HP enters 27-inch AIO PCs with Omni27, adds HPE h9 Phoenix
updated 12:00 am EST, Wed January 4, 2012
HP Omni27 and HPE Phoenix mark CES presence
HP hoped to cut into the territory of Apple's iMac with CES introductions by launching its first 27-inch all-in-one desktop. The Omni27 forgoes touch but is the first without touch to use HP's Magic Canvas, a widescreen-optimized space for apps, movies, and photos. Beats Audio and direct HDMI video input turn it into a media system both on its own and for other devices.
The PC builder hasn't been clear on details and has left out most specifications, but it promises multi-core processors, "advanced" graphics, and as much as a 2TB hard drive. Those using it as a home theater substitute can pick a Blu-ray drive or a TV tuner.
HP's goal of undercutting Apple is apparent with the pricing of the Omni27, which starts at $1,200. It ships January 8.
Traditional PCs also get a lift through a new addition to the Pavilion tower line. The HPE h9 Phoenix freshens the look with an "armor-plated," red-lit design and also has enough expansion to handle hardware that many pre-made PCs can't. Its power supply is strong enough to handle 250W dedicated video cards, and it has four RAM slots to take up to 16GB of memory with current technology.
Details are again ambiguous, but it too carries Beats Audio and has the option of liquid cooling to hush the system. Magic Canvas makes its appearance alongside HP's remote-sync Link Up app and a free copy of the role-playing game Rift. The HPE h9 Phoenix should cost $1,150 to start and will ship the same day as the Omni 27.
Pavilion HPE h9 Phoenix
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