HP intros business TouchSmart desktops

At CES, HP introduced its dx9000 TouchSmart Business PC, based on the current HP TouchSmart PC for home users. While the hardware is identical to the existing TouchSmart PCs, HP is already working with DNA Digital Media Group, GuestMVP, Interactive Multimedia Artists and Uniguest to develop business-oriented applications for the new PC. In the future, the computer-maker hopes to expand upon this group.

The PCs are meant for use by small and medium sized businesses in the retail, health care, hospitality and education markets and enable customers to place orders, make virtual video service calls or use the touchscreen to socially network for business uses.

The 22-inch touchscreen monitor is capable of displaying HD content thanks to its high resolution, with the enclosure also housing a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo chip, 320GB hard drive preloaded with Windows Vista Business 64 and 4GB of RAM. A DVD burner is also integrated, as is a five-in-one card reader. Unlike in the home versions of the PC, this is the only available hardware configuration and the standard chip is faster than the optional 2.16GHz chip in the home version. All versions include a mouse and keyboard.

Pricing for the HP dx9000 TouchSmart Business PC is set at $1,400, with first deliveries being made in February.