Lenovo Revs Up Consumer Desktops

Lenovo's new H200 and IdeaCentre K220 and K230 desktops aim to offer consumers a range of pricing options...without sacrificing power.

Notebook computers might be all the rage, but Lenovo knows some people still want (or need) a big box under their desk…but may not be willing to pay that much for it. To that end, the company is rolling out three new desktop units, aimed to appeal to both the budget- and performance-conscious.

First up, the tower-based IdeaCenter K230 series aims at the high-end and video fans, with support for up to 8 GB of RAM, an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, up to 1 TB of storage, optional Blu-ray drives, and optional support for Nvidia GeForce 9300GE graphics…and, of course, Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition. Prices on the K230s start at just $499, but scale up to $1,299 with Nvidia graphics, Blu-ray, and oodles of RAM and storage.

The IdeaCenter K220 series also sports INtel Core 2 Quad processors, but caps out with support for 4 GB of RAM, although def Nvidia GeForce 9300GE graphics, Blu-ray, and up to 1 TB of storage are also available as options. However, the K220s also feature Lenovo’s VeriFace facial recognition technology, so users can just show their face to the Web cam to log in rather than use a password. The K220s also feature Lenovo’s BrightVision technology to reduce eyestrain by adjusting the screen’s brightness based on a user’s proximity and surrounding lighting conditions. Pricing on the K220s starts at $539, and scales up to $899.

Both the IdeaCentre K230 and K220 should be available January 20.

Finally, the H200 series desktop aim for the budget-conscious buyers, offering a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor and quiet, fan-free design so it’s less annoying than a typical giant PC tower. The H200s feature Windows Home Basic, Intel GMA 950 graphics, 1 to 2 GB of RAM, a 48× DVD-ROM drive, and 160 to 320 GB of hard drive storage. Prices start at just $299 ($399 wiuth a ThinkVision L195 Wide LCD monitor), and the systems should be available now.