Vizio goes touch with Windows 8 AIO lineup

The folks in Redmond have spent a lot of time making sure that Microsoft Windows 8 is optimized for touch navigation.

In fact, I’m willing to bet that a “full” Windows 8 experience will require the use of a touch screen system, whether on a desktop, laptop or tablet. Now Vizio is an electronics company that’s perhaps best known for manufacturing TVs, but the corporation also sells other items, including a lineup of all-in-one PCs.

Recently, Vizio debuted two new slick all-in-one PCs designed specifically for Windows 8 and a full touch control experience. The system is available in either a 24-inch or 27-inch configuration, with both displays supporting full HD resolution and 10-finger capacitive touch control. The Vizio AIOs also boast integrated 2.1 audio systems along with a subwoofer.

“The new All-in-One Touch PCs with Windows 8 are extremely user friendly, bringing both entertainment and power to the user’s fingertips,” said Vizio CTO Matt McRae. “We focused on delivering an enhanced touchscreen and touchpad experience so users can utilize multi-gesture touch options however they’re most comfortable. Not only can  [users]  tap, swipe or pinch directly on the All-in-One’s screen, but they can also utilize the same gestures on the integrated touchpads of the Thin + Light and Notebook PCs.”

The all-in-one computers will be available in several effort models. Unfortunately, Vizio isn’t (yet) offering up detailed specs, saying only that the machines have gesture-supporting track pads, support Windows 8, and  pack third-generation (Ivy Bridge) Intel Core processors. The all-in-one machines start at $998, and you can obviously expect prices to scale up significantly depending on options.

In addition to the above-mentioned AIOs, Vizio debuted a 14-inch notebook, a 15.6-inch Thin + Light Ultrabook, and a 15.6-inch notebook. All are designed to specifically support Windows 8 and feature a trackpad for gesture navigation as well as third-gen Intel Core processors. The 15.6-inch notebook starts at $1129, with the other notebooks starting at $849.