HP intros wireless-connected DreamScreens
updated 12:00 am EDT, Thu September 17, 2009
Screens connect to Snapfish, Pandora, Facebook
HP has introduced several new wireless-connected standalone displays, the DreamScreen 100 and DreamScreen 130. Both products are similar to digital photo frames, but with additional connectivity to services such as Snapfish, Facebook and Pandora. The interface is also capable of presenting weather forecasts, calendar information and a digital or analog clock.
While listening to Pandora, users can view album cover art while customizing stations or marking favorite songs and artists. Other music can be found through HP's SmartRadio service which lists over 10,000 web-based radio stations.
Pressing a dedicated Facebook icon will navigate to the social networking site, where users can which view photos, upcoming events and status updates. Photos from a computer, flash memory, Facebook or Snapfish can all be displayed together as a slideshow, while local or streaming music can be played in the background.
Each DreamScreen integrates 2GB of internal memory and 802.11g Wi-Fi for accessing Internet content. The 100 model provides a 10-inch display, while the 130 model measures 13.3-inches diagonally. Although the display itself is not a touchscreen, the surrounding border provides controls that illuminate when touched. Users can also control the device with an included remote control that tucks away on the top of the screen when not in use.
The DreamScreen 100 is now available for $250, while the DreamScreen 130 will arrive later in the fall for $300. Online retailers such as BestBuy.com and Amazon.com will be the first to get the 10-inch model, while shipments to brick-and-mortar locations are set to begin on October 11th.
