In pics: HP TouchSmart tx2 laptop

Hewlett Packard has introduced the company's first laptop computer with multi-touch technology promising users the same fingertip navigation built into previous HP desktops and popularised by Apple's iPhone.

The new notebook, called the TouchSmart tx2, will have three modes: PC, display and tablet, with a digital pen to sketch or take notes directly on the screen.

Here's a look into the first touchscreen laptop from the world's largest computer maker.

Capacitive multi-touch technology
TouchSmart tx2 features a 12.1-inch diagonal BrightView LED display and convertible design that allows it to be used as a PC, display or tablet. Users can navigate the screen with more than one finger simultaneously, using what HP describes as `capacitive multi-touch technology'.

Since the laptop recognises input from more than one finger at a time, users can use multiple gestures, such as flicking, pinching and rotating.

In addition, the screen, which has a resolution of 1,200 by 800 pixels, swivels and can be laid flat.

Processing power
The TouchSmart tx2 comes preloaded with Windows Vista Home Premium, and HP is giving customers the choice of AMD's Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core mobile processor or AMD Turion X2 Dual-Core mobile processor.

The system also has ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics processor, up to 8 GB of memory and a 500 GB hard drive. Other features include Bluetooth and WiFi wireless technology, an integrated camera and a DVD burner.

Rotating screen
HP has developed a `convertible' display for tx2, which lets users rotate its screen and use the notebook like a tablet PC. For less adventurous users, tx2 also offers a traditional keyboard and mouse.

HP said that tx2 also has a rechargeable digital ink pen that can be used to write or draw on the screen, and the handwriting can then be converted into typed text.

Software & pricing
The software foundation of the tx2's multi-touch capabilities is HP's MediaSmart 2.0. This allows users to view photos, listen to music, surf the Net or watch movies in high-definition, while bypassing Microsoft’s Vista interface.

In addition, HP has entered into a partnership with MTV Networks to bring video in from MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon.

HP TouchSmart tx2 is priced starting at $1,149. The company has placed its touchscreen laptop in the same bracket as Apple's low-end MacBooks in terms of pricing.

Rivals in the market
Although HP is touting tx2 as the first product of its type, rival Dell already offers touchscreen technology on its Latitude XT tablet PC. The Dell laptop, however, lacks consumer-oriented software.










Evolutionary growth
The company introduced its first touchscreen computer -- HP-150 -- in 1983. Earlier this year, the company unveiled TouchSmart family of PCs, which feature HP software designed to enable users to access applications with a swipe or tap of a finger, without touching a mouse or keyboard.

These TouchSmart machines have been largely aimed at integrating computers into the home, designed to serve as a kind of family bulletin board, a television and a place to check email in one place.

Source : TOI