Lenovo's IdeaCentre Horizon 'table PC' is a 27" portable computer
Lenovo on Monday unveiled an interesting, if not completely useful, "slate" PC in the IdeaCentre Horizon, a 27" multitouch all-in-one that can convert into a tablet-like device reminiscent of Microsoft's original Surface concept.
While obviously not designed to be used as a tablet, the Horizon boasts a large built-in battery the company says is good for two hours of on-the-go use, though portability is questionable as the unit weighs in at 17 pounds.
Lenovo is calling the computer a "table PC" in that it can be used as a traditional all-in-one, but transforms into a huge tabletop screen once its rear kickstand is folded down. When the unit is laid on a table, a specialized user interface dubbed "Moon Dial" pops up, allowing users to interact with the computer from any angle.
The Horizon features a ten-point multitouch screen with gesture controls suited for multi-person use either at work or at home. Also available are a number of accessories aimed at family gaming, including joysticks, dice and an air hockey mallet, all of which are designed to interact with the screen. Lenovo calls this functionality "phygital," a combination of "physical" and "digital."
In addition to the unique Moon Dial mode, users can switch to the base Windows 8 UI, though the resulting full-screen application windows appear to be somewhat clunky.
On its website, the company is branding the IdeaCentre Horizon as a "Tabletop Gaming PC" and lists the expected release date as Summer 2013.
While obviously not designed to be used as a tablet, the Horizon boasts a large built-in battery the company says is good for two hours of on-the-go use, though portability is questionable as the unit weighs in at 17 pounds.
Lenovo is calling the computer a "table PC" in that it can be used as a traditional all-in-one, but transforms into a huge tabletop screen once its rear kickstand is folded down. When the unit is laid on a table, a specialized user interface dubbed "Moon Dial" pops up, allowing users to interact with the computer from any angle.
The Horizon features a ten-point multitouch screen with gesture controls suited for multi-person use either at work or at home. Also available are a number of accessories aimed at family gaming, including joysticks, dice and an air hockey mallet, all of which are designed to interact with the screen. Lenovo calls this functionality "phygital," a combination of "physical" and "digital."
In addition to the unique Moon Dial mode, users can switch to the base Windows 8 UI, though the resulting full-screen application windows appear to be somewhat clunky.
On its website, the company is branding the IdeaCentre Horizon as a "Tabletop Gaming PC" and lists the expected release date as Summer 2013.
Comments
With a 27" multitouch display and what I assume is an Intel Core processor and a GPU capable of running that display how long will it last on the battery? At 17 pounds I'm guessing not very long since even the new 27" iMac is over 20 pounds.
Screencap from a video at mobileindustryreview.com that shows how Lenovo thinks this might be used...
Quote:
Originally Posted by charlituna
The notion of carrying this around seems wack but I have played with the Surface table and thought it rather keen. I wouldn't mind a table sized iPad especially if it was my home remote. Even just a table with a cutout for my iPad would work. Have a place for the dock connector cable to go underneath, some kind of safety glass piece to prevent spills. Could be awesome
So pretty much like the information iPad display units at Apple stores?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
With a 27" multitouch display and what I assume is an Intel Core processor and a GPU capable of running that display how long will it last on the battery? At 17 pounds I'm guessing not very long since even the new 27" iMac is over 20 pounds.
Quote:
Originally Posted by digitalclips
One day in the future when the apps are there I see a large desk version of an iPad but it's a while off as of yet. For certain uses such as music and video editing a powerful enough touch interfaced Mac/iPad would be wonderful but the power needed for video editing puts it in another class from battery driven devices I suspect. What I imagine may be more likely a future Mac not an iPad.
This is why Apple isn't rushing to make a 20+ inch iPad. Battery technology isn't there yet. Who wants to try to carry some 20 pound computer around there house?
Quote:
Originally Posted by John.B
Screencap from a video at mobileindustryreview.com that shows how Lenovo thinks this might be used...
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
With a 27" multitouch display and what I assume is an Intel Core processor and a GPU capable of running that display how long will it last on the battery? At 17 pounds I'm guessing not very long since even the new 27" iMac is over 20 pounds.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
......the Horizon boasts a large built-in battery the company says is good for two hours of on-the-go use.....
[img]http://forums.appleinsider.com/content/type/61/id/18853/[/img]
This is actually a pretty cool idea, but I'm not sure it's being completely capitalized upon. Given a thin enough, light enough, and large enough surface, this product would be ideal for board games.
Look at all the board games at your local walmart or target ... now imagine all those games loaded into a single device you can lay flat on your kitchen table! Family game night reinvented! Your next great game comes in the form of an app, not more cardboard and plastic bought at brick and mortar store.
I'd like to see Apple create something like their iPad Mini ... but in an iPad Maxi form where you can have a surface even larger than 10" while staying ultra thin and light.
LOL. You beat me to the punchline
Does it come with a hernia belt?
like carrying your own tombstone around!
This is one of the stupidest ideas I have ever seen!