The HP Pavilion Sleekbook 15 Touchscreen Laptop is intended to be a general use laptop that makes the most of Windows 8, on a budget. Many of its specs fall within what might be expected of an Ultrabook, but it doesn’t qualify for that designation because of differences like an AMD processor instead of an Intel version. Still, if you’re looking for laptop with a decent-sized display, touchscreen capability, decent specs and a reasonably lightweight form factor, that doesn't break the bank, then the HP Pavilion Sleekbook 15 should be in the running.

A typical PC laptop is capable of playing casual video games, but when it’s time to really push the pixels, most laptops aren’t up to the task. Being able to play serious PC games on the go, with blazing fast frame rates, means a powerful CPU and dedicated GPU —no shared graphics. These requirements typically result in a big machine that pushes the definition of portability. Many manufacturers of gaming laptops take the concept a step further, decking their computers out with shiny cases, lots of glowing LED light effects and other decorations. The EUROCOM Monster 1.0 11.6-inch gaming laptop takes a different approach. It has the specs that hardcore PC gamers want, but packs them into a laptop that’s sub-notebook sized and actually portable. And for added measure, the Monster 1.0 takes a more discrete styling approach, with a subtle, rubberized matte finish that doesn’t scream: “Hey, I’m playing games over here!”

Microsoft’s Windows 8 is a thoroughly modern take on the PC operating system, employing a radically new user interface that makes the most of touchscreen gestures. It helps to bring the desktop (and portable) PC into a new era, while offering a high degree of UI continuity between tablets, smartphones and computers. Windows 8’s highly tablet-influenced approach of colourful, Live Tiles that greet users from the new Start screen won over a lot of doubters, but at the same time this radical new look confused some longtime users. Windows 95 this isn’t. It looks as though Microsoft is planning to extend an olive branch with reports that the “Start” button is set to make a comeback when Windows 8.1 is released.

Microsoft has announced a new upgrade for its Windows 7.8 phone to make it more compatible with the W8 apps. The company has also been working with developers to beef up its store with more apps and choice for users. It all translates to a more robust experience for W8 users with plenty of choice and flexibility.

On March 22nd, Razer is set to shock the world with the release of the Edge Pro, and Best Buy will be the only place you'll find it in Canada.

A Tablet with the power and functionality of a laptop, this WIndows 8 run machine is set to change the way you look at tablets (or reconsider that next laptop purchase perhaps?)  Having been put through a gauntlet of tests, the Edge Pro has been seen comfortably running PC games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Crysis 3 and Civilization V.  What does it have in store for you?  Check out our preview of the Razer Edge Pro Gaming Tablet.

Mobile and Tablet Gaming have become widely successful in drawing in new, and even stealing away some traditional console and PC gamers.  But if you're interested in gaming more on a tablet, and are in the market for one, what are the various networks in which you can get involved, and which have the best games for your taste?

Now that the hardest part about buying a new Windows laptop —picking the ideal computer for your needs and budget— is done, and the un-boxing ritual is over, it’s time to take care of some small details. Setting up your new laptop the right way only takes an hour or two, but taking a few easy steps now helps to ensure your experience going forward will be a great one.

The term laptop used to mean a small portable computer but nowadays laptop really means a class of computers.

Before you decide which “laptop” is right for you, learn some laptop lingo.

Last June, we were all asking “What is Microsoft Surface?” after the company best known for Windows, Office and the Xbox 360 staged a surprise entry into the tablet market with its Surface duo. The Surface RT has been out for a few months and the Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Pro —the tablet aimed at business and power users— is set to land on February 9. We’ve got the specs, prices and what to expect from a tablet that runs PC software.

The last time Microsoft released a new version of its ubiquitous Office suite was three years ago with Office 2010. With the recent release of Windows 8 —the new PC operating system that bridges the divide between traditional computers and the latest tablet user interfaces— Office was also due for a revision. Customer trial versions were released in July, 2012, leading up to the 2013 launch. I’ve had the opportunity to test the final version of Office 2013 (the exact same version that will be appearing on store shelves shortly) and there’s a lot to like about it. Close integration with SkyDrive (Microsoft’s cloud based file storage system), an optional touch-friendly interface, improved multimedia support and a simplified, “flatter” looking interface are among the upgrades to look forward to.

I received the Windows Surface for an early birthday present and I’m here to fill you in on all the pros, cons and cool features this tablet has to offer!

ASUS continues to make a name for itself in the tablet market. This week, the company unveiled its new VivoTab Smart at CES 2013, proving that tablets are making a fierce comeback.

The annual Consumer Electronics Association (CES) trade show is an absolute orgy of cutting edge gadgets and devices we will soon be seeing on shelves throughout the year.

If you create a buzz at this show, it means you have a winner.

How do you choose between the Windows 8 tablet and the Windows RT (RT is short for Runtime) tablet? Check out what each has to offer and then make your decision.

According to Microsoft all Windows 8 and Windows RT machines are considered “tablet PCs,” which means they are tablets that can work like PCs. Both are sleek and lightweight.  Windows 8 is a bit heavier and thicker (13.5 mm, 2.0 lbs.) than Windows RT (is lighter and thinner (9.30 mm, 1.5 lbs.) but both are extremely portable.

However, their main difference lies in their operating hardware.

In a year when the tablet is King, few gadgets have generated the kind of buzz that Microsoft’s Surface has. This is a tablet that runs Windows, offers touch-enhanced versions of popular applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint and connects to cloud based Xbox services for music and movies. Plus it has that incredible cover, the one with the keyboard built right in. There’s a lot to like about the Surface and now you can get it at Best Buy.

The Samsung ATIV S Windows Phone 8 can rival any of the current smartphones on the market. It's a terrific model with a striking design coupled with Microsoft’s powerful new operating system.

Enjoy all the new options with Windows 8 on a bigger and brighter 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED screen with 1280 x 720p resolution (standard screen is 4.5 inches).  The Samsung ATIV S Windows Phone 8 has a very responsive touch screen making it easy to pinch and zoom in on tiles or click into a Bing search. Windows Phone 8 Live Tiles look exceptionally crisp on this sharp display.

Our Windows 8 Pilots were asked to review the Apps available for Windows 8 for their last review.

Which Apps did they like? Which ones did they choose? Here's what they had to say.

For week 2 of our Windows 8 Test Pilots’ Review, we look at SkyDrive – Microsoft’s Cloud storage services. Here is what our reviewers had to say about their experience.

One of the greatest things about how quickly technology changes is how you really never run out of choices. And although choice is a great thing, it can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to purchasing a computer. With the Holidays on the way (and because you may have someone who’s asked Santa for a new laptop), there’s never been a better time to brush up on amazing Ultrabooks.

Ultrabooks share a few common characteristics, among them the fact that they’re razor-thin and ultra-light. As an example, the Samsung Series 9 Ultrabook measures a slight 0.6 inches thick and weighs just over 3 pounds. When you consider how often you have to take a computer with you when you’re on the go, having it barely weigh down your bag is seriously appealing.

If you’re looking for amazing value and the latest in smartphone technology, you’re going to fall in love with the new Nokia Lumia 920. I had my reservations about the phone, especially considering the recent launch of the Samsung Galaxy III and the iPhone, which both showcase some bold new applications and the latest in cool geeked-out tech features. But after a few days of using the Lumia 920 (a Windows 8 phone), I was extremely impressed with its features and functionality. 

With the launch of its hybrid tablet/Ultrabook, ASUS has changed the portable computing industry.

At first glance the ASUS TAICHI looks like a regular Ultrabook. With the lid open, it operates like any other ultrabook with a full-size QWERTY keyboard.

But, close the lid and the TAICHI becomes a multi-touch tablet. Instead of standby mode, you have tablet mode.

The first reviews by our Windows 8 test pilots are in! This week they were asked to review Windows 8 Personalization features on their brand new HP Envy 4 Touchsmart Ultrabooks. Here is what they had to say.

Windows 8 was designed for a touch screen but you can still use your mouse and the keyboard.

If you can memorize these basic commands you will start to fly in Windows 8.

Check out this gestures guide and keyboard shortcuts to learn your way around the new Windows! 

Another smartphone and another mystery.

No one is sure what the new Windows Phone 8 will look like – the unveiling is scheduled for “sometime end of October.” But there have been enough leaks to hint at a phone that will be radically different from the current Windows Phone 7.8. 

Are you the perfect candidate for our Windows 8 test pilot program? Find out how you can be one of 4 lucky winners selected to test drive an HP Envy 4 Touchsmart Ultrabook with Windows 8…and did we mention that you can keep the ultrabook?

Windows 8 has got some great new apps that help you stay organized, access your work wherever you are, keep you informed and get creative. Check out these three new features that help Window 8 stand out and make the transition to this new platform worth the effort.

Windows 8 is a whole new direction from Microsoft. After you get over the learning curve, you’ll love the flexibility and smooth operating system.

The new Windows 8 Style UI also gives you more options than ever so you can get organized and personalize your work environment. Here are eight ways to make Windows 8 your very own.

Microsoft appears to have a winner on its hand with Windows 8 release. The company released a preview copy this week and many in the tech industry are describing it as a complete re-imagination of Windows.

Complete with a new, sleek look, Windows 8 is an app friendly operating system that works on all devices. It's leaner, faster and smarter than previous Window releases.