HP TouchSmart tx2z Customizable Notebook PC

User Review #2 Source: computershopper.com by Jamie Bsales on December 28th, 2008

For the all-new HP TouchSmart tx2z convertible tablet PC, HP has employed the TouchSmart family name from its all-in-one desktop PCs—along with that line’s slick touch screen capabilities. In the past, we’ve been hard-pressed to recommend a higher-priced convertible over a traditional laptop to all but the handful of consumers who appreciate (and would actually use) the tablet functionality. But with its MediaSmart multimedia-management applications, which make brilliant use of the touch screen and the tablet form factor, the TouchSmart tx2z is a good fit for anyone who wants a multimedia-savvy ultraportable with a twist. The TouchSmart tx2z is wrapped in a good-looking titanium Reaction Imprint finish. At 4.7 pounds, the machine is on the heavy side for a laptop that only has a 12.1-inch screen, and as a tablet it quickly gets tiresome to use in the crook of your arm. Think of it as more of an on-your-lap tablet than a walking-around tablet...

For the all-new HP TouchSmart tx2z convertible tablet PC, HP has employed the TouchSmart family name from its all-in-one desktop PCs—along with that line’s slick touch screen capabilities. In the past, we’ve been hard-pressed to recommend a higher-priced convertible over a traditional laptop to all but the handful of consumers who appreciate (and would actually use) the tablet functionality. But with its MediaSmart multimedia-management applications, which make brilliant use of the touch screen and the tablet form factor, the TouchSmart tx2z is a good fit for anyone who wants a multimedia-savvy ultraportable with a twist.

The TouchSmart tx2z is wrapped in a good-looking titanium Reaction Imprint finish. At 4.7 pounds, the machine is on the heavy side for a laptop that only has a 12.1-inch screen, and as a tablet it quickly gets tiresome to use in the crook of your arm. Think of it as more of an on-your-lap tablet than a walking-around tablet... Read the full review at computershopper.com

User Review #1 Source: laptopmag.com by Dana Wollman on December 19th, 2008

The first consumer laptop with a multi-touch display is reasonably powerful and sports a fresh new design, but the touch experience itself is a bit rough around the edges. HP’s TouchSmart tx2z isn’t the first notebook to offer iPhone-esque multi-touch functionality (that would be the Dell Latitude XT), but it’s the first geared toward consumers—and with a more reasonable price to match. Well, a more reasonable starting price; the tx2z starts at $1,149, but our configuration was a pricey $1,733. Although the tx2z’ touch display is certainly brighter, crisper, and more accurate than its predecessor, the tx2500z, you can’t do a lot with mult-touch gestures on this notebook, and HP’s own MediaSmart interface could be more responsive. Still, the TouchSmart tx2z might appeal to students and early adopters. Youthful Design In size and weight, the tx2z is almost identical to the HP tx2500z. Its 12.1 x 8.8 x 1.5-inch body is portable enough to stow in a small bag. The new HP Imprint finish, called Reaction, is a silvery bubble-like pattern that should appeal to hipsters and students. Our unit’s eight-cell battery brought the total weight of the system to 5 pounds and added a bit of heft, especially for a 12-inch notebook. However, HP sells a smaller (and lighter) six-cell battery. Whereas the tx2500z is silver on the inside, the tx2z is dark blue with a matching keyboard, deck, and palm rest. The plush keys were comfortable to type on but make a clicky noise. The touchpad, dotted with perforated circles, is on the small side. It has a low amount of friction, but the mouse buttons were distractingly narrow (but at least easy to press). The touchpad has a thin strip on the right side that users can tap and slide to scroll through windows...

The first consumer laptop with a multi-touch display is reasonably powerful and sports a fresh new design, but the touch experience itself is a bit rough around the edges.

HP’s TouchSmart tx2z isn’t the first notebook to offer iPhone-esque multi-touch functionality (that would be the Dell Latitude XT), but it’s the first geared toward consumers—and with a more reasonable price to match. Well, a more reasonable starting price; the tx2z starts at $1,149, but our configuration was a pricey $1,733. Although the tx2z’ touch display is certainly brighter, crisper, and more accurate than its predecessor, the tx2500z, you can’t do a lot with mult-touch gestures on this notebook, and HP’s own MediaSmart interface could be more responsive. Still, the TouchSmart tx2z might appeal to students and early adopters.
Youthful Design

In size and weight, the tx2z is almost identical to the HP tx2500z. Its 12.1 x 8.8 x 1.5-inch body is portable enough to stow in a small bag. The new HP Imprint finish, called Reaction, is a silvery bubble-like pattern that should appeal to hipsters and students. Our unit’s eight-cell battery brought the total weight of the system to 5 pounds and added a bit of heft, especially for a 12-inch notebook. However, HP sells a smaller (and lighter) six-cell battery.

Whereas the tx2500z is silver on the inside, the tx2z is dark blue with a matching keyboard, deck, and palm rest. The plush keys were comfortable to type on but make a clicky noise. The touchpad, dotted with perforated circles, is on the small side. It has a low amount of friction, but the mouse buttons were distractingly narrow (but at least easy to press). The touchpad has a thin strip on the right side that users can tap and slide to scroll through windows... Read the full review at laptopmag.com