We’ve come along way since HP first unveiled the TouchSmart line in 2007. Touch interfaces are no longer seen as a gimmick or something quirky, but as a killer app. Tablets and smartphones have users conditioned to want to interface with their fingers. While many manufacturers are bringing touch to their desktops for the first time now, HP has continued to refine the consumer-friendly Touchsmart.
The 610 is an all-in-one machine available in several configurations, all with a stunning full HD 1080p video. They’ve given it this awesome 60 degree tilt back feature that makes it a lot more ergonomic to enter information on when you’re touching it. Beats audio is included, as HP continues to heavily promote it. Sadly, the room was too noisy at Pepcom’s Digital Experience but the thought of the high quality audio paired with that screen is drool worthy.
As you can see in the included video, the TouchSmart 610 includes a touchable overlay for Windows 7, allowing you to do things like take notes, play music as well as manage your photos, RSS, and other content. It’s a great suite.
What intrigues me about the TouchSmart is actually what’s not on it though. As a WebOS devotee, I can’t help but wonder how WebOS would look and run on this. After all, HP has already said they plan on porting WebOS to the desktop in some capacity and replacing the TouchSmart software layer with a more robust WebOS layer, complete with app support, would make for a unified experience.
Alternatively, there’s Microsoft’s sneak peak at Windows 8 to think of. With a clearly touch inspired interface heavily utilizing WindowsPhone7’s Metro UI, the next desktop OS could very well be at home on a device like this. I can actually see the home screen and the panels flipping in my mind.
The HP Touchpad 610 is available now from HP (and vendors of their products) in multiple configurations, starting at $899.
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