Lenovo intros Vista-equipped SFF A55 ThinkCentre desktop
By Darren Murph 
posted Jan 30th 2007 10:06PM
posted Jan 30th 2007 10:06PM
With all this talk about small-form-factor PCs going on, not to mention the Vista-equipped computer bandwagon that's steaming through today, Lenovo apparently figured it might as well hop on. Rather than changing the model name completely, the A55 SFF simply sports a trio of extra letters, a 64-percent smaller enclosure than its larger counterpart, and a claim to be around 25-percent tinier than "the conventional small desktop." Moreover, this wee PC will pack a mysterious Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Windows Vista, DVD writer, an optional floppy drive (saywha?), and a whole smorgasbord of other not-yet-mentioned components within a case not much larger than "your average briefcase." Customers who pick this up will be graced with the outfit's ThinkVantage Technologies, such as Rescue and Recovery and Client Security System, and considering the relatively low starting price of $579, this unit might not be a bad fit for your overly cramped office when it lands next month.[Via 64-Bit-Computers]
why on earth are they still punching out PCs with floppy drives?, i read an article today that a Major UK manufacture of the drives stoped making them just recently...
when will imb err lenovo stop using the same designs from 1999. I understand that Thinkpads are designed for business users but come on. They design was atrocious then and guess what... that hasn't changed
1999? There are design cues on that thing going back to the old IBM PS/2 in the 80's.
It's still a nice piece of A55
Maybe my High School should have waited another year to upgrade.
Looks kinda like a VCR...
And guess who got a whole lot of those "Tank Centers" yeah, my University.
are designers going back in time or what??? first gen HD disc player looks like old VCR, now Lenovo brings back old school PC cases - who's doing all this!
my guess would be the fact that floppy disk is required to install SATA drivers before installing Windows is why a floppy drive is included.
what's funny though, is how everyone hates the look of the thinkpads so much-- I actually think it's quite a cool look, as opposed to the other flashy/plasticky laptops, but it's just a personal opinion.
how does this compare to a MacMini?
1. Comes with a monitor and keyboard and mouse
2. Is actually user upgradeable
3. Will run all your software
4. Will run all your malware
:)
A55 SFF vs. Mac Mini
Differnces
1. Core 2 Duo
2. Built-in Floppy Drive
3. Lenovo comes with an additional keyboard, mouse, and monitor (Because you never have enough lying around the office)
4. Mac Mini is smaller than the size of "your average briefcase"
Similarities
1. Runs Windows
2. User Upgradable - If you know how to use a putty knife
3. DVD Burner
For all you idiots clamoring on and on about the design; remember that Lenovo/IBM designs these for businesses, not your average gaming freak. Most businesses that I work with, prefer not to have glowing orbs in their computers and like the black look of IBM/Lenovo products.
I actually like their designs. They are very functional and appealing for business use. You don't want to go into a boardroom with a laptop that has a glowing alien head on it.
For anyone bickering about the inclusion of floppy drives... Has anyone here tried to install a legit copy of XP or 2000 on a SATA hard drive?
Most motherboard manufacturers include a floppy with the SATA controller drivers, in order to load them during installation of the OS. They won't load off a CD.
Floppy drives are cheap insurance anyway.
Looks like that PS/1 desktop that I drooled over 17 years ago...in black.
We've had these PCs (not with these chips in, but in these enclosures) for several months in our office. Hardly a new release!
The enclosures are pretty nice though - seem fairly quiet, and really easy to swap the optical drive out.
I had one of these cases on my desk a couple years ago. The size is great. Don't remember it being noisely. The case is very well built with nice hinges, latches, and all but weighs a ton for it's size. Still easy to carry around under your arm. Oh, and it has eight USB ports (2 front, 6 back). That was sweet.
This is actually a little nicer than the previous version of the small footprint chassis IBM was selling as the S50:
http://desktops.engadget.com/2004/08/26/so-just-how-small-is-ibms-ultra-small-thinkcentre/
Personally, I think it is a little ugly, but in a functional way that's different and kind of cool.
I have one at work, I had it running Business Vista for a couple of week and now I'm running Ubuntu of all things. We put in another graphics card to run a 24inch Dell monitor and it's got one more space for another card. However, it's noisy, I can here it across the room.
Those who complain about the design should take a look at the complete IBM line-up. You will realise that everything, from servers to workstations to desktops and laptops (last two now Lenovo) share design elements. Anyone aware of these similarities will be able to spot a IBM or Lenovo machine a mile away. Which of course is what IBM/Lenovo wish for.
I actually like the look of the Thinkpads and Thinkcentres. They have a more understated design and a look to them that doesn't scream "steal me!" like other designs like Apple's (Not that I don't like Apple's design).
I have this, except badged as an IBM (some benefits of working for the Mother Company).
Its silent, and damn good. I personally like the look and its actually pretty small as far as ATX machines go.