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Image Courtesy Lenovo

Every so often, a new idea in computing comes along and tries to make a new category of computer. Sometimes its a huge success such as with the current tablets or not so successful such as Microsoft’s Windows 7 Slate initiative. Lenovo is testing the waters with something new in the Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon with what they are calling a table PC. Now, touchscreen table computers aren’t new with examples such as with Microsoft’s original Surface now known as PixelSense, but the Horizon is much more affordable and designed as a home computer. The system looks like a traditional all-in-one computer with a touchscreen monitor with wireless mouse and keyboard but lay it back flat and it turns into something completely different. Unplug it and take it to your kitch tablet and it can be shared between the family for a variety of activities. With such a unique approach to a computer, does Lenovo’s attempt succeed or does it require a bit more work? Find out in my review of the Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon table PC.

• Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon 27-inch Table PC Review

This weekend I was at a hotel where the rooms had wired internet access and Wi-Fi was only available in the lobby. That wasn’t great for the many devices, including the iPad, that couldn’t connect over Ethernet. There’s a new program that solves this problem, and it works with Windows 8 as well as Windows 7: Virtual Router Plus.

The program is similar to previously mentioned Connectify, but has a smaller footprint and is simpler to set up (just give your network a name and password), albeit with fewer settings options than Connectify or Connectify Pro.

If your hardware supports it, you could even share a wireless connection with other wireless devices.

You can download Virtual Router Plus here.

[via Lifehacker]

Image Courtesy ASUSTeK

It seems like very low cost laptops are becoming harder to find thanks to the growth of tablets. If you do need a computer that is portable and can do a bit more than a tablet, then the ASUS X55C from Best Buy for just $370 might be a good option. The system uses an older Core i3-2370M dual core processor with 4GB of DDR3 memory but this is sufficient for most peoples. Other features include a 500GB hard drive, dual layer DVD burner, 15.6″ display, 802.11b/g/n wireless and Windows 8 operating system. This is very similar to the ASUS X54C I reviewed last October other than the X55C swaps some RAM for a larger hard drive and comes with Windows 8.

Disclaimer: All deals are those advertised by the retailer in question and may have rebates or other conditions of purchase for the products. Please be sure to read all disclaimers from the seller before purchasing.

Image Courtesy Apple

When Apple last refreshed the MacBook Air, many had hoped it would receive the Retina display treatment but sadly it didn’t. Instead, they had to wait months after the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina was released for the 13-inch version. Sure, it was thicker than the Air but it is still extremely light and small but with much more power and a better display. Those hoping to get one at a discount are in luck as Apple as finally released some MacBook Pro 13 With Retina Displays to their refurbished store at $1439 instead of the usual $1699 price. This is the base model featuring the Core i5 dual core processor, 8GB memory, 128GB storage, 13.3-inch 2560×1600 resolution display, 802.11a/g/n wireless and Mac OS X 10.8 software. As with all of Apple’s refurbished models, it receives the same one year warranty as the original models. For more details on the laptop, check out my review from November.

Disclaimer: All deals are those advertised by the retailer in question and may have rebates or other conditions of purchase for the products. Please be sure to read all disclaimers from the seller before purchasing.