Amidst all the hubbub that is the iPhone 3G there are, dare I say it, other interesting things happening in the world of technology.

Today, HP a company that in my opinion never gets enough credit for innovation released an update to its TouchSmart PC (and about every other computer they make).

The once bulky TouchSmart has slimmed down on both size and price. Despite the cost ($1,299) remaining at a premium to PCs with similar specs it continues to push the envelope of what a PC of the future will be with its unique interface.

Similar to statements from over the top set-top box manufacturers (such as Vudu) that hardware is a necessary evil to propogate services, the same can be argued of the TouchSmart’s current form factor. Its a vehicle for a new age of PC, beyond the traditional form factor.

The desktop was a communal computing device. The laptop is a personal computing/entertainment device. The Touchsmart is a family commincation device. Now, this may be a niche but niche is where desktops must head to retain relevance as laptops continue to penetrate the home. HP is introducing us to what the desktop may one day be - perhaps a GE refigerator with an embedded HP TouchSmart Interface? You can add that to your MediaSmart TV, MediaSmart Home Server, and quickly HP could be beyond the home office in every room in the home. All that without ever putting a lowercase i before every product.