UNBOXING: Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z All-in-One Desktop Computer [Part 2]

[drifterbadboy]

Mine have 8GB of RAM memory, but it came with this same windows 7 prefessional 32-bit.. so it was just using 4GB, and by this way i installed a 64-bit pirate, cause i wouldn't buy a new windows because of this lenovo's mistake.. Anyway it's a great computer, isn't portable but is a nice substitute for desktops... i'm really enjoying this (:

[mieleguy1999]

Dose it have Bluetooth

[positronicbrains]

My only points - Java is not insecure, the updates are not necessarily for security issues, that is a blanket statement. Check out your windows updates if you want to see huge lists of vulnerabilites. Java is used by many products, most logitch installers and open office, blackberry devices. It was used more in the enterprise but its growing in the desktop space.

You may hate crapware - I do because its annoying and generally useless - but theres 1_ reasons PCs are so cheap and MACs are not.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@positronicbrains I can only assume you're a Java programmer given the way you're defending Java. :-) Look, if Java was updated via Windows Update, it would be seamless and easy - I wouldn't mind that. But it's not; it's a completely separate process, and on computer after computer I've seen people ignore the update prompt because they don't know what it is. It's an ugly way to keep their software updated. I've also seen more viruses come via Java than I can count. I've uninstalled Java.

- Jason

[positronicbrains]

@ThoughtsMedia - Do you really think M$ would allow Oracle to update its software via windows update?? I hesitate to say but the same folks that ignore software prompts probably drive around with the check engine light on too. BTW viruses don't come via Java - get your info straight - the come by 1) lack of a proper firewall, 2) lack of a good -updated! due to reading the prompt - antivirus, 3) users surfing to rogue sites, 4) blatantly clicking executables in junk mail.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@positronicbrains Ah, now your true nature becomes clear: using "M$" is a clear indication that you're an anti-Microsoft bigot and aren't willing to have a rational discussion on the topic. And, please, do some research: Java viruses are quite common.

- Jason

[ThoughtsMedia]

@positronicbrains As for crapware, I'd GLADLY pay $50 more for a PC without crapware. Sony is offering a "crapware free" option on their laptops for free. PC OEMs need to think about the quality and reputation of their product more than about saving a few dollars. The race to the bottom destroys brand quality. Macs are not $50 more expensive than PCs, so it's not as simple as that, but Apple gets that they need to protect their brand.

- Jason

[positronicbrains]

Your use of "Goofy" is goofy - you clearly don't know how older people use pcs. Do some support work and you'll figure it out. There are reasons for labels, as well as why it should prompt to connect to the internet.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@positronicbrains Actually, being the PC support guy for my parents, in-laws, and having several clients 50+, I'd say I do have a good idea about how older people use PCs. I'm not sure what you're referring to regarding the labels, but with the Internet access, it was trying to sell me on a NetZero DSL package AFTER I'd already connected to my local WiFi network. If you don't see how dumb that is, well, there's nothing more I can say. :-)

- Jason

[positronicbrains]

@ThoughtsMedia

Doing support means - working in a call center for HP, Lenovo, Dell and understanding why product development does the things they do.

Labels - Camera and Mic labels are there because people don't know what they are if they aren't labeled.

NetZero - would like your business even if you have an internet connection, this is how business works. Bundles are on there for a reason, I hope you can figure out why : )

Java - updates for good reasons, not bizarro reasons.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@positronicbrains You're right, without having worked in a call centre for a bit OEM, so I don't have 1000's of data points to rely upon, on a few dozen. You seem to believe that only people who have worked in call centres are permitted to express their opinion though? That would make for boring reviews.

I re-watched this video, and I don't mention anything about labels, so I'm not sure what you're referring to. Maybe it was in another video and you're confused?

- Jason

[ThoughtsMedia]

@positronicbrains As for Java updating, you're right, "bizarre" is the wrong term.

What I should have said was this: "Java is a highly insecure software platform that's constantly in need of software updates because they keep finding new security holes that need patching. Further, it's barely used any more by average consumers and Lenovo is opening their customers up to virus/malware attack by even including it in the first place. Uninstall it unless you're sure you need it."

- Jason

[ThoughtsMedia]

@positronicbrains Lastly, on the issue of Netzero, I understand why PCs come with crapware - but that doesn't mean I like it. For as much as I knock Macs, setting one up is truly a delightful experience because there's none of this crap. People are sick of buying a new computer and feeling like they're dealing with a used car salesman as the computer tries to sell them on six different things before it becomes usable. The big OEMs are price-obsessed though, so they keep doing it.

- Jason

[762Richard]

Jason, another well-done, very professional mini-review (that's why I subscribe). I have been looking at these "all-in-one" solutions for a while now and although it is not the biggest, best or most powerful system, I do like the simplicity factor. I have a very small home office and am always looking for ways to maximize my real estate. My small computer desk has a monitor stand that would put this at perfect eye height, and enable me to x the tower and get more working surface! Brilliant.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@762Richard Glad you liked the video. Watch for my full review of it coming next week...

- Jason

[Mouthmusician]

I took a look at dell's all-in-one desktops, they only comes in vista, so ibm/lenovo has a leg up on them for that. 20 inch or more and then I think more about an all-in-one desktop. And VideoGuyNC is right if they made it more entertainment like (on the next round) it'll be more worth wild.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@Mouthmusician Lenovo has a consumer-focused all-in-one...also, strangely, it's an "A" series as well, just not a ThinkCentre.

- Jason

[mygcut]

what an awful design

[ThoughtsMedia]

@mygcut Yeah, it's not much to look at - but remember it's Lenovo's corporate line-up. Their consumer stuff looks quite nice (there's another all-in-one "A" series machine that looks amazing!).

- Jason

[mygcut]

@ThoughtsMedia well, i think you're right. By the way, congrats about the digitalhomethoughts channel, very cool.

Could you make a review of the new hp mini netbook? (i think its the 210 or something like that). Thanks for your answer.

[markbyrn]

If you're looking for a low cost all-in-one office type work machine, an Intel Atom powered system will run you about $300 less and it's more efficient and 'green'.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@markbyrn They're an option, yes, but Atom CPUs don't have much grunt (even the dual-core version) - I like my netbooks, but I wouldn't want to use one all day long. Might be OK for light usage though.

- Jason

[VideoGuyNC]

@ebay01234 I think most people dislike vista, but 7 has most of the flashiness of vista without most of vista's problems and bugs. 7 isn't perfect, but it's leaps and bounds better than vista in terms of reliable performance.

[VideoGuyNC]

One very strong impression I get when looking at this machine is the very REAL possible disappearance of traditional televisions. Now I know that this model (as with most of IBM's offerings) this is intended for business/office use. But I really can see that the computer market is moving toward a single box design which has the feel of a TV/monitor. They only need to incorporate a tuner in this box to have the future of televisions. More and more people are turning to the net for entertainment.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@VideoGuyNC I wish that was the case, but the cable companies are really making it hard for TV to merge with computers. Just look at how slow and problematic the roll out of HD tuners is...Microsoft has been trying for years and years with Windows Media Center, and they never made it very far. Cable Card is dying; my cable company never even supported it. The cable companies want you paying a monthly fee for their dumb terminals. :-(

- Jason

[VideoGuyNC]

@ThoughtsMedia Yes, but consumer dollars speak loudly, and I recently read that more and more people are turning to the net for their primary source of entertainment. I understand what you are saying, but I think the merge will take place within the next five years because people are tired of the same re-ran crap.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@VideoGuyNC I agree; eventually the networks will be forced to change, but boy it's going to be a long and ugly fight...and the real problem is that in many areas, cable companies have a monopoly. It's hard to force change when there's no other options...

- Jason

[NintendoLover229]

nice.