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HP TouchSmart 600-1055

*Est. $1,400

Reviewed

November 2010

Pros

Terrific multimedia features, including Blu-ray drive and HDTV tuner
Great speakers
Good touch applications
Sleek styling

Cons

So-so performance for the price
Touch interface still rough in spots
Not appropriate for serious gaming

Where to Buy

for $1,499.99

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The HP TouchSmart 600-1055 is a retail configuration from the popular HP TouchSmart 600 series. It includes goodies such as a Blu-ray player and an HDTV tuner, making it a great choice as a multimedia center for a family. The 23-inch high-def (1080p) screen is touch-capable. Critics claim that HP's touch applications are the best to date, though that's not to say there aren't a bunch of rough spots to still work out. The hardware configuration -- including a 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor -- and performance aren't particularly impressive for the price, but there's still more than enough horsepower for everyday computing and most business computing. Hard-core gamers and professional video editors will want to look elsewhere, however, since intensive games like Crysis" are unplayable in some tests. The HP TouchSmart 600-1055 has excellent availability at online retailers, but there are indications that it may not be around for much longer. If you need more power, the new 27-inch 2.8 GHz Apple iMac (Discontinued) is the fastest all-in-one computer you can buy.

Most reviewers who report on the HP TouchSmart 600 look at the TouchSmart 600-1055 or an essentially identical configuration. You can find the best testing based reviews at CNET, PCMag.com, ComputerShopper.com and Gizmodo.com.

Where To Buy

HP TouchSmart 600-1050 23-Inch Black Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium)
(20 reviews) Buy new: $1,199.99 7 Used from $760.00

Our Sources

1. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

As PCMag.com notes, some competitors are offering more powerful computers at the same price as the HP SmartTouch 600-1055. However, those don't offer the features and functionality found in this system. The result is that PCMag.com names it as its Editors' Choice among mainstream computers.

Review: HP TouchSmart 600-1055 PC, Joel Santo Domingo, Oct. 13, 2009

2. CNET

CNET also gives the HP TouchSmart 600 Editors' Choice recognition, with Rich Brown saying it has "the most comprehensive and compelling set of features of any all-in-one launching alongside Windows 7." That's enough to overcome performance that lags behind other computers, including other all-in-ones. Brown seems especially enamored with certain applications, including a Recipe Box program that's called one of the TouchSmart's "best features" despite some rough edges.

Review: HP TouchSmart 600, Rich Brown, Oct. 12, 2009

3. Computer Shopper

ComputerShopper.com joins in with its own Editors' Choice award for the HP TouchSmart 600. Despite some performance shortfalls, the computer "shines" for entertainment applications. Touch software is also called the best seen to date on a PC, though quite a bit of room for improvement remains.

Review: HP TouchSmart 600, Matt Safford, Oct. 2009

4. Gizmodo.com

Mark Wilson says he wanted to love the HP TouchSmart 600. Instead, he says, "I just really, really like it a lot." Great functionality, a full suite of touch apps and other pluses are offset by some performance "hiccups" and a less-than-perfect touch interface.

Review: HP TouchSmart 600 Review: Multitouch Multimedia Mogul, Mark Wilson, Oct. 13, 2009

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