Touchy Feely - the new HP touch screen computer.

The blogosphere has been alight with talk about the new Hewlett Packard touch screen computer. Watching the ad below I have to say that I feel a little sorry for HP. If only they had a design team as talented as Apple's. The machine looks a little ropey, or cobbled together. But I have one other, more important issue - I find it hard to keep my laptop screen clean. What would it be like with grubby mitt marks all over it?

I have no doubt that touch screens will either be a part of the way forward or a cul de sac in the development of the PCs. It would make more sense to me if the gestures could be interpreted without actually touching.



As for HP's advertising. I think it tries too hard. The music doesn't work for me. When you have something new and worthwhile show and tell and get out of the way. I don't think a 'likeability' factor is necessary in advertising about utilitarian products. If the product is good you will want to get your hands on it to try it out, if it works, then you're set. If it doesn't no amount of solid gold hits is going to save your hide.