Giveaways and Reviews

HP TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 Giveaway (ARV $999.99!)

HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4_front

Isn’t she a pretty baby?

I’m really hard on my computers.  It’s because I use them literally every day, sometimes for many many hours a day, and the amount of photos and videos and files I store borders on hoarding.  In our household, I go through a computer about every 2 years or so.

I’ve had my current laptop now for just over two years and it’s still operating really well and is showing no signs of me throwing it off a cliff anytime soon.  Two things have contributed to this.  The first is that I invested in an external hard drive so I can dump thousands of pictures and files off my laptop easily.  The second factor that contributes to my laptop’s long life is that it’s an HP.  Up until 2 years ago I was a Dell girl – and now I’m definitely a fan of HP.  I haven’t had *any* need for service on my computer in 2 years!

So, when I was given the opportunity to receive and review a brand spankin’ new HP TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 I was really excited!  I know the quality behind HP computers and having a new one in the house was going to be a huge bonus for me.  You see, my HP G72 has a huge 17.3″ screen which is great – but not so great when I was on a media trip recently and realized I couldn’t fit my laptop into my 15″ luggage!  So, there’s something to be said for good things in small packages.

HP Envy 2The stand-out feature of this Ultrabook is the TouchSmart screen.  In a world of touch screens and Apps, it’s refreshing to see this carry over to notebooks!  I wondered if I’d be annoyed at fingerprints on my screen but then realized that I don’t notice them on my other touch devices.  I actually don’t notice fingerprints on my screen unless the computer is off and the screen is all dark (the same way I notice fingerprints on my other HP laptop).  I also wondered how much I’d use the TouchSmart screen – after all, I’m used to a regular laptop and why use the screen when I can just use the mouse.  In simple terms: because it’s fun!

HP ENVY TouchSmart 4Once you start flipping through the screens, opening Apps and your favorite websites and using all the features of the TouchSmart screen, it’s really – quite literally – what you reach for when using this Ultrabook.  It does take some getting used to, like remembering how to get to my desktop and my Start screen (two entirely different things).  But once you’re familiar with how to use it, the HP TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 is a streamlined machine perfect for business or personal use.  I’m looking forward to taking it on my next press trip, inside my luggage!

Beyond the TouchScreen, other key features of the HP TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 include:

– Optimized for Windows® 8 operating system
– Vivid colour, on an 11.6- inch diagonal HD touch display
– 1080P HD webcam with digital integrated microphone for face-to-face conversations, plus an 8.0 MP camera for shooting crystal- clear photos and video
– Built for mobility with exceptional 14- hour battery life to work, surf and play all day
– HP Connected Photo allows you to sync photos across your PC, smartphone, and tablet. Crop, rotate, add captions, and more, then share with your social network
– Email, calendar, and social networks update automatically with Microsoft Windows® Connected Standby
– Equipped with Beats Audio™ and dual speakers for the best- sounding, richest audio available (with 2 speakers and 1 subwoofer!)

Having a Microsoft account isn’t necessary to use the HP TouchSmart Ultrabook 4, but it certainly makes things easier and a lot more fun.  I’ve been checking out fun features already preloaded on the Ultrabook and thanks to Snapfish, have made some adorable Valentine’s for the family.  Also, with xbox music ready to go with my Microsoft account, I can create my own little Valentine’s mix for my hubby.  Fun!  I know I’ve only just started seeing all the capabilities of the HP TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 but so far I’m in love with my new pretty baby.

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One of my Canadian readers is going to win their very own HP TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 ($999.99 retail price)!  To enter to win, just use the Rafflecopter form below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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