After so many different high-tech versions of desktop PC has been made, just recently, HP announced its first in a new category of immersive computing devices-- the HP Sprout.
HP Sprout is an all-in-one combination of PC, projector, and 3D scanner with Intel's RealSense technology, and a tough-sensitive projection surface that brings all sorts of new possibilities to the PC.
The new technology is built around a well-appointed HP TouchSmart all-in-one PC, and comes equipped with an Intel Core i7-4790S processor, 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GT 745A with 2GB of DDR3 dedicated memory, and a 1TB hybrid drive that combines a 1TB hard drive with 8GB of solid-state memory for faster performance.
The unit has two USB 3.0 ports and an SD card slot on the front and on both sides. While on the back, it has Ethernet, HDMI output, and two USB 2.0 ports.
But what is really interesting about it is its built-in projector, scanner, and cameras, which are all contained in what HP calls the Illuminator Column, which runs up the back of the system and bends into an arm over the display. Inside this column, you can find a projector, scanner, and several cameras that capture images, infrared, depth, and more. Part and parcel with this collection of cameras is Intel's RealSense, a 3D photography technology that is first coming to market on the Sprout.
How does it works? (Source: pcmag.com)
The projected image shines down onto the integrated Touch Mat, a specialized surface that combines capacitive touch with a precision projection screen designed to diffuse light in a uniform fashion to provide good visibility from all angles in all sorts of lighting situations. The projected image serves as a second screen, projected top down onto the touchpad, which itself offers 20-point tracking. The Touch Mat connects to the system with a magnetic docking connector that clicks easily into place, so there's no fumbling with cables or worrying about the quirks of wireless pairing.
Touch Mat also serves as the bed for scanning images, documents, and objects. The scanner offers high-resolution scanning, and HP's proprietary tools like Doc Scanner and 3D Snapshot.
The concept is to target mostly artists, designers, architects and publishers. HP's attempt to make a splash in the 3D printing and imaging space, became the start of something much bigger.
