HP TouchSmart TX2-1020ea

There are lots of features packed into the tiny frame: a 5-in-1 media card reader plus a LightScribe DVD writer, three USB ports and a handy webcam integrated into the top bezel of the screen. We also appreciate the hardware wireless switch on the front, and those wishing to dock the TX2 at home will be glad to see the S/PDIF 3.5mm audio-out jack.

These bonuses are attractive, and there's no doubt that from the features list alone the TX2 is desirable. But it doesn't quite come off. The screen isn't good enough to make watching films enjoyable, and the touchscreen software simply doesn't deliver on HP's promises. There's also the design, which we suspect will look dated well within the life of the system. If you want a touchscreen PC for reasons other than flipping through photos and poking at films, the TX2 is a reasonable stab at the genre. But for everyone else, it simply isn't compelling enough.

Author: Dave Stevenson