Lenovo claims to be ushering in "an entirely new PC category" at CES this year with the IdeaCentre Horizon table PC.  That's right a table; though not a very large one with a 27-in display.  The hardware specifications aren't particularly interesting and include a 1080p display, Core i7 Ivy Bridge processor, discrete graphics options topping out at the GeForce GT 620M, optional SSD, Bluetooth, 802.11n, etc.

We stopped by the Lenovo suite earlier in the week and got some hands-on time with the unit as well as a walk through of its features.  Check out the video here:

The 27-in display is actually capable of 10 point multi-touch capability and allows for "interpersonal" computing which simply means it is intended for more than one user at a time.  Lenovo claims that this makes it a family PC and for some unique cases including game nights and various kids-based applications.  Of course, you can tilt up to 90 degrees and use the machine for standard computing circumstances.

The Horizon is pretty thin at just over 1-in when looking at the profile.  It weighs almost 18 pounds and that wouldn't normally matter except that Lenovo has put a battery in this machine capable of keeping it running for up to 2 hours without a power connection.  The idea of a portable 27-in monitor with a 2 hour battery life is humorous to say the least but would still be useful for taking to the couch to use as a dinner table while watching TV and reading on your incredibly close 1080p screen.  Seriously though, the intention is to allow consumers to take the Horizon to the coffee table and play a game with the family without having to run a cable to the wall.

Lenovo is even going to have some gaming accessories included with the IdeaCentre Horizon including a striker, joystick and the coolest thing I've ever seen, an e-dice.  It will come preloaded with games from EA, Ubisoft and more importantly, Monopoly.  SOLD!

Pricing will start at $1699 and availability is schedule for early summer.  Check out the full press release after the break!

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Lenovo Pioneers "Interpersonal Computing" with World’s First Table PC For the Home

Multi-user, multi-touch, multi-mode device makes computing collaborative

Connects families with library of learning and entertainment apps by top game-makers


LAS VEGAS – January 6, 2013: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced the IdeaCentre Horizon Table PC, the world’s first "interpersonal PC," a multi-user, multi-touch, multi-mode device for the home that allows users to turn their personal computing experience into a shared computing experience.

As a Table PC, Horizon can lie flat on any surface, lets two or more people use the screen at the same time, supports interactive physical gaming accessories and is designed for touch screen game-play among several players. Horizon takes advantage of Windows 8 touch functionality to bring customized games from Electronic Arts and Ubisoft to life in a way players have never before seen. Horizon can also easily transform into a 27-inch high-performance desktop to handle whatever productivity tasks users need to do.

At the Consumer Electronics Show this week, Lenovo also today demonstrated a large 39-inch wide-screen Table PC, code-named "Gamma." While still an early concept, Gamma illustrates the outstanding multi-user entertainment experiences such a large screen can provide and is indicative of Lenovo's future direction in Table PC computing.

“We've seen technology shifts across the four screens, from the desktop to the laptop, tablet and smartphone, and yet, while people have more computing power than ever before, there is still room for technologies like Horizon that bring people together. Horizon makes personal computing interpersonal computing with shared, collaborative experiences among several people,” said Peter Hortensius, president, Product Group, Lenovo. “Now many people can enjoy different photos, music and video on the same screen, and they can play games with our special accessories that blend physical and digital interaction. Horizon reflects our commitment to delivering the innovative products that define the PC Plus era.”

A Table PC for the Home

Horizon unleashes the power of Windows 8 and brings multi-player games to life with its gigantic screen, dynamic graphics and 10-finger touch. It comes with a special set of accessories including an e-dice and four joysticks and strikers to offer a completely new digital gaming experience that combines the physical gaming accessory with the on-screen action. For the player, the action is part physical, part digital – an activity that Lenovo refers to as "phygital."

The Horizon Table PC includes Lenovo App Shop, a dedicated apps store powered by Intel AppUp giving users access to 5,000+ multi-user entertainment apps. Horizon also comes with exclusive access or package of pre-loaded gaming and educational apps from industry leading vendors including Electronic Arts, FableVision, Open Labs, Ubisoft, FilmOn TV and hundreds of top games and apps from BlueStacks so players of all ages can:

 Become a real estate tycoon in a modern take on the classic MONOPOLY
 Maneuver the Lenovo joystick uniquely customized for FishingJoy and Raiding Company
 Discover, download and run chart-topping phone and tablet apps on Horizon powered by BlueStacks
 Challenge friends and family to race their way to the finish line in Draw Race 2 HD
 Vie to grab the spotlight and be crowned King of the Opera
 Create music and songs like Grammy-award winning artists do with Stagelight
 Access more than 120 streaming TV channels on FilmOn TV
 Enjoy painting and coloring in the Paint, Color Corner app or play contest games in Lenovo Best Guess

With Horizon’s smart hinge system, users can easily lay it flat and in so doing, the Lenovo Aura multi-user, multi-touch interface (UI) will automatically activate. This simple UI lets families play, learn or enjoy multimedia content together on one screen. Aura also serves as a great way to launch pre-loaded gaming and educational apps or download new ones from the online app store.

In addition, Horizon performs beautifully as a family’s main all-in-one desktop for work and play. Its impressive large backlit screen can be seen from virtually any angle and its NVIDIA GeForce graphics make content look gorgeous with smooth and seamless video playback, eye-popping graphics and heart-pounding Dolby Home Theatre® v4 audio. To support such a command performance, Horizon is powered by Intel® Core™ i7 processors.

As an option, Horizon offers a moveable and space-saving Horizon Multimode Table. This adjustable table allows users to change the angle and height position of the Table PC, from lying flat to a straight-up, 'wall-like mount' at 90 degrees. Lenovo offers an array of protection services for the Horizon Table PC, including In-Home Warranty upgrades for service at the owner’s home or business and up to three years of warranty coverage. Additionally, Lenovo Premium Support’s expert technicians are available when needed with convenient over the phone or remote session support from the comfort of home.

Pricing and Availability

The IdeaCentre Horizon Table PC will be available beginning in early summer through Lenovo business partners and www.lenovo.com. Prices start at approximately $1,699.