HP’s TouchSmart tx2 is the first consumer Tablet PC with a multi-touch display, which enables users to control the computer using gestures. The TouchSmart tx2 is available for order starting today for $1,149
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The TouchSmart tx2 is an improvement over HP’s previous tablet, the Pavilion tx2500z. The tx2500z does include a touchscreen, but you can only use one finger at time. The new capacitive touch is a really big deal and if you’re considering a tx-series tablet you should ignore the tx2500z, which is still being offered by retailers and on HP’s Web site, and opt for the tx2.
Check out the below HP promo video to get a sense of what multi-touch means. If you’re an iPod Touch/iPhone owner you’ll feel right at home with the tx2. While in tablet mode you can write on the tx2’s display with the included digitizer.
The TouchSmart tx2’s interface is similar to the HP’s desktop TouchSmarts that I first played with back in June. I wondered when we’d see it on a tablet and am really happy that HP’s offering similar features in a mobile package.
I recommend the TouchSmart x2 as long as you’re certain you’ll use the tablet and touchscreen functionality. If you don’t plan on using the digitizer on a regular basis I recommend looking at a traditional notebook.
TouchSmart tx2 Display
The Touchsmart TX2’s 12.1-inch display (1280×800 pixels) is on the small side and I recommend using an external display if you’re going to use it for a long period of time. HP does sell several port replicators and docking solutions that are compatible with the TX2.
The display swivels 180-degrees and can fold down into tablet mode, making it easier to use with the digitizer and while standing.
TouchSmart tx2 Dimensions:
HP TouchSmart TX2 has a starting weight of 4.33 pounds with a standard 4-cell battery and the plastic weightsaver in place of the DVD/RW drive.
TouchSmart tx2 Battery Life
HP’s standard configuration for the TX2 seems to include a 6-cell battery, which will add a few ounces to the equation, but the extra juice is well worth it. The TX2 shares many of the same components with the tx2xxx series and battery life has been less than impressive on this series. When I carry my tx2000z I always carry an extra battery.
TouchSmart tx2 processor
The TouchSmart TX2 comes with AMD Turion processors. The base configuration includes an AMD Turion ZM 72 (2.1GHz/1MB) L2 Cache processor. I recommend spending the extra $75 to upgrade to the AMD Turion ZM 82 (2.2GHz/2MB L2 Cache) processor.
TouchsMart tx2 Memory
The TouchSmart TX2 comes with 3GB RAM standard, which is the most 32-bit Vista will recognize. If you opt the 64-bit version of Vista you can go nuts and order 8GB of memory for $725. Obviously loading up a $1,149 notebook with $725 worth of RAM doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The $75 4GB option is more than adequate.
HP TouchSmart tx2 Hard Drive
The TX2 comes with a 5400RPM drive with a choice of 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 400GB or 500GB capacities.
HP TouchSmart TX2 Specifications:
HP TouchSmart tx2 Notebook PC THE WORLD’S FIRST MULTI-TOUCH CONSUMER NOTEBOOK* • Experience intuitive, two-finger control of entertainment within HP MediaSmart. • Enjoy music, photos, movies and TV programs within HP MediaSmart. • Get fast, direct access to an HP tx2 Support Specialist @ 866.408.5408 (U.S. only). • Twist the display up to 180° to share content and watch films — or fold it flat for writing. • Surf the Web(15) and use applications intuitively by touching the screen with a finger. • True Tablet PC: Write, draw and erase accurately with the included pen. • Simplify your password management with the optional integrated fingerprint reader. • Engage in live video chat using the HP Webcam(15) and integrated microphone. • Enjoy the ultimate audio entertainment experience with SRS Premium Sound. KEY SPECS • AMD Athlonâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Processor QL-64 (2.1 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, AMD Athlonâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Processor QL-62 (2.0 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-74 (2.2GHz, 1MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-72 (2.1GHz, 1MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-80 (2.1GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-82 (2.2GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-84 (2.3GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-86 (2.4GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) WORLD-CLASS SUPPORT • One-year limited hardware and software warranty with 24/7 phone support with numerous extended service plan options • Toll-free phone support during warranty @ 1.800.HPINVENT (1.800.474.6836) in the U.S. and Canada; online support for the life of the product by clicking on the ?†icon • Easy-to-use dashboard for system diagnostics and updates with preinstalled HP Advisor MOBILITY YOU CAN TOUCH For those whose active lives demand a device for note capture, entertainment, communication and robust computing that’s easy to carry everywhere, the HP TouchSmart tx2 Notebook PC delivers. The tx2 combines powerful ultra-powerful computing with Tablet PC capabilities and entertainment features in an attractive design light enough to go anywhere. With multi-touch support within HP MediaSmart, it is the first notebook PC for consumers that enables the use of two fingers to navigate HP’s entertainment applications. HP has developed a specific set of gestures to help you get the most from your TouchSmart tx2. • SINGLE, DOUBLE TAP: Select objects by touching them once (single tap), or double tap to open objects/programs. • FLICK: Scroll or pan within an application either horizontally or vertically. For example, in MediaSmart Photo, flick your finger to the left on the display and the inertia from your flick will move the photos leftward, just as if you pushed a piece of paper to the left on a table. • PRESS & DRAG: Touch an object on the display and hold and drag it to the desired destination. • ARC: Allows you to move tracks to/from playlists without having to make a straight line. • PINCH: Touch an object on the display once to select the item then place 2 fingers on opposite corners of the object, then move them closer together to decrease the object’s size or to zoom out. Move fingers away from one another to enlarge the object or to zoom in. • ROTATE: Rotate photos by touching the object once to select the item then use 2 fingers on opposite corners of the image and rotate the image either clockwise or counter-clockwise. • LAUNCH MEDIASMART: Touch the screen with two fingers together and write the letter m on the display to launch the MediaSmart Smart Menu. Digital ink pen • Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate(1) (2) OR, Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium(1) (2)OR, Genuine Windows Vista® Business(1) (2) • 12.1-inch diagonal WXGA (1280 x 800), Integrated touch-screen, Convertible display • ATI Radeonâ„¢ HD 3200(9) available • Up to 8GB DDR2 SDRAM System Memory (2 SODIMM; 64-bit OS) • 160/250/320/400G/500B(8) 5400 rpm SATA • SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support(10) (11) OR, LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±RW with Double Layer Support(10) (11) (12) • 802.11b/g WLAN OR, 802.11b/g WLAN and Bluetooth(15) OR, Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN(14) OR, Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n with Bluetooth(14) (15) UNSURPASSED STYLE HP’s innovative notebook PC designs truly integrate fashion and technology. High-gloss HP Imprint finish encases the elegant forms and is more durable than traditional painted surfaces. The tx2 Reaction Imprint reveals an energized pattern inspired by the circular elements found in audio equipment. HP notebooks have won coveted International Red Dot and iF material awards. Exclusive HP Reaction Imprint finish MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT Providing more choices than ever, HP MediaSmart enables access to DVDs, videos, photos, music, games(25) and Internet TV(15) at the touch of a button. Built-in demos show you how to add music to your slide shows or videos with drag-and-drop functionality and much more. Dual headphone jacks enable you to share films and music without disturbing others. Muvee Reveal makes creating films complete with effects a snap! And the included HP Mini Remote Control can be stored in the ExpressCard slot. It’s time to play! • • • • • • ENERGY STAR® qualified to conserve energy EPEAT SILVER registered Recyclable box for less waste Exclusive use of EPA SmartWay carriers for reduced transportation-related emissions. Replaceable battery for longer life span Free recycling for your old computer hardware** Please recycle your computer hardware and printing supplies. HP recycling services make responsible disposal easy. Visit www.hp.com/go/ecohighlights for more information. ** Shipping charges apply. HP Mini Remote Control * All disclaimers shown on the bottom of page 2. HP TouchSmart tx2 Notebook PC HP recommends Windows Vista® Home Premium. SPECIFICATIONS OPERATING SYSTEM • Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate(1) (2) OR, • Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium(1) (2)OR, • Genuine Windows Vista® Business(1) (2) PROCESSOR • AMD Athlonâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Processor QL-64 (2.1 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, • AMD Athlonâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Processor QL-62 (2.0 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, • AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-74 (2.2GHz, 1MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, • AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-72 (2.1GHz, 1MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, • AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-80 (2.1GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, • AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-82 (2.2GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, • AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-84 (2.3GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR, • AMD Turionâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-86 (2.4GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) • Up to 8GB DDR2 SDRAM System Memory (2 SODIMM; 64-bit OS) • ATI Radeonâ„¢ HD 3200(9) • 160/250/320/400G/500B(8) 5400 rpm SATA • HP Reaction Imprint finish with HP Webcam and integrated microphone • SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support(10) (11) OR, • LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±RW with Double Layer Support(10) (11) (12) EXTERNAL NOTEBOOK PORTS • • • • • • • • • 3 USB 2.0 ports 1 VGA 1 RJ-11 1 RJ-45/Ethernet 2 Headphone out – 1 with SPDIF Digital Audio & 1 stereo 1 Microphone in 1 Expansion port 3 1 Consumer IR for remote control Digital pen with integrated docking bay DIMENSIONS WEIGHT SECURITY • 12.05 in (L) x 8.82 in (W) x 1.23 in (min H) / 1.52 in (max H) (with 4-cell battery) • Starting at 4.33 lb / 1.97 kg(16) (with Touchscreen, Digitizer, Weightsaver, 4-cell battery) • • • • • • • • Kensington® lock Power-on password Accepts 3rd party security lock devices Optional Fingerprint Reader 4-cell (37 WHr) OR, 6-cell (55 WHr) OR, 8-cell (73 WHRr) Lithium-Ion battery OR, 65W H
P AC Adapter POWER MEMORY VIDEO GRAPHICS HARD DRIVE FINISH AND FEA