Jason Dunn
07-28-2010, 03:00 PM
<p><object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/srABo3g-X8w&ap=&fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/srABo3g-X8w&ap=&fmt=18" /></object></p><p>This is my review 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" target="_blank">Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z</a>, an all-in-one desktop computer designed for the SOHO market (small office/home office). If you haven't already watched my unboxing and first impressions video, <a href="http://www.digitalhomethoughts.com/news/show/98273/lenovo-thinkcentre-a70z-all-in-one-desktop-computer-unboxing-and-first-impressions.html" target="_blank">check that out first</a>.</p><p>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. 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. <MORE /></p><p>Despite a few minor configuration issues that I feel are inappropriate for a business machine - Windows Live being pre-installed with Windows Live Messenger configured to load at boot, some bizarre pop-up "shopping deals" application, and a couple of other issues - the A70z is fairly lean and mean. It booted in 28 seconds, which is impressive for a system equipped with a mechanical hard drive, and shut down in 12 seconds, which is less impressive. I was shocked at the superb sleep and resume performance: three seconds and two seconds respectively. I wish all OEMs put that much work into the sleep/resume performance on their computers.</p><p>The <a href="http://www.futuremark.com" target="_blank">PCMark Vantage</a> scores are:</p><ul><li>PCMarkSuite: 4542</li><li>Memories Suite: 2928</li><li>TV and Movies Suite: 3241</li><li>Gaming Suite: 2318</li><li>Music Suite: 6066</li><li>Communications Suite: 4932</li><li>Productivity Suite: 3634</li><li>HDD Test Suite: 4425</li></ul><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1280207938.usr1.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p><em>Figure 1: This would be a cool use for the A70z; the VESA mount is sold separately.</em></p><p>All told, the A70z is a solid workstation computer. It definitely has a corporate look and feel to it, so if you don't mind that, it will get the job done. The Lenovo A70z can be purchased from <a href="http://www.cdw.com/shop/search/results.aspx?key=Lenovo+A70z&searchscope=All&sr=1&Find+it.x=38&Find+it.y=7" target="_blank">CDW</a> or <a href="http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Search.htm?term=Lenovo A70z&DefSort=Y&findin=allproducts" target="_blank">PC Connection</a>.</p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates </em><em><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a></em><em>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys </em><em><a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a></em><em>, mobile devices, </em><em><a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a></em><em>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his wonderful son Logan, and his sometimes obedient dog. He thinks someone should make an all-in-one computer specifically designed for a standard-width bookshelf - it would require an integrated fold-up keyboard.</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, <a class="iAs" href="http://www.digitalhomethoughts.com/news/show/93798/dell-s-inspiron-mini-10-reviewed.html" target="_blank">software</a> 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>