These days it's common to talk about the bleak future of desktop PCs and call them hopelessly outdated. Today, mobility occupies a central place in the development of technology, including in the field of electronic computing. Compact gaming computers from various manufacturers, mini-PCs and even media players with low power consumption, which were released a little earlier, are no longer surprising. However, the new Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 is an amazing gadget.
What does this device look like?
The look of the IdeaCentre Q190 strikes a delicate balance between tiny size, reasonable performance and low price. This mini PC measures just 0.9 x 6.1 x 7.6 inches, except for an optional DVD drive that mounts on top, adding extra thickness to the device. The base configuration has a retail price of approximately $350.
Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 Features Overview
Despite its small size, the IdeaCentre Q190 features a dual-core Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive. The only thing that is not provided in the basic configuration is a specialized graphics chip, as well as opportunities for self-updating and supplementing. The Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 Mini PC is specs good enough to be used as a media player or document PC. However, a weak processor and integrated graphics will prevent you from playing modern games or using specialized programs that require a lot of power.
How to position it?
The small size of the device will allow you to install it vertically on any surface. If you want to keep it as compact as possible, use the supplied bracket to attach the nettop to the back of a monitor or HDTV. What's more, thanks to the silent fan installed in the device, you can hardly hear the Q190 running behind the display, even if you are in a completely quiet room.
If you are looking for a compact media player, please note that the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 does not come with a Blu-Ray disc drive as standard, only a DVD drive can be connected.
Design Features
As already noted, the IdeaCentre Q190 is quite small in size - when placed vertically, it takes up very little space. As expected from a device withsuch dimensions, the power supply cannot be connected to the Q190 inside - there is a laptop-specific design.
The silvery black plastic case is quite attractive and has a flip cover that covers the front ports. If you choose to configure the Q190 with DVD capability, you will see that the drive is a small accessory. In general, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 nettop does not visually seem as durable as models with metal cases, but outwardly it wins a lot. Its design looks more modern and attractive and is much better for home use.
Remote control and keyboard
In addition to the optical drive, Lenovo's Enhanced Multimedia Remote backlit wireless input device comes with the gadget. Outwardly, it resembles a tiny keyboard-style smartphone and is equipped with a Nub touchpad. This remote control is very convenient for making quick manipulations when working on YouTube, as well as launching various programs. However, it is not very convenient to type long e-mails on it. In other words, this add-on is ideal for use as a remote control for playing media files, but if you are going to use a mini PC to work with productive programs, you will need a full-sized keyboard.
According to the instruction attached to the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190,The touch panel of the remote control is designed to perform the basic tasks of the device.
Various configurations
Please note that Lenovo offers different accessories in the box depending on where you buy the IdeaCentre Q190. For example, Lenovo's original web store offers the Q190 with a traditional USB keyboard and mouse, as well as an advanced multimedia remote. Amazon, on the other hand, has a nettop available for $389.98 with an upgraded multimedia remote and DVD drive. This configuration is the most common (Hetton Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190).
Test results
As tested on the IdeaCentre Q190, the 1.5GHz Celeron 887 processor with dual-core chip responds quickly enough to make media playback and basic tasks run smoothly. This chip is supported by 4GB of RAM, integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics (which is actually part of the Celeron processor) and a 500GB 5,400rpm hard drive. In addition, other Q190 configurations can be found on sale, in which an i3 processor core and a 1TB hard drive are available.
Internet connection
The device also contains an integrated Broadcom 802.11b/G/N Wi-Fi adapter. Despite the fact that the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190no external Wi-Fi antenna, it has no problem playing wirelessly streaming 1080p video from a router located in another room.
Ports and possible synchronizations
Although the technical specifications of the gadget are quite modest, it offers a sufficient number of ports and connectivity for other devices. Behind a flip cover on the front, you'll find a pair of USB 3.0 ports, an SDXC memory card reader, and headphone and microphone jacks. The rear panel has four USB 2.0 ports (one of them is blocked if you're using a DVD), a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a digital audio port. There are also connectors for connecting and outputting VGA and HDMI video. In addition, you must purchase an HDMI to DVI adapter to connect a DVI display to your mini PC.
Software
The Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 compact computer ships with a 64-bit version of Windows 8 installed by default. This is a progressive move because many competing mini PCs (such as those from Zotac and Giada) do not come with an installed OS, so the user you have to buy and install it yourself. In addition, the device has a Loadout antivirus downloaded and many other useful things - McAfeeAntivirus, PowerDVD, CyberLink Power2Go, Silverlight from Microsoft, Adobe Reader, Lenovo Cloud Storage and support for other applications. You also receive a pre-installed copy of Microsoft Office 2010, but it is not activated,therefore, you will need to purchase or provide an existing license to use it.
Memory and loading
Despite the 5, 400 rpm hard drive, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 boots up very quickly, namely: a full boot of the Windows 8 desktop occurs in just 15 seconds. Launching applications is certainly not as fast as on standard PCs equipped with an SSD, but still pleasantly impressive.
Overall, tests show that the IdeaCentre Q190 is responsive enough for everyday tasks such as web browsing, Office applications and media playback. DVDs and 1080p streaming video play very smoothly, with no lag or stutter. But when it comes to resource-intensive applications like video encoding, the IdeaCentre Q190 can't compete with today's standard desktop. Also, you won't be able to play next-gen, resource-intensive games on this device - the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics hardware doesn't have the specs to do so.
Key Findings
Thus, the IdeaCentre Q190 will not take the first place among devices with high performance, but at the same time the gadget is very good and high-quality among mini PCs in this price category. The base model, offered on the manufacturer's official website, costs just $335 and is equipped with 4 GB of RAM, USB keyboard and mouse. A more advanced version of the device, equipped with an additional DVD drive andmultimedia Remote can be purchased for just under $400. While other manufacturers offer more powerful devices for the same price, the IdeaCentre Q190 still wins, if only because it includes Windows 8 preinstalled and useful software, which competitors cannot offer today.
What consumers are saying
According to users, as a small and quiet home theater or computer for playing video and music, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 (reviews of which are very positive, as you can see) is the most suitable option. It's also a great compact computer for student and school homework, office applications, web browsing, and other typical home user tasks. If you don't do intensive work like video editing or heavy gaming, the Q190 offers decent performance considering its price and compact size.
The only real complaint people have about the Q190 is that it doesn't play Blu-Ray discs. However, such a feature will be available, as Lenovo representatives promise. Of course, you can always connect a Blu-Ray reader via an external USB port, but this will not be very convenient. After all, mini PCs are purchased to save space. In addition, this gadget works almost silently, which is another obvious one.plus.
As the owners say, you can connect this nettop not only to a monitor designed for this purpose, but also to a modern TV. Simply connect the video cable for this and make the appropriate settings. It is also possible to share the gadget with units such as a music center or home theater.
And, finally, you can independently reboot and install the software you need on a mini-computer - there are restrictions only regarding the power of the processor and the technical characteristics that depend on it. Any programs that do not require too much resource can be installed without any difficulty.
