Editorial Review
Redesigned with a next-generation, touch-enabled 22-inch high-definition LCD screen, the HP TouchSmart IQ506 all-in-one desktop PC is designed to fit wherever life happens: in the kitchen, family room, or living room. With one touch you can check the weather, download your e-mail, or watch your favorite TV show. It's also designed to maximize energy, with a power-saving Intel Core 2 Duo processor and advanced power management technology, as well as material efficiency--right down to the packaging. It has a sleek piano black design with elegant espresso side-panel highlights, and the HP Ambient Light lets you set a mood--or see your keyboard in the dark.
The next-generation, touch-enabled PC combines a 22-inch high-def screen with a powerful, energy efficient Intel Core 2 Duo processor in a single, sleek integrated design. |
The built-in TV tuner (providing both standard NTSC and high-def ATSC transmission) and personal video recorder (PVR) let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television--perfect for watching cooking shows in the kitchen or keeping up with your favorite series. Use the included remote control or touch screen to quickly and easily access music, movies, photos, TV shows, or radio programs. The TouchSmart IQ506 comes with a bevy of special software features to make your computing life a breeze, including TouchSmart Video and Photo for quickly sharing your snapshots and videos to the web, TouchSmart Calendar for helping your family manage its busy, overlapping schedule, and TouchSmart Notes for both text and voice notes right at your fingertips. And it comes with a wireless keyboard and wireless optical mouse to help you keep clutter to a minimum.
It's powered by the 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, in addition to excellent power management. It has a built-in webcam and microphone for video chats with family and friends, and it includes integrated stereo speakers that produce crisp, clear audio from DVD movies and downloaded video purchases. Other features include a 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximizing capacity), a dual-layer DVD±RW drive, the latest in Wi-Fi networking (802.11n as well as backward compatibility with 802.11b/g), Bluetooth wireless technology, Gigabit Ethernet, and an Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS HD video card with up to 2047 MB of total available memory.
The pre-installed 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1) includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
HP and the Environment
HP is committed to providing products that are designed with the environment in mind, and all HP TouchSmart IQ 500 series PCs have earned Energy Star and EPEAT Silver designations. They also use HP power management technology can reduce PC energy use up to 45 percent, and their chassis design uses 55 percent less metal and 37 percent less plastic than standard PCs and monitors. To top it off, the new packaging design greatly reduces plastic foam cushioning materials.
The Basics
- Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 processor has a 2.16 GHz processor speed, fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:
- Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
- Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
- Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
- Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
- Hard Drive: The extra-large 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM) provides more than enough space for storing all your photos and home movies, your digital audio library, and downloaded movies and TV shows. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed and boosts the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this desktop's video card.
- DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 6x DVD±R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 24x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This TouchSmart PC comes with an HP ow-profile Wireless Keyboard with numeric keypad as well as an HP Wireless laser mouse.
The low-profile wireless keyboard stows away when not in use, freeing up valuable desk space. |
Screen, Video & Audio The touch-enabled 22-inch widescreen BrightView LCD offers height/tilt adjustment for optimal viewing. It offers a native resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS HD graphics/video card, which provides 256 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 2047 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, GeForce 9300M GS graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista. The integrated audio card is configurable to 6-speaker surround sound, and it can provide two-channel audio via its integrated speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated tri-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in older home routers). You'll enjoy wireless connectivity to a wide range of peripherals with the built-in Bluetooth. This TouchSmart PC also offers ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000). It comes with the following external connectors:
- 5 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 front, 3 rear)
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- 2 headphone jack (front
- 1 line-in and 1 line-out jack (back)
- 1 IR receiver
- 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit version) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works 9, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 (with 60 days of Live Update), Muvee Autoproducer, Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe, Cyberlink YouCam (for easy uploading of personal videos to YouTube).
Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 21 x 17.4 x 2.6 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 24 pounds.
What's in the Box
This package contains the HP TouchSmart IQ506 desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, remote control, IR receiver, and power cord. Every HP TouchSmart PC comes with special HP Total Care, which includes 24/7 service and support for the first year via HP's North America call center and dedicated toll-free telephone support in English and Spanish in the United States.
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Customer Reviews
HP Touch Review 
2008-10-13
Overall I liked the product, it really did eliminate the clutter around the desk. The screen is big and beautifull. There seem to be quite a few "glitches" i.e. for no reason the mouse (wireless) will lose connectivity. The same for the Keyboard (also wireless). Less than one month after I purchased it, the whole PC crashed hard and I was unable to recover. I am waiting on packaging to send it back to HP to get fixed. More than just a little irritating.
Amazing Technology - Nice Machine 
2008-10-12
I recently purchased the TouchSmart IQ506. Setup was very easy, just extend the support arm, plug it in and in about 15 minutes it sets itself up (with a little input from you) and it's ready to go. I use this computer in my family room which is perfect for it. We play a lot of casual games such as find-an-item and "Diner Dash" type games, and the touchscreen works incredibly well with these and the kids love it.
One note of caution is that after it was finished setting up, it was a little slow when loading things and playing DVDs. On a hunch I uninstalled the Norton Antivirus software that came bundled and installed a different free one, and it ran much faster and worked much better. I've never been a fan of bundled software.
I don't know how often I will use the different TouchSmart software applications, preferring to use Windows Media Center with the remote (which also works with touchscreen), but they seemed very user-friendly, easy-to-use and attractive.
Overall, a capable machine with some very nice features at a decent price.
my amazon purchase 2008-10-07
Everything so far for our puchasse has been terrific. We received our purchase in three days. Have no complaints with Amazon or our HP Touchsmart.
HP IQ506 Touchsmart PC Review 2008-10-07
I did not think I was ever going to purchase a desktop again until I saw the commercial for the HP IQ506 Touchsmart PC. Before purchasing this desktop I read many reviews on the product from different sites and found many good reviews. Once I received the computer and turned it on I was in love! The sound quality of the speakers is great. So good in fact that I did not need to purchase additional speakers. The picture quality is amazing and I love the 22" size screen. I saw a movie on it for the first time and was impressed with the picture quality. The only downside is that I spend a lot more time on the computer now. The touchscreen software was very user friendly and I mastered it in no time. The wireless mouse and keyboard are a nice standard touch and the remote control is a Plus. Overall, I am quite impressed with this product and have nothing negative to say about it thus far.
Bad Product 
2008-10-06
When bought this item and just started this item and after installation and completed, I found that the the touch screen is not working at all, I did all possible solutions but still not working. I bought this pc for its feature ( touchscreen) and not working. I will never buy from amazon.com because when any buys before you ship the item you should check if its working or not.
Very happy with new HP 2008-10-06
Redesigned with a next-generation, touch-enabled 22-inch high-definition LCD screen, the HP TouchSmart IQ506 all-in-one desktop PC is designed to fit wherever life happens: in the kitchen, family room, or living room. With one touch you can check the weather, download your e-mail, or watch your favorite TV show. It's also designed to maximize energy, with a power-saving Intel Core 2 Duo processor and advanced power management technology, as well as material efficiency--right down to the packaging. It has a sleek piano black design with elegant espresso side-panel highlights, and the HP Ambient Light lets you set a mood--or see your keyboard in the dark.
The next-generation, touch-enabled PC combines a 22-inch high-def screen with a powerful, energy efficient Intel Core 2 Duo processor in a single, sleek integrated design. |
The built-in TV tuner (providing both standard NTSC and high-def ATSC transmission) and personal video recorder (PVR) let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television--perfect for watching cooking shows in the kitchen or keeping up with your favorite series. Use the included remote control or touch screen to quickly and easily access music, movies, photos, TV shows, or radio programs. The TouchSmart IQ506 comes with a bevy of special software features to make your computing life a breeze, including TouchSmart Video and Photo for quickly sharing your snapshots and videos to the web, TouchSmart Calendar for helping your family manage its busy, overlapping schedule, and TouchSmart Notes for both text and voice notes right at your fingertips. And it comes with a wireless keyboard and wireless optical mouse to help you keep clutter to a minimum.
It's powered by the 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, in addition to excellent power management. It has a built-in webcam and microphone for video chats with family and friends, and it includes integrated stereo speakers that produce crisp, clear audio from DVD movies and downloaded video purchases. Other features include a 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximizing capacity), a dual-layer DVD±RW drive, the latest in Wi-Fi networking (802.11n as well as backward compatibility with 802.11b/g), Bluetooth wireless technology, Gigabit Ethernet, and an Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS HD video card with up to 2047 MB of total available memory.
The pre-installed 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1) includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
HP and the Environment
HP is committed to providing products that are designed with the environment in mind, and all HP TouchSmart IQ 500 series PCs have earned Energy Star and EPEAT Silver designations. They also use HP power management technology can reduce PC energy use up to 45 percent, and their chassis design uses 55 percent less metal and 37 percent less plastic than standard PCs and monitors. To top it off, the new packaging design greatly reduces plastic foam cushioning materials.
The Basics
- Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 processor has a 2.16 GHz processor speed, fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:
- Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
- Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
- Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
- Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
- Hard Drive: The extra-large 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM) provides more than enough space for storing all your photos and home movies, your digital audio library, and downloaded movies and TV shows. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed and boosts the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this desktop's video card.
- DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 6x DVD±R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 24x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This TouchSmart PC comes with an HP ow-profile Wireless Keyboard with numeric keypad as well as an HP Wireless laser mouse.
The low-profile wireless keyboard stows away when not in use, freeing up valuable desk space. |
Screen, Video & Audio The touch-enabled 22-inch widescreen BrightView LCD offers height/tilt adjustment for optimal viewing. It offers a native resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS HD graphics/video card, which provides 256 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 2047 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, GeForce 9300M GS graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista. The integrated audio card is configurable to 6-speaker surround sound, and it can provide two-channel audio via its integrated speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated tri-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in older home routers). You'll enjoy wireless connectivity to a wide range of peripherals with the built-in Bluetooth. This TouchSmart PC also offers ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000). It comes with the following external connectors:
- 5 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 front, 3 rear)
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- 2 headphone jack (front
- 1 line-in and 1 line-out jack (back)
- 1 IR receiver
- 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit version) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works 9, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 (with 60 days of Live Update), Muvee Autoproducer, Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe, Cyberlink YouCam (for easy uploading of personal videos to YouTube).
Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 21 x 17.4 x 2.6 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 24 pounds.
What's in the Box
This package contains the HP TouchSmart IQ506 desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, remote control, IR receiver, and power cord. Every HP TouchSmart PC comes with special HP Total Care, which includes 24/7 service and support for the first year via HP's North America call center and dedicated toll-free telephone support in English and Spanish in the United States.
computer good so far... Amazon spec is off 
2008-10-06
the computer is good so far... the thing is about the Amazon spec
as of Oct 6, 2008, the spec on this page says resolution is:
1440 x 900 pixels
however, the box printing says 1680 x 1050 and the hp.com spec says 1680 x 1050 also.
so that means the font will be smaller... I bought this computer partly based on the fact that IQ804 and IQ816 are both 25 inch screen and is 1920 x 1200. I thought this one is 1440 x 900 and therefore it is more comfortable for it being a touch screen computer. When the resolution is too high, the dot density is too high, making it less comfortable for using the finger to pinpoint something to "click" it.
Turns out that 1920 / 25.5 and 1680 / 22 give about the same dot density, as both are about 75 or 76.
Totally frustrated with this computer 2008-10-06
I've had the computer just a few days and will spend the next few packing it up to return it. At first I blamed the looong response, freezes, and crashes on Vista, but friends using Vista don't seem to experience these.
When minimizing an application, my desktop turns into a bizarre jigsaw puzzle -- one that takes forever to correct itself. Meanwhile, I can't do anything but wait. Even without much software installed, the boot up is slooooow. I often have no control of my cursor and have had to unplug the computer just to unfreeze it. I've spent so much time looking at a totally black screen I think I'm in hell. I'm not a happy camper and haven't even installed all my software.
I intend to exchange it for a Joe 6-pack model; high-tech is slowing me down.
I love this computer 2008-09-30
First off nobody could beat amazon's price, and shipment was quick and on time so thanks to amazon.
Now for the computer it's great. I've been using it for a month now and i love it. I find myself not really using the touch screen very much but it works very well and it's a nice feature to have. My 2 1/2 year old likes the touch screen cause we can draw pictures on note pad. Just gotta make sure she ain't got boogers on her fingers. The computer seems to be very fast (compared to my old 512mb ram system). Still getting used to windows vista but no problems so far.
The only thing i was disappointed with was i thought I'd be able to move it around to different rooms of my house but it's rather heavy so it makes it less mobile. Plus all the wires in the back kinda make it difficult too. suppose i could switch to wireless but I'm too cheap.
All in all i love this computer and plan to use it for many years and would recommend it to anyone.
Great Product, but slow service 2008-09-27
My wife and bought our HP IQ504 about one month ago, and while we are pleased with the product, we still do not have a functional mouse and keyboard. Our wireless keyboard and mouse were D.O.A., and while the tech support has been very polite, they have not been able to send me a new set. I just recently figured out the problem after hassling the c.s. people everyday. Something about how their system has a malfunction which won't allow them to put an order in for a new keyboard/mouse. This was supposed to be resolved by yesterday, but they've yet to clear up the problem. I'd say we are less than satisfied with HP concerning this issue. It's very frustrating to spend this much on a new system and everything not be in perfect working order. We purchased a usb keyboard, and used our old wireless mouse, so we can actually use the computer.
Aside from that, we really enjoy the product. The included TouchSmart software is easy to use. Icons are large enough, and we'll definitely use it regularly, but I wouldn't consider ditching the mouse completely. Even my 3 1/2 yr old can use the computer with the included Purble Place games, since he hasn't quite mastered the use of a mouse.
The only other nagging issue is that iTunes loads properly only about 30% of the time. I'm guessing this has something to do with the fact that it is a 64-bit O.S, but after working through all suggested fixes, I'm still left with a colorless iTunes screen. We will also want to add some speakers because the built in ones are kind of weak.
If it weren't for our customer support issues, I would give this product 5 stars.
