The Lenovo IdeaCentre Q100 isn’t exactly unique among nettops. This small, low power desktop is basically a rebranded version of a machine built by Pegatron. But the IdeaCentre Q100 is the first iteration of this nettop to show up in the US, which makes it noteworthy.
The folks at Nettop Review got their hands on a Q100 and have posted some unboxing photos and first impressions of the computer. The model featured in the unboxing is the bottom of the line version with a single core Atom 230 processor and integrated SiS Mirage S3 graphics. But the IdeaCentre Q110 is available with NVIDIA ION graphics.
The Q100 runs about $299, and while it’s incredibly slim, light, and overall sexy looking you don’t get a heck of a lot for your money. The box apparently doesn’t ship with a keyboard or mouse. Another thing I hadn’t noticed before is that the Q100 doesn’t include a WiFi module. It’s not uncommon for a desktop to ship without any wireless connectivity options, but I’ve sort of gotten used to this being an included feature with nettops.
On the bright side, Nettop Review points out that the machine is fanless and runs very quietly, which makes it ideal for sticking on your desk next to a display without worrying that a noisy fan will keep distracting you.
I wish someone would take a system like this, put a 500GB drive in it and preload it with Windows Home Server. This would make a nice low-power file-print-backup server to set next to the router.
Admittedly, the $300 price tag dampens the appeal a bit.
I am pretty sure that Western Digital does that already.
Or you could do what I am doing, bought a 0.5Tbyte eSATA drive for my O!Play.
You can follow this and other such fun at my site: https://MiniModding.com
(Shameless plug.)
I’m a liliputing fan, but this post isn’t considering the use of these Lenovo Q series nettops as Home Theater PCs.
The Q100 and Q110 are well suited for HTPC applications. The small flat size & quiet operation are important for a HTPC. The Q110 particularly by adding ION graphics, an HDMI port & a VESA mount is perfectly suited to being attached to the back of your wall TV & be used to stream HD video or browse the web from a wireless keyboard on your couch. For HTPC use, it makes sense for Lenovo to not include a standard cheap keyboard/mouse. I have ethernet to my TV, so I don’t need the wireless, but I agree some might like the option. I have been waiting for a cheap tiny quiet low-power box I can hook to each TV for streaming and browsing, and this is the best box so far (At this point I’ll wait till 10/22 to decide).