HP’s TouchSmart series largely pioneered touchscreen technology on the desktop PC. With Windows 7 and full touchscreen capability on the horizon, HP’s lineup is looking more and more exciting. For the meantime, you’re still stuck with Vista, but given HP’s innovative and user-friendly touchscreen software, TouchSmart owners are in good hands for now. In terms of hardware and performance, the HP TouchSmart IQ816 outperforms its younger sibling, the HP TouchSmart IQ504. Unsurprisingly, it also outdoes the IQ506 in terms of price. Be sure to check out our review of the HP TOuchSmart IQ506.

Standout Features

• 25.5-inch touchscreen
• Built-in HD/SD TV tuner
• Blu-ray burner
• All-in-one build

Features

The most striking feature of the HP TouchSmart IQ816 concerns its handsome all-in-one build. For newcomers to the TouchSmart series, the total lack of wires and absence of a bulky tower are benefits they’ll appreciate. Considering that the HP TouchSmart IQ816 does double duty as a TV, we really appreciate the clean look and wireless keyboard, mouse and remote control.

The HP TouchSmart IQ816 is a great Windows-based answer to the iMac. The touchscreen is very responsive and if you don’t mind littering the display with fingerprints, you’ll probably forgo mouse use for basic navigation.
The HP TouchSmart IQ816’s built-in TV tuner is a feature that we’d like to see on more PCs these days. You can record both standard and high definition TV on the HP TouchSmart IQ816. The 750GB hard drive ensures that you have plenty of space for DVR purposes. Throw in the Blu-ray player and the competent GeForce 9600 M GS video card, and you’ve got a multimedia arsenal at your disposal.

In terms of connectivity, the HP TouchSmart IQ816 manages to be just average with 5 USB ports, a FireWire port, and a media card reader. Unfortunately, the HP TouchSmart IQ816 falls short as a TV replacement because it doesn’t have an HDMI-in port. We like HDMI-in on the Sony VAIO RT 150Y because it’s a true TV and uplinking an Xbox 360 or cable box is a breeze.

The HP TouchSmart IQ816 can be mounted on a wall, but realistically, it strikes us as too heavy for standard drywall. And if you want quality audio, the onboard speakers are too tinny for a true home theater effect.

Summary of Reviews from Across the Internet

While HP’s proprietary touchscreen software is good, the fact that the HP TouchSmart IQ816 comes loaded with bloatware is a turnoff to many users.

The built-in webcam on the HP TouchSmart IQ816 is a feature users appreciate. Skype on a TV is going to be increasingly popular in the not-so-distant future.

Summary

Let’s go down the multimedia checklist here. Blu-ray? Check. Records HD TV? Check. Games? Check. The HP TouchSmart IQ816 does it all. The added luxury of the touchscreen only adds to the HP TouchSmart IQ816’s allure. The true HD media enthusiast and TV program hoarder will find plenty to love in the HP TouchSmart IQ816.

Looking to see how the HP TouchSmart IQ816 compares to other computers in terms of price and features? Check out our side-by-side comparisons of media center and multimedia PCs.

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