Aside from netbooks and iPads and smart phones that are sometimes more clever than the PCs we own – there is still something to be said for the desktop computer. You know, those things that are too heavy to carry around in your handbag and stay parked on your desk at all times?
From gigantic towers to boxy screens, desktop PCs have lost their charm. Even despite the G4’s colourful appeal oh-so long ago, I can’t think of a single, current desktop PC that I found sexy.
Say hello to HP’s Touchsmart 300. Armed with Windows 7, multi-touch, and a 20 inch full HD display, the TouchSmart 300 is the perfect addition to your home. While the TouchSmart does come with a keyboard and mouse, and while you could potentially use this as your main PC at work or at home – I personally think that it would be better suited in a more communal part of the home.
As far as PCs , this is a good one. It’s speedy (it has an Athlon II X3 processor 400e) has plenty of storage space (750 GB hard drive for storing all of your digital files) and it has nifty things like a built in webcam and fun augmented reality features within the HP Media Centre that can give you everything from a tiara to the face of a bunny. (What can I say, I’m easily entertained.)
It’s easy to be wooed by the TouchSmart's gigantic touchscreen. When I first was introduced to it, I was completely smitten. Its speakers are brilliant, which means you don’t have to buy an external set of speakers, and it’s massive screen and mutlitouch capabilities mean that it’s idea for sorting through photos, video, and even playing games.
However, when I went to use the TouchSmart for more practical, every day tasks like email, browsing the Internet, and updating my social networks – I was not so impressed. The whole point of having a PC like the TouchSmart as your main PC would be to use the touchscreen, right? However, my browser of choice, Google Chrome, isn’t touchscreeen enabled. I had to use my finger on the scroll bar, and as I have longer fingernails, this proved to be rather irritating.
From using things like the iPad or even an Android powered phone, your brain “knows” how to use a touchscreen, and expects certain things to happen when you touch it. It wants to whisk the screen up and down instead of scrolling, and to swipe to move from left to right. Unforunately, your everyday bits of software and applications that you’d want to download or use on your TouchSmart simply are not equipped to be touchscreen friendly.
I eventually had to switch browsers to Firefox which has a touchscreeen addon you can download, but even that wasn’t seamless. It may sound trivial, but I’m very picky about which browser I’m using, and as I personally cannot stand Internet Explorer, so browsing the Internet (and therefore doing my job) on the TouchSmart 300 isn’t easy, or fun.
However – it needs to be said that I still love having the TouchSmart in my house. It’s perfect for music and for blasting those Spotify playlists on a lazy Sunday morning or for when you have guests over. It’s perfect for chatting to family and friends via Skype, and watching films or videos online. I can also see how having the TouchSmart in your livingroom or kitchen would be perfect for a family or a tech savvy couple. For simple browsing, entertainment and fun and games, the TouchSmart 300 is ideal.
Although I may not want to use this PC to do my every day work on as it is now, the TouchSmart is full of potential. The fact of the matter is that Windows 7 is still relatively new, and Microsoft are still finding its way with touchscreens. However, software updates are popping up, and even the new version of Firefox is rumored to have "gesture/flick" support. Hopefully the likes of Microsoft, Google and even Spotify will become more touchscreen friendly soon, as it's essentially their own software's limitations that are holding the potential of the TouchSmart back.
It all comes down to what you want and expect out of this PC. If you’re looking to replace your main desktop computer or laptop for home use, you’ll probably be frustrated and or disappointed with your purchase. However, if you’re looking for a family PC, entertainment center, or simply something to look nice and engage customers in the lobby of your hotel, restaurant, office space or living room – this is perfect.
The TouchSmart 300 is entertaining, sexy, and innovative.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite compatible enough with other programs and the desktop applications I prefer to work with for me to think of it as being practical, but I think HP (and Microsoft) will get there, eventually.