BIOS: Technology Means Business

The A60 is Lenovo’s first ThinkCentre desktop personal computer featuring an AMD processor. Available in a mini-tower or small desktop (reviewed here), the ThinkCentre A60 (from £330 ex. VAT, no monitor) delivers mainstream enterprise features such as dual-core processing and improved virus protection and recovery tools for customers in need of a manageable desktop solution. It’s not the most versatile in terms of multimedia capabilities and expandability, but it provides rock solid performance running typical business applications.

For the first time Lenovo is offering AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors, AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Sempron processors on the ThinkCentre A-Series family, giving you more flexibility than before. ThinkCentre A60 models are also - and most importantly - preloaded with ThinkVantage Technologies, a suite of software tools that help maintain user productivity and reduce costly and time consuming calls to the help desk.

For instance, ‘Rescue and Recovery’ lets you quickly access a set of self-recovery tools to help diagnose, contact help and recover from a virus or other software crash, even if the primary operating system will not boot. Managing a fleet of ThinkCentre A60 desktops is made easier with ‘System Migration Assistant’, which quickly transfers user-specific data and settings from one desktop to another.

The ‘Client Security Solution’, along with the fingerprint reader keyboard, provides an extra layer of protection for passwords, encryption keys and electronic credentials. This unique hardware/software solution - available on select models (and requiring download of security software from Lenovo) - provides a level of security not offered as a standard feature on a PC from any other manufacturer.

There’s even a ‘Secure Data Disposal’ tool which ensures that critical data is permanently removed from the desktop before it is disposed. The multiple levels of disk cleaning help reduce IT costs because there is no need to destroy useful hard drives once data is completely erased. In addition, tooless-entry drives, adapter cards and steel chassis further enhances the simplicity of the ThinkCentre A60 by allowing support staff to easily access components for quick repairs or upgrades.

The A60 doesn’t offer leading-edge performance for today’s and tomorrow’s graphics programs, but it is equipped with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor, 160GB Serial ATA HDD (only one HDD bay), 512MB DDR2 memory (upgradable to 2GB), and nVidia GF 6100 integrated graphics (just about Vista compatible). Additionally, the ThinkCentre A60 supports PCIe x16 graphics adapters, which deliver accelerated graphic capabilities for detailed design programs and streamlined video signal processing to help improve productivity in single or dual monitor environments.

The A60 also comes equipped with a dual-layer DVD burner, Gigabit Ethernet, six USB 2.0 ports (two at front), front side audio ports (headphone and microphone), four memory card slots, and internal speakers. FireWire, Wi-Fi and 56Kbit/s modem are optional extras. If you have aging peripherals, such as an old printer, you’ll appreciate the inclusion of both serial and parallel ports - legacy connections such as those are becoming harder to find.

Advanced Micro Devices has been leading the dual core performance race when it comes to gaming and raw performance levels, but it was slow to release a dual core processor at an affordable price range. For years AMD processors has been known to be the best deal for computer enthusiasts on a budget since its price points were always lower than its competitor’s (namely Intel). Although AMD was first to tape out a dual core processor, Intel beat it out the door with its dual core series.

For those who have been sold on dual core processors, the choice between which of the two processor brands to use has been an uphill battle for AMD. The two major factors that are causing issues for AMD are the facts that Intel’s marketing budget dwarfs those over at AMD, and the entry-level pricing varies greatly in Intel’s favour. With AMD’s entry-level dual core processor once costing more than double that of Intel’s, many consumers simply couldn’t afford AMD’s Athlon 64 X2 processors. All that has changed with the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor.

The A60 provides excellent performance running business applications that customers use most. From graphic design and complex statistical computation to medical imaging, the A60 allows for fast, easy downloading and processing that saves valuable time and helps to increase productivity. While there are cheaper and faster systems out there for mainstream buyers, business users are generally more interested in features and stability than in blazing speed. Customers wanting a stable solution and innovative support technologies that help them reduce costs should think long and hard about the ThinkCentre A60. [8]

[Best Desktop PC Pricing UK]
[Best Desktop PC Pricing US]