Jason Dunn
05-28-2010, 03:00 PM
<p><object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/kGYDGE7iPl4&ap=&fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kGYDGE7iPl4&ap=&fmt=18" /></object></p><p>Above is part one of an unboxing and first impressions video of the <a href="http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/special-offers.workflow:ShowPromo?LandingPage=/All/US/Landing_pages/ThinkCentre_desktops/09/A70z&menu-id=products&current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=FFA158AAECE944CD9055899B3280EA36" target="_blank">Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z</a>, an all-in-one desktop computer designed for the SOHO market (small office/home office). This is a corporate-looking machine, so it doesn't win any awards in the looks department, but it gets the job done in a compact, power-efficient manner. <MORE /></p><p>Prices start at $499 USD; the model I was sent for long-term review costs $729 USD. The A70z I was sent has an Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 CPU running at 2.93 Ghz, 2 GB of RAM (upgradeable to 4GB), a 320 GB 7200 RPM hard drive, an Intel GMA X4500 GPU, built-in 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a 19" 16:10 matte screen (1440 x 900 resolution), built-in 1.3 megapixel Webcam and microphone, a CD/DVD drive, and built-in speakers. Full specs for the model I was sent can be found <a href="http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=1935773" target="_blank">in the product listing at CDW</a>.</p><p>And here's part two:</p><p><object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/XInMtqPxcds&ap=&fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XInMtqPxcds&ap=&fmt=18" /></object></p><p>Since shooting the videos, I've spend more time with the A70z, and one thing in particular stands out to me: it's completely and utterly non-ergonomically correct. You have to look so far down at it, I really doubt it would be comfortable for extended work sessions. You'd need to put it up on a monitor stand of some sort, but since it's fairly wide, your average monitor stand won't work - <a href="http://www.allsop.com/monitor-stands/metal-art-monitor-stand-large-black" target="_blank">you'd need something wide like this</a>. Something to keep in mind - you'll only end up with back/neck problems if you're constantly tilting your head down to use the A70z (or any computer for that matter).</p><p>I'm performing benchmarks and tests on the A70z, so watch for my full review.</p><p> </p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys <a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a>, mobile devices, <a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his wonderful son, and his sometimes obedient dog. At the moment, his left ear is ringing. That's weird.</em></p><p><em></em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p> </p>