HP releases second-generation TouchSmart

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 10 Jun 2008 at 11:24

HP has launched the second generation of its touchscreen PC range, boasting bigger screens and double the RAM of their predecessor.

The announcement increases the momentum of PC touch technology, coming just weeks after Microsoft announced the new multitouch interface for the forthcoming Windows 7.

The second-generation Touchsmart models, dubbed the IQ504 and IQ506, feature a thinner chassis, 22in widescreen display and 4GB of RAM, supported by Windows Vista 64-bit.

The two models will feature an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and 320GB or 500GB hard drive, depending on whether you go for the IQ504 and IQ506.

Alongside this you'll also get an integrated Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, DVD burner and 5-in-1 memory card reader. Customers opting for the IQ506 will also get a dual-format ATSC TV tuner.

The new TouchSmart PCs will launch in 17 countries in July, including the US and UK. Starting price in the US will be $1,299, with the UK pricing yet to be confirmed.

The first generation of the Touchsmart all-in-one was released in May 2007, and swiftly became a PC Pro office favourite, winning our Hardware of the Year Award for 2007. You can read our review here.