Awesome Windows

The next chapter of the classic action RPG returns as a free-to-play Xbox One and Windows 10 exclusive. Fable Legends will offer epic stories and huge worlds to explore and cross-device multiplayer. Oh, and Cersei Lannister.

The Windows-based Yoga Tablet 2 has AnyPen technology, which lets you use anything with a metal or graphite tip – a pencil, a pen, a fork –  as a stylus. Thankfully, the screen is scratch-resistant. Wacom should get this on its tablets.

This Windows app will help you with one of the great Holiday traditions: checking up on your relatives’ computers. It can install, update or do both with over 100 applications, from Flash to iTunes. There’s also a paid version for businesses.

Coming in 2015, Windows 10 aims to combine the touch-friendly and versatile Windows 8 with the desktop-friendly and familiar Windows 7. For instance, you’ll be able to shift between a tablet and a desktop mode at will.

The exact same HTC flagship model that was released earlier this year for Android, but with Windows Phone 8.1. The HTC One M8 still has its beloved metal unibody, 5″ 1080p display and dual front speakers. Exclusive to Verizon.

Previously exclusive to the iPad, Parallels’ mobile-friendly remote desktop software is now available for the iPhone as well as Android tablets and smartphones. It’s also more affordable now, down to $20 from $80 per year.

Are you really forgetful? Do you work best with deadlines? Or maybe you just want to see your life quantized? Check out Progress Bars of Life. This free Windows program lets you set alarms or reminders that are displayed as progress bars.

An app/subscription service which lets you use your Windows PC or Mac remotely from your iPad, with intuitive touch-based control and a menu that makes them feel like native tablet apps. Even streams desktop video and audio.

With its unconventional Aspire R7, Acer points out that with Windows 8 and a touchscreen, you won’t need a trackpad as much. Its 15.6″ 1080p screen moves into a variety of positions. Has a 1.5GHz Core i5 CPU, 6GB RAM and 500GB HDD.

The high end KIRAbook has a 13.3″ 2560×1440 touchscreen, Core i7 CPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, HDMI port and 3 USB 3.0 ports, yet weighs just 0.40lbs. Buyers also get dedicated customer support lines. Drops 05/05/13 for $2K.

A soothing tune made from the start-up music of Windows XP. The remix was made by Niconico user Unagi. Incidentally the icon shown in this 4-year old video turned out to be Microsoft’s new logo.

Elecom’s TK-FDP055BK keyboard smartly replaces its numerical pad keys with a touch pad to enable Windows 8 users to take advantage of the new gestures in the OS. Will retail for about $105.

An ultrabook/tablet hybrid for business users. It has a 12.5″ touchscreen, up to Core i7 CPU, a 500GB HDD or 128GB SSD, optional 3G and the much loved Thinkpad keyboard and trackpoint controller.

A wireless multi-touch touchpad that takes full advantage of the new gestures in Windows 8, from swiping between apps to quickly returning to the Start screen. It also has gestures for Windows 7.

The IdeaPad Yoga 13 is a 13″ Windows 8 ultrabook that morphs into a tablet thanks to its 360º hinge. It has USB ports, an SD card slot, an HDMI port, Core i5/i7 CPU, up to 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.

Vizio’s stylish ultrabooks could give Apple a run for their money with lightweight unibody construction, SSD storage, speedy CPUs, HD displays, and up to 7 hours of battery. And NO preinstalled crapware.