This week, HP unveiled four new consumer all-in-one (AiO) PCs, including the high-end, super-slim SpectreOne.
Described by HP as “incredibly thin and stunningly elegant”, the overriding sentiment around the new AiO PC is that it is remarkably similar in design to Apple's iMac.
A report by Matthew Panzarino, news and Apple editor of the NextWeb, introduced the new product with the headline “HP introduces new Apple iMac”. Panzarino says given HP's history of innovation, it's “painful” to look at the SpectreOne desktop, because it “looks like absolutely nothing other than a complete clone of Apple's iMac”.
Senior VP and GM of HP's personal computer global business unit, James Mouton, says: “The clean look of an all-in-one PC and the ease of one-cord set-up are key reasons customers turn to HP.
“The SpectreOne design is art, as well as a powerful entertainment hub. Across our rich line of all-in-ones, we continue to drive value and differentiation that have earned us sales of more than five million all-in-ones.”
The SpectreOne is 11.5mm thin, and has a 23.6-inch glass, full HD display. It also has a wireless trackpad with multi-touch technology - designed for easy use with the Windows 8 interface.
The SpectreOne has an NVIDA 1GB graphics card, two USB 2 ports and two USB 3 ports. It also features near-field communication technology, allowing for the instant transfer of content between enabled devices. While HP has not released detailed specifications, the company says the SpectreOne is equipped with “the latest Intel processors”. The SpectreOne will go on sale in the US at a starting price of $1 299.
Other new desktops announced by HP include the Envy 23 and Envy 20 TouchSmart PCs, which are both Windows 8 compatible and feature 10-point multi-touch technology. These models will go on sale in October, starting at $799 for the 20-inch version and $999 for the 23-inch version. The lower-cost Pavilion 20 will start at $449.
Get over it
The iMac/SpectreOne comparisons have made their way to the social networks. Some of the comments on Twitter include:
“HP Announces The iMac, Magic Trackpad, And Apple Keyboard... Wait... I Mean The SpectreOne.”
“Ummm, HP? Did you happen to hear about that whole Apple and Samsung thing?”
“HP has even less shame than Samsung when it comes to copying Apple's trade dress.”
“How cool must it be to design products at HP? Turn on the photocopier, look at Apple's products and you're done.”
Others defended the design of the SpectreOne, with comments such as: “Apple evolved the form first, but it is a logical design - even inevitable - for an all-in-one.”
“I fail to see this as a rip-off? Is Apple the only company that can create silver-backed thin screens?”
“Apple does not own the colour silver. Apple does not own the rectangle shape. Apple was not the first to develop an all-in-one. Get over yourselves.”
The new line-up of HP desktops can be seen here.
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