Hewlett-Packard is currently on tap to release the TouchSmart IQ506 a second generation to the IQ770. The IQ506 promises easy access and a simple design with touch screen access that reminds me a bit of an IPod Touch.

The new IQ506 stays much truer to the idea of an all-in-one and gets rid of the hinged design of the IQ770. It offers a single power cord with plug and play, WLAN, a hide away keyboard, adjustable screen and can also be viewed in the dark the HP ambient light feature.

The operating system included in the IQ506 is Windows Vista and has a 2.16GHz Intel Core2 Duo Processor T5850. It also contains a 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive and an integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9300 M GS HD graphics module with 256MB dedicated video memory and support for Microsoft DirectX 10. For multi media enjoyment it contains a dual-format NTSC or over-the-air ATSC high-definition TV tuner, HP Media Center remote control with IR (infrared) receiver.

The large screen and the included HP TouchSmart Software suite help make work well with great functionality. With the suite you get a calendar, note-taking application, an RSS reader, and programs for browsing and digital media. The icons have large, finger-friendly icons, making them easy to use. The programs and their icons can be added to the TouchSmart Software launcher bar, and you can also have the main page load as soon as you boot up the system, which is handy for having the touch screen system as your desktop. The non TouchSmart programs can be ran as well and pop up in another window. You can also access your Windows desktop with a single press. The touch functionality works outside of the TouchSmart suite and the screen is fairly accurate with touch sensitivity.

The touch features however still do not compare to the Apple multi touch systems due to the Vista-based systems can only being able to recognize a single point of input. The screen also does not offer the smooth glass like service of the IPod Touch or IPhone.

The TouchSmarch is a great idea for aesthetic purposes, but however is not the higher class performance computer for its price range. The IQ506 retails for $1,499.99 from Hewlett-Packard, but can also be found on Amazon for $1,446.99. The TouchSmart will go on sale July, 13.