HP Sprout G2 3D-scanning PC

WoW not my experience!!

While I, personally, don't have any use for a computer with a built-in 3D scanner, I have to admit that the HP Sprout G2 is pretty damn cool.

It houses both a 2D and 3D scanner, as well as a projector, cameras and touch mat (with stylus) for scanning and manipulating the objects you've scanned. The computer is kind of like an all-in-one stop for anyone in the 3D-printing field -- minus the printer, of course.

hp-sprout-pro-camara.jpg

The HP Sprout Pro G2 can capture and detect 3D objects.

Juan Garzón/CNET
HP debuted the Sprout Pro G2 at CES 2017, alongside a slew of new computers and monitors, but I got a look at it a few weeks ago at a private event in San Francisco.

I never thought I'd be so mesmerized by a machine that can digitally render a toy frog quicker than it takes to order a deli sandwich. Yet there I was having a great time using the Sprout Pro G2 to help customize a new appliance I'll never own from a Portuguese retailer I'll never visit.

hp-sprout-7005-001.jpg

The most high-tech way to customize a fridge.

Josh Miller/CNET
HP wants the Sprout computer line (it's been making them for a few years now) to be equally accessible and easy to use for the manufacturing, retail and education sectors. I found the computer very user-friendly during my time with it, though, again, I don't know how I'd take advantage of all of its abilities. But that's just me.

Anyone who is interested in the HP Sprout Pro G2's unique features shouldn't hesitate to check out all it has to offer. Pricing and availability is expected to be announced in March 2017.

Specs

Intel Core i7 CPU
1TB SSHD storage
8GB DD4 memory
Nvidia GTX 960M GPU
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro