When I first saw the TouchSmart, the one thing that really struck me about it was its sleek, glossy black exterior and solid feel.  I'm a big fan of dark colors and the TouchSmart is dressed to kill, as far as I'm concerned!

So, my first instinct was to put the TouchSmart in my kitchen, to accent my shiny black appliances, and it really blends with the overall look. 

What I didn't realize, though, was how well it would *function* in the kitchen, too!.

If you're looking for some reasons why the TouchSmart IQ500 series machines will fit perfectly into your busy kitchen, then read on!

Reason #1:  The HP TouchSmart IQ500 Just Looks Great

As I just mentioned, the TouchSmart IQ500 machine just looks great.  Rather than looking like a big, white, ugly box - it's sleek, shiny black exterior makes it look like a high end appliance.  This means it will accent your kitchen area and blend right in, rather than standing out like most computers would.

Reason #2:  It Makes a Great Family "Hub"

I think that we've all found that the kitchen is often the meeting place for families or couples, the place where during a busy day, night, or weekend that you may actually cross paths - or hopefully sit down for a nice meal.  Therefore, you may be looking for a better way to communicate than just a simple notepad stuck on the counter.

Vista allows you to set up multiple users on the same PC, so you, your spouse, and your kids can all have separate accounts and file storage areas on the TouchSmart.  

Reason #3:  It's a Great Replacement For "Fridge Notes"

We've all seen them, we all have them, and sometimes they get a little out of control... yes, I'm talking about "fridge notes."  Shopping lists, reminders, and dates, all hastily scribbled on little Post-It's and clinging on for dear life to your refidgerator door, just begging to be refreshed and organize.

The TouchSmart comes to your rescue with an innovative Notes application.  You can create text notes, voice notes, or picture notes, all in a variety of fonts and colors.

After entering the TouchSmart application and selecting "Notes," touch to decide which type of note you'd like to create.  You can choose to scribble using your finger, type using the keyboard, or my personal favorite - the transcriber.  

All you have to do is write what you want on the line, and the TouchSmart will decipher your handwriting.  I've just started using the machine, and it already does quite well interpreting my finger-pointing - and it will "learn" to interpret my writing more efficiently over time  If you go to the image gallery and chck out the larger version of this picture, you'll see that it interpreted my "chicken scratches" perfectly, all I had to do was click the "insert" button and it put the text into my note.  Perfect for when you're running around, can't find a pen, and need to jot down a quick note!

And, you can organize the notes by dragging and dropping them anywhere on the screen - no wasted paper, no lost notes, and perfect organization - let your fridge go free!

Reason #4:  It's Perfect For Listening To Music While You Work

If you're anything like me at all, you're most productive when your're jamming to some music in the background.  Nothing makes work more fun than a little music!

Fortunately, the TouchSmart IQ500 series makes it super easy to listen to music while you work in the kitchen.  Select the TouchSmart application and choose "Music."  You can use your touch to scroll through your available albums, pick a song to start with, and you're off!  

I must also mention that the audio quality is great, and provides plenty of room filling sound to make mopping the floor that much more entertaining!

Reason #5:  It's Also Perfect For Watching TV or Movies

If you're like my better half, than you'd rather be watching your favorite television show or movie while you're working in the kitchen.  Fortunately for you, the great audio and beautiful widescreen display makes it easy for you to enjoy your movies.

There's a lot of ways you can do this - you can use the built in TV tuner to watch television from your connection at home, play a DVD, or use an online service such as Hulu.

Reason #6:  Quick, Easy Access To The Internet When You Need It Most

As I mentioned before, the kitchen area is often the family hub, and what better place to have access to the Internet?

The TouchSmart makes it incredibly easy for you to look up the weather, check your email while you're waiting for your soup to finish heating up, or search for that recipe you left at your friend's house.  Simply open a browser and type your way to the information you need.

In addition, you can set up "gadgets" in your Windows Vista sidebar to make these everyday needs even easier to fulfill.  As you can see, I have one installed for weather, quick notes, and even a recipe searcher.

Conclusion

By now, I hope you see that the TouchSmart does it all - it looks great, gives you an easy way to listen to music and watch TV or movies, and can help you stay organized.  Best of all, it gives you quick and easy access to the Internet in one of the most frequently used areas of your house.

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