New Lenovo C300 :
Lenovo c300
The Lenovo C300 (3012-2DU) ($549 list), the first all-in-one nettop to transcend its humble processor and offer the usability and features we look for in a full-blown desktop PC. Nettops and netbooks used to be known as cheap single-core systems that were good only for browsing websites. The C300 changes all that with its dual-core processor and other premium parts, giving the user an experience more on par with a mainstream PC, while still coming in at less than $550. It's the first all-in-one nettop that we'd recommend without reservations. I'd call that a win for Lenovo.
Specifications :
- Price as Tested: $549.00 List
- Type: General Purpose, Value, All-in-one, Nettop
- Processor Family: Intel Atom
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage Capacity: 640 GB
- RAID: No
- Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 4350
- Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
- Monitor Type: LCD Widescreen
- Screen Size: 20 inches
Features :
The C300 I looked at represents the top of the line for nettops with a 1.6-GHz Intel Atom 330 processor, 512MB ATI Radeon HD 4530 graphics, 4GB of memory, and a 640GB hard drive. The system is essentially maxed out, and that's a good thing. Having 4GB of memory means you can have many, many windows open at the same time; the Radeon HD 4530 graphics will help with light 3D graphics and DVD playback, and if you decide to plug in a Blu-ray player later; and 640GB should be more than enough for most home users storing music, photos, and videos.
The dual-core Atom processor is a lot more powerful than the single-core Atom 230 or n270 processors we've seen in previous nettops. This is best seen when trying to view HD video over the Internet. Previous single-core Atom systems have trouble when viewing HD videos from websites like YouTube, since the playback tends to be jerky. However, the C300 has no problem displaying HD video; only the most critical viewers will be unhappy with its performane. Those users would be better off with more powerful (and expensive) systems like the IdeaCentre A600 or the Apple iMac
New Lenovo IdeaCentre A600 :
Lenovo IdeaCentre A600
The IdeaCentre A600 (3011-4BU) comes in the same chassis as the previous A600, with very few visual cues that this is a different unit. There's the coaxial TV antenna connector in the back, the wireless keyboard and mouse, and that's about it. You'll find the same subwoofer in the back, connectors on the side, and "watch your hands" warning sticker on the front (because people could catch a finger in between the base and the chassis, ouch!). I like the way the A600 looks—it's one of the most distinctive-looking desktops out there. When the media controls (Play/FF/REW, volume, and so forth) are backlit on the wireless keyboard, the system wouldn't look out of place somewhere on the new version of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Specifications :
- Price as Tested: $1,399.00 Direct
- Type: General Purpose, Multimedia, All-in-one
- Processor Family: Intel Core 2 Duo
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage Capacity: 1000 GB
- RAID: No
- Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 3650
- Primary Optical Drive: Blu-Ray Disc
- Monitor Type: LCD Widescreen
- Screen Size: 21.5 inches
Features:
Speaking of the keyboard, it is a little cheaper-feeling than the keyboard included with the Dell XPS One, but the Lenovo's keyboard certainly looks nice and fits in with the A600's design themes. The trackpad on its right-hand side and left mouse button on the left-hand side of make the keyboard easy to use on a lap (there are two mouse buttons below the trackpad as well). The separate wireless laser mouse tracks quickly and has forward and back buttons.
The Bluetooth four-in-one remote is perhaps the neatest new feature. It performs quadruple duty: as a run-of-the-mill MCE (Media Center) remote, as a handset for VoIP applications, as an air mouse (like Gyration mice), and as a game motion controller (like a Wiimote). The air-mouse functions are neat and easy to learn. The game motion controller works with the bundled FlingPC games, which include Tennis, Bowling, Table Tennis, and Snowball (throwing). The games aren't quite as refined as the Wii's versions, but they shouldn't be hard to pick up, even if you haven't played Wii Sports or WiiPlay. (I'm hoping that someone will develop additional games for the system.) There are even very similar graphics to what you see on the Wii warning you to use the wrist strap and make sure nothing is around you when you play.
