Simplify your laptop buyingHP TouchSmart IQ816
Manufacturer: HP Part number: FK783AA#ABA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- No other all-in-one PC can offer touch-based input or an LCD screen as large as that of the HP TouchSmart IQ816. It's hard to deny that those features make this a compelling desktop for families with a place to put it. Weak performance hinders its suitability for work, and it's not the best digital entertainment center, but we recommend this system to anyone looking to get in early on the touch-computing experiment.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/06/2009 |
CNET editors' review
HP TouchSmart IQ816 price range: $1,989.99
- Reviewed by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 12/12/2008
The good: Largest screen among mainstream all-in-one PCs; unique touch-based interface; public TouchSmart development kit could expand touch software library; convenient expandable hard-drive bay.
The bad: Weak audio output; performs like a $600 desktop; non-VESA-standard wall mount.
The bottom line: No other all-in-one PC can offer touch-based input or an LCD screen as large as that of the HP TouchSmart IQ816. It's hard to deny that those features make this a compelling desktop for families with a place to put it. Weak performance hinders its suitability for work, and it's not the best digital entertainment center, but we recommend this system to anyone looking to get in early on the touch-computing experiment.
Editors' note: This review incorrectly attributed HP's TouchSmart technology to N-Trig. It is instead a product of NextWindow Limited.
Above all else, we have to credit HP for taking a risk with its TouchSmart all-in-one PCs. No other Windows desktop vendor has ventured into the relatively uncharted touch-based waters, and any future developments in touch on the desktop will likely use the TouchSmart series as a reference point. As much as we admire HP's pioneering spirit, it's still fair to ask whether you should spend money on one of these PCs, in this case the $2,099 25.5-inch TouchSmart IQ816. If either touch- or large-screen all-in-ones are important to you, this pricey TouchSmart will deliver on both accounts. If you're instead looking for either a complete digital entertainment PC or a self-contained computer for productivity purposes, other all-in-ones have more to offer.
We weren't overwhelmed by the practicality of HP's custom TouchSmart software when we reviewed a smaller model earlier this year. With no new software included on the TouchSmart IQ816, that largely hasn't changed. The good news is that HP has opened up its TouchSmart development kit to the software community at large, which means that a lot of new touch-capable programs could be forthcoming.
We're certainly glad that HP has invited third-party developers to contribute to the TouchSmart platform. Considering that only one application has made it to the TouchSmart Community Download site since its October launch (making three overall, counting the two launch programs), we can't exactly say that software developers have embraced the TouchSmart as much as say, the iPhone. Perhaps they need more time. Aside from those three extras, the core HP TouchSmart software is aimed squarely at families.
A menu screen anchors the TouchSmart software. The full screen, icon-based display lets you scroll through shortcuts to the various bundled TouchSmart applications. A note taking/painting tool, a calendar, a photo viewer, a weather application, and music and video players form the core of the TouchSmart software suite. Each is easy enough to use, but also very basic in functionality. We don't mind the simplicity, as these applications are designed for you to walk up and spend only a few seconds writing a note, building a slide show, or cueing a playlist.
The idea behind the TouchSmart is that a connected family will put it in a central location, and either store media on it directly or stream media to it from other PCs on a home network. The large 25.5-inch display also makes the TouchSmart IQ816 the largest mainstream all-in-one PC available. A built-in slot loading Blu-ray player and a TV tuner round out this system's digital entertainment capabilities, which provide a reasonable degree of functionality for the price. Our biggest complaint here is the built-in audio output, which barely gets loud enough. Fortunately it comes with a variety of analog and digital audio outputs, which we recommend putting to use.
| HP TouchSmart IQ816 | Sony Vaio LV180J | |
| Price | $2,099 | $1,999 |
| CPU | 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 | 3.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 |
| Memory | 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM | 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM |
| Graphics | 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9600M GS graphics card | 256MB Nvidia Geforce 9300M GS (integrated) |
| Hard drives | 750GB, 7,200rpm | 320GB, 7,200rpm |
| Optical drive | Blu-ray burner | Blu-ray burner |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet; 802.11n wireless | Gigabit Ethernet; 802.11n wireless |
| Operating system | Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) | Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) |
While we can see using the TouchSmart as digital media hub, it's not the best-designed all-in-one for the task. Sony's Vaio LV180J features VESA-compatible wall mounting, as well as an HDMI input, complete with an input signal toggle button to go from the Windows desktop to the video from a connected component. You might give the TouchSmart credit for its larger hard drive, and it technically has a wall mount bracket, although it's nonstandard. You can also purchase a VESA-compatible mount from HP for $50. The HDMI input is a bigger coup for Sony, and HP has no similar capability. The Sony lets you connect game consoles, DV cameras, and other HDMI-equipped devices with little to no hassle, making it a truly useful feature.
We also have trouble with the TouchSmart for productivity, and this seems to be where HP pays a price for choosing a slow 2.1GHz laptop CPU. We don't suggest that performance is the primary purchase factor for this system, and it handles most common tasks well enough. Yet among two other recent all-in-ones, a $1,250 Dell midtower as well as Apple's
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Rendering single CPU |
Even though it trades primarily on its large screen and its touch capabilities, the TouchSmart IQ816 has a few extras you might find useful. An LED light with three different brightness settings shines down from the bottom edge to illuminate the wireless keyboard in the dark. HP also included a slot on the top of one of its proprietary removable Pocket Media hard drives. Given the lack of upgradeability in all-in-ones, the spare drive bay is especially handy. It also comes with the ubiquitous Webcam located front and center on the top edge, but it lacks a separate screen power button as found on the recent 24-inch Dell and Sony all-in-ones.
Otherwise, this PC is relatively basic. A media card reader, a handful of USB 2.0 ports, and a single FireWire mini jack account for the majority of input, on top of the analog and digital audio ports mentioned above. You'll also find an Ethernet adapter input, and the system also comes with 802.11n wireless networking, Bluetooth and the receiver for the IR remote built-in.
As with all of its PCs, HP backs the TouchSmart IQ816 with a one year parts and labor warranty and 24-7 toll-free phone service. Expanded support options are also available online, as are several other resources, along the lines of driver downloads, online support chat and other help.
Find out more about how we test desktop systems.
System configurations:
Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.8GHz)
Apple OS X 10.5.2; 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; 2GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro graphics chip; 320GB 7,200rpm hard drive.
Dell Studio XPS
Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 (64-bit); 2.67GHz Intel Core i7 920; 6GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM; 512MB ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics card; 500GB 7,200rpm Western Digital hard drive.
Dell XPS One 24 (Product) Red
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200; 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics card; 750GB 7,200rpm Samsung hard drive
HP TouchSmart IQ816
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100; 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9600 GS graphics card; 750GB 7,200rpm hard drive.
Sony Vaio LV180J
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 3.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E8400; 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS; 320GB 7,200rpm Hitachi hard drive.
User reviews
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Good computer, but problems with quality and service
by fbw111 on February 22, 2009
Pros: Big screen, processor is fast enough for most tasks, including making slide shows and other videos.
Cons: The touch screen software, such as the photo organizer and editor, is not very sophisticated. Could not test all functions, due to 2 defects. See below.
Summary: We really like the all-in-one form, which has allowed us to clean up the tangle of wires that are needed for a conventional desktop. The computer is also much faster ...
Summary: We really like the all-in-one form, which has allowed us to clean up the tangle of wires that are needed for a conventional desktop. The computer is also much faster than we expected--we bought an upgraded version from HP Online with a somewhat faster chip, a T8400 instead of a T8100. The biggest reservation we have is that it came with two defects--the TV tuner and the SD card reader, and we had to return it for service. That started a series of unpleasant events in which the HP techs first blamed Comcast for the lack of TV service, then sent out the wrong size return shipping box twice (!), seemingling misplaced the returned computer for 2 days, and when I called for a repair status report, they shuttled me off to someone in India who basically just read from a script. It appears that we will finally receive a computer that has no defects 49 days (hopefully) after we originally ordered it. This experience does not speak well for HP's quality control or repair service.
My computer came back yesterday. Not only did they not fix the two broken parts, the computer came back with a broken main support bracket and the repair technician left his test CD in the DVD bay, causing endless loops until I figured out what was happening. My call to HP was met with a request that I ship it back for more repairs. I asked for a replacement, but was refused. I asked for a refund, but was refused.My next computer wil;l not be made by HP.
Updated on Feb 27, 20091 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Total crap
by attorneychicago on July 3, 2009
Pros: Fancy design.
Cons: Horrible customer service. Communistic company (they cant disclose the address where sheriff should serve court papers),always freezes, locks up, windows does not load, max work time 3 days, after recovery all the files are gone. Dont want to replace
Summary: Save your money for other products than HP. Tons of peole have the same problem with this machine, HP is not willing to fix it or replace it.
Summary: Save your money for other products than HP. Tons of peole have the same problem with this machine, HP is not willing to fix it or replace it.
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Satisfactory
by ConnorJ13 on May 20, 2009
Pros: Nice design, touch screen(duh).
Cons: It's OS(Windows Vista) isn't designed for touch screen computers, but I think it will improve when it gets Windows 7. No wall mount, I thought it would be totally cool if you could put it the wall.
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Passed the Wife Acceptance Factor, easy to use.
by jimmiescott on February 21, 2009
Pros: Needs a better video card for game playing(WOW)
Problem with the built in WebCam, with Yahoo IM
WebCam support is too much CANED responce
sounds like it is supported out side the USACons: Very good color, touch screen is wonderful, BIG screen
A wonderful gift for the grand parent, easy to use
Takes up very little space and can be mounted on a wallSummary: This is the new MEC, Needs a better video card, HD is good, works with all The Logitech keyboards and headsets.
Very easy to use and coustomize.
This is the ...Summary: This is the new MEC, Needs a better video card, HD is good, works with all The Logitech keyboards and headsets.
The sound output is good, but will need help if mounted on wall for a MEC.
Very easy to use and coustomize.
This is the turly the ALL-IN-ONE 805 system.
This new tech device is so new to users, a new market will open to support all the new funstions.
Updated on Feb 21, 2009 -
Great Alll in One Desktop
by meridianite on February 13, 2009
Pros: Very quiet. Large screen w/no dead pixels. Wireless compatibility w/printers. Set up with ease right out of the box. Feature rich, don't know if I'll ever find the time to utilitize all the functions. Real TV experience, record now and watch later.
Cons: Sound quality could be better but I'm not complaining, the other features more than make up for that slight imperfection.
Summary: I bought this desktop specifically for the screen size, but got a lot more than I bargained for. It has so many features, but the system provides a solution center ...
Summary: I bought this desktop specifically for the screen size, but got a lot more than I bargained for. It has so many features, but the system provides a solution center that is very helpful in providing information, whether it be troubleshooting or just setting up the TV guide or wireless network. LOVE this computer. If you want a stylish, functional, and intuitive computer you can't go wrong with this unit.
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Better than Cnet Review Indicates
by Eludium-Q36 on December 16, 2008
Pros: HUGE Touch screen, may be your first HDTV
Cons: Weak processor, less control over angle of viewing, lost keyboard functionality, no more Lightscribe
Summary: Cnet's review short-sheets this tech marvel. It's horrid that Rich Brown doesn't even discuss its HDTV capability and its full-function wireless remote. This unit is excellent for ...
Summary: Cnet's review short-sheets this tech marvel. It's horrid that Rich Brown doesn't even discuss its HDTV capability and its full-function wireless remote. This unit is excellent for watching HDTV programs live or recorded on its integrated PVR! For many, this may be your first HDTV and its wireless remote has every necessary function available to watch those programs. But because of Rich's inadequate treatment in this area I have no idea how this compares to the other units he seems to favor.
This HP does have some weak points, though. Yes, its processor is weaker than others'. However, it performs fine in real-world situations. Not the fastest spec-wise but performs well just the same. I also don't like that they replaced the articulating support, which permitted alot of angular settings, with its current stand. And the keyboard has less functionality than its predecessor version, lacking the screen on/off function-key as well as missing alot of the media player keys. Finally, though they added Blu-ray support they apparently sacrificed Lightscribe etching -- I don't like that trade-off. What about that Rich ?
HP did alot of good things with this Touchsmart system but it also made some sacrifices that are disappointing. I just wish Cnet's reviews on the other systems discussed their HDTV capabilities and related equipment in a more comprehensive manner. Merry Cmas. -
How can they skimp on performance
by clackers2000 on December 15, 2008
Pros: Looks, Innovative
Cons: Performance
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HP
- Part number: FK783AA#ABA
- Description: The next-generation, touch-enabled PC combines a 25.5" diagonal high-definition widescreen with a powerful energy efficient Intel Core 2 Duo processor in a single, integrated design. It comes with webcam, media card reader, and premium speakers for fast, easy access to photos, videos, music and applications.
General
- Type Personal computer
- Recommended Use Home use
- Product Form Factor All-in-one
- Built-in Devices Camera, Display, Touch screen, Stereo speakers
- Width 26 in
- Depth 5.5 in
- Height 19.6 in
- Weight 35.3 lbs
- Localization English / United States
- Desktop type Monitor included, All-in-one desktop system
Processor
- Type Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 / 2.1 GHz
- Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
- 64-bit processor Yes
- Installed Qty 1
- Max processors supported 1
Cache Memory
- Type L2 cache
- Installed Size 3 MB
- Cache Per Processor 3 MB
Mainboard
- Chipset type Mobile Intel GM965 Express
- Data bus speed 800 MHz
Environmental Parameters
- Environmental standards EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Silver
RAM
- Installed Size 4 GB / 4 GB (max)
- Technology DDR2 SDRAM
- Memory Speed 667 MHz
- Memory Specification Compliance PC2-5300
- Form Factor SO DIMM 200-pin
- Configuration Features 2 x 2 GB
Storage Controller
- Type 1 x Serial ATA - Serial ATA-300
Storage Controller (2nd)
- Type None
Storage
- Floppy drive type None
- Hard Drive 1 x 750 GB - Standard - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm
- Hard Drive (2nd) None
Optical Storage
- Type DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM
- CD / DVD read speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD) / 4x (BD)
- CD / DVD write speed 16x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 4x (DVD±R DL)
- CD / DVD rewrite speed 10x (CD) / 4x (DVD±RW) / 5x (DVD-RAM)
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Storage Removable
- Type None
Monitor
- Monitor Type LCD display - TFT active matrix
- Diagonal Size 25.5 in
- Max Resolution 1920 x 1200
- Widescreen Display Yes
Multimedia Functionality
- TV tuner type Digital and analog TV
- Analog TV system NTSC
- Digital TV reception ATSC
Graphics Controller
- Type Plug-in card
- Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS
- Video Memory 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM
- Total Available Graphics Memory 2303 MB
Audio Output
- Type Sound card - Integrated
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Audio output compliant standards High Definition Audio
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right / left channel
Keyboard
- Keyboard connectivity Wireless
Input Device
- Type Mouse, Keyboard
Mouse
- Mouse connectivity Wireless
- Mouse technology Optical
Telecom
- Modem None
Audio Input
- Type Microphone
Networking
- Networking Network adapter - Integrated
- Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Bays Total (Free) 1 Pocket Media Drive bay
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin, 2 ( 0 ) x PCI Express x1, 1 ( 0 ) x PCI Express x16
- Interfaces 1 x Headphones - Output ( 1 in front ), 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 pin FireWire ( 1 in front ), 5 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A ( 2 in front ), 1 x Audio - Line-out, 1 x Audio - Line-in, 1 x Audio - SPDIF output, 1 x Remote control
Printer
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Cleaning cloth, Remote control
Power
- Power device type Power supply
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
- Software Adobe Reader 8.0, CyberLink Youcam, Muvee autoProducer, CyberLink DVD Suite, Microsoft Works 9.0, HP Total Care Advisor, Norton Internet Security 2008 (60 days subscription)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
Card Reader
- Card reader 5 in 1 card reader
- Supported flash memory cards Memory Stick, MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick Pro, SDHC Memory Card
Sustainability
- EPA Energy Star Compliant Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Silver
- Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009) 4.5
Accessories
- HP Pocket Media Drive PD3200 - hard drive - 320 GB - Hi-Speed USB (33350392)89.00 - 107.39
- HP TouchSmart wall mount bracket (33504166)37.65 - 41.99
- HP Elite Autofocus Webcam - web camera (33779585)43.52 - 49.82
- Logitech G19 (33485079)175.67 - 199.99
- Saitek Cyborg Keyboard keyboard (33073269)59.84 - 81.54
- OCZ Alchemy Series Elixir II Keyboard - keyboard (33625258)12.00 - 22.18
- Cherry J86-4400 Vandal-proof Keyboard - keyboard , trackball (33518924)356.40 - 358.43
- Cherry Advanced Performance Line SmartBoard Twin G83-6675 - keyboard (32988991)82.09 - 120.04
- HP Wireless Comfort Mouse - mouse (33702870)19.99
- Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks (32481206)22.95 - 29.99
- Logitech Performance Mouse MX (33769469)79.95 - 99.99
- Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse (32554802)39.99 - 73.99
- Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 - mouse (32062182)49.00 - 84.99
- HP Deskjet D1560 - printer - color - ink-jet (33019326)189.99
- HP Color LaserJet CP1215 (32902714)189.99 - 299.00
Manufacturer info
- HP
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse HP products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.hp.com
- Address:
3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185
