Laptop Thoughts: HP tm2 Laptop Reviewed

This is my review video of the HP tm2 laptop [affiliate] - also known as a tablet PC because of the touch screen, though it's worth pointing out that HP doesn't use that term anymore. My unboxing and first impressions video is here if you haven't already watched it. The exact model I'm reviewing is the 1070ca, on loan to me for a few weeks from HP Canada. The exact model and configuration will change depending on where you are in the world, but the basics are the same.

Running Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, this model has an Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 running at 1.3 Ghz, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM (up to 8 GB is supported, but there are only two RAM slots), a 500 GB 7200 RPM hard drive, and a 12.1" HP LED BrightView display at 1280 x 800 resolution. The screen is multi-touch capable, and you can use either the pen or your fingers to interact with it. There's also a 5 in 1 memory card reader, a Webcam (1.3 megapixels most likely), Altec Lansing speakers with Dolby Advanced Audio, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and a 6-cell battery.

This was definitely not one of the more well-liked products to cross my way in recent memory, and I think you can tell that in the video. Having been using touch-based handheld devices for so long, I have a certain level of expectation that comes from a touch interface...and unfortunately the combination of Windows 7 and the hardware on the HP tm2 don't lend themselves to a great experience. For some people who need a touch-based computer, the tm2 might do the trick. But unless you really need it, you're giving up performance, adding weight, and paying more than you should for the hardware.

On the plus side, the battery life is solid, making it through the 2 hours 51 minutes of the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition with 40% battery life left - but unless you're a light multi-tasker, I can't recommend the 1.3 Ghz CPU on the version I was sent. I have the same Intel SU7300 CPU on my Dell Vostro V13, and I routinely curse at it for bogging down. There's a newer configuration of the tm2 out now that comes with a Core i3 CPU that should hopefully have more zip.

The HP tm2 is in a tough position in the market - I personally prefer thinner, lighter products - and even though the battery life is fairly good on this product, you'd have to really want the touch features to be willing to put up with the added thickness and weight of this machine.

Jason Dunn owns and operates Thoughts Media Inc., a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys photography, mobile devices, blogging, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his wonderful son, and his mostly obedient dog. He's wondering why no one is putting a 1440 x 900 resolution screen on a 13.3" or 14" laptop any more.

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