Cost-conscious businesses working in computer aided design (CAD) and digital content creation (DCC) fields might consider Lenovo's $600 E20 ThinkStation, which boasts a choice of Intel Core i3 and i5 processors.
Computer maker Lenovo announced the ThinkStation E20, the
first in a series of entry-level workstations. Starting under $600, the E20 is
aimed at professionals working in computer aided design (CAD) and digital
content creation (DCC) fields. The E20 also includes elements of green design
by using more than 50 percent recycled plastic content. The ThinkStation E20
workstation is available now.
It comes equipped with a choice of 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 and certifications from ISVs like Autodesk, Siemens and
Dassault Systemes.
“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 of enterprise products for 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.”
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 energy efficiency
criteria for Energy Star 5.0 and features an 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply.
Lenovo will be holding a live webcast on Feb. 26 for anyone interested in
learning more about the workstation’s technology and applications.
“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 of the workstation group
for Intel. “Users who once relied on high-end desktops now can benefit from a
real workstation experience.”
Earlier this week, Lenovo announced a revamped line of
ThinkPad tablets and laptops to take advantage of the latest technology from
both Intel and Microsoft. The ThinkPad X201 tablet starts at $1,599 and offers
a choice of two different Intel Core i7 processors. The tablet also comes
equipped with Microsoft’s Windows 7 and has a 12.1-inch multitouch screen. Lenovo
is also branching out further into the server market with the ThinkServer
TS200v, a $400 system that supports a number of Intel Core i5 chips, as well as
Pentium and Celeron processors.