Building on the IdeaPad U450p CULV laptop, Lenovo also let loose their new Q700 Home Theater PC (HTPC), a multimedia-oriented desktop in Home Theater clothing.

The IdeaCentre Q700 is an ultra small form factor desktop equipped with features to support multimedia usage and a design that lets it blend in with your other home theater equipment, rather than stand out in a beige (or with Lenovo, black) rectangle. Check out the list of specs below, then we’ll talk about what is good and bad:

• Intel Pentium Processor E5200; dual-core, 2.5GHz, 2MB L2 Cache
• 4GB DDR2 (standard on all models, also maximum capacity)
• Intel GMA X4500 graphics
• VGA & HDMI output
• 320GB, 500GB, 640GB 7200rpm storage
• Slot-loading multi-burner DVD recordable
• Front ports: 4xUSB 2.0; mic input; headphone output; FireWire 400; 4-in-1 card reader
• Rear ports: 4xUSB 2.0; eSATA; Ethernet; VGA; HDMI
• 2xMini PCI Express slots: optional Broadcom 802.11b/g WiFi & AverMedia TV tuner
• Optional Philips Vista MCE remote control (integrated IR receiver)
• 104-key wired keyboard; wired optical mouse; 120W AC adapter
• 2.36 x 7.87 x 9.84 inches
• 5.69 lb
• $499 for 320GB (model 3015-1AU); $549 for 640GB, TV Tuner, Remote, & WiFi (model 3015-1CU)

The list here isn’t terribly impressive, but is very sufficient. Processing power may not be cutting edge, but it is more than sufficient for 90-95% of users. It is very nice to see 4GB standard with a 64-bit OS, but limiting expansion to that same 4GB is disappointing. The storage options are a bit on the small side, given how much 1TB drives have dropped in price over the past year. The port connectivity is great, but WiFi should be standard.

And a wired keyboard, really? This isn’t the 1980’s, I’m not going to drape a USB extension cord across my living room to sit on the couch and compute. As I showed here, I’ve already got a wireless trackball for that.

The design looks very slick and the pricing very competitive. While you are really just getting a glorified desktop PC at $499, the extra $150 buys you more hard drive space, a TV tuner, WiFi, and the Philips remote control. Then again, you could kiss your warranty goodbye, pick up the base model (on sale soon I’m sure) and add your own 1TB hard drive and Mini PCI Express devices.

HTPC’s are nothing new, but only lately have started to become common with PC manufacturers. Most prior HTPC’s were built by enthusiasts to their needs, with more Home Theater-like desktop cases supplied by case manufacturers that realized the demand. This is a new arena for Lenovo, but a smart one to enter. The Q700 comes in at a very competitive price point with a stylish, well featured offering and has the opportunity to make a name for Lenovo if marketed right. Considering it went on sale with zero fanfare or even announcement, it’s not off to a good start.

Source: [Lenovo]