HP planning "Crossfire" iMac rival
updated 11:40 am EST, Thu November 30, 2006
HP iMac Rival
HP is developing an all-in-one PC to coincide with the official release of Windows Vista, documents obtained by Engadget reveal. Nicknamed "Crossfire," the IQ770 is expected to represent both a showcase for Vista's features as well as a direct challenger to Apple's emblematic iMac. The design will be the first widely available touchscreen desktop and will ship with a stylus to let owners draw directly on the adjustable 19-inch widescreen LCD. Vista Home Premium's Media Center software will also be a core focus of the design, using an integrated ATSC tuner for HDTV broadcasts. An integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam will also take advantage of video chat in Windows Live Messenger.
Details and photos of HP-specific features, such as a Dashboard-style interface and the hardware specifications, follow after the jump.
While a demonstration of Microsoft's OS features, the IQ770 will also revolve around proprietary hardware and software, Engadget claims. At its heart will be a touch-activated utility that lets owners view and control widget-like applets for calendars, weather, and other narrowly focused information. HP further plans to ship the computer with PhotoSmart Touch, an image editor that will let users edit images directly onscreen. Proprietary hardware features such as a slot for HP's removable Pocket Media Drives and a dual-layer DVD rewriter with LightScribe disc labeling are also standard.
These features are to be supported by a fast system capable of running Vista smoothly in every aspect, according to HP. The IQ770 will echo Apple's use of mobile processors by depending upon a minimum 1.6GHz Turion 64 X2 dual-core processor and will use a GeForce Go 7600 graphics chipset for accelerating Vista's Aero Glass interface as well as HD video streams. A 320GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM will also appear in the stock model. The connections will be extensive with co-ax inputs for cable TV and FM radio, S-video, and six USB ports with one reserving a Y-cable for supplying power to an HP printer.
The company will officially unveil the IQ770 in January at a price of $1,799, releasing it in time for Vista's January 30th launch.
Better hustle Mr. Jobs!!
11/30, 02:25pm reply
Sounds "too good to be true": +media player +RAM +HD size +19 in screen +TV tuner. -Slower chip set -writing on the screen on an angle -MS
Hope Apple has something in the works.
fritzair
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2000
Should Apple compete?
11/30, 04:56pm reply
It sounds like a good idea to challenge the Crossfire, but that PC's a bit of a kitchen sink. Apple might not have room for a tuner, a touchscreen, and so on. Plus, it'd certainly add to the cost!
Commodus
Mac Elite
Joined: Feb 2002
It's ugly
11/30, 05:49pm reply
It's ugly. There already is a touchscreen available for the iMacs and the mac already has media player functions with Frontrow. The touchscreen is very expensive and unless you are handicaped unnecessary. You can get a tuner via 3rd party. I'm not sure if Apple wants to put TV tuners in there computers.
horvatic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2002
Oh Come On!!!
11/30, 07:27pm reply
I'm all for competition, but if you're going to do it, frigg'n do it. This PC looks like total cr@p. This is typical PC manufacturer garbage. Wasn't it Gateway that tried to do an all-in-one when the iMac was a flower pot, that thing tanked. It's bulky looking, and worst of all, it doesn't look inviting, it looks intimidating. Pro computer users might like it, but they'd probably not buy an all in one. Does HP even do market research?
slider
Mac Elite
Joined: Oct 1999
Try it, then knock it
11/30, 11:05pm reply
I actually like the look of the hardware - the software's garish. Besides, Apple's media center features aren't as full-featured as Windows Media Center's yet.
I don't think Apple ought to put in a TV tuner. A touchscreen would be great for Front Row, however!
Commodus
Mac Elite
Joined: Feb 2002