HPs PC Lineup for CES Boasts Touch Screens, HD Displays

by Chris Preimesberger

HP’s TouchSmart 310 PCs feature new high-definition touch-screen technology, something even Apple doesn’t yet have—MultiTouch. This enables users to move their fingers more naturally over the screen as they interact with content. It also enables a user to leave notes on the screen for other people who work with the PC if it is located in a common area of a home or office. Users can also call up Websites, watch a video or view a photo all at the same time.

On the new touch-screen PCs, HP has added a carousel-type index on-screen, which can display an unlimited number of items, such as photos, videos, word documents, personal messages and the like on the monitor. The images are easily manipulated, and items that you want to keep private can be readily kept off the screen.

HP’s newest Compaq LA 2000-series monitors feature mercury-free, WLED backlit panels and slim designs that can tilt and swivel as needed. They measure 20, 21.5 and 23 inches diagonally and feature full HD resolution and advanced connectivity options. Prices start at $209.

A lot of people are thinking that 2011 will finally be the year that virtual desktop installation takes off because a large number of enterprises are getting weary of client-to-server licensing costs. For 2011, HP is offering its t5500 Series of thin clients, which feature Brominated Flame Retardant (BFR) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)-free design and Energy Star qualifications. They are also outfitted for multimedia presentations and support native dual-digital monitors or analog displays. Prices start at $249.

This view of the HP t5500 Series next-generation thin client shows its all-solid-state interior, which provides “a very PC-like experience for the user,” Eric Croswhite, HP’s product marketing manager for thin clients, told eWEEK. They also feature enterprise-level wireless connectivity, Symantec EndPoint Protection software and HP Easy Tools—and they will work with either Windows or Linux operating systems.

HP’s 100B All-in-One personal computer is a new product this year. It uses 40 to 50 percent less power than comparable machines, thanks to AMD’s latest cool-running dual-core processors. It features high-definition graphics and a preinstalled HP Power Assistant (which enables 90 percent power efficiency), and is Energy Star certified. The minitower (left) also is much smaller-about the size of a small desktop storage drive-than previous similar HP models, taking up much less space on a desktop. Pricing starts at $499.

HP describes this model as a reliable entry-level-type desktop for SMBs with simple setup and complete support services. “It’s for people that, when they suddenly realize they need a new or extra PC for the business, they can just go out and get this one and set it up pretty easily out of the box,” HP marketing exec Greg Morris said. It features fully integrated graphics, support for legacy software and hardware, BFR-PVC-free design, Energy Star qualifications, HP Power Assistant, and a DVD-CD rewritable drive. They become available in February 2011; pricing starts at $499.

The new desktop for enterprises features fully integrated graphics, support for legacy software and hardware, BFR-PVC-free design, Energy Star qualifications, HP Power Assistant, and a DVD-CD rewritable drive.

There’s plenty of room to add new components if needed in the HP Compaq 8200 Elite Business PC. Like the other Compaqs, this one also features fully integrated graphics, support for legacy software and hardware, BFR-PVC-free design, Energy Star qualifications, HP Power Assistant, and a DVD-CD rewritable drive. The main differences, naturally, from the lower-priced desktops are storage capacity and processor power. Pricing on these starts at $679.

These rich media-oriented laptops have been updated with second-generation Intel Core processors and AMD Mobility Radeon graphics cards, Beats Audio software, and HP’s Triple Bass Subwoofer speakers. They feature 17.3-inch 16:9 backlit LED screens optimized for multimedia and??ístorage up to 640GB. Prices start at $899.