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Computer maker Lenovo announced the IdeaCentre Q180, a consumer desktop PC no larger than a paperback book designed to turn a digital TV into a multimedia hub for accessing multimedia content, Web browsing and more. The IdeaCentre Q180 is available via the company’s Website, and will also be sold through select retailers, starting at $349.
Light weight and similar in size to a paperback novel–just 22mm thick-the PC comes with an Intel Atom dual core processor, up to 4GB DDR3 memory, 750GB HDD storage or 128GB SSD storage and 802.11bgn WiFi. The Q180 also comes equipped with a VESA Mount that allows flexible fitting anywhere in the home including the back of most HDTVs and monitors.
“With the IdeaCentre Q180, we upped our game in the compact PC category,” said Nick Reynolds, executive director of product group marketing for Lenovo. “Featuring the latest HD Graphics and Blu-ray 3D playback, the Q180 enables consumers to change the way they enjoy multimedia and the Web in their living room at an affordable price point.”
Featuring multimedia support, the Q180 comes with full HD 1080p output, including a Blu-ray, drive, 7.1 channel surround sound, Blu-ray 3D and DirectX11 support to help create an authentic movie ambiance and state-of-the-art home-theater experience. It also features USB 3.0 file transfer support, VGA and HDMI out ports, and S/PDIF connectivity for an HDTV and sound system.
The IdeaCentre Q180 also comes with a latest generation Lenovo wireless backlit handheld keyboard, which can fit in the palm of a user’s hand. The multimedia control allows users to make commands wirelessly, including adjusting surround sound settings, selecting HD movies or surfing the Web on the Q180.
In October, Lenovo surpassed technology giant Dell in worldwide PC shipments, leaping into the No. 2 spot behind Hewlett-Packard, according to the latest data from IT analytics firm Gartner. The Gartner report noted Lenovo’s expansion was boosted in part by the joint venture with NEC in Japan and the company’s aggressive marketing to both the professional and consumer PC markets.
The overall PC industry faces rising competition from the popularity of non-PC devices, including media tablets such as the iPad as well as smartphones, which is taking consumers’ spending away from PCs. “The main contributor to the weak consumer PC market in the United States was intensified competition for consumers’ money,” said Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa. “Media tablets and smartphones took center stage in the U.S. retail sector, and the expectation is for continuing demand for these devices throughout the holiday season.”