Roundup: All-In-One PCs : HP TouchSmart IQ500
4. HP TouchSmart IQ500
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Display
With all displays, two aspects have to be taken into account: diagonal measurement and resolution. This one measures 22 inches and has a resolution of 1680 x 1050 pixels. The size is an undeniable advantage over portable computers, with their maximum 20-inch diagonal. But the resolution isn't exceptional - it's found on some laptops with 17-inch displays (the MSI GX700-244, for example). The LCD panel is a TN, and it's shiny. Very shiny. In fact it's a real mirror, and the fingerprints made by tactile use are embarrassingly visible. We often mention our preference for flat finishes on panels, because they reduce reflections from ambient light, making them easier to use in a variety of situations. The viewing angles and response time of this display are very typical of a 5 ms TN. That makes it acceptable for 90% of the gaming population - that is, all but hardcore gamers, at whom this model isn't aimed. The viewing angles are good from the side, but the display whitens when viewed from above and blackens when seen from below.
The HP touch
All-in-one computers - better looking than tower PCs and bigger than laptops and notebooks - are multiplying on the market. Boasting a 22-inch tactile display and mobile components, the HP TouchSmart IQ500 has a software layer especially developed by HP for fingertip use, opening up some interesting possibilities for a new way to control a computer.
High-gloss panel
The computer has a very shiny 22-inch touch-sensitive panel (see box). It reacts quickly to finger pressure, though we did notice some slowdowns with the HP-developed software layer. The keyboard and mouse shipped with the unit didn't impress us. The keyboard is noisy and the mouse is cheap-looking. In our opinion, neither the mouse nor the keyboard are a worthy companion for this computer.
Hard to move around
The HP weighs over 23 lb. (10.7 Kg). That's a lot heavier than a laptop or notebook, and the weight makes mobile use nearly impossible.
Acceptable Webcam
The Webcam is built into the display housing at the top, in the middle. The image quality it puts out is quite acceptable, as is the sound through the built-in mic. Whoever you're talking to may well have to turn up the volume of their headphones/speakers to hear you clearly, though. And you'll have to be careful not to make any sudden movements in front of the camera, because it tends to distort moving objects.
Good audio
The speakers built into the front and rear of the display base put out enjoyable sound, with obvious attention paid to the bass. Still, headphones are the best alternative if you're alone in front of your screen.
Connectivity
The TouchSmart has the following interfaces: RJ45, Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11n, 5 USB ports, 1 mini FireWire. Input connectors include: S-Video, stereo audio, TV tuner (analog and DTT). Outputs: infrared blaster. Two important connectors are missing - a video output (HDMI, DVI, or VGA) for connecting a second display or TV set and an e-SATA connector to speed up transfers from an external hard disk. HD capability is also missing. The TV tuner isn't HD capable and the optical drive, a DVD burner, can't read Blu-Ray discs.
Performance
The TouchSmart IQ500 didn't lead the pack in overall performance. The results of our tests put it in the average category. Note, however, that we couldn't include results for PCMark and 3DMark Vantage, both of which refused to launch.
Results
The Vista Index score for this all-in-one is 4.0. That breaks down as follows: CPU 5.0 - Memory 4.7 - Aero graphics 4.0 - Game graphics 4.8 - Main hard drive 5.9.
Fast Photoshop
The fast time score on our Photoshop script came as a surprise. It puts the IQ500 well ahead of the performance logged by the mobile computers we've put through the same test procedure. We checked and re-checked and the results were always the same. We can't really explain this phenomenon, though it might have something to do with the OS version installed - 64-bit Vista. The key to the explanation might be there. But, Photoshop CS3 isn't supposed to be optimized for 64-bit operating systems, so the mystery remains.
Average write speed
The memory card reader, located on the right-hand edge of the case, performed well. With large files, the average data rate (read/write) was 15.2 MB/sec.
HD: Just barely
Reading large HD files from the hard disk is possible. But CPU use climbed to between 75 and 82%, and power consumption reached 100 Watts. So if you're planning to play HD, don't even try to copy a file in parallel.
HP TouchSmart IQ500 | |
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| Pros | Cons |
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All-in-one computers are easier on the eyes compared to good old standard tower PC. And they have the added advantage of touchscreen operation, which has a lot of promise. A few disappointments here, though; no HD TV tuner, a poor-quality keyboard and mouse, an overly glossy screen surface, and disappointing overall performance.
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 |
| Memory | 4 GB |
| Graphics chipset | Nvidia 9300M GS |
| Display | 22 inches (1680x1050) |
| Hard disk | 500 GB |
| Optical drive | DVD burner |
| Dimensions | 535 x 84 x 442 |
| Weight | 23.5 pounds |
Interesting that you chose the higher spec'd Apple then gave it the higher rating. Well...duh! Perhaps the HP IQ800 series with similar size screen and the same 9400M graphics (available with a Blue Ray player, even) would have been a better fit. Or compare the 20" Apple with it's lower resolution, comparable to the HP.
And why is the HP noted to be difficult to move around, but the same comment is not made about the 24" screen Apple?
Since you were demonstrating an array of products, the rating should have reflected price. If one only has $800 to spend, it doesn't make any difference how good the Apple is, you can only compare the Atom machines.
Frankly, these machines serve different purposes. The Atom machines are what netbooks are to the laptop world. They are not intended for the power user, and that should be considered in their rating. My mother would be well served by a simple machine that does email and a few simple tasks well, without taking up much space or cost.
But I have no use for such a basic machine. The HP and Apple are desktop alternatives, and really cannot be directly compared to the Atom machines, because they are not marketed to the same user. But, they do have to compete for my dollars with a full desktop, and they fail miserably, even compared to my current machine with its 8800GTS 320 graphics. I'm looking at upgrading my machine, and I can upgrade my box to I7 920, GTX260, 6GB (and a smattering of other stuff) for about $800 (I roll my own, in an aluminum case that's seen about 3 MBs so far).
This article reeks of Apple favoritism.
The iMac is applauded for its low power consumption, while the Asus uses only 1/4 as much power. The Asus and MSI are criticized for a lack of ports, but the iMac has the same shortcomings. Every "con" for the HP is true for the iMac as well, so how did Apple earn that extra star?
It sounds like the only thing the iMac does better is look pretty on a desk, and pack a little more power for twice the cost.
"...but only recently have they become PCs."
Oh really? I can remember playing around with a Compaq 486SX integrated with a 14" color SVGA display in the early 1990s (a 1993 model it was, I think).
On the other hand, the Macintosh name actually started with an all-in-one in 1984...
When was this article written? August 3rd? Seriously?
You could only manage to find a measely four All-in-Ones? What about Dell's Studio One? Or Avaretec's 22" D1005 or budget-minded D1100? How about Lenovo's Idea Centre A600? These are major competitors, and deserve attention.
I wanted an article that could help me discern the possible uses and values of each of these All-in-Ones so I could weigh the merits of each and make logical assessments. I have been eagerly awaiting such even-handed benchmarking from TomsHardware...
Instead, I got a poorly written iMac ad.
Fanboy = Fail.
Mac > PC = True
Don't forget that the first mass selling all-in-one was the Commodore PET.
since all the others have touchscreen as a plus, shouldn't apple having no touch screen be a con?
I've always thought the huge bulky PC towers that people like myself love so much will be on their way out of the mainstream very soon. In fact, most people I know own micro-towers or laptops now. Even I haven't turned my own tower on in weeks, as my laptop works as a desktop replacement box.
Still though, not sure if I like the AIO PC concept, I'm gonna stick with my laptop.
There are quiet a few calls of Apple bias and on the surface it seems to be correct. There needs to be a weighing system that is clearly defined before hand so in the readers mind the comparison are oranges to oranges. Cause it is somewhat unfair to compare an atom and core duo on the same scale with out some de-rating concept as they really are two different types of CPU