HP TouchSmart IQ500 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: HP's second generation TouchSmart PC is a massive leap forward from its original incarnation, but is this enough to secure a recommendation?

Verdict: A stylish and usable touchscreen PC that's right at home in the living room - though it lacks Blu-ray

Review summary: The next generation of touchscreen PCs is here: but can HP make it catch on?

Verdict: And there is, indeed, something futuristic about the IQ500 – HP's latest TouchSmart computer. It's an all-in-one unit: about 5in thick at the back (although designed to look much slimmer from the front and side angles), containing the whole shebang

Review summary: We didn't think the original TouchSmart IQ770 was that ugly, but compared to HP's brand-new IQ500 series it's a total dog. The IQ500 has a bigger screen -- 22 inches instead of 19 -- has a better spec, and sports the same touch-sensitive panel that ...

Pros: Design ; wireless keyboard and mouse ; ambient LED light is a cool, if superflous feature

Cons: It's hard to access small icons with the touchscreen ; average performance

Verdict: The IQ500 is the best all-in-one PC we've seen to date. It's the epitome of style, has very useful features and is versatile. The jury's still out as to whether a touchscreen is absolutely necessary, but those who want a compact, fun PC that's a ...

Review summary: A NEW-breed PC with a touch-screen interface that is just as useful in an office as in the home.

Pros: TouchSmart interface is fun and easy to use, great screen, good speed

Cons: No ExpressCard slot, three USB ports are in an awkward position at the rear, no Blu-ray player

Verdict: A relatively new-breed PC with an intuitive touch-screen interface that is just as useful in an office as in a home environment.