HP Touchsmart tx2
Yesterday Hewlett-Packard introduced its first consumer-oriented multi-touch tablet PC. The TouchSmart tx2 tightly integrates hardware and software to offer an interface that lets people use their fingers or a stylus for on-screen manipulation of digital entertainment. The software foundation of the tx2′s multi-touch capabilities is HP’s MediaSmart 2.0, which makes it possible to use a variety of gestures, including swipes, pinches, double-taps, and finger rotations, to manipulate content in a way that’s similar to Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch. In addition, HP has entered into a partnership with MTV Networks to bring video in from MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. The content is organized and automatically updated in MediaSmart.
The tx2 has a standard keyboard and a 12.1-inch screen that can be placed upright for use like a typical notebook. In addition, the screen, which has a resolution of 1,200 by 800 pixels, swivels and can be laid flat. Besides the multi-touch capabilities, the system’s stylus can be used to write or draw on the screen. The PC weighs 4.5 pounds and is available with either an Athlon X2 or Turion X2 dual-core processor from Advanced Micro Devices. The system is also available with an ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics processor, up to 8 GB of memory and a 500 GB hard drive. Other features include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless technology, an integrated camera and a DVD burner. The tx2 is available for pre-order from HP and is scheduled to start shipping at the end of the month. Pricing starts at $1,149.
Source: InfoWeek & HP
It’s not easy to get excited about a new laptop, but HP has certainly reeled us in with its Touchsmart TX2 notebook. Ok, we’re suckers for novelty, but we like the idea of a tablet-like screen to follow us around the desk, not
We have one at work for testing purposes, and sofar, I like it. Very handy to carry around in the datacenter for diagnostics over the wireless.
I bought this laptop to travel around with as it is very small, and relatively light. I was able to shave off a bit more by weight by using HP’s Quick Release Dvd-rom – which i thought was pretty cool, they give you a plastic piece to stick in the whole too so it still looks sleek. Also helps save some power, which is always good.
You may have heard that this computer runs pretty hot, which in truth, it does, but it’s not that bad. From what I heard HP might have used some barfy fan or something to do with the Nvidia controller they put in, but apparently the Bios update they provide can help alleviate this. I haven’t bothered with the bios update as I don’t find it all that bad.
I love being able to change the orientation, works well if you’re like me, and sit in very un-ergonomic positions. Definitely recommend it.