Lenovo IdeaCentre Q180 Review
The IdeaCentre Q180 is a compact desktop PC with connections that are ideal for your HDTV, enabling an entertainment hub for videos, music, web browsing, and more. Think of it as a set-top box with the tin innards of your desktop computer. The IdeaCentre Q180 is a very slim and thin device at 0.86 inches without the optional DVD or blu-ray drive. The front panel of the device hides additional connections such as the headphone & microphone ports, high-speed USB 3.0 ports, and an 8-in-1 media card reader. Also included in the IdeaCentre Q180 is 802.11n wireless connectivity, 8-in-1 Card Reader, Headphone, Microphone, and 2x USB 3.0.
It supports full HD graphics and up to 7.1 channel surround sound. Either bundled or added optionally are wireless remote with built-in keyboard (Lenovo Multimedia Remote N5902) and mouse or Blu-ray Disc™ drive supporting Blu-ray 3D™ playback. The Lenovo Enhanced Multimedia Remote (N5902) is a remote-like device that incorporates a full QWERTY style keyboard with a mouse design with dedicated multimedia keys. Other features on the remote include a backlit keyboard for lights-off access and there’s no installation required. You simply plug in the wireless USB adapter to the PC and it automatically connects.
Usability
The IdeaCentre Q180 is a very stable and sound system. Graphically, it was able to handle movies. The multimedia remote came in very handy especially when using the Q180 in the living room. The keyboard worked well; it was easy to navigate with the mouse and scroll wheel. What I really liked about the Ideacentre Q180 was its size, functionality, and silent run. The unit can be well hidden in your living room or behind your monitor or TV. Starting at $329, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q180 is a great starting point for anyone looking to get a capable computer without breaking the bank, or even use as a very capable HTPC especially when combined with the N5902 multimedia remote.
SPECS
Processor- Up to Intel® Atom™ D2500 dual-core processor
Operating System-Windows 7 Home Premium 64
Video Graphics- AMD Radeon™ HD 6450A 512MB graphics
Memory- Up to 4GB DDR3 memory
Hard Disk Drive- Up to 750GB HDD
Optical Drive- Bundled or Add-on DVD reader/writer or Blu-ray Disc™ drive
Sound Supports- 7.1/5.1 digital surround sound, and 2.1 analog sound
Integrated Communications- Integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi, 10/100/1000M LAN
Connectors- 4xUSB 2.0, 2xUSB 3.0, HDMI, S/PDIF, 8-in-1 card reader supporting SDXC format
Weight- From 5.24 lbs
Dimensions- Size w/o optical: 6.10″ x 0.87″ x 7.56″; (WxHxD) or with optical: 6.10″ x 1.57″ x 7.56″ (WxHxD)
Other- VESA mount (included) Compact wireless multimedia remote with built-in mini-keyboard and mouse (optional)
Included Software Lenovo Rescue System 3.0, McAfee® VirusScan 9, and PowerDVD* *Requires Blu-ray bundle or option
