HP to unveil iMac competitor with Vista
updated 01:45 pm EST, Thu November 30, 2006
HP takes on iMac
HP is developing the IQ770, a new all-in-one PC nicknamed "Crossfire" to coincide with the official release of Windows Vista. The new system is expected to represent both a showcase for Vista's features as well as a direct challenge to Apple's emblematic iMac, and will be the first widely available touchscreen desktop to ship with a stylus that allows owners draw directly on the adjustable 19-inch widescreen LCD, according to Engadget. The design will also include Vista Home Premium's Media Center software as a core focus of the design, using an integrated ATSC tuner for HDTV broadcasts. An integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam will also take advantage of video chat in Windows Live Messenger. The company will officially unveil the IQ770 in January at a price of $1,800, just it in time for Vista's January 30th launch.
While a demonstration of Microsoft's OS features, the IQ770 will also revolve around proprietary hardware and software, according to Engadget. The system will feature a touch-activated utility allowing owners to view as well as control widget-like applets for calendars, weather, and other narrowly focused information. HP further plans to ship the computer with PhotoSmart Touch, an image editor with support for editing images directly onscreen. Proprietary hardware features such as a slot for HP's removable Pocket Media Drives and a dual-layer DVD rewriter with LightScribe disc labeling are also included.
The IQ770 will echo Apple's use of mobile processors with a minimum 1.6GHz Turion 64 X2 dual-core processor, and will incorporate a GeForce Go 7600 graphics chipset for accelerating Vista's Aero Glass interface as well as HD video streams. A 320GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM will appear in the stock model, and co-ax inputs are to provide cable TV, FM radio, and S-video connectivity. The system also includes six USB ports with one reserving a Y-cable for supplying power to an HP printer.
Home Premium
11/30, 02:07pm reply
LOL!
Horsepoo!!!
Banned
Joined: Jun 2003
Hehe....
11/30, 02:20pm reply
Ok, lets think about this for one second. Touch screen displays are always located below the eye line. For example store kiosks and PDAs. How many people do you see holding a PDA right in front and at the height of their face, none - they look down. Same with laptops and other stylus equip items.
So you can get this computer and lay it on you desk or very low or kill your arm trying to right at eye level.
unity@mac.com
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2005
Could they make it...
11/30, 02:22pm reply
...any uglier or mechanically convoluted...? I just don't get it - everything about it seems 'catch up' except the touch screen - this puppy may actually help mac sales... Even things like a 19" screen - just a little too small to really use it as a TV... Hmmm...
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
good attempt...
11/30, 03:02pm reply
Good attempt, but why does it look so abstract? I can understand the flip part (i am guessing it's more portable when folded), but this guy is 3 sectioned when it only needs two sections.
And to the above guy about the screen being high for a stylus. Well I'm sure a mouse is optional, and I think the stylus won't be the standard mode of navigation but just for art or photo work.
Oh well competition brings out the best in competitors. To tell you the truth, I think a stylus on next gen imacs would be impressive.
Gordio
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Advancing State of Art
11/30, 03:30pm reply
It looks as though it might fold down to a tablet format. Apple's Inkwell application could take advantage of this technology. Plus cable ready. Some nice features. Hope new features will encourage Apple to advance at a faster rate. Mac today, Mac tomorrow and Mac forever!
Benton
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2005
inkwell
11/30, 07:39pm reply
It looks as though it might fold down to a tablet format. Apple's Inkwell application could take advantage of this technology.
Well, it sure would, if Apple did anything with Inkwell. Apple makes a supposedly great tech, then offers no use for it at all.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
At last there is a future
12/01, 11:47am reply
Now this is something to look forward too. A replacement for Macintosh and Mac OS. Apple OS X was a bad replacement for Mac OS, but now there's a future with a operating SYSTEM that have the lates software so we ALL can chat and communicate and without a CPU manufacturer that makes CPU's that dont know how to calculate correctly. LOL Intel lovers. Thanks HP for filling up the space that Steve Jobs killed when he returned to Apple. macintish and Mac OS will all be missed. My Imac G5 will start collecting dust when I can buy this HP.
Theres_NO_MAC_anymore
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2006
Not Competitive
12/03, 06:29pm reply
The first time I read through this article, I thought "hmm, this could be serious competition... maybe it'll get Apple working the fabled iTablet!" However, then I saw the price. Starting from $1800? Most of the appeal of the iMac is how affordable it is. Nobody who is thinking of an iMac will want to shell out nearly two grand for a gigantic, tri-sectioned computer that looks more like an airport kiosk than a desktop. Speaking of aesthetics, that's the next largest part of the iMac appeal - it defies reason. I'm typing this on a PowerPC iMac G5, which I bought within a week of release - rev A worries be damned. The first time I took it out of the box, I was stunned. "This is the entire computer!? No way!" I still am amazed by how much is tucked in here when everyone else still has gigantic boxes for desktops. I don't see this as a legitimate competitor to the iMac at all.
vertigociel
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2006