Trends Report

HP's New TouchSmart Strikes A Chord

The All-In-One Touchscreen PC Embodies An "Age Of Style" Product Strategy

June 20th, 2008
J. P. Gownder, Vice President, Principal Analyst
J. P. Gownder Vice President, Principal Analyst
With contributors:
Paul Jackson , Michelle de Lussanet , Dan Wilkos

Summary

HP's new TouchSmart stands apart from its earlier, limited-release cousin with better features, new software, and a lower price point. Employing an innovative touchscreen interface, the TouchSmart is reminiscent of Apple's iPhone. It also shares some strategic characteristics with Nintendo's successful Wii game console. Consumer product strategists can learn a great deal from the TouchSmart as a case study in designing PCs for the "Age of Style." The TouchSmart will appeal to high-income consumers but will face stiff competition from Apple's iMac. Consumer product strategists at PC vendors and at Microsoft should embrace several Age of Style principles to improve their chances of taking the lead in touchscreen PCs.

Want to read the full report?

Contact us to become a client

This report is available for individual purchase ($1495).

Forrester helps business and technology leaders use customer obsession to accelerate growth. That means empowering you to put the customer at the center of everything you do: your leadership strategy, and operations. Becoming a customer-obsessed organization requires change — it requires being bold. We give business and technology leaders the confidence to put bold into action, shaping and guiding how to navigate today's unprecedented change in order to succeed.