I am a big honk for touch-enabled computers, and especially for the HP TouchSmart range of systems since I first came in touch – no pun intended with the HP tx1000 Tablet PC.

Currently, I believe we have about a dozen TouchSmart systems spread out across our enterprises and my home, with my using a TouchSmart system at every office I work out off.

Well, at CES2011, HP announced version 4.0 of the TouchSmart UI software and a plethora of applications.

Last week, we were briefed about the new generation of HP TouchSmart computers, and I must confess, I am definitely salivating for them.

Boasting of tilting base, the new systems are more desirable in that writing on them with fingers or a stylus is now more intuitive.

Well, the new systems were publicly announced today.

From the press release:

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 7, 2011 - HP today unveiled its first touchscreen desktop PCs to feature a 60-degree reclining display, enabling users to adjust the display’s position for a comfortable user experience.

With a sleek, clean appearance, the new HP TouchSmart610 Consumer PC and HP TouchSmart 9300 Elite Business PC recline from upright to almost flat, providing consumers and business users increased comfort for longer-term use and making it easier for businesses to engage customers.

The HP TouchSmart610 Consumer PC and TouchSmart 9300 Elite Business PC feature a 23-inch diagonal high-definition (HD) display that reclines up to 60 degrees and tilts forward up to five degrees. A wide-angle, LED backlit LCD screen provides optimal viewing angles and advanced multitouch technology allows for an accurate response. The TouchSmart PCs’ simple one-cord setup and slim, all-in-one design save space and fit into any room or business environment.

With its refined industrial design and the latest version of HP TouchSmart software, the TouchSmart610 Consumer PC makes it easier and more comfortable than ever to surf the web, edit photos or access social networks. The TouchSmart610 also features Beats Audio and HP's LinkUp application, which allows users to wirelessly link a notebook PC to the TouchSmart using a home network.

For the gaming enthusiast, select models of the TouchSmart610 are available with Ubisoft®'s real-time strategy game, R.U.S.E.™ - a $49.99 value. Users will enjoy using multitouch navigation to deceive and manipulate enemies as they lead their nation to victory.

The HP TouchSmart 9300 Elite Business PC is ideal for customer-facing environments in hospitality, retail and healthcare. With second-generation Intel® Core™ processors and a choice of Windows® 7 operating systems, the HP TouchSmart 9300 Elite uses a high-resolution, adjustable webcam with facial recognition software for enhanced security.

The HP Interactive Solutions Partner Program for independent software vendors (ISVs) delivers touch-based customer solutions to businesses. Tikatok, a division of Barnes & Noble, has piloted several interactive kiosks as part of Barnes & Noble’s new Educational Toys & Games department. The kiosk, designed as a life-size book, features an interactive demo of Tikatok's proprietary online application. The demo is hosted on HP TouchSmart PCs and allows children to try out the book creation module or read books that other children have created at Tikatok.com.

Chico’s FAS, which offers women’s clothing and accessories through Chico's, White House|Black Market and Soma Intimates stores, has rolled out HP Business TouchSmart PCs in almost 1,100 stores. The PCs provide one-touch application access, enhanced employee training sessions with full-motion video and a technology platform for management packages.

The HP TouchSmart610 Consumer PC is expected to be available on Feb. 9 in the United States at a starting price of $899.99. The HP TouchSmart 9300 Business PC is expected to be available in May in the United States; pricing will be provided closer to availability.

I hope to lay my mitts on one, sooner rather than later.

UPDATED: If the Qiviter can ‘refudiate’, I can certainly imagineer/re-imagineer!