The Bottom Line
- Strong Software Bundle
- Older Pentium 4 Processor
- No DVD Burner
- Small 80GB Hard Drive
Description
- Intel Pentium 4 541 Processor
- 512MB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
- 80GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 48x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
- Intel GMA 3000 Integrated Graphics with 128MB Shared Memory
- Integrated AC'97 Audio
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Six USB 2.0 Ports
- Windows XP Professional, Lotus Smart Suite, Symantec Security Client, WinDVD
Guide Review - Lenovo ThinkCentre A55
10/26/06 – Compared to most of the processors used in today's budget desktops, the Lenovo ThinkCentre A55 has an ancient processor. While the Intel Pentium 4 541 was once a high end processor, it has been eclipsed by even the low end processors released in the past year. It is odd that Lenovo would continue to use such an old processor. They include 512MB of PC2-4200 DDR2 memory that is standard for most budget desktop PCs.
Storage is woefully lacking compared to the average budget system. The ThinkCentre A55 only comes with a 80GB hard drive. This is fine for business application purposes but will quickly fill up with digital media files that the average consumer now keeps. Rather than a DVD burner that has become standard, Lenovo chose instead to ship it with a 48x CD-RW/DVD drive. This allows the playback and recording of CD media but only playback of DVDs.
Graphics are about the only area that the ThinkCentre A55 isn't too out of line with competing systems. It features an Intel integrated graphics processor that is fine for 2D applications but is not something to rely on for much 3D performance. Users can upgrade to a dedicate graphics card using the PCI-Express graphics slot.
The one area that the ThinkCentre A55 does well is the software bundle. Once again though, the software is really geared more towards corporate customers rather than the average consumer.
