Typical price: £1,099
What is it: All-in-one PC with touch-sensitive screen
What we think: If you're after a space-saving all-in-one desktop PC, this is the one to get, even if the touchscreen is a luxury
Compare the HP TouchSmart IQ500
HP TouchSmart IQ500 compared to other Media Center PCs
 HP TouchSmart IQ500 |
 Acer Aspire iDea 500 |
 Eee Top |
 Dell XPS 420 |
|
| Review date | 11 Aug 08 | 13 Jul 06 | 7 Nov 08 | 17 Dec 07 |
| Editor's rating |
7.5
|
9.1
|
8.9
|
8.8
|
| Price range | £1,099 | |||
| Review summary | The IQ500 is the best all-in-one PC we've seen to date. It's the epitome of style, has very useful features and is versatile. The jury's still out as to whether a touchscreen is absolutely necessary, but those who want a compact, fun PC that's a little out of the ordinary should definitely consider it Read full review |
The Acer Aspire iDea 500 is the best Media Center PC we've seen. Aesthetically it's inspired by traditional AV equipment, so it'll sit alongside or replace your existing DVD player without looking out of place. It's not very upgradeable, but it's packed with just the right multimedia components to make the most of the Intel Viiv platform Read full review |
It's gorgeous to look at, easy and fun to use, and is also affordable. If you're looking for a second PC for multimedia, Web surfing or general tinkering, we'd definitely recommend it. Keep in mind that it slows down when multitasking, but that's rarely a problem Read full review |
The XPS 420 is fast, well-equipped and looks gorgeous. It's also the first desktop we've seen with a SideShow display. Don't be fooled though -- many of its features are ultimately just gimmicks Read full review |
| User rating | ||||
| Full specification | Full specification | Full specification | Full specification |
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