Guest Shack – Manpal Jagpal from HP Australia

This week, we interview Manpal Jagpal, Market Development Manager, Consumer Desktops, HP Australia. Learn more about a new range of PCs and notebooks that deliver Touch Smart technology utilising a touch screen interface. Click on the link below to read the interview.

ABOUT GUEST SHACK
Each week we bring you an interview with an interesting and relevant guest speaker on everything from brand new tech or gaming products being launched or a special topic.

Special guest for this week is Manpal Jagpal, Market Development Manager, Consumer Desktops, HP Australia.

What is touch enabled technology?
Touch enabled technology allows users to interact with the PC or notebook using touch, rather than a traditional keyboard and mouse. The new HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC features touch technology that allows users to interact with the PC in a new, intuitive and user-friendly way. The HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC uses two cameras, mounted at the edge of the screen, to track the user’s finger as it glides across the screen.

Instead of using a keyboard and mouse, the user can simply touch the screen to launch their favourite program or navigate using the HP SmartCenter; an application that allows users to write notes, create messages and drop them into the shared calendar, edit and print photos or simply browse the web.

How will it improve the consumer experience?
Previously, users have relied on a keyboard and mouse to interact with PCs. The HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC now allows users to interact with their favourite software application by using the sense of touch. To further enhance the experience, the HP TouchSmart IQ770PC features specifically designed software known as HP SmartCenter.

As mentioned above, HP SmartCenter provides the user with their very own personalised page for quick access to information and shortcuts to most commonly used applications, all at a touch of finger.

HP has also created a touch capable calendar and photo editing suites called HP SmartCalendar and HP PhotoSmart Touch. HP SmartCalendar allows users to manage their family’s busy schedule and stay in touch by creating calendar events with a choice of voice, written or typed messages. HP PhotoSmart Touch allows users to upload, manage, edit, print & enjoy their digital memories with a simple touch. The specifically designed HP software allows users to simply walk up to the HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC and immediately start interacting.

What is the strategy behind moving away from a typical desktop unit towards an entertainment unit?
The HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC is a new design that is optimised for touch. This new all-in-one design is iconic, space saving and stylish. With its built-in TV tuner, DVD player and high performance speakers, the HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC allows users to turn the PC into a complete entertainment device.

Do you think a consumer would want a touch screen monitor? Won’t the effects of touching the screen continually mean more damage more quickly?
The unique touch screen interface of the HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC allows for a more inviting and intuitive PC experience than the traditional keyboard and mouse experience. As mentioned above, the HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC uses two cameras mounted at the edge of the screen to track the user’s finger as it glides across the screen. The screen itself is sealed behind a clear protective casing, allowing the PC to withstand continuous touching from users. The sealed screen with optical (camera) tracking allows users to experience rich and vibrant visuals when watching movies, videos or looking and interacting with slide shows of the favourite photos.

Do you see this device replacing the TV as the central entertainment unit in the home? If yes, who do you see as getting rid of their TV to take advantage of this?
The HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC is designed to fit into the social spaces of the home such as the kitchen counter, breakfast areas or living room. It is ideal for frequently used spaces within the home as it allows family members to leave messages for each other. The HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC is perfect for families as it caters to the differing needs of children and their parents.

The unit looks to be non expandable, is this correct? If the unit is expandable, then what parts are expandable and upgradeable?
The HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC features the following: the latest AMD Turion X2 processor, large 2GB RAM, large capacity 320GB hard drive for storage, Slot Load Dual Layer DVD Burner with LightScribe technology for watching and burning DVDs or CDs, nVidia GeForce G0 7600 graphics, 19” Wide BrightView TFT with high contrast touch enabled panel and height and tilt adjustment, integrated Digital TV Tuner for watching Live TV, full connectivity through built in wireless a/b/g, 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth. Allowing for simple digital transfers, there are USB and IEEE1394 (FireWire) ports built in, along with multi media card readers and AV (audio and S-Video) input.

If further expandability is required, the HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC features a Mini PMD (Pocket Media Drive) slot that accepts a HP 80GB or 120GB portable hard drive, expanding the onboard storage capacity. The HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC also features full Digital Audio Coxial out that allows a 7.1 surround speaker system to be connected.

What research (if any) have you conducted to see whether or not people would want a touch screen because they find the current control mechanism (keyboard and mouse) too difficult?
Research was conducted in the US and UK, where the HP TouchSmart concept was placed in various scenarios. This research found that users interacted with the PC by using the touch screen to select music and videos, whilst most participants used the stylus to edit photos.

HP have compared their new product to the IMac, is this strategy targeted towards those who don’t currently use PCs?
As mentioned above, the HP Touchsmart IQ770 PC is targeted at families and users who are searching for a complete entertainment experience.

Will the touch screen PC be available with Windows XP or Windows XP Media Center?
The HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC ships with Microsoft Vista Home Premium pre-installed. The Vista Home Premium operating system also includes Windows Media Centre.