HP brings touch screen to desktop PCs

HP's Touchsmart IQ500 series desktop computers can work without a mouse or keyboard thanks to the touch-sensitive screen.

The new interface developed by the company works within Windows and is started with a dedicated button on the front of the case.

It displays icons for programs that be scrolled by swiping a finger from left to right across the screen. There are new programs designed by HP to take advantage of the technology as well as links to some ordinary Windows programs.

Text entry can be achieved using the handwriting recognition built into Windows Vista Home Premium and finger touches work as mouse clicks in ordinary programs. The web browser has a basic touch-navigation ability: dragging two finger tips around the screen scrolls the page – unlike the Apple Multitouch, it is not possible to zoom in and out of a web page. There is also a media player and basic photo editor.

The Touchsmart is glossy black with the computer built into the monitor. A wireless mouse, keyboard and remote control are supplied and HP also says the only cable required is the power cable as wireless networking is also installed.

The basic HP Touchsmart IQ500 model is expected to cost £1,100 when it arrives in shops between August and September.