Although most people associate computers with either giant desktop towers or laptops, little PCs like the Mac Mini and Zotac ZBOX C continue to be well-liked. The “IdeaCentre Mini (1L, 8),” a newly updated choice from Lenovo, was just unveiled.
The new computer has the same basic square shape and grey exterior as the current IdeaCentre small desktop, but that’s where the similarities end. The new model is reminiscent of the Nintendo Wii in that it can be used to sit either horizontally or vertically with the supplied stand. Additionally, it has easy access to the cooling fan and RAM, is at least partially repairable, and lacks a large external power supply. According to Lenovo, the package is approximately the same size as the current Mac Mini at 7.68 x 7.52 x 1.53 inches (7.7 x 7.2 x 1.4 inches).
“Up to next-gen Intel Core i7,” dual-channel DDR4 RAM (either 8 or 16 GB total), SSD storage up to 1 TB, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Windows 11 are all included in the IdeaCentre Mini. Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connection, and a combination audio jack are located on the front of the device. There is a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port, DisplayPort 1.4b, HDMI 2.1, another USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 Type-A connector, and 2.5G Ethernet on the back. Very good.
The new IdeaCentre Mini, according to Lenovo, will start at $649.99 and go on sale in the second quarter of 2023. Although it’s unclear what CPUs would be used in the less expensive variants, this could imply that the “next-gen Intel Core” will be a 14th-generation Intel chip. With a Core i3-10100 CPU, the current IdeaCentre Mini 5i starts at $399.99.
