HP announces new high-definition multimedia PCs

Hewlett-Packard announced on Tuesday a new series of consumer notebook and desktop PCs that focus on enhancing users' multimedia experience.

The new notebooks include HDX16 and HDX18 models, designed for a mobile, high-definition computing experience. They both have built-in TV tuners, Blu-ray, wireless networking, and high-end theater-quality audio/video options.

The HDX16 features a 16-inch wide-screen with 720 or 1,080-pixel HD resolution. The HDX18, on the other hand, has a full-size 18.4-inch Ultra BrightView 1,080-pixel HD screen and a high-end graphics card. Both models sport HP MediaSmart that allows for playing hi-def multimedia content. The two are slated to be available later this month with the prices starting at $1,299 for the HDX16 and $1,549 for the HDX18.

On the desktop front, the newcomer is called HP TouchSmart IQ800 series, featuring an all-in-one touch-screen that can double as a TV with a 25.5-inch diagonal high-definition wide screen. The TouchSmart PC is wall-mountable, has the native resolution of 1,920x1,200 pixels, and a built-in slot-load Blu-ray player.

The TouchSmart IQ800 is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and uses HP power management technology that can potentially provide up to 45 percent energy savings compared with PCs sans this technology. It also comes with a Webcam, colored HP Ambient Light, media card reader, large-capacity and high-speed hard drives, an HP Pocket Media Drive Bay for adding an additional hard drive, and premium speakers.

The HP TouchSmart IQ800 series comes in two versions. The HP TouchSmart IQ804 starts at $1,899 and is expected to be available on September 21, while the HP TouchSmart IQ816 PC starts at $2,099 and is expected to be available on October 12.

Together with the new computers, HP also introduced a variety of accessories, including digital picture frames, SimpleSave solutions, mice, keyboards, and flash storage devices.

[todisco]

Until I can hook in my Hi-Def sat or cable signal and use it as a DVR this HP should be classified as an oversized itouch. The holy grail for computers, Mac or other wise will be to integrate Hi-Def TV signal into a computer, otherwise it's NOT ALL-IN-ONE!!!!! I know of patent issues involved with HDMI as an input but if TIVO can have a HDMI input so should my PC.

[tipoo_]

what is the graphics soloution in the touchsmart?

[M_cKade]

I am still waiting for the rumored Aluminum Macbooks that are supposed to come out with in the next month. 13.3 inch screen is a must for me. Also, lately Apple owns all when it comes to design. e.

Ipod touch 2nd gen 8gb:)

[danielszabo1981]

Business System Company Trying to be all things to all people. HP doesn't carry the cool factor Apple does. It would've been better to release these under a different brand name...or, at the least, a cooler logo.

[Lerianis]

Hmm.... I have to rethink the assessment I was going to make. After looking at this more closely, it looks like these notebooks are going to be awesome and packed with value for the buck, just like Gateway's FX series of notebooks and desktops.
HP... my hat is off to you, you have really made a good laptop here.

[allenp37]

As always, great news