user
I read every review and watched every video available on the IQ506 before I decided to purchase. I was aware of all it's faults and strong points and I felt confident enough to click the "Buy Now" button. When it arrived I could hardly wait to rip it from it's cardbord home. Like everyone said, set up was a breeze. Even the most novice user should have no problem setting it up, which is simply plugging it in, and turning it on. It's look is stunning, and very modern. It's presence rivals that of my roommates 24inch iMac, which he desperately tried to convince me to purchase. I must say I feel I made the right decision. The touch interface is...ok. Far from perfect that for sure. When using the TouchSmart software it can be a bit sluggish, and seems to have a problem defaulting back to original settings. Again I was prepare for that so I'm not complaining. Apparently there is a software update that corrects that. I just haven't downloaded it yet. The Touchsmart suite really does feel uncompleted, there quite a few "quirks" that need to be addressed, but for me its nothing more than a novelty for showing off. I don't find myself using it very often. However I do like that you can use touch throughout vista and not you are not just limited to the TouchSmart suite. A couple nifty features I didn't know about though, are the gesture features. For instance when browsing the web you can swipe your finger left or right on the screen to go to a previous webpage or to the next. The same thing can be done with mouse by holding down the right button and swiping left or right. The machine runs incredibly quiet, and takes up veyr little real estate on my desk. The monitor is incredibly bright, almost too bright for me, as I keep it near the lowest setting. The resolution is beautiful and HD wallpaers look great on the 22inch screen. Having the icluded wireless mouse and keyboard give me so much freedom, and the ability to tuck them under the base when not in use is great. I don't do any processor intensive activities on my machine so she runs really quick. I know most of the components are laptop guts so keep that in mind before you try to play the latest 3rd person shooter. Overall I am very pleased with the machine. It has exceeded my expectations (there were quite a bit of negative reviews out there). My roommate claims he's not impressed (blind Mac fanboy) but I catch him gazing at it and asking quite a bit of questions. My name Diginixy, and I'm a PC.
Easiest Computer Ever...few complaints
Having bought many computers over the years...mainly Dell, I decided to give this new HP a try. I really wanted something that didn't look like a box with all sorts of wires. This doesn't dissapoint.
Truly the next generation of computer designs, this is as close to an Apple as a PC gets so far. The black, piano finish and 22-inch widescreen is sleek and compact, yet has all the features of a true desktop unit. The screen is huge and crystal clear and the wireless keyboard matches well with it's thin design.
Set-up on this computer was simply the easiest and fastest of any I've owned. I simply had to install batteries into the keyboard an mouse (supplied), plug in the main unit and attach the usb printer cord and ethernet cable from my router/modem. It all took maybe 10 minutes. On the contrary, it took 15 minutes to remove all the wires, speakers, screen and extra accessories from the old computer.
The HP has a screen pop up that automatically started downloading all the updates, so I didn't have to go into Microsoft's web site and search the web for assorted updates.
My only complaints are that the computer does not include recovery disks. It requires you either purchase them from HP or burn them yourself. The later is fairly simple because a wizard pops up to prompt you what to do. The only catch is that the DVD-R discs I have don't work for this application and I have to go out and get DVD+R dual layer discs. All this is minor though considering all the good things this unit has.
Also, the DVD unit is a slot-style instead of a tray. I have found that the slot-style units can be a bit touchy sometimes, but that remains to be seen. So far so good.
Some have mentioned the touchscreen as being troublesome. I testdthis right away and it seems fine. I use a Dell touchscreen on a cash register unit at work and thisseems very close to user friendliness. This unit is still new though and I haven't fully utilized all the functions yet.
All in all if this unit remains reliable and proves to be well built then I will be looking at more HP products in the future.
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