Somewhere between a home theater PC and a digital picture frame lies HP's DreamScreen, a panel computer geared towards multimedia playback.
Measuring either 10- or 13-inches with an 800 x 400 resolution display, some are calling the DreamScreen an early rival to Apple's fabled tablet, but it's not a touch screen device. Instead, the computer is controlled with on-board buttons and a remote control.
Users can view photos, watch video and listen to music. An SD card slot and 2 GB hard drive let you play media directly, but the DreamScreen can also stream music and photos or wirelessly copy media from other PCs on a home network. There are also a few dedicated widgets, such as a Facebook status viewer, Pandora radio, Snapfish online photo albums and an Internet radio station aggregator called HP SmartRadio.
The DreamScreen runs on a dedicated operating system, not a third-party OS such as Windows XP. The menu is a simple set of icons that scroll horizontally.
This may seem like an odd statement, but I think the appeal of this device will depend in large part on the quality of its speakers. If the DreamScreen can kick out audio that's high in quality and volume, it'll have value as an entertainment device and standalone jukebox. If not, then the DreamScreen's audio and video features won't be worthwhile.
Either way, without keyboard input and a Web browser, I have my doubts about the lasting appeal of this product, because it's only a matter of time before more versatile tablets come along. Those who are interested now can pick up the 10-inch DreamScreen for $250, and the 13-inch model for $300.
