Lenovo launches consumer desktops
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) The jog dial provides a sleek interface for Lenovo's DMP. (Click for larger image) |
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The new Lenovo series includes two desktop and one notebook lines. Shifting away from business-centric tools in the ThinkCenter systems, the Lenovo Q and H series look and act very differently from the former. According to Koh Kong Meng, director, Strategy and Operations, Lenovo Asean: "PCs today are so much more than a productivity tool. They're integral to our lifestyles, so they need to be easy to use and worry-free." As such, the new PCs are centered on user-friendliness and will appeal to basic users and even the silver-haired community.
Instead of going with Windows XP Media Center Edition, Lenovo is sticking with Windows XP Home Edition with its proprietary Digital Media Platform application which provides an easy-to-use interface. By doing so, it is able to add pre-boot functionality as well as a separate interface for quick DVD burning, features that are absent in Windows XP Media Center OS. There is also a dedicated button which backs up the system files for recovery in the event of a PC crash or virus attack.
The Lenovo Q series is a competent multimedia player. Besides the aforementioned features, this desktop adds a detachable USB swivel Webcam and a unique jog dial located under the monitor. Instead of cluttering the keyboard with multimedia buttons, the jog dial accesses the DMP application and controls playback functions. A set of tower speakers provide excellent sound quality with some bass punch. Unfortunately, the ATI Radeon X1300 graphics card will not earn it a gaming merit badge. For an entertainment system, an option to add a TV tuner at the point of purchase is strangely absent, though Lenovo claims its DMP software is compatible with third-party TV tuner solutions. Only VGA and S-video display ports are available, disappointing those who had hopes of linking the Lenovo 3000 Q via component or DVI interface. This model has a starting price of S$1,599 (US$1,284.75), with options to include a 19-inch LCD or 20-inch widescreen display.
The Lenovo H series is a budget offering with a starting price of S$1,099 (US$883.01). Designed as a basic computing system for the family, the keyboard is embedded with anti-bacterial technology to keep the device hygienic. It comes with a 17-inch LCD or 19-inch widescreen display option.
These desktops will be available in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia from today, with units shipping to Singapore from November 30. The Q and H series will be offered with a Maplestory game starter pack, prepaid Maplestory Lenovo card with 10,000 "A" cash, plush toy collectibles, a limited-edition Maplestory calendar and a Microsoft student Encarta Premium 2007. The Lenovo Q will also come with a Sonic Gear HS555 headset. Both desktops offer 30-day toll-free telephone support and a one-year onsite warranty.
| Desktops |
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Notebooks |
| Model name | In a nutshell |
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Wow
factor: The flagship consumer model from Lenovo offers a distinctive jog
dial design and multimedia features at an affordable price.
Other notable frills: Expected: Available now in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Retails in Singapore from November 30. Price: From S$1,599 (US$1,284.75) | |
Wow factor:
A budget Core 2 Duo offering with an anti-baterial keyboard. Other notable frills: Expected: Available now in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Retails in Singapore from November 30. Price: From S$1,099 (US$883.01) |
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About the author
Tracking laptop and PC trends since 2005, Darius Chang may have been knee deep in bits and bytes but is certainly not a binary person. Under that big and soft exterior holds a marshmallow core which dotes on his god-daughters and nephew. Suspected of ADD, his interests span disparate fields such as sustainability studies, diving, sports, politics, etc. A true jack of all trades, but master of one (maybe two).
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