In brief, the Envy is indeed light system with plenty of power, but it never feels premium, nor does the battery life reach adequate levels.

Sure, it comes in a nice black box labeled "ENVY" with properly monolithic upscalism. And the computer itself is wrapped in a very, very soft black cloth.

But once removed, I can't distinguish this $1,800 laptop from any random PC on a table at Best Buy. HP's premium laptop, one that's been oooh'd and ahhh'd ad nauseam, could have been a $600 budget system.
The aluminum magnesium body, which works well enough in the 13-inch Envy, scales to become a big, synthetic-feeling disappointment. Yes, it's just an inch thick and 5.2lbs (about a pound lighter than peers), but the footprint is so large that, upon opening the packaging, I at first believed HP had sent me a 17-inch system (keep in mind, there's still no room for an internal optical drive).

It was a surprising thought, but at that moment, I realized something: HP is the new Dell. Disregarding their impressive TouchSmart desktops, HP has built the quintessential drab PC laptop and labeled it as "designer." Meanwhile, Dell, with their fashion-forward Adamo line, has left rivals like HP somewhere back in 1995.

Kudos, Dell.

I almost hate to continue describing the system, lest I beat a dead horse. The keyboard is adequate, but every impact reverberates through your finger, making the laptop feel more fragile than it probably is. The trackpad, despite multitouch promises, is dreadful to use. Two-finger scrolling is met with a perpetual half-second (or greater) delay, and clicking the buttonless pad (engineered much like a MacBook Pro pad) screams unfinished prototype.
There's simply nothing elegant about the mechanics, even though the 1920x1080 screen is indeed sharp, HDMI and eSATA connections are convenient and the Beats-branded speakers are very balanced and rich...for laptop speakers.

Performance

But my hate-fest for the Envy ends there. If you don't mind the aesthetics and feel—and at this price, you really should—the system won't disappoint. The 1.6GHz Core i7, coupled with 6GB of RAM, 500GB 7200RPM HDD, and ATI Mobility Radeon 4830 (with 1GB RAM) has gotten performance nods from around the web.

While the system can't best 20fps in the higher tiers of Crysis, it can reach 32fps if you scale the graphics down to 1024x768, according to Notebookcheck. Older and less insane titles perform even better.

PCMag's cross-laptop testing found that the Envy isn't the fastest laptop out there, but it keeps pace with other Core i7 systems to the point that such a distinction doesn't really matter. And it'll shame Core2Duo systems, like the aging MacBook Pro.

In real world use, the speed is a pleasure, and a welcome level of overkill for mediacentric web browsing in an era when Atoms are chugging to just get the job done.

Battery Life

But all this performance comes at a heavy, heavy price. You should only expect the Envy to get a measly 1 hour, 20 minutes of battery life*. Given this system's sizable footprint, it needs to last more than 2 hours under moderate use. Stick a bigger battery in there, HP. Something. Please.

(*nonstop web browsing, Wi-Fi on, screen at 3/4 brightness.)

Misguided Envy

Some of you will be fooled by the light body covered in laser-etched paisley—probably the same among you who can drink instant coffee, listen in 92kbps MP3s and think that SD broadcasts look identical to Blu-ray movies.
And that's fine. I can understand why someone might like the Envy, especially given the processing power and modest 5.2lb weight. It's just a shame that anyone would pay so much for it.

HP, Acer, Toshiba, etc, you think I like giving Apple all my money? There's a staggering amount of design talent in the world. Find it. Fund it. And give it a chance to wipe the smug grin off Cupertino. Offer us all something that we should really be envying.


Light

Fast

Respectable I/O

Feels cheap

Wretched battery life

Laptops
HP G60t 15.6-inch Laptop $369.99 ($160 off)
HP Compaq Presario CQ61z $299.99 ($100 off)
HP dv4t 14-inch Laptop $549.99 (save $469 in upgrades & discounts)

Desktops
HP p6270z Quad Core w/4GB RAM $429.99 (lowest ever)
HP Elite e9210t Quad Core $679.99 (save $385)
HP TouchSmart 600t $999.99 (save $325)

Printers
HP OfficeJet 6000 Wireless Printer $59.99 (50% off)
HP Photosmart Plus All-in-One $74.99 (50% off)
HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One $99.99 (50% off)
Free $10 to $30 Gift Card with up to $20 HP Ink purchase

There's also word that there'll be some more deals and that coupons can be stacked on top of the offers. Not too shabby, HP. [Logic Buy]

Desktops:
HP Pavilion p6280t Quad-Core $569.99 ($405 off)
HP Pavilion Elite e9250t Core i5 $799.99 ($405 off)
HP Slimline s5210 $349.99 ($155 off)

Laptops
HP G71 17.3" $499.99 ($329 off)
HP dm3z $529.99 ($170 off)
HP dv6t Quad $999.99 ($649 off)

Printers
LaserJet P1006 $90 (50% off)
Photosmart B8550 $150 (50% off)
LaserJet CP1518ni $200 (50% off)

Accessories
HP MediaSmart Server LX195 $250 ($150 off)
HP Ink Sale
Logitech G9 Gaming Mouse $49.99 (50% off)

[Logic Buy]

Not All Deals Are Created Equal

Check here for a breakdown of the not so great deals to avoid from Best Buy, Sears, Amazon and Walmart.

Recent Changes

Updated November 25 - [Vizio]
Updated November 24 - [Amazon]
Updated November 23 - [WireFly], [HP], [Newegg]
Updated November 20 - [Best Buy], [Staples], [Office Depot], [Office Max], [Dell]
, [Sears], [Target], [Wal-Mart], [K-M]

Table of Contents

Page 1 - Cell Phones, Computers, Digital Cameras, DVD Players, GPS and more
Page 2 - TVs, Video Games, Printers, Software, MP3 Players and more
Page 3 - Movies and TV Shows (DVD and Blu-ray)

Doorbuster items marked with an *

Cell Phones

AT&T Blackberry Bold 9700 (Bold2) - Free for new activations, $29.99 for current [WireFly]
BlackBerry Bold 9700 Phone - $149.99 [Amazon]

AT&T Sony Ericsson W518a - Free w/2 Year Contract * [Best Buy]

HTC Pure Windows Phone (With New AT&T Service Plan) - $0.01 [Amazon]

LG Xenon GR500 Cell Phone (With New AT&T Service Plan) - $0.01 [Amazon]

BoostMobile Motorola Clutch i465 - $59.99 [Best Buy]

DLO Jam Jacket For iPhone - $9.99 [Best Buy]

Jabra BT-2080 Bluetooth Headset - $19.99 [Best Buy]

MiFi 2200 By Novatel Wireless - Free with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

Mobile Broadband Card 598U By Sierra Wireless - Free with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

Motorola S9 HD Stereo Bluetooth Headset - $49.99 [Best Buy]

Net10 Samsung T401G - $39.99 [Best Buy]

Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330 Smart Phone - Free with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

BlackBerry Tour 9630 Phone (With New Sprint Service Plan) - $49.99 [Amazon]

Sprint Samsung Instinct S30 -Free with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

Sprint Samsung Moment - $79.99 for new activations, $99.99 for current customers [WireFly]
Samsung Moment M900 Phone (With New Sprint Service Plan) - $79.99 [Amazon]

T-Mobile Motorola Renew Phone - $7.99 [Best Buy]

Verizon Wireless DROID - $199.99 with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

Verizon Wireless Motorola Rival - Free for new activations * [Best Buy]

Verizon LG Chocolate Touch - Free with 2 year contract * [Best Buy]

Verizon BlackBerry Storm2 - Free for new activations, $29.99 for current customers [WireFly]
BlackBerry Storm2 9550 Phone (With New Verizon Service Plan) - $149.99 [Amazon]

Virgin Mobile Kyocera X-tc - $49.99 [Best Buy]

Motorola TalkAbout Earbud with Microphone for All Series - $12.05 [Amazon]

Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset - $84.99 [Amazon]

Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset - $70.00 [Amazon]

Computer Accessories


APC 450VA Battery Backup - $19.99 [Staples]

APC 550VA Battery Backup - $24.99 [Office Depot]

All Case Logic Laptop Sleeves - 50% Off [Office Depot]

Altec Lansing VS2621 PC Speakers - $19.99 [Staples]

Any Business Case, Sleeve, or Backpack - 40% Off [Staples]

Antec USB Powered Notebook Cooler - $19.82 [Amazon]

Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector w/Left Extension Cord Combo - $5.99 [Staples]

HP Wireless Mouse (Black) - $9.99 [Staples]

Logitech C600 Webcam - $39.99 [Staples]


Logitech QuickCam Pro Webcam - $49.99 [Office Max]

Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 - $75.99 [Amazon]

Logitech Z13 Speaker System - $29.99 [Office Max]


Logitech LX6 Cordless Optical Mouse - $7.99 [Office Depot]


Logitech V220 Optical Wireless Mouse - $9.99 * [Office Max]


Logitech V450 Wireless Laser Notebook Mouse - $14.99 [Staples]

Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse - $49.99 [Amazon]

Logitech G9 Gaming Mouse - $49.99 [HP]

Logitech Illuminated Keyboard - $29.99 [Staples]

Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Combo - $39.99 [Office Max]
Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro - $59.99 [Amazon]

Logitech Black Cordless Ergonomic Desktop Wave Keyboard/Mouse Combo $46.99 [Newegg]

Microsoft Lifecam VX-5000 Webcam - $9.99 * [Office Max]


Microsoft Mobile 300 Mouse (Pink) - $4.99 * [Office Max]

Microsoft 4000 Wireless Laser Keyboard/Mouse Set - $29.99 * [Staples]

Microsoft Digital Media Keyboard 6000 - $12.99 [Office Depot]

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 USB Keyboard - $19.99 [Dell]

Microsoft VX-3000 LifeCam Webcam - $9.99 [Staples]

Height-Adjustable Mobile Laptop Cart - $17.99 [Office Depot]

Moble IT Retractable USB Hub - $4.99 [Office Depot]

Targus 208-CD/DVD Album - $9.98 [Staples]

Targus Chill Mat Notebook Fan - $9.99 [Staples]

USB Web Cam - $9.99 [Office Depot]

iHome Wired Optical Mouse - $6.99 [Office Depot]

Computers


Acer Aspire One 10.1" Netbook w/ 1GB RAM, 160GB HD, Windows XP - $149.99 * [Office Max]

Acer Aspire One Black Intel Atom N270(1.60GHz) Netbook $189.99 [Newegg]


Acer Netbook 10.1" Netbook w/Intel 1.6GHz Atom Processor N270 - $199.99 [Office Depot]

Acer Aspire 15.6" Widescreen Notebook Computer w/AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core Processor L310, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $379.99 [Office Depot]

Acer 17.3" Blue Laptop w/4GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive and Windows 7 Premium (Online Only) - $498.00 [Wal-Mart]

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - $349.99 [Amazon]

Compaq Presario Dual-Core Desktop w/ 3GB RAM, 500GB HD, Windows 7 - $239.99 * [Office Max]

Compaq CQ4010F Desktop Computer w/AMD Sempron LE-1300 Processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive - $229.99 [Office Depot]

Compaq Netbook w/Intel Atom Processor, 1GB Memory, 160GB Hard Drive - $179.99 [Best Buy]

Compaq Netbook w/Intel Atom Processor, 1GB Memory, 250GB Hard Drive - $229.99 [Best Buy]

Compaq Presario AMD LE-1300 Desktop w/18.5" Monitor - $329.99 [Office Depot]

Dell 10.1" Inspiron Mini 10V Netbook w/Atom 1.6Ghz Processor N270 - $249.00 [Dell]

Dell 10.1" Netbook w/Intel Atom Processor, 1GB Memory, 160GB Hard Drive - $379.99 [Best Buy]

Dell 14" Inspiron 14 Notebook w/Intel T4300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $599.00 [Dell]

Dell 14" Studio XPS 13 Notebook w/Intel P7450 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive - $999.00 [Dell]

Dell 15.6" Inspiron 15 Notebook w/Intel T4300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $549.00 [Dell]

Dell 15.6" Studio 15 Notebook w/Intel T6600 Processor, 4GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive - $499.00 [Dell]

Dell 15.6" Studio Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive - $599.98 [Staples]

Dell 16" Studio XPS 16 Notebook w/Intel P7450 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive - $999.00 [Dell]

Dell 17" Studio 17 Notebook w/Intel T4300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive - $749.00 [Dell]

Dell 20" Studio XPS 8000 Desktop w/Intel i5-750 CPU, 6GB RAM, 750GB Hard Drive - $899.00 [Dell]

Dell Desktop PC w/AMD Athlon X2 215 Processor, 4GB RAM, 640GB Hard Drive, 20-inch LCD Monitor - $499.98 [Staples]

Dell Inspiron 537s Desktop w/Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $349.00 [Dell]

Dell Inspiron 537s w/Intel E5300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, w/20" LCD Monitor - $499.00 [Dell]

Dell Inspiron w/Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 Processor, 3GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $499.00 [Dell]

Dell Studio Desktop w/Intel E7500 Processor, 6GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, w/18.5" LCD Monitor - $699.00 [Dell]

Dell Studio Desktop w/Intel Q8300 Processor, 6GB RAM, 640GB Hard Drive, w/20" LCD Monitor - $749.00 [Dell]

Dell Studio Slim Desktop w/Intel E5400, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, w/18.5" LCD Monitor - $599.00 [Dell]

Free Software w/Purchase of Computer - Free [Office Depot]

HP Notebook Computer G60-508US w/Intel Celeron Processor 900 - $299.99 [Office Depot]

HP Notebook Computer G71-343US With Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6600 - $449.99 [Office Depot]

10.1" HP Mini 110-1037NR Pink Netbook - $339.95 [Amazon]

10.1" HP Mini 110-1109NR White Netbook (Windows XP) - $199.99 [Amazon]

13.3" HP Pavilion DM3-1030US Silver Laptop - $499.99 [Amazon]
13.3" HP Pavilion dm3z AMD Neo Laptop w/4GB RAM, 320GB HD - $529.99 [HP]

15.6" HP G60-507DX Laptop with Intel Celeron 900 MHz, Windows 7, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD - $197.00 [Best Buy]

HP 15.6" Laptop w/Intel Celeron Processor 900, 3GB RAM, 160GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $299.98 * [Staples]

HP 15.6" Notebook w/Intel Processor, 3GB Memory, 250GB Hard Drive (Model # G60-519WM) - $298.00 * [Wal-Mart]

HP 15.6" Laptop w/Intel Pentium Processor T4300, 4GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $399.98 * [Staples]

HP 15.6" Notebook w/AMD Turion II Dual Core Processor M500, 6GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $599.99 [Best Buy]

HP 15.6" Notebook w/AMD Turion II Dual Core Processor M500, 8GB Memory, 500GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $699.99 [Best Buy]

15.6" HP Pavilion dv6t Quad Edition Laptop w/i7 Processor & HD LED Display - $999.99 [HP]

HP 17" Notebook w/4GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive (Model # G71-329WM) - $398.00 [Wal-Mart]

HP 17.3" Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $599.98 [Staples]

HP Desktop AMD X4 Quad Core, 8GB Memory, 1TB Hard Drive w/20" Monitor, HP Deskjet DJ350 Color Printer & Windows 7 Home Premium - $499.97 [Best Buy]

HP Pavilion Desktop P6229PG w/20" Widescreen LCD Monitor - $499.99 [Office Depot]

HP Pavilion Elite e9250t w/Intel i5 Processor, 6GB RAM & 500GB HD - $799.99 [HP]

HP Pavilion p6280t Desktop w/Quad Core Processor, 6GB RAM & 640GB HD - $569.99 [HP]

HP Pavilion All-In-One 19" Desktop w/4GB Memory, 500GB Hard Drive, MS213 AMD - $598.00 [Wal-Mart]

HP Pavilion Desktop w/AMD Processor, 3GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive, w/20" Monitor (Model # P6243w-b) - $398.00 * [Wal-Mart]

HP Pavilion Slimline s5210t Desktop w/Dual Core Processor 640GB HD & 3GB RAM - $349.99 [HP]

HP Pavillion Slimline s5220f Desktop Computer w/Intel Pentium Processor E5300, 4GB RAM, 640GB Hard Drive - $369.99 [Office Depot]

HP Pavillion Slimline Intel E5300 Desktop w/20" Monitor - $519.99 [Office Depot]

Macbook 13.3" Notebook w/2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB DDR3 Memory, 250GB Hard Drive, w/$150 Gift Card - $999.99 [Best Buy]

10.1" Samsung N110-12PBK Netbook - $326.95 [Amazon]

Sony 15" Laptop w/Intel Dual Core Processor, 4GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $399.99 [Best Buy]

Sony 15" Laptop w/Intel Dual Core Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB HD, Windows 7, Sony Headphones, Built-In Blu-ray, Blu-ray Movie - $479.97 [Best Buy]

Sony 15.5" Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $649.98 [Staples]

13.3" Toshiba Satellite T135-S1307 TruBrite 13.3-Inch Ultrathin Black Laptop - $699.99 [Amazon]

Toshiba 15.6" Widescreen Notebook w/AMD Turion II Dual-Core Processor M500, 3GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $469.99 [Office Depot]

Toshiba 16" Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 3GB DDR3 Memory, 250GB Hard Drive (Model # L505-S5984) - $399.99 [Best Buy]

Toshiba 16" Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4GB DDR3 Memory, 320GB Hard Drive (Model # L505-S5984) w/Printer and Case - $499.97 [Best Buy]

Toshiba 17" Notebook w/AMD Turion II M500, 3GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive - $499.99 [Office Depot]

Toshiba L505-S5998 T4300 4GB RAM, 320GB HD Notebook - $399.99 [Office Max]

Wacom Intuos3 6x8" Pen Tablet - $199.99 [Amazon]

eMachines 15.6" Notebook w/AMD Processor, 2GB Memory, 160GB Hard Drive (Model # EME627) - $198.00 * [Wal-Mart]

eMachines Desktop w/AMD Athlon Processor, 3GB RAM, 320GB HD, Windows 7, w/18.5" LCD Monitor and HP Deskjet Printer - $299.97 [Best Buy]

iBUYPOWER Gamer Extreme 938i Intel Core i7 860(2.80GHz) Desktop PC - $799.99 with Free Shipping [Newegg]

CyberpowerPC Gamer Ultra 2019 Athlon II X2 245(2.9GHz) - $399.99 with Free Shipping [Newegg

Digital Cameras


Ativa Digital 1080p HD Video Camcorder 4x Optical Zoom - $89.99 [Office Depot]

Canon 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera, EOS Rebel XS - $569.99 [Sears]

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS 10.0 MP Digital Camera - $149.99 [Best Buy]

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS 10.0 MP Digital ELPH Camera - $149.99 [Office Depot]

Canon PowerShot A1100 12.1 MP Digital Camera w/4x Optical Zoom, 2.5" LCD (Silver) - $129.99 * [Staples]

Canon PowerShot SD780 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $179.99 [Office Depot]

Canon Powershot SD780 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $179.99 [Sears]

Canon 980IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $279.99 [Sears]

Canon Rebelx XS Digital SLR Camera & Canon EF 75-300MM Telephoto Zoom Lens - $669.98 [Sears]

Canon EOS Rebel T1i D-SLR Camera w/18-55mm IS Lens - $699.99 [Best Buy]

Canon Rebel Tli Camera w/55-250mm IS Telephoto Lens and Lowepro D-SLR Bag - $849.97 [Best Buy]

Disney Pix Micro Digital Cameras Designed For Just For Kids - $9.99 * [Sears]

Flip Ultra Camcorder w/2" LCD - $129.99 [Staples]

Free Canon Photo Printer With Purchase Of Any Digital Camera (After Rebate) - $0.00 * [Staples]

Fuji J29 10MP 3X Zoom 2.7" LCD Digital Camera Bundle - $89.99 * [Sears]

Fujifilm FinePix A170 10.2 Megapixel 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) - $59.99 [Dell]

Fujifilm Finepix Z37 Polka Dot 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera - $119.99 [Best Buy]

Fujifilm Finepix Z37 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera w/Extra Battery and Case - $149.97 [Best Buy]

GE A1250 12MP Digital Camera - $69.99 * [Sears]

Hi Pro Camera Kits - 50% Off * [Sears]

Insignia 720p HD Camcorder - $69.99 [Best Buy]

Insignia NS-DSC10A 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera (Pink) - $49.99 * [Best Buy]

Insignia NS-DSC10B 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera (Blue) - $49.99 * [Best Buy]

Jazz T20 4X Digtal Zoom 1.5" LCD Camcorder - $19.99 * [Sears]

Jazz T55 Camcorder - $49.99 * [Sears]

Kodak EasyShare CD80 Digital Camera Bundle - $79.99 [Office Depot]

Kodak EasyShare C140 Digital Camera With 7" Kodak Digital Photo Frame - $109.99 [Best Buy]

Kodak EasyShare M381 Digital Camera w/Case & Tripod - $169.99 [Office Depot]

Kodak EasyShare Z915 Digital Camera w/Case & Charger - $199.99 [Office Depot]

Kodak M1063 10.3MP Digital Camera - $89.99 [Sears]

Kodak 10.0 MP Digital Camera w/Memory Card And Bag - $79.99 * [Staples]

Kodak CD80 10.2 MP, 3x Zoom Digital Camera 2.4" LCD 2GB Card And Case - $79.99 * [Sears]

Kodak EasyShare C180 10.2 Megapixel 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera w/Kodak P820 8" Digital Picture Frame - $99.99 [Dell]

Kodak EasyShare C182 12.0 Megapixel Digital Camera - $69.00 [Wal-Mart]

Kodak Z950 12 Megapixel Digital Camera - $149.99 [Office Max]


Nikon L20 10 Megapixel Digital Camera - $79.99 [Office Max]


Olympus X905 10MP Digital Camera - $49.99 * [Office Max]

Nikon COOLPIX L20 Digital Camera - $99.99 * [Sears]

Nikon CoolPix S230 10MP Digital Camera - $139.00 [Wal-Mart]

Nikon Coolpix 12MP S570 Digital Camera - $149.99 [Sears]

Nikon Coolpix S60 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera (Red) - $179.99 [Best Buy]

Nikon Coolpix S60 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera w/Extra Battery and Case - $209.97 [Best Buy]

Nikon Coolpix L100 10.0 MegaPixel Digital Camera w/15x Optical Zoom, 3" LCD (Black) - $199.99 * [Staples]

Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera - $299.99 [Best Buy]

Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera w/Extra Battery and Case - $329.97 [Best Buy]

Nikon Coolpix S570 12.0 MegaPixel Digital Camera - $149.99 * [Staples]

Nikon Coolpix S570 12.0 Megapixel Digital Camera - $149.99 [Office Depot]

Nikon D3000 10.0 MegaPixel Digital Camera - $499.99 * [Staples]

Nikon D3000DX 10.2 Megapixel D-SLR Digital Camera w/10-55mm VR Lens - $499.99 [Best Buy]

Nikon D3000DX 10.2 Megapixel D-SLR Digital Camera w/10-55mm and 55-200mm Lens and Bag - $599.97 [Best Buy]

Olympus Stylus FE 4000 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $99.99 [Sears]
Olympus Stylus FE 4000 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $99.99 * [Staples]

Samsung SL40 12.2 MP Digital Camera - $79.99 [Sears]

Samsung C10 SD 1200 Digital Zoom 10X Optical Zoom 2.7" LCD Camcorder - $149.99 * [Sears]

Samsung Compact Full HD Camcorder - $399.99 [Sears]

Sony 4GB Camcorder - $249.99 [Sears]

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC S930 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera - $79.00 [Wal-Mart]

Sony Cyber-Shot W180 10.1 MP Digital Camera - $99.99 [Sears]
Sony Cyber-Shot W180 10.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) - $99.99 [Best Buy]
Sony Cyber-Shot W180 10.1 MP Digital Camera w/Flexpod and Camera Case - $119.97 [Best Buy]

Sony Cyber-Shot W220 12.1 MegaPixel Digital Camera w/4x Optical Zoom - $129.99 * [Staples]
Sony Cyber-Shot W220 Digital Camera - $129.99 [Office Depot]

Sony Cyber-Shot W290 Digital Camera w/Case & Charger - $229.99 [Office Depot]

Sony Cyber-Shot H20 10.1 MP Digital Camera - $249.99 [Sears]

Sony DCR-SR47 60GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder - $299.99 [Sears]

Vivitar Digital Camera Bundle - $49.99 [Office Depot]

Digital Media Cards


Olympus 2GB xD Memory Card - $4.99 [Office Max]


PNY 4GB Flash Drive - $9.99 [Best Buy]

PNY 4GB MicroSD HD Memory Card - $9.99 [Best Buy]

PNY 4GB SDHC Memory Card - $9.99 [Best Buy]

SanDisk 2GB SD Card - $5.99 [Sears]

SanDisk 4GB Memory Cards Or Flash Drive - $8.99 * [Sears]


SanDisk 4GB SDHC Card - $4.99 [Office Max]
SanDisk 4GB SDHC Card - $8.00 [Wal-Mart]

SanDisk 4GB Ultra II SDHC Memory Card - $12.99 [Office Depot]

SanDisk 4GB microSD Memory Card - $7.99 [Office Max]

SanDisk 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo - $14.99 [Best Buy]

SanDisk 8GB SDHC Memory Card - $14.99 [Office Depot]
SanDisk 8GB SDHC Card - $14.99 [Sears]
SanDisk 8GB SDHC Card - $19.99 [Best Buy]
SanDisk 8GB SHDC - $19.99 [Office Max]

SanDisk 8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Memory Card - $24.99 [Office Depot]

SanDisk 8GB Ultra II CompactFlash Memory Card - $19.99 [Office Depot]

Sony 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo - $12.99 [Sears]

Sony 4GB Memory Stick - $20.00 [Wal-Mart]

DVD Players

Coby 7" Portable DVD Player - $49.99 [Staples]

Curtis DVD Player AR - $17.99 * [Sears]

GPX 8" Portabe DVD Player PD808BU - $79.99 [Sears]

GPX BD707B DVD/CD Boom Box w/7" LCD Display - $99.99 * [Sears]

Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player (Model # NS-BRDVD3) w/Superman Returns or Beetlejuice Bluray - $99.99 [Best Buy]

Memorex 1080P HDMI Upconvert DVD Player - $29.99 [K-M]

Magnavox DVD Player with VCR - $49.99 * [Sears]
Magnavox DVD Player with VCR - $49.99 [K-M]

Magnavox NB500 Blu-ray Disc Player - $78.00 * [Wal-Mart]

Memorex Compact DVD Player With Progressive Scan - $19.99 [Target]

RCA 7" Portable DVD Player - $47.00 [Target]

RCA 7" Dual Screen Portable DVD Player With Car Adapter - $88.00 [Target]

Samsung BD-P1590 Blu Ray Player (Saturday) - $148.00 [Wal-Mart]

Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-Ray Disc Player - $149.99 [Best Buy]
Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-Ray Disc Player- $149.99 [Sears]

Samsung BD-P4600 Blu-Ray Disc Player - $279.99 [Best Buy]

Sony DVD Player DVP-SR200P - $34.99 [Sears]

Sony BDP-S360 Blu-Ray Disc Player - $149.99 [Best Buy]
Sony BDP-S360 Blu-Ray Player with $20 Gift Card - $149.99 [Target]
Sony BDP-S360 Blu-Ray Player - $149.99 [Sears]

Sony BDP-S369 Blu-Ray Player - $148.00 [Wal-Mart]

Sylvania 7" Portable DVD Player - $49.99 * [Sears]
Sylvania 7" Portable DVD Player - $49.99 * [K-M]

Electronics


1.5" Digital Photo Frames - $7.99 [Office Depot]

2GB Pulse Smartpen w/$30 Gift Card - $169.99 [Best Buy]

4-Device Universal Remote - Free After Rebate [Staples]

AT&T DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone System with 4 Handsets - $59.99 [Sears]

AT&T DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone With Digital Answering System - $49.99 * [Staples]

All Philips HDMI Cables With Any TV Purchase - 15% Off [Sears]

Ativa 8" Digital Photo Frame - $49.99 [Office Depot]

Belkin HDTV Starter Kit - $34.99 [K-M]

Bose In-Ear Headphones - $89.99 [Best Buy]

Brother P-Touch PT-1290 Electronic Labeler - $9.99 [Office Depot]

Canon Vixia HD HF20 Camcorder - $499.99 [Best Buy]

Canon Vixia HD HF20 Camcorder w/Extra Li-Ion Battery & 8" HDMI Cable - $599.97 [Best Buy]

Casio Keyboard With Stand And Song Book - $49.99 [Target]

Cobra Radar Detector - $29.99 * [K-M]

Cobra Two Way Radio Pair - $19.99 * [K-M]

Coby 7" Digital Photo Frame - $29.99 * [K-M]
Coby 7" Digital Photo Frame - $29.99 * [Sears]

Coby 8" Digital Photo Frame - $49.99 [Sears]

Coby 7" Portable Digital TV - $99.99 [Staples]

Digital Decor Color LCD Key Chain Holds 48 Pictures - $10.00 * [Target]

Dynex 7" Digital Photo Frame - $29.99 [Best Buy]

Emerson 3-Handset DECT Phone Bundle - $39.99 [K-M]

Emerson Portable Karaoke CP398 System - $29.99 [Sears]

First Act Electronic Drum Set - $35.00 [Target]

GE 6 Foot HDMI Cable - $9.99 * [Target]

GPX 2.1 Channel DVD Home Theater System - $39.99 [K-M]

GPX Portable Karaoke Machine - $39.99 [Best Buy]

HP 8" Digital Picture Frame 512MB Memory - $109.99 [Staples]

HP 10" Digital Picture Frame 512MB Memory - $139.99 [Staples]

Insignia 7" Digital Photo Frame - $44.99 [Best Buy]

Jazz VGA 4X Digital Zoom 1.5 in. LCD Screen Pocket Digital Camcorder - $19.99 [K-M]

Kodak EasyShare P720 7" Digital Frame - $49.99 [Sears]

Logitech Harmony 510 Advanced Universal Remote - $39.99 [Best Buy]

Maxell Noise-Canceling Headphones - $20.00 [Staples]

Memorex 7" Widescreen Portable DVD Player - $29.99 * [Office Max]


Memorex Micro Speaker System for iPod - $11.99 [Office Max]


Memorex Home Audio System For iPod - $49.99 [Target]

Memorex iPod Clock Radio - $25.00 [Staples]

Midland LXT360VP3 2-Way Radios - $24.99 [Staples]

Motorola H390 Bluetooth Headset - $9.99 * [Staples]

Omnitech 12" Digital Picture Frame - $69.99 * [Staples]

Omnitech Bluetooth Speakerphone - $20.00 [Staples]

Omnitech Digital Photo Ornament - $10.00 [Staples]

Omnitech Mini-Speaker - $9.99 [Staples]

Panasonic DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless KX-TG9332T Phone Answering System (After Rebate) - $29.99 [Office Depot]
Panasonic DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone w/Digital Answering Machine - $49.99 [Staples]
Panasonic DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone System w/3 Handsets - $59.99 [Best Buy]

Pandigital 9" Digital Photo Frame - $59.99 [Best Buy]

Pandigital 10" Digital Photo Frame - $69.99 * [Sears]

Phillips 4-Device Remote Control - $9.99 [K-M]

Plantronics Explorer Bluetooth Mobile Headset 220 - $14.99 [Office Depot]

Sharp Handheld Calculator - Free After Rebate [Staples]

Skull Candy Ink'd Earbuds - $9.99 [Staples]

SmartPants 8.5" Digital Photo Frame - $49.99 [K-M]

Sony DCR-SR47 Handycam Camcorder - $249.99 [Best Buy]
Sony DCR-SR47 Handycam Camcorder w/Extra Li-Ion Battery & Bag - $299.97 [Best Buy]

Sony DCR-SX40 Handycam Camcorder - $199.99 [Best Buy]
Sony DCR-SX40 Handycam Camcorder w/Extra Li-Ion Battery & 8GB Memory Stick - $259.97 [Best Buy]

Sony E10 Ear Buds Headphones - $4.99 [Sears]
Sony Earbuds - $4.99 [K-M]
Sony Earbuds - $7.99 [Office Depot]

Sony Reader Pocket Edition And Cover With Light Combo - $214.98 [Staples]

Sony Reader Pocket Edition Cover With Light - $54.99 [Staples]

Sony Reader Pocket Edition With 5" Display - $199.99 [Staples]
Sony Reader Pocket Edition w/$30 Gift Card - $199.99 [Best Buy]

Sony Reader Touch Edition With 6" Screen - $299.99 [Staples]

Sony Reader Touch Edition And Cover With Light Combo - $319.98 [Staples]

Sony Studio Monitor Headphones - $9.99 [Best Buy]

Sony Wireless Headphones - $29.99 [Sears]

Sungale 7" Widescreen Digital Photo Frame - $29.99 * [Office Max]

Sungale 7" Digital Picture Frame - $29.99 * [Staples]

Uniden DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone w/5 Handsets & Digital Answering Machine - $59.99 [Staples]

VTech DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone System LS6215-2 w/2 Handsets - $44.99 [Best Buy]

Verizon 100 Cordless Phone w/ 2 Handsets - $19.99 [Office Max]

iHome Dock - $9.99 [K-M]

iHome PC Accessories - $9.99 [K-M]

iHome Portable Alarm Clock Speaker iPod Dock - $39.99 [Best Buy]

iHome Portable iPod/MP3 Speaker System - $9.99 [Sears]

GPS

Garmin GPS Friction Mount - $14.99 [Best Buy]

Garmin Nuvi 205 GPS - $89.99 * [Sears]
Garmin Nuvi 205 GPS Navigation System - $99.99 * [Best Buy]

Garmin Nuvi 255WT GPS Navigation System - $129.99 [Best Buy]

Garmin Nuvi 1200 GPS Navigation System - $119.99 [Office Depot]

Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS Navigation System - $149.99 [Office Depot]

Garmin Nuvi 1350T GPS System - $179.00 [Target]

Lowepro Black Neoprene Sleeve - $7.99 [Best Buy]

Magellan RoadMate 1220 GPS - $84.99 * [K-M]
Magellan RoadMate 1220 GPS - $89.99 [Sears]

Magellan SE4 GPS - $89.99 [Best Buy]

Magellan RoadMate 1440 GPS - $119.99 * [Sears]

TomTom ONE 125-SE GPS - $59.00 [Wal-Mart]

TomTom ONE 130 GPS - $79.99 [Sears]
TomTom ONE 130 GPS - $77.99 [Office Depot]
TomTom ONE 130 GPS - $79.99 [K-M]

TomTom XL325 GPS - $89.00 [Wal-Mart]
TomTom XL325S GPS - $99.99 [Sears]
TomTom XL325S GPS - $99.99 [K-M]

TomTom XL 330 GPS Navigation System - $97.99 [Office Depot]
TomTom XL 340S GPS With Case - $97.00 [Target]

TomTom 540S Portable GPS Navigation System - $149.99 [Best Buy]

TomTom GO 630 GPS Navigation System - $169.99 [Office Depot]

TomTom GO 730 Portable GPS Navigation System - $174.99 [Best Buy]

Hard Drives


LG External Slim Portable USB 2.0 DVD Drive - $49.99 [Best Buy]

Seagate FreeAgent Docking Station - $19.99 [Office Max]

Seagate 320GB Expansion External Portable Hard Drive - $59.99 [Office Depot]

Seagate 500GB Portable USB 2.0 Hard Drive - $59.99 [Office Max]

Seagate 640GB FreeAgent Go External Portable Hard Drive - $119.99 [Office Depot]

Seagate 750GB Free Agent Go External Portable Hard Drive - $149.99 [Office Depot]


Seagate 1TB External Hard Drive - $69.99 * eBay [Staples]

Seagate 1TB External Hard Drive - $79.99 [Office Max]

Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" Internal Hard Drive $97.99 [Newegg]

Seagate 1.5TB External Hard Drive - $99.99 [Office Depot]
Seagate 1.5TB External Hard Drive - $139.99 [Staples]

Seagate 2TB FreeAgent External Hard Drive - $179.99 [Office Depot]

Verbatim 1TB External Hard Drive - $79.99 [Office Depot]

Western Digital My Passport Essential 320GB Hard Drive - $49.00 [Wal-Mart]

Western Digital My Passport Essential 500 GB Portable Hard Drive - $69.99 * [Staples]

Western Digital Elements 500GB Portable Hard Drive - $59.98 [Target]

Western Digital 500GB My Passport Elite Portable Hard Drive Titanium - $79.99 [Best Buy]

Western Digital 1TB 3.5" External Hard Drive - $78.00 [Wal-Mart]

Western Digital Elements 1TB Desktop Hard Drive - $59.98 [Target]

Western Digital 1.5TB My Book Home Edition External Hard Drive - $119.99 [Best Buy]

Western Digital WDTV Media Player - $74.99 [Best Buy]

Home Theater

4' Monster Cable 700 Series HDMI Cable - $49.99 [Best Buy]

Ativa Home Theater System 5.1 - $39.99 [Office Depot]

Init Cherry Wood Stand With Mount For TVs Up To 46" - $99.99 [Best Buy]

Init Cherry Wood w/Black Glass Shelves TV Stand - $149.99 [Best Buy]

Klipsch Icon 2-Way Triple 5.25" Floorstanding Speaker - $186.99 [Best Buy]

Klipsch Icon 2-Way Triple 6.5" Floorstanding Speaker - $236.99 [Best Buy]

Samsung 5.1 Channel 1000W Home Theater System With Blu-ray Disc Player - $399.99 [Best Buy]

Sony Bravia DAV-HDX589W 5.1 Channel 1000W Home Theater System - $279.99 [Best Buy]

Sony STR-DH800 7.1 Channel 770-Watt A/V Receiver - $279.99 [Best Buy]

Tilting Wall Mount For 30"-56" Flat-Panel TVs - $99.99 [Best Buy]

YAMAHA 5.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver plus Energy 5CH Home Theater Speaker System $299.99 [Newegg]

Monitors

Acer 20" HD LCD Monitor - $79.99 [Best Buy]

Dell 20" S2009W HD LCD Monitor - $99.99 [Best Buy]

Dell 21.5" S2209W Full HD Widescreen Monitor - $144.00 [Dell]

Compaq Q2159 21.5" Full HD Widescreen LCD Monitor - $169.99 [HP]

Dell 23"SP2309W Full HD Widescreen Monitor w/Webcam - $219.00 [Dell]

More Deals

<]]> http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5409460&view=rss&microfeed=true It would be better if they were. Or if not that, then POMCH3. I'm sure they could spare some of the $2.7 billion value of the acquisition into coming up with a name. [Business Insider]

Bloatware, the crap software that manufacturers pre-install on their computers that include demos, media software and other junk you never use, is infuriating. And seeing the numbers, it's even more insane that these companies are crippling their own products with this junk. Here's how the worst offenders break down, compared to clean installs on the same machines:

Acer: 2:01 longer boot time, 952MB larger memory footprint, 2.4GB less HDD space
HP: 1:35 longer boot time, 1.06GB larger memory footprint, 2.18GB less HDD space
Dell: 0:52 longer boot time, 1.18GB larger memory footprint, 3GB less HDD space
Sony: 1:54 longer boot time, 1.11GB larger memory footprint, 1.3GB less HDD space

Pretty repulsive stuff; at least Microsoft isn't including this garbage on PCs sold in their stores. Be sure to check out PC Pro for the full study and results. [PC Pro via Slashdot]

What it still does

HP's Windows Home Servers are exceptional because they take the standard Home Server build and add a bunch of extras on top of it. For example, HP was the first one to introduce support for Apple's Time Machine, which has been improved here so that you can do a complete restore in the event that you have to start your Mac up from scratch.

They've also still got the media streaming (DLNA compliant), web/iPhone streaming and iTunes server built in, as well as a media collector that sucks in media from all your regular machines on the network into one place on the server. All of this stuff is just improved.

What it does even better now

The greatest group of improvements is how the EX495 now works with Macs. Time Machine functionality was there before, but ran into problems when your Mac went down and you tried to do a fresh restore directly off the network. Now you get a separate disc to use so you can treat the Time Machine backup on the server as a standard Time Machine backup for restores.

But the most important feature on a day-to-day basis is the fact that the Home Server console works natively on Macs—even though it's just a remote desktop connection to the server anyway. You can now do on your Mac all the management actions you could on the PC, like setup new users, update your Home Server, perform diagnostics or configure video conversions.

Then there is the added ability to do media collecting on Macs, basically sucking off any videos or music you've accumulated into one network-accessible place so other machines can access it. It beats having to remember to manually place those things on the server yourself.

Of course, Macs can also access the web interface for Home Server management just like PCs can.

More power, more storage and better processing

Shoving a Dual Core 2.5GHz or a 2.2GHz Celeron processor and 2GB of RAM on these machines might seem like overkill for something that's just used to hold stuff and stream it around the network, but HP puts that to good use.

In our tests, the EX495 was able to convert a DVD movie into a full resolution h.264 and a phone-streamable 300MB movie in about an hour and a half, give or take. Very useful for not sucking up your main machine's horsepower to convert videos when you can just vomit them onto the network and have it be done by a slave machine.

The improved processor is very noticeable from just using the remote console. Clicking around to set up the photo publisher, or the media server, or adding BitTorrent plugins were much faster than the previous generation EX485 and EX487 machines. It's not even comparable to the LX195 budget versions.

At $700 and $550 respectively, the MediaSmart Servers definitely aren't cheap. If you've got an older version, like the 485/487 series, the improvements probably won't be enough to warrant you spending so much for another machine that has similar functionality. If you're new to the Windows Home Server realm, this has pretty much everything a PC or a Mac user would want to hold their data, stream their media and backup their information. [HP EX495 and HP EX490]

Fully certified for Windows 7, the L2105tm features 1920x1080 resolution, 1000:1 contrast, 5ms response, and VGA, DVI-D with HDCP connections. You'll only be able to use two-finger multitouch (or single-point stylus), but if you're buying a monitor anyway, it's smart that manufacturers are keeping the touch price premiums low...well...attainable. [SlashGear]

This is effectively an extension of their brick-and-mortar retail push (or is it the other way around?) which will also include third-party hardware, software, and accessories compatible with Windows, and particularly Windows 7. The first round of hardware for sale is heavy on laptops and netbooks, with Dell, Sony, Lenovo, HP and Acer portables all making appearances—basically, a similar lineup to what you'd see at any Best Buy.

This makes a lot of sense for Microsoft, who's watched Apple do pretty, pretty well with a broad, inclusive online store, but who couldn't cash in on a similar concept without their own hardware as an anchor. It's the same direction they're taking with Windows Phone: In liew of Microsoft hardware, they're just drawing others under the Microsoft tent with blanket branding and Microsoft-centric marketing. In other words, to the customer, it may as well be Microsoft hardware. [Beyond Binary]

All three computers in the package will be preloaded with Windows 7, the full contents of which include:

* Space-saving HP Slimline desktop (s5212y)
* Thin-profile 18.5" LCD monitor (w1858)
* Media-savvy HP laptop (G60-535DX)
* Compact HP Mini netbook (110-1125NR)
* Speedy NETGEAR Wireless-G router (WGR614)
* Seamless in-home setup of the PCs and router by Geek Squad (4000954811)

The desktop features a dual-core 2.5GHz Pentium, 3GB memory, 320GB hard drive and double-layer DVD burner, while the laptop is your standard-fare 15.6-inch HP (320GB HDD, 3GB memory, HDMI-out). The netbook is the HP Mini 110, one of our favorite netbooks. Individually, none of these are really thrilling items, but selling them together for $1200 is a ridiculously great deal. That package would run you over $2000 normally, so if your entire household is in need of an upgrade, this looks like a real winner—certainly one of the best ways to save money with Windows 7 promotions. [Best Buy]

Acer—which owns Gateway, eMachines, and Packard Bell—scored 11.1 perecent of U.S computer sales between July and September this year, according to IDC. Gartner puts that figure at 13.9 percent.

As you can see in the chart above, Garner also puts Dell in the top U.S spot with a 26.2 percent share. IDC disagrees, placing HP first (25.5 percent), Dell second (25 percent), Apple fourth (9.4 percent), and Toshiba fifth (8.1 percent).

The two research firms agree on the rankings of worldwide sales, though their numbers are slightly different.

What's also interesting is that total sales grew by as much as 3.9 percent compared to last year. That's pretty surprising when both predicted the down economy would make us all tech scrooges. Maybe Windows 7 has drummed up interest after all, what do you think? [Gartner Research via BusinessWire | IDC Research via Reuters] [Image Credit]

The ranking methodology utilized by Greenpeace and Newsweek are radically different; the Newsweek rankings are based on a holistic view of the companies including greenhouse emissions, water consumption and supply chain management. Greenpeace study analyzes more focused benchmarks like the use of toxic chemicals.

Greenpeace's biggest knock on HP is it's continued polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardant (BFR) usage despite a commitment to discontinue their utilization, while Newsweek recognizes their continued use— they give HP credit due to progressively diminished usage.

HP got especially high marks for it's Green Policy and Performance from Newsweek, issues Greenpeace did not consider. While Newsweek's ranking system is more comprehensive, there is good reason Greenpeace looks specifically at PVC and BFRs. Dioxin, an organic compound, produced as a byproduct of PVC production has been implicated in a broad range of health problems from acne to sarcoma.

Both rankings have valid rationales to justify their methodologies, HP most likely belongs somewhere in between #1 and #14. [Newsweek and Greenpeace]

Thanks Prof. Singaram for helping me work through organic chemistry.

By "long life", HP is referring to their green battery that can suposedly sustain over 1,000 recharges and maintain "like-new" performance for three years. Pricing and availability in the States has not been determined, but the dv8 is set to crush shelves in the UK starting on Windows 7 launch day (October 22nd) starting at around $2000. [HP via Shiny Shiny]

Price

Starts at $1,050 on October 22nd. $1600 as tested.

Our Configuration

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13GHz, 4GB DDR3 RAM, slot-load Blu-ray player/DVD burner, NVIDIA GeForce GT230M with 1GB dedicated RAM, 23-inch 1080P multitouch display, and a slew of inputs, including 6 USB, a card reader, coax, S-Video, HDMI, audio and composite.

What's New

This is the third generation TouchSmart. The two-point, IR-based multitouch PC remains thematically unchanged, but the combination of hardware and software is finally gelling. The new stuff includes:

• Windows 7
• HDMI-in
• Updated TouchSmart UI
• Custom Hulu, Netflix, Twitter and Absurdly Cool Recipe Book Apps
• HD Tuning (not CableCard)
• Fully customizable LED under-lighting
• Tilting webcam

The Hardware

You'll recognize the body design as almost unchanged from the last generation, but that's not necessarily a strike against the TouchSmart. While the body is mostly plastic, the high gloss black is unoffensive, and good for making screen colors pop like an HDTV. A majority of the TV-style input set is cleverly hidden behind a panel, should you prefer the seamless look.

As for that screen, it's as good as any low to mid-tier LCD HDTV, but its multitouch is not quite perfect. If you pace your movements, it's about 95% accurate at tracking your fingers. If you don't, that number drops to 85%. And should the system be strained with a lot of multimedia tasking, the touch only gets worse. But I make this all sound a lot worse than it is. No, the screen isn't as accurate/wonderful as capacitive tech, but it's a lot better than resistive.

The wireless low profile keyboard and mouse are both understated and completely functional. And a decent remote gives the whole package that home theater feel for when you need to do a little IR blasting.

Audio dribbles through a soundbar sits under the screen. The quality is passable for television, but there's potential here for improvement—the highs are tinny and there's not real bass. Music lovers will want standalone speakers (which is too bad, because everything else is great.)

But again, I almost hate saying bad things about the build because what the TouchSmart does right is sooo cool: the software.

The Littlest Media Mogul

If you just want to multitouch your way through Windows 7, the TouchSmart allows that. But to really take advantage of the system, you'll want to use the TouchSmart interface and the wonderful, custom apps. Sure, you can mess with photos, take hand-drawn notes and watch video clips, but here's the more notable stuff. (Check out the video above to see some of these apps in motion.)

Netflix
I couldn't enjoy the Netflix interface more. Flick through your library, click a movie and just wait for the server to stream it. It's probably the slickest Netflix skin I've seen to date.

Ambient Lighting
It's technically a series of LEDs under the monitor, but Ambient Lighting makes its way into the apps section since you can choose from the entire spectrum of colors through a touch interface. The glowing effect, while a tad cheesy, is incredible customizable.

Twitter
Tweetie is my client of choice on Mac. Most all of the advanced functionality is duplicated here. And if you really want to, you can type on the onscreen keyboard. It works, but I'll take the real thing, thanks.

Live TV/DVR
It's easy to get mixed up in the submenus and the software is obviously resource intensive, but otherwise, you're working with a fully-functional HD DVR (sitting on top the core of WMC, as I understand it). Flicking through programming guides is surprisingly natural.

Hulu
Stuck in an update loop, I couldn't test Hulu. Given the quality of HP's other bundled apps, especially Netflix, I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Music
The music app is super smart because it incorporates MP3s, Pandora and Rhapsody into, well, not exactly one interface but at least one basic app. Browsing albums is smooth in a Cover-Flow-like spread. Pandora is a bit disappointing in that most of the UI is spent on the Pandora logo. But it works.

Recipe Box
Despite the failings during my tech demo above, this little app is embarrassingly fun. Through a built-in browser, you can rip any recipe containing "directions" and "ingredients" from almost any webpage. With one button, the recipe appears in your own book, formatted like everything else in your collection. Now, should you have your hands full, the system supports voice commands to read you the recipe. It didn't work in my demo video, but even when it did, the system fulfilled all the stereotypes of poor voice commands and text-to-speech. Still, Recipe Box is a clever way to bring an all-in-one into the kitchen.

The one downfall here is that HP has designed TouchSmart to run all of the bundled apps at once. You're truly multitasking, and that means stacking HDTV, Hulu, Netflix, photo editing, a browser, Twitter, and even more video playback. The system generally handles itself admirably, but the TV tuning definitely tips the scales on occasion (just watch the video for interface stutters). If I were to use the system as my DVR on a regular basis, I'd probably cut down the fat on HP's apps and buy myself some resources.

Another point to mention is that, while you can customize HP's dock with any apps you like, those not designed by HP (say, Microsoft Word) will merely link you to the full app in Windows. So you can't work on a term paper in the fancy media interface, but then again, you probably don't want to.

Oh, and for some reason, the back button within apps often brings you back to the same information in a different view than you started with. That's a perfect candidate for a patch if I've ever seen one.

Like, Not Love

I want to love the TouchSmart 600, but I just really, really like it a lot. The functionality is all there; no one can question the full media suite of apps, like Netflix, Hulu, and Twitter, let alone the full Windows 7 OS sitting right behind HP's optional software. It's the light performance hiccups coupled with a less than 100% touch interface that stop me from screaming at the top of my lungs, "YOU SHOULD BUY THIS RIGHT NOW OR GIVE UP ON LIFE COMPLETELY."

But maybe you should buy the TouchSmart 600 right now. Other than Sony's upcoming Vaio L, there's no all-in-one quite like this on the market. Coupled with a netbook, you'd have portability and an entire media center at your disposal. The combo, for something like a dorm room or small apartment, would be unquestionably wonderful.

Versatile media platform

Neat, functional apps

Full Windows 7 sits a click away

A reasonable home theater replacement

Imperfect, but decent multitouch

Speakers sound pretty lousy

DVR tends to slow the whole system

For a budget system, the CQ61 is actually a pretty sturdy notebook. It isn't all that slim or light, but inside its got older generation AMD Sempron processor and ATI graphics.

The Presario 4010f desktop PC has an overall nice simple black design for its $309 starting price. It is loaded with an AMD Sempron processor, NVIDIA GeForce graphics and a 250 GB hard drive. It doesn't come with a monitor but you can always pick up Compaq's 17-inch monitor for an extra $119. Both systems will be available on October 22 with Windows 7. [HP]

HP Delivers Affordable, High-quality Computing with New Compaq Consumer and Commercial PCs

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 13, 2009 – HP today unveiled new Compaq PCs that provide families, students and small businesses the computing capabilities they need at price they desire.

Compaq products offer essential features, attractive designs and reliable performance at an affordable price, placing computing freedom and productivity within reach of more customers.

Available globally, Compaq PCs meet the needs of consumers and small business customers especially well in emerging and developing countries where first-time PC purchases are made on limited budgets after great consideration. In the United States, where the economy is more than ever a factor in spending, the Compaq brand provides consumers and small businesses flexibility in PC purchases.

"Everyone deserves access to a high-quality computer, and HP makes that possible with the Compaq brand," said Steven Hoffman, director of worldwide marketing, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The Compaq portfolio delivers great design, strong performance and reliability that customers need for ‘just right computing' at ‘just the right price.'"

Consumers will appreciate the design of the Compaq Presario CQ61z notebook PC. It features a piano black imprint finish with a silver panel that covers the palmrest and touchpad for a clean contrast. It balances mobility and performance and has a 15.6-inch diagonal high-definition display with 16:9 ratio and six-cell lithium-ion battery. Ideal for families and students looking for a mobile PC, the CQ61z starts at $399 after $100 instant savings available Oct. 18 to Dec.19.

The Compaq Presario 4010f desktop PC delivers all the productivity of a traditional PC in a sleek, streamlined desktop design. It comes fully loaded with essential features, including an AMD Sempron™ processor, NVIDIA GeForce integrated graphics and a 250 gigabyte (GB)(2) hard drive. Capable of storing up to 49,000 songs or 39,000 photos, this desktop PC is great for families and students and starts at $309.

The Compaq 500B Series desktop PCs are designed for budget-conscious small businesses that need PCs that are easy to set up, use and expand. The Compaq 500B and 505B desktop PCs, available with Intel or AMD processors respectively, offer businesses efficient and reliable performance with a Windows® 7 operating system,(3) and configurable hard drives and memory. The series offers an array of bays and ports for business users who need expandability for future growth and with more than 100,000 hours of testing, they are built to last. The Compaq 500B and 505B desktop PCs start at $359 and $409, respectively.

All products are expected to be available Oct. 22.

The 42-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution monitor uses infrared touch technology (just like the TouchSmart 600). It also supports multitouch, so you should be able to flick to swipe pictures (or snooze worthy PowerPoint slides) and use two fingers to zoom in. You can imagine the uses. HP had a demo going of a truck that you could spin around and then select the paint color. For some reason, spinning things on large touchscreens (like the Coke bottle on the digital vending machine) never gets old. The LD4200tm doesn't have a computer inside it; you have to hook up a PC to it.

I wouldn't need this thing in my living room, because honestly when would I ever get up to touch the screen. But I still think big touchscreens, like Microsoft's Surface, are a good time. But good times always come with high prices. It will start at $2,800 and will be available in December. [HP]

In time for Windows 7's launch, HP will release three new TouchSmart all-in-ones. The 20-inch TouchSmart 300 and the 23-inch TouchSmart 600 (check out Mark's full review) both have infrared multitouch displays. The TouchSmart family PC solution that has been so popular in kitchens and living rooms, now has a business friendly twin. Yes, even business owners need the 23-inch TouchSmart 9100 which is anticpated to be used in store fronts and retail locations.

HP completes the multitouch family with its smaller and more portable 12-inch HP Tx2 laptop. Like the original, it has a capacitive screen with a convertible hinge. You can use both a finger and a pen on the screen. HP is also experimenting with a non-convertible touchscreen laptop and will offer the HP dv3 with a touchscreen in select markets.

The biggest update to the all-in-ones and the Tx2 laptop is the interface. HP continues to put its TouchSmart user interface on top of Windows 7 and it is one of the best I have seen. The new stuff comes in the way of applications; there are now loads of new third party applications, including Hulu, Twitter and Netflix. The interface is as smooth as a baby's bottom and the main set of tiles fan across the screen and you can easily flick to toggle them. Again, check out the full review of the TouchSmart 600 to get a glimpse of how it really works. HP may just have a method to its touch madness. [HP]

HP Unveils New Multitouch PCs and Display
Company debuts its first fully interactive, 42-inch, high-definition digital signage touch display

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 13, 2009 – Building upon its nearly 30-year history of touch innovation, HP today launched the next era of multitouch computing for consumers and businesses.

Among the new products, HP introduced three touch-enabled HP TouchSmart PCs and its first fully interactive, 42-inch diagonal, high-definition (HD) digital signage touch display, the HP LD4200tm.

"Since the launch of the first TouchSmart PC nearly three years ago, we've worked closely with a growing number of software companies and independent vendors to develop built-for-touch applications that give consumers and businesses rich interactive multimedia experiences," said James Mouton, senior vice president and general manager, Desktop Global Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP. "These collaborations have helped to make HP touch computing the most advanced touch experience in the market today."

New consumer HP TouchSmart PCs packed with exclusive touch applications
HP now offers a choice of 20- or 23-inch diagonal widescreen consumer HP TouchSmart PCs – the HP TouchSmart 300 and HP TouchSmart 600. Each features a sleek, award-winning design that integrates either a stunning HD-capable or HD widescreen display with a multitouch enabled screen.

Users can simply pinch, rotate, arc, flip, press or drag a finger across the screen of the PC to access information, entertainment and social networks in a natural, intuitive way. Though accompanied by a wireless keyboard and mouse, new 16:9 widescreen tiles make multimedia, social media and other applications a rich and engaging touch experience.

The new consumer HP TouchSmart PCs feature exclusive built-for-touch applications(1) including:
• Hulu Desktop to provide quick access to Hulu's vast library of hit TV shows, movies and video clips. Users can browse, search and watch their favorite comedies, dramas, sci-fi and web-original shows from nearly 200 leading content companies. Users with Hulu.com accounts also can access their queue, subscriptions and viewing history.
• A touch-enabled Netflix application delivers thousands of full-screen TV episodes and movies that are streamed from Netflix over the Internet. Using HP's signature fan view, Netflix members can instantly watch a move from their Instant Queue on the PC or remove a movie from their Queue via touch. Netflix members also can rent DVD and Blu-ray discs as well as edit and manage their Netflix accounts using the application. A two-week free Netflix trial is available to all TouchSmart users in the United States.
• Twitter, a free social networking and micro-blogging service, makes it easy to catch up with family, friends and colleagues with the touch of a finger.
• With Rhapsody as the engine, the new HP Music Store gives users streaming, on-demand access to 8 million songs delivered to the new TouchSmart PC. Customers who subscribe to Rhapsody can enjoy favorite artists, create playlists or just sit back and listen. Non-members can enjoy a free 14-day trial.
• Pandora Internet radio is now touch enabled for a free personalized music experience to find new music based on old and current favorites.
• TouchSmart RecipeBox lets aspiring chefs discover, explore and keep track of recipes saved from multiple websites and cook with a hands-free experience via voice commands.
• TouchSmart Live TV allows quick access for watching and recording live, local TV. Customers can set recordings in advance of their airing via an electronic programming guide.
• TouchSmart Canvas allows customers to organize their photos on a virtual canvas to quickly and easily create photo collages using touch to edit and rotate photos.
• TouchSmart Link allows the transfer of photos and images taken by a mobile device to the TouchSmart PC via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

Customers with previous TouchSmart PC models who upgrade to Windows 7 through the HP Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program will receive software with some of these new touch applications.

A new swivel stand and tilt webcam(1) increase users' ability to share and collaborate around the HP TouchSmart, which also can easily be wall mounted (with optional wall bracket accessory). All models meet ENERGY STAR® 5.0 requirements.

Some models of the HP TouchSmart 600 easily connect to gaming consoles, including Xbox, PlayStation and Wii, via HDMI or composite video ports.

World's first multitouch consumer notebooks now better than ever
For those whose active lives demand a device for note capture, entertainment, communication and robust computing that's easy to carry, the HP TouchSmart tx2 notebook PC delivers. The HP TouchSmart tx2 combines powerful computing with tablet PC capabilities and entertainment features in an attractive design light enough to go anywhere.

With multitouch support within HP MediaSmart, the HP TouchSmart tx2 is the first notebook PC for consumers that enables the use of two fingers to navigate HP's entertainment applications. The HP TouchSmart tx2 features most of the same touch applications as the HP TouchSmart PC as well as exclusive touch-enabled games and Corel® Painter Sketch Pad for creating digital art.

The HP TouchSmart tx2 weighs 4.65 pounds,(2) features a 12.1-inch diagonal WGXA HD HP LED widescreen integrated touch-screen convertible display, AMD Turion™ dual-core processors(3) and a glossy HP Imprint finish with titanium color "Reaction" pattern.

The convertible design with a twist hinge allows consumers to enjoy the HP TouchSmart tx2 in three modes: PC, display and tablet. With a rechargeable digital ink pen, users can turn the HP TouchSmart tx2 into a tablet PC to write, sketch, draw, take notes or graph right onto the screen – and then automatically convert handwriting into typed text.

Business HP TouchSmart drives new customer interactions, business models
The industry's only full-featured, all-in-one, multitouch-enabled business PC, the HP TouchSmart 9100 Business PC provides real-time information, videoconferencing capabilities(4) and multimedia features in a 23-inch diagonal full HD(5) widescreen display.

The HP business TouchSmart is enabling a more interactive, compelling customer experience at businesses such as bridal retailer Priscilla of Boston for luxury dress concierge service, St. Louis Oncology for medical filing, the NBA's Detroit Pistons for instant replays and food, and hotels such as Sheraton and Marriott to provide enhanced customer lobby experiences.

New business models are emerging with the HP TouchSmart 9100. Digital Aisle, an interactive shopper solutions company, is bringing "virtual sales assistants" to life using HP's interactive touch screens. The Digital Aisle's Virtual Bartender uses HP TouchSmart technology to help people plan parties, print and email recipes, and learn expert bartending tips. This interactive point-of-purchase tool has been deployed to independent and chain retailers across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

An array of new enhancements on the HP TouchSmart 9100 include:
• DVI output, enabling customers to connect to their full HD format displays and projectors
• Configure-to-order options designed to meet the needs of businesses, including a choice of genuine Microsoft Windows® 7 32-bit or 64-bit operating system,(6) processors, optical drives, hard drives, solid state drives, Kensington locks, HP Protect Tools and HP BIOS to enable USB ports and SATA device lock down, and retasking of button controls for custom kiosk configurations
• Optional wall mount adapter attaches the HP TouchSmart to a VESA wall mount or a VESA-compatible articulating arm
• U.S. Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliant – HP TouchSmart 9100 configure-to-order units comply with TAA requirements(7)
• Premium performance with a powerful Intel® Core™2 Duo processor,(8) Genuine Windows 7 Professional, up to eight gigabytes (GB) of memory,(9) up to a 500 GB hard drive or an optional 64 GB solid state drive,(10) and a trial version of Microsoft® Office(11)
• NVIDIA GeForce G200 integrated graphics or upgrade to NVIDIA GeForce GT230 discrete graphics using the Mobile Express Module (MXM) graphics slot
• New standard onsite warranty providing next-day(12) business servicing
• FireWire® output for quick and easy transfer of digital files, photos and videos from a wide variety of IEEE94-compatible peripheral devices
• Optional wireless keyboard and mouse
• Optional Blu-ray combo optical(13) disk drive

The HP TouchSmart for business is a space- and energy-saving portal for businesses. Its ENERGY STAR qualified and EPEAT® Silver registered design uses 55 percent less metal and 37 percent less plastic than standard PCs and monitors. With the easy-to-use HP Power Manager tool, companies also can configure their individual PC power settings to save energy without interfering with the PC's ability to perform.

Businesses shine with HP's first fully interactive, 42-inch, HD digital signage display
The HP LD4200tm is a 42-inch diagonal, sleek black digital signage built to fit in trendy indoor environments, such as kiosks, retail, point of sale, shopping malls, travel terminals, hotel lobbies, recreational venues, universities, stock exchanges and hospitals.

It features infrared technology, which recognizes multitouch gestures for onscreen interaction in 1,920 x 1,080 full HD native resolution to provide stunning views of video, graphics or text in both bright and dim lighting. In addition, an ultra-wide 178 x 178 degree viewing angle enables observation from almost any angle and, unlike TV screens, the HP LD4200tm is built to run 24/7 with low power usage while maintaining longevity. It also comes with a standard three-year limited warranty.

Pricing and availability
• The HP TouchSmart 300 starts at $899 and is expected to be available Nov. 1.
• The HP TouchSmart 600 starts at $1,049 and is expected available Oct. 22.
• The HP TouchSmart tx2 starts at $799 and is expected to be available Oct. 22.
• The HP TouchSmart 9100 starts at $1,299 and is expected to be available in December.
• The HP LD4200tm 42-inch widescreen LCD monitor starts at $2,799 and is expected to be available in December.