HP TouchSmart tm2 convertible tablet slims down and spruces up
By Paul Miller 
posted January 6th 2010 12:01AM
posted January 6th 2010 12:01AM
We played around with the laptop, and outside of the slightly suspicious touchpad, we were pretty impressed by the laptop. The build quality is great, in both feel and confidence-building (a must for a convertible tablet like this), but HP's also really beefed up the software aspect, pre-loading the new Netflix-inclusive version of its TouchSmart software and the wild, almost-useful BumpTop 3D desktop. Tossing in a finger friendly version of Corel Paint and an interactive dolphin screensaver was also a nice touch. Check out a quick video hands-on after the break.
HP TouchSmart tm2
Building on HP TouchSmart software innovation, the thin, powerful HP TouchSmart tm2 updates the tx2 – the industry's first convertible notebook PC with multitouch technology designed specifically for consumers.
With the convertible tm2, customers can choose the product configuration and input method that is most comfortable and natural, whether on a couch, in an airplane or while surfing the web. (3) As a traditional notebook, the tm2 offers a keyboard and touch-enabled display for input. Converted to a slate, the tm2 morphs into a sketchpad with digital pen, allowing artists to sketch on the go and students to take notes in class.
Feather-light capacitive multitouch display technology responds to the softest touch of a finger. The display also supports multitouch gestures such as zoom, scroll and rotate by allowing more than one finger to be accepted as input simultaneously. With the digital pen, handwriting appears on the display as digital ink, similar to writing on paper.
Featuring a sophisticated aluminum design with "Riptide" engraved illustration, the tm2 provides a full notebook experience with the latest low-voltage Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors and optional high multimedia performance ATI Mobility Radeon™ discrete graphics upgrades.(4) The tm2 also provides up to nine hours of battery life via the standard six-cell battery and includes a fingerprint reader as well as an advanced thermal design that helps keep the PC cool.(5)
New touch applications enhancing the tm2 experience include:
• BumpTop, a touch-enhanced 3-D interface for photos and documents that allows users to spatially organize and "toss" or share files and photos to social media sites or email.
• DigiFish Dolphin, an interactive 3-D screensaver that recreates an ocean environment to be experienced via touch or a mouse.
• Corel® Paint it! Touch, whichTM allows users to draw and paint or turn photos into paintings using fingertips.
The tm2 also features many of the same exclusive built-for-touch applications found on the recently introduced tx2 and HP TouchSmart PC, including exclusive touch-enabled games and Corel Painter Sketch Pad application for creating digital art.
The tm2 now offers a touch-enabled Netflix application, which delivers thousands of full-screen movies and TV episodes that are instantly streamed from Netflix over the Internet and can be watched any time at no additional cost by Netflix members with an unlimited subscription. Other recently introduced applications within the TouchSmart software include Hulu Desktop or Internet TV, Twitter and HP Music Store.(6)
As part of HP's commitment to the environment and to eliminating all uses of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in its computing products by 2011,(7) the TouchSmart tm2 is BFR/PVC-free.
Building on HP TouchSmart software innovation, the thin, powerful HP TouchSmart tm2 updates the tx2 – the industry's first convertible notebook PC with multitouch technology designed specifically for consumers.
With the convertible tm2, customers can choose the product configuration and input method that is most comfortable and natural, whether on a couch, in an airplane or while surfing the web. (3) As a traditional notebook, the tm2 offers a keyboard and touch-enabled display for input. Converted to a slate, the tm2 morphs into a sketchpad with digital pen, allowing artists to sketch on the go and students to take notes in class.
Feather-light capacitive multitouch display technology responds to the softest touch of a finger. The display also supports multitouch gestures such as zoom, scroll and rotate by allowing more than one finger to be accepted as input simultaneously. With the digital pen, handwriting appears on the display as digital ink, similar to writing on paper.
Featuring a sophisticated aluminum design with "Riptide" engraved illustration, the tm2 provides a full notebook experience with the latest low-voltage Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors and optional high multimedia performance ATI Mobility Radeon™ discrete graphics upgrades.(4) The tm2 also provides up to nine hours of battery life via the standard six-cell battery and includes a fingerprint reader as well as an advanced thermal design that helps keep the PC cool.(5)
New touch applications enhancing the tm2 experience include:
• BumpTop, a touch-enhanced 3-D interface for photos and documents that allows users to spatially organize and "toss" or share files and photos to social media sites or email.
• DigiFish Dolphin, an interactive 3-D screensaver that recreates an ocean environment to be experienced via touch or a mouse.
• Corel® Paint it! Touch, whichTM allows users to draw and paint or turn photos into paintings using fingertips.
The tm2 also features many of the same exclusive built-for-touch applications found on the recently introduced tx2 and HP TouchSmart PC, including exclusive touch-enabled games and Corel Painter Sketch Pad application for creating digital art.
The tm2 now offers a touch-enabled Netflix application, which delivers thousands of full-screen movies and TV episodes that are instantly streamed from Netflix over the Internet and can be watched any time at no additional cost by Netflix members with an unlimited subscription. Other recently introduced applications within the TouchSmart software include Hulu Desktop or Internet TV, Twitter and HP Music Store.(6)
As part of HP's commitment to the environment and to eliminating all uses of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in its computing products by 2011,(7) the TouchSmart tm2 is BFR/PVC-free.
Shit I need to pick my jaw up off the floor! C2D, ATI, up to 9 hrs, and a capacitive, multitouch/stylus input screen?!?! STYLUS!
@N900
YES! YES YES! HELL YES!
I'm going to take tons of notes with this puppy. This is going to be amazing! I knew I was waiting for something to take that tablet form factor. So glad I didn't buy the tx2!
Same!
Definitely 100% my next machine. Been using a Toshiba Tecra M7 for a year - chose not to buy the tx2 because the AMD processor seemed underpowered and inefficient.
Capacitive + digitizer Tablet + Discrete Graphics+ efficient C2D FTW
@N900
By up to 9hrs the really mean 3.5hrs of practical use.
@N900 Also definitely 100% my next machine. I still prefer the hybrid style tablet like in my avatar (which is what I use today), but it's time for a new machine.
@M C HP's new Envy laptops, including the controversial unibutton touchpad and lovable aluminum build, and seems decently thinner, lighter and stronger than the tx2. The laptop should be out on January 17th with a starting price of $949.
Details: http://bit.ly/hp-touchsmart-tm2-details
I'd love to get this so I could play with the dolphin!!
and eat that battery.
Cool, but its seriously not a feature I care about on a laptop.
N-Trig or Wacom capacitive touch / digitizer? I'm pretty sure I'm done with N-Trig after the issues with my Dell XT. Don't get me wrong, I still like my XT, but I'd prefer Wacom after all the issues N-Trig has had, even with their huge head start.
@jhoff80 Does Ntrig have erasers? In one of the pics it looks like the pen has an eraser like my wacom.
@kingofmyworld324 My Dell XT w/ N-Trig has no eraser but an eraser button, and I believe the XT2 does as well. However, I have no idea if they have another pen in the works with a real eraser. Hopefully that means it's Wacom though.
@jhoff80
This press release from Wacom gives me hope. Notice the mention of HP near the end.
"Tokyo, Japan and Vancouver, WA – Jan. 4, 2010 – Wacom® announced today that it has begun production and shipment of its G6 multi-touch sensor system for integration with Windows® 7 PCs, featuring an improved controller circuit that realizes greater precision and space reduction. Wacom’s next generation sensor system will be on display and available for demonstration at the Wacom booth during the CES trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 7 to 10. Visitors to Wacom booth 31435, located on the upper level of the Center’s South Hall, will be able to put the multi-touch sensor capabilities to the test on one of the latest consumer notebook computers from HP, the first to incorporate the new sensor system into a mobile device."
There's also mention of pen input. I couldn't find a direct link to the press release but here it is on another site:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/EVENTS/ICES10/1262634106.html
@Indefinite Implosion It's all Wacom - both the multi-touch and the pen/digitizer. Go ahead and buy it.
I see Microsoft unveiling a touch screen friendly version of Internet Explorer combined with other touch friendly software titles at CES.
As long as this isn't the answer to the Apple tablet, it looks to be a pretty nice device with good battery life. My question is whether any Windows consumers are willing to pay close to $1000 for it. For it's features, the price seems reasonable. Is there even a target audience for this type of convertible? I wish HP success with it. HP seems to be coming out with some really nice portables.
@Average White Boy I hope they're not seen as a competitor to the Apple Tablet. That wouldn't make much sense. As for audience, I think the consumer target is truly graphic artists and designers, who don't want to use both a standalone tablet, and computer. HP throws all that touchsmart stuff on there; it's nice, but gimmicky. The only thing I care about for this is using Corel Painter and Photoshop, AutoCAD, and the like. The price is also...fairly reasonable considering the fact that it might use a Wacom Digitizer, and how expensive the Cintiq is (regarding it's screen size).
@Average White Boy Personally, I'm still not even sure what the market is for the Apple tablet. I mean, I'm sure it will sell millions by virtue of being Apple, but I just don't get what usage segment a larger iPod Touch will fit. And with Apple being anti-pen, that's all an Apple tablet will amount to is a large iPod Touch.
Maybe they'll have some compelling use of it when they announce it, but until then, I'm entirely unconvinced about an Apple tablet.
@Average White Boy
Heck, add a high end GPU, and I'm willing to pay over 2k. I do 3D stuff and I would love to replace my 5 year old TC1100 with a tablet with some serious GPU power.
*Note, TC1100 is the best tablet design and I don't get why HP abandon it??? Apple?
There is a large student audience as well - many of us want the power to take notes while also having some decent processing power at our fingertips. The price is a little steep - but I expect it will drop to $700-800 at many online resellers after a few months. That's actually quite reasonable for what you get.
@roach
how does high end Graphic Cards and mobile computing relate? What's the point of having a tablet that can't stay alive for more than a few minutes?
@Average White Boy - Since the Apple Tablet isn't out (yet?), the HP is as much an answer to IT as it is an answer to a unicorn. This is an upgrade to HP's previous convertible machine, the tx2.
Since this has a physical keyboard, and the convertible form factor has been making minor inroads over the past year or two, I expect that any slate form factor larger than a smart phone will be nothing more than a niche product, even from Apple.
@BogdanGC sometimes when on the go, you DO have access to an AC outlet you know. And if the average use really is upwards of 9hrs, which I can believe with the CULV parts, even an intensive app should get a good 3hrs of use.
@roach You're right. I love my TC1100. I've maxed out the RAM and hard drive, but after 4 years it just needs new guts. Battery life with a new battery is stellar!
Dear Engadget,
Stick to male interviewers from now on.
Sincerely,
s2m0
@s2m0
Female interviewers are fine, but this lady just seemed cold and demanding: "show me this, now that... make them swim faster!" Damn lady, where's your rapport?
@DrVan Lol, two things stuck out to me in the top video:
Aero Peek and/or minimizing or closing the TouchSmart app to get back to the desktop when the taskbar was within full view.
-and-
And how to go back in the browser...
Both had me thinking, "duh?"
@s2m0
I agree, don't make me listen to this woman's shrilly chilly voice ever again!
@s2m0 I don't think that lady was with engadget because I heard Paul there too. And yes, I kinda wanted to wring her neck...
This thing looks hot. It has clean lines, yet some flair. Hopefully, the 2740p will have some major design changes as well.
this better not be the tablet supposed to be revealed tomorrow
@alettyo Agreed. I'm hoping for at the very least a newer model of the tc1100, though what I'd really like to see is Courier. If it's only this, I'm very disappointed.
Fucking buttonless touchpads. Ugh. Quit it!
@sonicyoof
especially these touchpads! i fucking hate that damn hp touchpad on this thing so badly!!!
HP IF YOURE LISTENING... THIS TOUCHPAD IS WHY I DIDNT BUY AN ENVY AND WHY I WONT BUY THIS. STOP WITH YOUR SHITTY TOUCHPADS AND JUST PUT A DAMN NORMAL ONE! (...or better yet, a nub. but im sure im in the minority on that one)
@sonicyoof
It is a TABLET use the touch screen or an external mouse.
@cnelsonpdx
Sounds like a great idea, HP should market that right on the box:
"Our touchpad sucks, (but it's pretty!) so remember to also buy an an external mouse for your input needs. Or, if you hate yourself, use the touchscreen for all of your input needs. Hell, might was well use the onscreen keyboard, too, while you're at it."
@sonicyoof It's funny, I had a similar initial reaction to the glossy touchpad. After a day of grumbling, I finally "got it". Now I absolutely love it. When you first start using it and it is non-reactive, your first instinct is to press harder - which only makes it worse. When you go to a very light touch (usually accidentally at first) it works incredibly well. By light, I mean just barely touching.
Once you "get it" it is fantastic - best trackpad by far. But, you have to make that major mind shift first.
Think of it like a lady... well except for those that like it rough.
Core2Duo may also mean cooler temps! The AMD in the TX2 and tx2500 were hot as poop on the sidewalk on a summer's day. My tx2500 goes up to 200f when I play freakin Guitar Hero. It doesn't look that much smaller though, and last I heard AMD doesn't support flash acceleration. Wacom > NTrig, and I recall reading that the cpu is 1.2ghz??? But hey, if they offer a faster cpu and bluray I'll consider it.
Wow, finally a company that has pulled its head outta the sand and made a Tablet PC with a bit of oomph to it,All these useless new netbooks are so underwhelming . I have been hoping someone would realize the consumer is looking for a gaming tablet with a decent touch screen and stylus. Further reviews on this machine are eagerly looked for.
I am into playing games and into art and modding, GET A CLUE other competitors... Come on CES show me more please....
@JJ
PS: I'm working on a project right now that would fulfill all your dreams. ;-)
@KidDynamic
Well thats a interesting reply :) Lets hope its an NDA thats keeping you from spilling the beans of said project.
I hope your dreams are as big as mine....
It's like they read my mind. Get out of my head!
I must have this! Any word on availability?
dunno about the performance, but with looks that dreadful, $949 is robbery.
damn!apple better be coming up with that tablet and while there at it introduce some netbooks or new macbooks.cause ces is fricking amazing and its all going to windows 7.if this comes out before the mackbook pro refresh im gonna be picking one of these up!great job hp.your kicking ass!!
@snowrid3r You mean "you're kicking ass!" And yes, I agree.
damn!apple better be coming up with that tablet and while there at it introduce some netbooks or new macbooks.cause ces is fricking amazing and its all going to windows 7.if this comes out before the macbook pro refresh im gonna be picking one of these up!great job hp.your kicking ass!!
Now this is a touch screen laptop done R I G H T!
@DaHarder Amen to that! I was about to be sold on the Lenovo U1 and it's resistive multitouch, but then BAM! These guys came along and dropped an atomic bomb of capacitive-stylus input!! I can't wait to draw on this!
@DaHarder
Touch screen laptop is an oxymoron. There is no use for this damn thing outside of making a few geeks drool -- HP is just throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks. I like to remind people that HP tried low-res touchscreens on displays in 1983. The whole thing was a dismal failure then, and it's still a fail now because the gimmick value wears off quickly and people feel stupid using their fingers to do what a mouse or trackpad does 10X better and faster.
Uh Oh, no optical drive? My optical drive has saved me at school many times! Even though "we" are past optical drives, it is still used by people who can't give them up for business reasons. I guess that also means no bluray even though it has an hdmi port. Given the series' track record, we can probably expect poor performance with a usb bluray drive in 1080p.
I hope that one day custom built mobile computers will be a reality.
@kingofmyworld324
Portable optical drives can be had for well under US 50.00 these days, and I've seen BD units for around US 100.00 on eBay that are hardly larger than a CD case.
Problem Solved!