New HP TouchSmart PC IQ800 to deliver bigger screen

"The computer is now a hands on experience" said HP

16 September 2008 5:01 GMT / By Stuart Miles

HP has announced a new version of its TouchSmart desktop computer that allows you to touch the screen rather than use just the keyboard or mouse.

The HP TouchSmart IQ800 will sport a bigger 25.5-inch screen rather than a 22-inch screen as found on the IQ500, the previous model launched earlier in the year.

The new model adds a higher resolution screen, a larger hard drive, Blu-ray, more memory to the graphics card, a Pocket Media Drive slot and improved software.

"The computer is now a hands on experience", said a spokesman for HP at a press event in the UK.

Users opting for the mammoth screen will get a 1900 x 1200 resolution, a 640GB rather than 500GB hard drive and the Nvidia GeForce 9600M GS HD graphics card.

The new model will be available in the UK in November, will cost £1499, and come with a dedicated support service for customers confused by the new touchscreen interface.

Out of the box the computer will come with a set-up procedure similar to Apple's Mac OSX that will guide people through the process.

HP also used its event to announce the launch of a number of Pavilion laptops and the expansion of the HDX laptop range. The new models will be based on the Dragon 20-inch laptop announced last year, however come in 16- and 18-inch variants.

We will keep you posted.