Lenovo has unleashed a new device which falls into the HTPC or nettop PC category - the Windows 7-based IdeaCentre Q180. The book-sized computer will fit easily alongside any television set, where it can serve as an entertainment hub, given that it handles 1080p videos and optionally supports Blu-ray videos in 3D.
The base model of the Q180 is powered by a 2.13 GHz dual-core Intel Atom D2500 CPU, AMD Radeon HD 6450A discrete GPU and 2GB of DDR3 RAM running at 1066MHz. It certainly won't get you around Skyrim in full HD, but it's enough for some older games, online content and Flash-based games, as well as playing media files.
The Q180 is also outfitted with 500GB HDD storage, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth and an 8-in-1 card reader with SDXC format support. Wired connectivity is provided by HDMI, VGA, 4x USB 2.0 and 2x USB 3.0 ports. The base model is bundled with a matching USB mouse and keyboard, while it's also possible to hook up a keyboard-equipped Lenovo Multimedia Remote to the Q180, available for an additional US$79.
Further customization options include an external DVD burner or Blu-ray drive (both fit into the stand), 4GB of RAM, 750 GB HDD, or 128GB SSD.
The tiny PC can be set vertically (utilizing the included stand) or horizontally, as well as mounted anywhere comfortable for the user utilizing the VESA mount standard. While it's hard to tell whether it's really the "world's smallest," the Q180 is certainly a very compact device. Its chassis' dimensions without stand and external drive are 155 x 192 x 22 mm (6.1 x 7.55 x 0.8 in).
The base model of the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q180 retails at US$379, with shipping slated to begin in December.
