HP is launching a new computer that blends touchscreens, scanners and cameras into something very unlike a standard desktop PC. It remains to be seen if people will find enough uses for it to make it a success.
The $1,899 device, oddly named Sprout, is a standard PC at heart, running Windows 8 but with a custom interface. It has both an ordinary 23-inch touchscreen monitor and a touchscreen mat that you lay on your desktop. (You can use a traditional keyboard and mouse as well if you want.)
The main display has a gadget called an illuminator built into its top. This combines a 14 megapixel camera, scanner, depth sensor and DLP projector.
This allow numerous features, some of which are more obvious than others. For example, the mat can work as a form of graphics tablet using your finger or a stylus. Alternatively you can use it as a flat touchscreen that doesn’t involve prodding your main horizontal monitor. The customized interface lets you literally flick images or apps between the screens.
However, you can also use the touchscreen for scanning. Used as a flatbed scanner, you can capture two-dimensional objects at 220 dpi. You can also use it as a three-dimensional scanner and then manipulate the resulting image on either touchscreen.
The projector even allows you to project the image in pseudo-3D and then manipulate it. For example, if you were so inclined (and flexible enough to lay your head backwards) you could scan your face and then experiment with drawing different facepaint designs on what looks like a hologram.
At the moment, while you can rotate the resulting 3D image, you can only capture from one side, meaning a 180-degree image. HP says its working on adding the option for 360-degree scans.
You’ll also be able to turn your manipulated images into print files for use with traditional and 3-D printers.
The system will also allow online collaboration with other owners of the Sprout PC, including sharing a virtual desktop that’s projected on both users’ touchpad mat at the same time.
At launch the Sprout will only be available from a limited number of Best Buy and Microsoft stores as HP believes it will need specialized staff to demonstrate and sell the technology. However, the company believes it will continually improve the appeal and usefulness of the device, both by adding new features based on customer feedback and by opening the technology up to independent developers.