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Redesigned with a next-generation, touch-enabled 22-inch high-definition LCD screen, the HP TouchSmart IQ506 all-in-one desktop PC is designed to fit wherever life happens: in the kitchen, family room, or living room. With one touch you can check the weather, download your e-mail, or watch your favorite TV show. It's also designed to maximize energy, with a power-saving Intel Core 2 Duo processor and advanced power management technology, as well as material efficiency--right down to the packaging. It has a sleek piano black design with elegant espresso side-panel highlights, and the HP Ambient Light lets you set a mood--or see your keyboard in the dark. 
The next-generation, touch-enabled PC combines a 22-inch high-def screen with a powerful, energy efficient Intel Core 2 Duo processor in a single, sleek integrated design. | The built-in TV tuner (providing both standard NTSC and high-def ATSC transmission) and personal video recorder (PVR) let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television--perfect for watching cooking shows in the kitchen or keeping up with your favorite series. Use the included remote control or touch screen to quickly and easily access music, movies, photos, TV shows, or radio programs. The TouchSmart IQ506 comes with a bevy of special software features to make your computing life a breeze, including TouchSmart Video and Photo for quickly sharing your snapshots and videos to the web, TouchSmart Calendar for helping your family manage its busy, overlapping schedule, and TouchSmart Notes for both text and voice notes right at your fingertips. And it comes with a wireless keyboard and wireless optical mouse to help you keep clutter to a minimum. It's powered by the 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, in addition to excellent power management. It has a built-in webcam and microphone for video chats with family and friends, and it includes integrated stereo speakers that produce crisp, clear audio from DVD movies and downloaded video purchases. Other features include a 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximizing capacity), a dual-layer DVD±RW drive, the latest in Wi-Fi networking (802.11n as well as backward compatibility with 802.11b/g), Bluetooth wireless technology, Gigabit Ethernet, and an Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS HD video card with up to 2047 MB of total available memory. The pre-installed 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1) includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures. HP and the Environment
HP is committed to providing products that are designed with the environment in mind, and all HP TouchSmart IQ 500 series PCs have earned Energy Star and EPEAT Silver designations. They also use HP power management technology can reduce PC energy use up to 45 percent, and their chassis design uses 55 percent less metal and 37 percent less plastic than standard PCs and monitors. To top it off, the new packaging design greatly reduces plastic foam cushioning materials. The Basics
- Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 processor has a 2.16 GHz processor speed, fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include: - Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
- Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
- Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
- Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
- Hard Drive: The extra-large 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM) provides more than enough space for storing all your photos and home movies, your digital audio library, and downloaded movies and TV shows. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed and boosts the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this desktop's video card.
- DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 6x DVD±R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 24x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This TouchSmart PC comes with an HP ow-profile Wireless Keyboard with numeric keypad as well as an HP Wireless laser mouse.
The low-profile wireless keyboard stows away when not in use, freeing up valuable desk space. | Screen, Video & Audio
The touch-enabled 22-inch widescreen BrightView LCD offers height/tilt adjustment for optimal viewing. It offers a native resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS HD graphics/video card, which provides 256 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 2047 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, GeForce 9300M GS graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista. The integrated audio card is configurable to 6-speaker surround sound, and it can provide two-channel audio via its integrated speakers. Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated tri-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in older home routers). You'll enjoy wireless connectivity to a wide range of peripherals with the built-in Bluetooth. This TouchSmart PC also offers ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000). It comes with the following external connectors: - 5 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 front, 3 rear)
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- 2 headphone jack (front
- 1 line-in and 1 line-out jack (back)
- 1 IR receiver
- 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit version) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi. Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities. Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works 9, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 (with 60 days of Live Update), Muvee Autoproducer, Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe, Cyberlink YouCam (for easy uploading of personal videos to YouTube). Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 21 x 17.4 x 2.6 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 24 pounds. What's in the Box
This package contains the HP TouchSmart IQ506 desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, remote control, IR receiver, and power cord. Every HP TouchSmart PC comes with special HP Total Care, which includes 24/7 service and support for the first year via HP's North America call center and dedicated toll-free telephone support in English and Spanish in the United States.
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 A Really Touching Experience |
| Review Date: July 23, 2008 |
| Reviewer: D. Gray, |
I have had this PC for only one week, but remain wowed by HP's execution. From setup (easy and intuitive; far fewer wires than a traditional desktop) through operation (responsive and stable), my early experience has truly been a joy.
The 22" touchscreen display is extremely bright, vivid, and crisp. The touchscreen functionality itself takes advantage of Vista's "baked in" tablet PC functionality. As a longtime tablet user, this is the first implementation and integration of the Vista tablet functionality on a desktop that I am aware of. The touchscreen functionality clearly works best with HP's own "TouchSmart" application shell. This shell has been designed to work well with touchscreen functionality and provides an easy-to-use interface to music, video, calendar, photo, and game applications (among others). There's even a specialized TouchSmart web browser, though it appears to have limited utility to those web pages that HP has specifically designed to take advantage of the TouchSmart shell. This might appear alarming, but you still have full and complete access outside of TouchSmart to traditional browsers such as IE, Firefox, or Safari.
I have no problems to report with the integration of my existing peripherals, including a Netgear wireless router, a Canon Pixma multifunction printer, and external speakers and subwoofer. Setup of all of these truly was "plug and play." I also really like the wireless keyboard and mouse that HP bundles with the TouchSmart.
The only problem I've encountered is installation of Nikon's Transfer application (for transfer of digital photos from my wife's Coolpix camera). Each of three installation attempts ended with an Install Wizard error message. I learned from Nikon Support that none of Nikon's apps are engineered for 64-bit operating systems. However, there are still multiple options for uploading photos from the camera (e.g., Kodak's free EasyShare application works great).
Overall and as an IT professional, I am surprised even by my own enthusiastic reaction. Over time, the "wow" or "gee-whiz" moments with PC technology have become fewer and farther between for me. The HP TouchSmart is an exception to this. For general purpose home computing (it's not a gaming platform or a high-end engineering workstation), it merits your serious consideration. |
Very happy after three weeks
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| Review Date: July 28, 2008 |
| Reviewer: David Brandenburg, Sarasota, Fl |
I am very happy with the HP IQ506 PC. I bought it because it is an All in One and I don't use it as a touch screen. I played with the touch screen and it seems to work fine with the limited software provided.
The screen is bright in all lighting conditions and looks very good.
The built in wireless N works well.
The wireless KeyBoard and mouse have worked without any problems. The KeyBoard is very flat and takes some getting used to if you have been using a more conventional KB.
The built in speakers sound good for being so small, much better than expected.
With the 500 GB 7200 RPM Hard Disk, 22" Screen, 5 USB ports, and 4 GB memory it is a very good value.
The only things I would change are; I would add a CF reader and an option to select XP instead of Vista. |
Simply clean, fast and beautiful computer
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| Review Date: August 25, 2008 |
| Reviewer: , |
I use to work on Mac and other good computers and must say that this HP is surprising! It's above any iMac (I can't prevent myself from comparing it to an iMac because of the design and the fact it's all integrated into the screen) offering the power of a good mid/up class PC (including Macs) without the huge heavy and often ugly box, at a reasonnable price... and plus you have a touch screen!
Two months ago I tried the entry level TouchSmart (I think it was the iQ504 ?) at the shop and was actually disapointed by the graphic board. But everything else was seducing : screen is great, bright, beautiful. Lovely touchscreen, keyboard and mouse are really nice, etc... so I wanted to know more about that fancy new HP and make sure there's not a way to tune it (like to replace the GPU, and so on).
But then I discovered that HP used a cheap integrated graphic board (the Intel Graphics something) based on their mainstream crap for the less expansive 504. But I quickly saw that the iQ506 had an nVidia GeForce GPU and a Core 2 Duo CPU !
So I decided to order one and here it is.
The first thing I would say against this computer is that the TouchSmart applications are a bit slow when you launch them. But to continue the comparaison it is not as slow as using the finder or Photoshop on an iMac.
The second thing would be : MORE, PLEASE ! We want more touchscreen, even multitouch. Because this computer is actually capable of multitouch. Indeed, when you use both fingers in the smarttouch gallery you resize the previews. So this is a bit frustrating since we feel like it could do what Apple showed us how cool it can be on the iPhone : I would like to take anything in the explorer and rotate, zoom and move it with my two hands... wouldn't you ?!
I'd like to share the idea that it's a good thing to see that 'dinos' like HPs are still in the wind and don't let smaller hardware companies like Apple take the market. I was always always wondering what these guys are waiting for to react and make good and sexy computers like Apple use to do. This opens the battle and this is always good for us consumers.
BTW I discovered recently that Apple didn't invent anything about touchscreen and multitouch, and that people at Microsoft, Xerox and some other companies have been the actual pioneers... so once again it's good to see some competition here, that will give us the choice and hopefully democratize the touchscreen!
The next dream would be that HP (or any other) sell a generic LCD screen that would have some good touchscreen capability and drivers for Vista and Mac OS... |
HP IQ506 Touchsmart PC Review
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| Review Date: October 7, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Brendaliz Del Valle, Chicago, IL |
| I did not think I was ever going to purchase a desktop again until I saw the commercial for the HP IQ506 Touchsmart PC. Before purchasing this desktop I read many reviews on the product from different sites and found many good reviews. Once I received the computer and turned it on I was in love! The sound quality of the speakers is great. So good in fact that I did not need to purchase additional speakers. The picture quality is amazing and I love the 22" size screen. I saw a movie on it for the first time and was impressed with the picture quality. The only downside is that I spend a lot more time on the computer now. The touchscreen software was very user friendly and I mastered it in no time. The wireless mouse and keyboard are a nice standard touch and the remote control is a Plus. Overall, I am quite impressed with this product and have nothing negative to say about it thus far. |
A dream come true for a home computer
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| Review Date: August 31, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Lockett F. Ballard, Las Cruces |
| I bought the Sam's Club HP Touchsmart 505 almost as soon as I saw it. Liked the price. Took half an hour to set up (took longer to unhook my old HP Pavilion Slimline set up). Only problem was loading printer CD, worked when I copied the software from my old computer. Otherwise, I love it, perfect for my modest sized desk at home - great for basic photos, music, internet browsing, etc. Tried touchscreen for about 20 minutes, got bored, not a good position when set upright, mousing is just as easy, faster and keeps the screen cleaner. 62 and downsizing to essentially a studio and this is great for my modest living quarters. |
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