HP TouchSmart 310 PC offers improved touch-based software

September 20, 2010 By Geoff Duncan

HP's new TouchSmart 310 all-in-one PC sports a 2.8 GHz AMD Athlon II dual-core processor...and TouchSmart Apps.

Hewlett-Packard has taken the wraps off its latest touch-driven all-in-one consumer PC, the HP TouchSmart 310, sporting a slim 20-inch multitouch-enabled display and a new version of HP’s own TouchSmart software designed to make interacting with content even easier—especially through a new TouchSmart Apps Center that will offer new free and subscription-based applications from partners like the Cartoon Network and Marvel Comics.

“Each generation of TouchSmart is a reflection of what HP has learned from its customers, complemented by the latest technologies,” said HP senior VP James Mouton, in a statement. “The TouchSmart PC’s unique interface lets users do more than just basic computing—it acts as the anchor of one’s digital lifestyle, encouraging creativity, organization, and a truly immersive experience.”

The TouchSmart 310 sports a 20-inch 1,00 by 900-pixel multitouch-enabled display mounted on a pedestal that can tilt up to 30 degrees, and features 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth wireless networking, gigabit Ethernet, an integrated webcam, and front-firing speakers. Although HP hasn’t outlined all the options and configurations for the TouchSmart 310, the 310-1037 model will sport a 2.8 GHz AMD Athlon II dual-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, ATI Radeon HD 4270 graphics, DVD burner, and a built-in HDTV tuner. (The tuner, at least, will be optional on some models.) The units should also sport a 6-in-1 media card reader, six USB 2.0 ports, line out for audio, and (of course) that multitouch-enabled screen. The whole system us Energy Star qualified.

HP says the latest version of HP’s TouchSmart software will transform the systems into a “magic canvas” that enable users to interact with their content just by touching the screen, and pushing content directly to on-screen “magnets” that let users organize and work with items. The TouchSmart Carousel will also feature a new HP TouchSmart App Center to enable users to download new free and subscription-based touch-enabled apps: partners include Marvel Comics and Cartoon Network. The new version of the TouchSmart software will be available for current HP TouchSmart 600 desktop PCs, as well as the convertible HP TouchSmart tm2 notebook.

The HP TouchSmart 310 will be available beginning September 22 through HP’s Home and Home Office portal with prices starting at $699.99.

Showing 2 comments

Miguel Lievanos at 10:24pm 17th November 2010 I just this computer and its pretty cool. the whole sreen is touch and the hd tuner is very nice. extremely customizeble. the webcam and built in mic are very handy. no gripes so far.
bhsoon at 5:48pm 9th November 2010 I liked the machine very much. The hinge mechanism holding the screen has a very good counter-balance similar to the iMac's. You can tilt the screen angle effortlessly. AMD 3.0Ghz Duo Core CPU with 4Gb RAM feels zippy even when running several applications at the same times. Build quality is good,ergonomic and safe to touch unlike Lenovo's which has sharp knife edges on one side of its plastic screen bezel ! What I didn't like : The wireless mouse and keyboard - feels very cheapskate. For kids is OK but for adults having used other makes of keyboard and mice, this HP's combi is a bit of a letdown. The other gripe is the DVD tray. It's the same type found in HP laptops. It is not ideal when used in a vertical position. Loading a CD or DVD requires delicate handling since the CD/DVD feels like 'falling' off and one has to ensure that it is properly clipped into the spindle before letting go. In this area, the slot-type DVD should have been used instead.