Besides the world’s biggest tablet, Toshiba today also debuted a new all-in-one PC. Toshiba claims it’s the first all-in-one model that’s completely Windows 8-ready.
The machine earns that status by virtue of its touchscreen display, which is a capacitive touchscreen — the same kind of tech found in most smartphones. By contrast, the touchscreen machines in HP’s TouchSmart line employ optical touch technology, using a set of sensors in the bezel of the display to “see” where a person’s finger is.
By going with capacitive tech though, Toshiba’s display is closer to a “true” touchscreen and the company says it meets Microsoft’s touch requirements for Windows 8. If touch isn’t your thing, you can get a model with a plain old display too.
In my brief hands-on with the PC, it felt like a perfect fit for Windows 8. It was great to do basic navigating via touch, calling up apps and setting via finger swipes, but then dropping my hands to the keyboard for any typing. Response was quick and fluid thanks to the Intel Core processor within.
The all-in-one comes with both a wireless keyboard and mouse, and both are pre-paired via Bluetooth. It has six USB ports — two equipped to handle USB 3.0 connections and four rated for USB 2.0. There’s also an HDMI input for hooking up a game console, tablet or phone.
Depending on your configuration, the PC packs an Intel Core processor (Ivy Bridge), up to 16GB of RAM and a hard disk up to 3 terabytes (TB). Options include a Blu-ray drive, TV tuner and infrared blaster for hookup to a cable box. You can also get a remote control for when you want to kick back and use the PC as a TV.
The display comes in two sizes: 21.5 (LX815) and 23 inches (LX835), both with 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, which matches up with 1080p video. They start at $600 and $880, respectively, but a touchscreen would add about $150 to your price. Both models should arrive by summer.
Interested in owning a Windows 8-ready all-in-one PC? Tell us what you think in the comments.
Toshiba says its new all-in-one, which offers a capacitive touchscreen, is the first all-in-one PC to be ready for the touch interface of Windows 8.
If you want to kick back and just watch video, this remote is an option.
