Lenovo unleashes cut-rate ThinkStation E20 workstation on an unsuspecting public
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted February 9th 2010 4:36PM
posted February 9th 2010 4:36PM
Kids, are you a corporate buyer of CAD and DCC (digital content creation, duh!) systems looking to save a few pennies in a difficult economic environment? Well, you're in luck: we've dug up yet another demure, innocuous Lenovo with an oversized novelty handle for you, the ThinkStation E20. Shipping with your choice of an Intel Core i3, i5, Pentium, or Xeon 3400 Series processor and either Intel Core HD or NVIDIA Quadro graphics, this guy supports DDR3 memory and carries certifications from Autodesk, Siemens, Dassault Systemes, among others. If that weren't enough, the company is really pushing the green thing, with more than half of the plastic here coming from post-consumer recycled materials. Available sometime mid-month at prices starting at $599, so start save those pennies! You didn't really want that Tesla GPU anyways, did you? PR after the break.
Lenovo Combines Workstation Performance with Unprecedented Price in New ThinkStation Workstation
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – February 9, 2010: Lenovo (HKSE:992) (ADR:LNVGY) today announced the ThinkStation E20, the first in a new series of entry level workstations. Starting under $6001 the new E20 offers professionals working in computer aided design (CAD) and digital content creation (DCC) fields the performance they need at an extremely affordable price. The E20 also sets a high bar for green design by using more than 50 percent recycled plastic content.
"We've found there are a number of CAD and DCC professionals who are currently getting by on desktop PC hardware due to budget constraints," said, Mark Cohen, vice president, Enterprise Products, Lenovo. "They're running workstation-class applications and could benefit from using true workstation hardware. We designed the ThinkStation E20 with these users in mind to put true workstation performance within their reach and enable them to realize significant productivity gains associated with using the right tool for the job."
Price and Performance
With models starting under $6001, the E20 offers workstation-class performance at desktop-level prices. It comes equipped with:
Choice of the latest Intel Core i3 and i5 Processors as well as Pentium and Xeon 3400 Series Processors
Choice of independent software vendor (ISV) certified graphics solutions – Intel Core HD graphics or NVIDIA Quadro discrete graphics up to the FX1800
Support for Error Correcting Code DDR3 memory
Certifications from leading ISVs like Autodesk, Siemens and Dassault Systemes
"Users can experience certified, tested and optimized workstation solutions at near PC prices with the Lenovo ThinkStation E20 workstation, based on the Intel® Xeon® 3400 processor series or the Intel® Core™ HD graphics," said Anthony Neal Graves, general manager, Workstation Group, Intel. "Users who once relied on high-end desktops now can benefit from a real workstation experience."
Built for a Greener Environment
The ThinkStation E20 leads the PC industry in its use recycled plastics. More than 50 percent of the plastic content comes from post-consumer recycled materials. Additionally, it achieves a Gold-rating by the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool and is GREENGUARD certified for its environmental attributes. The E20 also meets the high energy efficiency criteria for Energy Star 5.0 and features an 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply.
Pricing and Availability2
The ThinkStation E20 workstation will be available in mid-February with models starting at approximately $599. The workstation will be sold through Lenovo business partners and www.lenovo.com. For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo's business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.
1) Select configure to order models with integrated graphics.
2) Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – February 9, 2010: Lenovo (HKSE:992) (ADR:LNVGY) today announced the ThinkStation E20, the first in a new series of entry level workstations. Starting under $6001 the new E20 offers professionals working in computer aided design (CAD) and digital content creation (DCC) fields the performance they need at an extremely affordable price. The E20 also sets a high bar for green design by using more than 50 percent recycled plastic content.
"We've found there are a number of CAD and DCC professionals who are currently getting by on desktop PC hardware due to budget constraints," said, Mark Cohen, vice president, Enterprise Products, Lenovo. "They're running workstation-class applications and could benefit from using true workstation hardware. We designed the ThinkStation E20 with these users in mind to put true workstation performance within their reach and enable them to realize significant productivity gains associated with using the right tool for the job."
Price and Performance
With models starting under $6001, the E20 offers workstation-class performance at desktop-level prices. It comes equipped with:
Choice of the latest Intel Core i3 and i5 Processors as well as Pentium and Xeon 3400 Series Processors
Choice of independent software vendor (ISV) certified graphics solutions – Intel Core HD graphics or NVIDIA Quadro discrete graphics up to the FX1800
Support for Error Correcting Code DDR3 memory
Certifications from leading ISVs like Autodesk, Siemens and Dassault Systemes
"Users can experience certified, tested and optimized workstation solutions at near PC prices with the Lenovo ThinkStation E20 workstation, based on the Intel® Xeon® 3400 processor series or the Intel® Core™ HD graphics," said Anthony Neal Graves, general manager, Workstation Group, Intel. "Users who once relied on high-end desktops now can benefit from a real workstation experience."
Built for a Greener Environment
The ThinkStation E20 leads the PC industry in its use recycled plastics. More than 50 percent of the plastic content comes from post-consumer recycled materials. Additionally, it achieves a Gold-rating by the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool and is GREENGUARD certified for its environmental attributes. The E20 also meets the high energy efficiency criteria for Energy Star 5.0 and features an 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply.
Pricing and Availability2
The ThinkStation E20 workstation will be available in mid-February with models starting at approximately $599. The workstation will be sold through Lenovo business partners and www.lenovo.com. For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo's business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.
1) Select configure to order models with integrated graphics.
2) Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.
Is this a good deal? Hang on, lemme put on my thinking station.
ZIIING!
Who designed that case?
@Dan H Not a bald english man named Johnathan, thats for sure.
@Dan H You would think if you're going to have one handle it would be in the center (for balance).
@Dan H
Is that a cigarette adapter?
@Dan H
they better give a discount if customers have to buy it w/ that handle bar pre attached.
@Spiraling Shape Actually I think it is in the center.. Just attached from the left hand side.. I it's not someone was smoking something in the design department..
Mock if you like, but I love the ThinkStation handles for lugging the darned things around the office. The old design was pretty good, this design looks even better. Can't wait 'till I can order a new desktop for someone so I can check it out!
[/boring-it-pro]
@cybertrash But why just one handle? Sure it's fine if you're slinging around a box in each hand, but if you're carrying one computer two handles would be nice.
@CtrlBurn They actually have a little gap in the rear of the case, right near the top that is used as kind of a rear handle. The only reason the front of the case has an obvious handle, is that there isn't a place to put an indentation to be used as one.
I wish I had a picture to show you, but I work with Dell's now (eww). They handle really is a great feature of these machines.
A workstation with an option for a Pentium Processor in 2010? Seriously? I know this is budget-minded, but workstations by their namesake usually have superior specs to most consumer computers, because they require the extra processing power.
But a freaking Pentium? Really? Why not just offer a Core 2 Duo for the really cheap price.
@Prevacator
Nevermind the fact that there are Pentium Dual Core models that outperform Core2Duo models, this is 2010! It's all about the name my processor has!
@guroth
Yeah, and you can find high-end Core 2 Duos that outperform i3s.
Clock per Clock the Core 2 Duo is still better than the Pentium, but of course if you get a high-end Pentium, and a low-end Core 2 Duo the Pentium will of course be better.
Idiot.
@Prevacator You do realize that these Pentiums are basically core2 dual cores with smaller L2 caches. Right?
Um...the Press Release has prices of lower than $ 6001 (wth?) and $ 599? Obviously, yes, $599 is definitely lower than $ 6001 but are you sure the price is $ 599 for a workstation machine?
@alphacoder
maybe it was under 600, and the one was a typo?
@PhoenixFox The 1 should be a superscript, it refers to the footnote at the bottom. Definitely makes a big difference though!
@alphacoder
theyre not very high powered with basic specifications, $599 is accurate.
@cybertrash I'm with you bud! We run ThinkCenters where I work and I love the handle in the top bezel! Way better than anything HP or Compaq has for the corporate world.
@CtrlBurn obviously you haven't ever picked up a Lenovo case before. They're balanced so carrying it by the front handle is all you need. Quit drinking hate-or-ade.. :D
"...so start save those pennies!"
I will I will!
Desktops are funny!
@To Hell you are not.
too much wiring makes desktop handle useless, those days IT guys in my company just use carts to move desktops around.
I dig it. It just looks, well, professional. And angry.
The handle would make it perfect to use as a hammer to beat down the gleaming white, Le Tigre poster covered cubicle walls of hipsters as they rock out with their crappy white earbuds while sipping double foam, sugar free, triple carmel, white chocolate, fair trade with whip lattiatoes, oblivious to the destruction around them.
Ok, not really, but handles are cool for carrying, right?
@PhoenixFox, you're probably right. Or, it could be their two-tiered marketing strategy. (Just kidding.)
@PerryAJ, now that would be a fight I'd like to see. One of these in the hands of a regular IT guy like Chuck Liddell versus a Mac Mini in the hands of someone like Jack Black. (Sorry, too much caffeine! :(
@PerryAJ
I need to see this happen. Now. Think you can take one for the team and go beat the snot out of one of those hipsters?
they also have a handle in the back (not shown)
What an ugly monster is this!
I wouldn't place this case in my living room...
@Denus That's what she said...
I cant wait until the day that companies spend an extra $50 on a premium version of a computer case for poeple willing to pay a little more. this thing is going to be sitting next to my desk for the next 3-5 years, i'd like it too look and feel nice.
i cant help but feel computer case design is stuck. its basically like cars from the early 1980's to late 1990's, they get more curvy, but they are still made of hard cheap/shiny plastics. give me some leather, soft quality plastics, wood, aluminium, and cloth.
yesss!!! AVID edit stations for all!
man that case fucking ugly, to tell you the truth i haven't seen one thing made by IBM/lenovo that looked nice to me. And what is that a handle on top? I'm pretty sure you would brake off you you picked up the tower by it.
Not my thing that is for sure...
Love the industrial designs of the ThinkPads and the ThinkStations from Lenovo.
They are sexy.
Dear god, why does every Lenovo machine have to look like it was designed in 1995?
Yeah cause that is what CAD and DCC departments are worried about, how the computer "looks" and why it has a handle, not that they could save money!?!?!?!
Bout time someone targeted the cheap minded design companies heads that have their staffs working on SERIOUSLY outdated equipment. "Pretty" towers are not really a concern of theirs.
Ah well, keep your towers under your desks. I think this targets LAN party fans :P