The TouchSmart PC family is revolutionary on many levels.  Most TouchSmarts will be found in kitchen areas but any space where family members congregate is suitable.  First, it's a very clean design. The only cable is a power cord which is easily hidden. Everything else is wireless.  Second, the finger replaces many mouse functions and the screen allows writing and drawing in many of its most useful applications.  Finally, the HP software has been optimized to make its users more connected and productive.

Let's start with the TouchScreen. It's surprisingly refined and easy to use.  It also comes with a stylus if screen finegerprints are a concern. The user can use these to open applications, write digital post-it notes, edit photos and much more.  This enables the youngest users and the technology challenged to be part of the digital family. HP is well on its way to owning the touchscreen market. The TouchSmart also comes with a remote control for use away from display.

To keep the family organized and connected, HP has created applications which keep family computing simple.  There is an easy to use calendar which allows almost limitless flexibility in making sure everyone knows about upcoming activities. The built in web-cam makes it easy to leave a video message for playback, teleconference with remote family members and friends, and even upload your latest musings to YouTube. Music playback is extremely easy using your finger to create playlists and to see what's playing.  The built in speakers are more than adequate for filling a good sized room.

The all-in-one design makes it easy to place the TouchSmart.  While it could placed in a nook with a chair, it's also designed to be a walkup, kiosk style PC.  Your designs and client needs will dictate the best arrangement.  It's nice to know HP provides you flexibility.

You won't find the HP TouchSmart well represented in stores, so I'm providing a link to the TouchSmart web site: http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/touchsmart/#/Main/

If your clients need assistance with selection, setup, training, or personalization you'll find Bay Area Gadgets to be the perfect resource. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact me anytime at 408-393-4779 or email me at james@bayareagadgets.com
Regards,

James

iPods are a great way to organize and enjoy our music collections, but there has been no simple, effective way to integrate this pint sized music library into current and planned entertainment systems. First, let's set the stage with the current options for including the iPod.

 
There are numerous solutions for attaching the iPod to an audio system, but no effective away to manage the contents without going up to the iPod itself and manipulating the controls.  It's clumsy, at best.  Some Audio Video receivers have docks which use the TV as the iPod display, but it's of no use unless you're in from of the display.  Finally, there are whole home audio systems with strategically placed wall panels., But, these are costly, and one still needs to be in front of one of the panels.

Enter TuneView for iPod. Its dock plugs into to any receiver or powered speaker system.  Insert the iPod. 20 seconds later, the iPod display disappears and makes a reappearance on the display of the small remote control which accompanies the dock. The iPod library can be played and managed 75-100 feet away.  Becasue the remote uses radio frequencies, it will opperate through walls and cabinet doors.  Think of the possibilities.  You have outdoor speakers and are entertaining in the backyard.  You want to change the musical mood.  Just pick up the TuneView remote and switch from Beach Boys to light jazz to country.  Time kill the music? Just hit the mute or the pause button.

Since Bay Area Gadgets discovered the TuneView, almost every client has purchased one and had us install it.  The cost for the dock and remote is a whopping $219.  Thanks to TuneView, some clients who never envisioned using an iPod had us set them up with iTunes on their  PC or Mac.  Then, we provided persoanlized training on incorporating their CD collection onto their iPod(s).

There's also a benefit to designers in that it's no longer necessary to accommodate CD storage as part of cabinet or room design.  Once the songs are offloaded to the iTunes software, the CDs can be packed away.

TuneView for iPod is available through Bay Area Gadgets or through online outlets like Amazon.  As always, I'm available to provide additional information to you and your clients.

Regards,

James Stout
408-393-4779
james@bayareagadgets.com

My passion is bringing affordable elegance and technical simplicity into client's homes.  I place beauty over technical sophistication. My business model revolves around paid consultations and designs which include down to the penny budgets and detailed equipment recommendations.


Bay Area Gadgets - Digital Designer & Chameleon
My goal is to compliment your expertise and fit in where you need us. We've found a variety of ways to be profitable which other custom installers seemed to have overlooked. Our process starts with a paid 90 minute in-home consultation which generally leads to a detailed system design and budget.  When the time arrives we usually take care of the low voltage cabling which contractors and electricians often prefer to hand off.

Equipment Acquisition - System Installation
We recommend products early on, but we advise the client to wait until the very last minute to get the lowest prices.  We don't sell TVs or other commodity products so the client gets the benefits of the retail price wars and extended warranties where appropriate.  We will however purchase them on the client's behalf if they choose. Many are just too busy, or the would prefer not to visit electronics retailers. This approach allows us to be their trusted adviser. When it comes to speakers and accessories, we sell products which solve aesthetic and installation problems, and we support them.  They are often not found in retailers. If they are, their price is the same as ours. If a client already knows what he wants and knows someone in the industry, it's fine with us.

When installation approaches, I assemble my team, and the equipment, to begin installation and setup.  When done, I thoroughly train the client, and provide 7x24 support should there be questions or a problem.

Bay Area Gadgets Learns Your Design Business To Uncover Referral Opportunities
When I consult with clients I make sure they understand the value an Interior Designer brings to their projects.  My goal is to learn the passions, expertise, and business model of each chapter member so I can match the client and designer. When not designing and installing, I am continually publishing, social networking, and attending as many networking events as possible to evangelize for my business, Interior Designers, and Remodeling Specialists. The more visible Bay Area Gadgets becomes, the more I and my team can benefit each of you.

Feel free to contact me 7 days a week at 408-393-4779 or by email at james@bayareagadgets.com.

My web site, www.bayareagadgets.com is continually updated with new relevant information.  Please visit us periodically.

Regards,

James

Bay Area Gadgets is a resource to Peninsula and Valley Interior Designers.  Our vision and business model is very much aligned with yours, and I look forward to developing a personal relationship with each of you.

 

The increasingly thin TVs and their shrinking prices offer many opportunities to redefine the look of living spaces from living rooms to bedrooms to kitchens. Bay Area Gadgets is focused on the defining the client's entertainment needs and providing solutions which conceal the electronics and cables while minimizing the visual impact of speakers. If you have a client including a TV / Home Entertainment system project, you'll discover more options, often for much less than you'd expect, at Bay Area Gadgets. We also create inspired home offices and work area. Style and productivity can coexist.

Call me at

 

408-393-477

or visit me at: 

 

bayareagadgets.com