About this time last year, Lenovo made a bid for the title of creator of the world's smallest desktop PC, with the launch of the IdeaCentre Q180. Now, an equally diminutive replacement is making a grab for the very same title. The IdeaCentre Q190 is reported to offer up to 80 percent faster processing performance over last year's model, is available with double the system memory, and up to 1 TB of HDD storage.
While CompuLab might have something to say about the "world's smallest" claims, the 6.1 x 7.55 x 0.86-inch (155 x 192 x 22-mm) Q190 does pack some powerful technology into its svelte frame. There's a choice of an Intel Celeron 887 dual core (1.5 GHz) or a 2nd gen Intel Core i3-2365M (1.4 GHz) processor with integrated Intel HD graphics, for starters, supported by up to 8 GB DDR3 RAM (1333 MHz).
Users can also choose to ditch the HDD storage in favor of SSD, although Lenovo has reduced this from the 128 GB available with the Q180 to just 24 GB with the Q190, as demand for the former configuration is reported to have been quite low.
The space-saving Win 8 computer features lossless S/PDIF audio out for 5.1 channel surround sound or 7.1 surround sound via HDMI. There are four USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports, a 6-in-1 media card reader which supports the SDXC format, and built-in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Gigabit LAN. The Q190 comes with an optional compact wireless multimedia remote with built-in mini backlit keyboard and mouse. It doesn't come with an included optical drive, however, but an optional add-on DVD writer or Blu-ray drive is available.
The IdeaCentre Q190 has been given a January availability window and Lenovo's website is currently showing a starting price of US$335.20.
Lenovo also announced five new C-Series All-in-One computers. There are two 20-inch and two 21.5-inch models equipped with HD LED displays, up to 1 TB of HDD storage, up to 8 GB of RAM, Dolby Audio and an HD webcam. The 23-inch version is available with up to 2 TB of HDD storage.
Some family members benefit from up to 3rd gen Intel Core i3 processing power and discrete NVIDIA GeForce 615 graphics, while others are available with up to AMD E2 dual core processor with AMD Radeon HD Graphics. All of the new Windows 8 models will also be released in January, with prices starting at $479.
Product page: IdeaCentre Q190
