The HP TouchSmart 600 Series

This all-in-one desktop series from HP is similar to the HP TouchSmart 300. They both have an interface similar to other touch-based devices (think iPad, iTouch etc), based on touchscreen technology and ease of use. But the HP TouchSmarts aren't exactly meant to be carried around in your purse -- they're 20, 30 pound multimedia beasts that saves you desktop space and looks slick while doing it.

Noted Features, Specialty, and Specifications

The HP TouchSmart 600, like the TouchSmart 300, is designed to be a convenient and intuitive family computer that challenges the old ways of operating Windows with a mouse (of course, the mouse and keyboard is still included). The desktop offers an immersive touch screen experience where you click, drag and flick objects on the screen with your finger. You can mount the entire computer to a wall, place it flat on a table, or use the included swivel base to set it like a traditional desktop computer.

Like the TouchSmart 300, the TouchSmart 600's specialty is its apps. The browser, Twitter, and custom RSS Feed apps are all attractive ways of using the web in a more streamline, convenient way. Keep your day in order with the weather, calendar, notes, and recipe box apps along with Windows 7 widgets. For video streaming and multimedia, you'll get Hulu and Netflix integration, games, and a music store run by Rhapsody. You can also hook up TV cable to the TouchSmart 600 and use the TouchSmart as a TV (supports coaxial input, HDMI in, and S-video).

How is it different from the TouchSmart 300?

In layman's term, this desktop is simply a souped up version of the 300. You get a bigger screen (23-inch screen compared to the 300's 20-inch screen), and you'll enjoy overall better specs (better processor, more hard drive space, and memory).

What is the difference between the three TouchSmart 600 models (600t, 600xt, and 600 quad)?

The main difference is processor and graphics:

• 600t: Core i3 processor
• 600xt: Core i5 w/ discrete graphics
• 600 quad: Core i7 w/ discrete graphics

All of the desktops feature a Full HD display and beats audio for a top notch media experience. Plus, a keyboard and mouse. The preconfigure models nets you a Core 2 Duo 2.13Ghz version, a Core i5 2.4Ghz processor, and finally the top-of-the line TouchSmart 600 with a Core i7 1.73Ghz (quad-core versus the previous dual-cores). You also get the GeForce GT 230M instead of the slightly slower GeForce G 210M.