Looks like AMD has a sweet new rig they're readying for January launch, and word on the street is Bill Gates wants to launch it personally. It's the IQ770 "Crossfire," the first mass market touchscreen desktop PC we've seen, surely good for taking advantage of Vista's integrated tablet functionality. The Vista Premium system, set to launch alongside Windows on January 30th, features a massive load of options including: 19-inch touchscreen, AMD Turion 64 X2 dual core TL-52 processor, 2GB SDRAM, 320GB drive, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600, WiFi, Bluetooth, integrated 1.3 megapixel camera, integrated FM and ATSC HDTV tuners, a DVD±RW / DVD-RAM burner with LightScribe, Pocket Media Drive bay, wireless keyboard, mouse, stylus, front media reader, and a crazy amount of ports (Ethernet, two FireWire, six USB 2.0, one with HP printer power Y-cable connector, 5.1 + digital audio out, IR out, mini-VGA, and inputs: FM coax, TV coax, ATSC, and two S-Video). It also features some new widget-like dashboard interface, featuring HP new SmartCalendar, which serves as a central point for virtual fridge notes and shared family calendars; as well as Photosmart Touch, a new image editing and printing interface. Expect to pony up $1799 - $1899 for this iMac killer in a couple months. Tons more photos after the break!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Matt @ Nov 30th 2006 10:27AM
But its HP.
Christian Martin @ Nov 30th 2006 10:41AM
Still waiting for your point...
surfwax95 @ Nov 30th 2006 10:39AM
Nice, but hardly an "iMac killer."
mitch @ Dec 2nd 2006 2:25PM
Its about as much as an iMac killer as the Zune is an Ipod killer.
A Creighton @ Nov 30th 2006 10:40AM
So what is Apple's response going to be? A better version of FrontRow and a new iMac? We can only hope for now.
Matt @ Nov 30th 2006 10:45AM
Everything HP sucks... Well not the printers.
Jengake @ Nov 30th 2006 10:41AM
I can't imagine that killing an imac unless you dropped it on one.
Seth @ Nov 30th 2006 11:21AM
@ Jengake ...that's hilarious.
Lordspectro @ Dec 7th 2006 2:40PM
@Jengake ...LOL. XD
Boratus @ Jun 10th 2008 4:59PM
lmao! I spat my drink out! That was too funny!
lankysob @ Nov 30th 2006 11:02AM
Yup. Even the printers.
alexkiritz @ Apr 3rd 2007 2:05AM
I mostly agree but i saw this in office depot and it is pretty cool.
Anthony @ Nov 30th 2006 11:01AM
So... does it run OS X?
No?
Then it doesn't even come close to being an iMac killer...
kOa7 @ Nov 30th 2006 11:18AM
The point is it does NOT run OS X. To be an iMac killer, they don't need to make something the-same-as-but-better than an iMac, they just need something that seems more featureful and with a similar form factor, to provide an alternative to switching. Macs are a minority, see?
Anyway, I love the way that few here will admit this thing is kinda cool. It is. Its basically a does it all super home computer (though probably the software is a let down, some of it sounds like shovel ware). Maybe Macs will have all these features in a year.
B-Rad @ Dec 2nd 2006 5:35PM
Too bad OS X sux and you guys who say this computer sucks are all about stupid.
Sam C @ Nov 30th 2006 11:19AM
i happen to think that introducing a brand new interface everytime a pc manufacturer comes up with a great new idea creates alot of confusion, and people who have a hard time with computers are only more confused when every computer they buy has different software and features that constantly require you to re-learn how to use the same os. The learning curve and adaptation required to integrate this "dashboard" into your life is inpractical, and the funny design of this computer will really deter people who are looking for simplicity. I like innovation and touch screens are always fun, but not enough people are going to spend $1900 jsut to have a pretty(complicated) new way to write notes and organise there calanders in the kitchen.
Zack @ May 14th 2008 10:00PM
I agree...what these people need to do is go back DOS and forget about the pretty little icons!
I actually find that this computer is easier to use than ANY I have ever had so far...but I am only 55...I think I have thrown that many out in the trash.
Kevin @ Nov 30th 2006 11:33AM
still think its a step in the right direction. just wont buy it from hp.
Liqwid @ Nov 30th 2006 11:38AM
It'd be nice if it was Core2 Duo based instead of Turion X2. I wouldn't touch another Turion machine with a thirty-nine and a half foot pole.
ady @ Nov 30th 2006 11:45AM
Woho! that thing is pretty nice and unexpected. I hope it remains in below 2000$ price range
Ross King @ Nov 30th 2006 11:46AM
iMac Killer? Hardly!! Have you seen the size of its footprint!? how bulky and overpowering it is? From what I can see of these pictures it is a midi PC with a monitor stuck on top! not a particularly sleek one at that! Looks like "Johnny 5" from short circuit!
If the iMac were more like a mac mini in a box 3 or 4 times the size, with an apple 20" monitor stuck on it with another seemingly pointless piece of plastic to support it, then it may be close! yes, it boasts more power, speed and may be cheaper with the addition of a touch screen, BUT I dont think Apple have anything to worry about just yet as regards the iMac.
Could it be mounted on a wall or place on a small desk? not really.. I think it will be a while before anyone comes up with anything quite as sleek, stylish and small as the current iMac.
Yes, I am a mac fan but being realistic, you put the 2 together there is no comparison!
Todd Radel @ Nov 30th 2006 11:47AM
Especially the printers. And their cameras too.
Stephan @ Nov 30th 2006 11:47AM
Is that kid feeding the computer a picture??? Built in scanner/printer?
Kevin @ Nov 30th 2006 12:54PM
That is the same question that was on my mind. The kid is either scanning the picture or printing it. Now wouldn't that be cool if it has a built-in printer/scanner. Only things I hate about all-in one units is that they are typically expensive and once they break your either SOL on the whole thing or screwed on paying a lot of cash to get it fixed. Cool concept none the less. Like the calenday interface and slot loading is definitely cool.
Ethan @ Dec 1st 2006 1:04AM
The flat computer back is designed to stand a compact photo printer on top. It's not built in, but the flat top and slit make room for the printer to sit. If you examine the picture, you'll see part of a printer that isn't in other pictures. I think it's cool.
Also, after running numbers, HP is the #1 computer maker in the world and they boast the industry's highest reliability. Seems strange since they used to be lowsy. I swear by their newer business class machines though. I'm still warming up to the retail stuff (which this is).
Gordy @ Nov 30th 2006 11:48AM
The GUI is nice...now...where have I seen that before...
Ross King @ Dec 1st 2006 3:13AM
Looks similar to something that came out about oohhhhhh 5 years ago.. what did they call it?? oohhhhhh...
thinking..
Yes, thats it! OSX
Joe @ Nov 30th 2006 4:23PM
Microsoft BOB!
Shmoe @ Nov 30th 2006 11:53AM
HP is tops in sales. This thing looks pretty sweet to me.
Zachary McConnell @ Nov 30th 2006 12:08PM
This is one nice computer (and this is coming from a Mac user), but as mentioned earlier, it has a Turdion X2 (read: pathetic performance). Still, I wouldn't be surprised if HP also offers a Core 2 Duo model.
I also noticed in several of the photos that there's a matching printer that slides in underneath the screen... after all, it wouldn't be HP if there wasn't a way to cash in on those ink profits.
_man1c_ @ Nov 30th 2006 12:20PM
so umm when can we DIY have a chance at building one of these?
steve blumberg @ Nov 30th 2006 12:29PM
thats nothing
Just wait until you guys start to hear about Smartlife's MooshBoard
oh just wait, the revolution has just begun
GO RTP startups!!!
Ryan @ Nov 30th 2006 12:31PM
http://www.geek.com/images/geeknews/oct00/3comaudrey.jpg
It's a 3com Audrey killer...oh, wait...
Actually, I might be interested in a unit along these lines, but with the concept of being kitchen oriented with under-cabinet mounting and water resistance like the ICEBOX units.
BrettB @ Nov 30th 2006 12:36PM
Um, don't we want to discourage our kids from touching our monitors. Most of my friends with kids have TVs that look like crap. Why would you ever want to encourage them to touch the screen. Mind you, I'm using a tablet pc to write this right now, but no chance in hell I'd let a kid get near it.
disciple83 @ Nov 30th 2006 12:45PM
I don't actually remember HP making anything that sucked. The machines weren't exactly gamer quality, but then, they weren't intended to be either. Maybe that is where you are getting confused, see your family had an HP back in the day and it wouldn't play Starcraft or Diablo the way you wanted, for those that even remember Starcraft or what the first Diablo was like. And for those that don't, or weren't actually old enough to understand them, you probably only know HP machines as part of the Walmart lineup of available computers sitting next to eMachines, machines that do actually suck. If that is the case, when you start basing the quality of the product on where it comes from instead of actually using it, maybe you should just shut the hell up.
HP is of a much higher quality and reliability than any Dell. And I would really like to see what kind of printer you people are using if you think HP printers are crap. Let me guess, Lexmark, with its 100MB+ of bloatware and diagnostic tools? Do you need a printer that is required to install voice announcements? Not to mention the low-res prints...Grow up, you're just mad this machine isn't a Mac or an Alienware. I just wish it was available in sizes bigger than 19".
PreGHz @ Nov 30th 2006 1:41PM
disciple83:
Remember when HP merged with Compaq?
Shut your piehole. Thank you.
kipchak @ Dec 2nd 2006 5:14PM
Actually, they did make a few gaming machines (read, laptops, new 4 core desktop) but i have a freind who has a gaming laptop from hp, and it SUCKS. i really dont think that the imac has anything to worry about, being a grand less, having better software, and looking like something theyd put up in a college cortyard.
bloop @ Jul 19th 2008 2:07PM
Alienware was good tell dell took over, now its shit imo. i will never own another Alienware unless its befor dell took it over then i would just update it myself.
Nith @ Nov 30th 2006 12:55PM
If this thing has a virtual fridge notes why not have something similar but scaled down actually integrated into a fridge. You can have notes, shopping list. It can probably alert you when your milk expires (through RFID tags). And then you synchrinise the shopping list with your PDA just before going to the supermarket.
dave @ Nov 30th 2006 1:21PM
HP should write their own OS and tell Gates to blow them.
Ryan Capp @ Dec 1st 2006 12:29AM
Oh, something like HP-UX, right?
Philip @ Nov 30th 2006 1:22PM
Boy, those Mac kids came out pretty quick... I agree with you, disciple83, all the HPs I've had were reliable and pretty slick looking, too. I'm on my HP laptop right now, which aside from the loudish fan, is my favorite I've ever owned. AND THAT INCLUDES A 12" POWERBOOK.
David @ Nov 30th 2006 1:22PM
What's an iMac?
Lee Gibson @ Nov 30th 2006 1:23PM
Well, you're a mean one.
[grin]
Eric @ Nov 30th 2006 1:27PM
iMac killer, iPod killer, everyone thinks Apple is a target, but they keep missing it. Why is that? Just look at this monstrosity! What a joke.
It can't run OS X software, the iMac can run all the software it can. Now, what's going to kill what you say?
Philip @ Nov 30th 2006 1:32PM
You know, it's funny. I like Macs, and I like OS X. Hell, even Steve is enjoyable to listen to. I just really despise the fanboys.
richard @ Nov 30th 2006 1:32PM
I would never buy HP(or Compaq)Our HP Pavillion 8660c has a motherboard defect that causes it to freeze whenever it goes online. Plus they didnt provide drivers and software support for people who wanted to upgrade the machine to WinXP (It currently has Win98SE. I totally agree with Matt and Lankysob. HP sucks!
Chris @ Nov 30th 2006 1:46PM
buisness grade hp's have always been pretty good, it's the consumer grade ones that sucked because they cut too many corners. though in the last 5 years or so the stopped that and it's the same reasonable stuff now.
older hp inkjets sucked bad, the newer ones are great though, anything that suports borderless printing has awesome print quality and reliability. the laserjets still suffer the same "2 classes" issues the old desktops did. the low end kind where the paper trays stick out, like the 1200 series and the old L series, are crap printers. But I've got 5P's with 200k+ pages run through them over the last 8-9 years that still work as good as new. And the 4000 series just won't quit even in a machine shop printing cardstock. got one near a steel saw that's flat out nasty with a thick layer of steel cutting coolant from the mist sticking to it, it has printing 100+ pages a day on cardstock for the last 6 years, you just can't kill these things!
as for this thing, it's ugly. I think it's more targeted at the sony all in ones that are way sexier than the imac. I'd like to see soemthing more at the $500 level that's not so loaded-to-the-gills targeted as a secondary family pc that you hang a wall and show a slideshow most of the time but still allow for a quick internet search or shared calendar review, nothing you'd want to spend hours sitting in front of but still usefull.
threefingeredlord @ Nov 30th 2006 1:51PM
I want one. I don't think its an imac killer though, although i would choose one of these over any apple computer.
farmok @ Nov 30th 2006 1:54PM
@Nith
That is something LG could do to get some use out of that tv on their fridge. I figure something like that would get some use out of it.
The HP system seems realy cool as far as hardware goes. Not too sure about the software. What is realy interesting is how quickly (if this becomes moderately successful) touchscreen monitor integration will be after this with everyone trying their hands at it. This is definately something I would get for my parents and siblings. Wish they would post a release date though.