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.

by MacNN Staff