Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon
| Industry | Computer hardware |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Tabletop PC |
The Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon is a 27-inch tabletop PC introduced at the 2013 International CES event under the IdeaCentre lineup. Engineered for group use, it primarily targets tabletop gaming while also functioning as a standard desktop computer.
Launch
Marking Lenovo's debut in the table computer segment, senior executive Peter Hortensius presented the Horizon as a device designed to "bring people together" amid evolving trends in desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The product was unveiled at CES in Las Vegas and became available in summer 2013 with a starting price of US$1,699.
Design and features
Powered by Windows 8, the Horizon boasts a 27-inch ten-point multitouch screen paired with Aura software that supports multiple users interacting simultaneously. Aura includes applications such as photo galleries, media players, gaming titles, and educational programs. To enhance gameplay—particularly digital board games like Monopoly—the system offers detachable peripherals including joysticks, electronic dice, and air-hockey paddles. When laid flat, a moon dial interface allows 360-degree interaction; when positioned upright using its rear kickstand, it operates as a traditional desktop with keyboard and mouse input.
Weighing approximately 17 pounds and equipped with an internal battery lasting around two hours, the Horizon is not intended for portable use. It features Intel Core i3 or i7 processors, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, storage capacities reaching 1TB hard drives, and Nvidia GeForce graphics cards.
Preloaded with nine games optimized for its expansive multitouch display, Lenovo partnered with prominent developers such as Electronic Arts, FableVision, Open Labs, Ubisoft, and FilmOn TV to broaden its software catalog. Developer support is facilitated through a dedicated app marketplace and an openly accessible software development kit.
For institutional settings, the Horizon was demonstrated on a four-wheel stand and integrated into a coffee table design featuring motorized sliding panels that conceal hardware while allowing the screen to elevate and tilt like a conventional monitor. An optional rolling table accessory is also available for US$300.
Reviews and awards
At CES 2013, the Horizon earned CNET's "Best of CES PCs and Tablets" accolade, receiving recognition for innovative approaches to integrating PCs into home environments and encouraging novel user engagement.
Alex Roth from TechRadar praised the Horizon Table PC as a flexible all-in-one device with its sizable 27-inch touch display, highlighting its suitability for shared media experiences and casual gaming. He noted Lenovo’s collaborations with EA Games and Ubisoft as promising for future app development opportunities. The entry-level i3 variant was commended for its competitive pricing at $999.
In the New York Times, David Pogue regarded the Horizon as an inventive concept that counters the stereotype of electronic entertainment promoting isolation. Nevertheless, he identified performance lags in game responsiveness that could impact interactive use quality.