The Lenovo C300 series is part of their value line of desktops, offering affordable all-in-ones starting at $449. The C300 offers a 20-inch 1600x900 screen that can handle HD video, and features a higher resolution than other cheap all-in-one systems. With system options ranging from single to dual core Intel Atom processors and GMA950 to ATI 4530 dedicated graphics, Lenovo has a system for any type of user. In this review we take an in-depth look at the Lenovo C300, and find out if it is the right all-in-one system for you.
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Atom 230 @ 1.6GHz (512kB L2 cache)
- Operating system: Windows Vista Home Basic
- Screen: 20" 1600x900 CCFL-backlit LCD
- Memory: 3GB DDR2
- Hard drive: 320GB SATA
- Optical drive: 8X DVD+/-RW
- Sound: Integrated HD audio with built-in stereo speakers
- Video card: Intel GMA 950
- Networking: 10/100
- Wireless networking: 802.11b/g wireless
- Built-in SDHC memory card reader
- Inputs: 6 USB2.0 ports (2 side, 4 back), PS/2 keyboard, Firewire, headphone, microphone, and Ethernet
- Power supply: 120W 19.5V
- Dimensions: 19.05 x 14.12 x 3.28 inches (WxHxD)
- Warranty: One year limited parts and labor
In this configuration, our review unit carried a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $499.
Build and Design
The Lenovo C300 offers a sleek glossy black appearance with a black and white floral pattern on the lower half to cover the speakers. The design flows well with almost any room layout, be it a bedroom, office, or even a kitchen. Its narrow footprint also allows it to be setup in areas with limited space, needing only 7.5 inches of clearance to fit the front feet and rear support. Even though this system is near the lower end of the cost spectrum when compared to other all-in-one systems, it doesn't have the cheaper look or feel associated with it.
Build quality is very nice, with a solid feel to the plastic bezel and frame. No creaks or squeaks were found when carrying th e computer around to set it up on my desk, or when adjusting the tilt of the screen. The rear stand locks solidly in its holding position, and uses resistance from a spring to let you tilt the assembly back, but stay upright. Movement is silent, with no odd creaks or snaps as it tilts back. Once the system is in position, it stays firmly in place, without moving around on your desk surface thanks to two large rubber feet at the front.
Inputs and Expansion
Input selection was very nice for a budget all-in-one system, with 6 USB ports, ps/2 for the keyboard, Firewire for video input, SDHC for quick digital camera access, and a wired network connection. The system also includes an 8x DVD burner to read and write to optical media.
Users looking to upgrade internal components will be limited to quickly accessing the memory through a side panel on the back of the system.
Other components like the hard drive or wireless card would require you to fully dismantle the system. With that said the hard drive included with the system was very fast with a reasonable capacity given its price segment, and will probably never be touched by its users.
Performance
System performance was under most desktops since at its core it is running off the Intel Atom processor, with specs matching most netbooks. Users looking for a little more power though can spend roughly 50 dollars extra at the time of this review to significantly increase the speed and features of their system. While this system includes the Intel Atom 230, 3GB of RAM, a 320GB HD, and the GMA 950 processor, the step up gets you the dual-core Intel Atom 330, 4GB of ram, a 640GB HD, and dedicated ATI 4530 graphics with 512MB of VRAM. That is a huge jump for fifty dollars, and you even get a boost from Home Basic to Home Premium, which also means you get a free upgrade to Windows 7.
For average day-to-day use the system felt quick for browsing the web, typing documents, or using instant messaging software. If you started to stress with it streaming video or even iTunes, you could tell there was less processing power to tap into than other full-size systems. One redeeming factor that helped lessen the sluggish feel of the system though was a 3.5-inch 7200RPM drive, instead of slower 2.5-inch 5400RPM notebook drives seen in other budget all-in-one systems.
Note: We compare single-core Atom nettops with their netbook brethren, since the performance is far closer than comparing them to even low-end traditional desktops.
wPrime processor comparison results (lower scores mean better performance):
| Notebook / CPU | wPrime 32M time |
| ASUS Eee PC 1008HA (Intel Atom N280 @ 1.66GHz) | 116.030s |
| ASUS Eee PC 1005HA (Intel Atom N280 @ 1.66GHz) | 116.421s |
| Lenovo IdeaCentre C300 (1.6GHz Intel Atom 230, Intel GMA 950) *desktop | 116.687s |
eMachines EZ1601-01 (Intel Atom N270 @ 1.6GHz) *desktop
| 122.281s |
| HP Mini 2140 with HD screen (Intel Atom N270 @ 1.60GHz) | 123.281s |
| Samsung N110 (Intel Atom N270 @ 1.60GHz) | 123.422s |
Dell Latitude 2100 (Intel Atom @ 1.60GHz)
| 124.062s
|
PCMark05 measures overall system performance (higher scores mean better performance):
| Notebook | PCMark05 Score |
| Lenovo IdeaCentre C300 (1.6GHz Intel Atom 230, Intel GMA 950) *desktop | 1605 PCMarks |
| Toshiba mini NB205 (1.66GHz Intel Atom N280, Intel GMA 950) | 1538 PCMarks |
| ASUS Eee PC 1000HE (1.66GHz Intel Atom N280, Intel GMA 950) | 1535 PCMarks |
| Samsung N110 (1.6GHz Intel Atom N270, Intel GMA 950) | 1511 PCMarks |
eMachines EZ1601-01 (1.6GHz Intel Atom N270, Intel GMA 950) *desktop
| 1509 PCMarks |
| Samsung NC20 (1.30GHz VIA Nano ULV U2250, VIA Chrome9 HC3) | 1441 PCMarks |
| HP Mini 2140 with HD screen (1.60GHz Intel Atom, Intel GMA 950) | 1437 PCMarks |
3DMark06 measures overall graphics subsystem performance:
| Notebook | 3DMark06 Score |
| Lenovo IdeaCentre C300 (1.6GHz Intel Atom 230, Intel GMA 950) *desktop | 155 3DMarks |
| Samsung NC20 (1.30GHz VIA Nano ULV U2250, VIA Chrome9 HC3) | 151 3DMarks |
| ASUS Eee PC 1005HA (1.66GHz Intel Atom N280, Intel GMA 950) | 127 3DMarks |
Acer Aspire One (1.60GHz Intel Atom, Intel GMA 950)
| 122 3DMarks
|
| ASUS Eee PC 1008HA (1.66GHz Intel Atom N280, Intel GMA 950) | 116 3DMarks |
| HP Mini 2140 with HD screen (1.60GHz Intel Atom, Intel GM1 950) | 112 3DMarks |
| ASUS Eee PC 1000HE (1.66GHz Intel Atom N280, Intel GMA 950) | 92 3DMarks |
The Lenovo IdeaCentre C300 all-in-one desktop also managed a score of 1265 PCMarks in PCMark Vantage.
HDTune benchmark test results:
Display
The 20" WXGA++ screen on this all-in-one really helps to separate it from other budget systems on the market. While others might only offer basic WXGA 1366x768 resolution, Lenovo uses a 1600x900 panel on all versions of the C300. It offers excellent color and contrast, backed up with a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Even though it is most likely a TN panel, it still offers reasonable viewing angles, with a sweet spot that extends 30 degrees up or down and about 45 degrees side to side before colors start to distort or the screen starts to look dim.
Keyboard and Mouse
Lenovo includes a basic keyboard and mouse that look nice, but seem outdated. The keyboard is the older PS/2 standard, which works fine, but really limits what the keyboard could be capable of. The keyboard looks great, with a glossy finish, thin profile, and short-throw laptop-style keys. If it were USB, Lenovo could have added a USB port onto it for quick USB memory stick connections, but since it is PS/2 that is out of the question. The mouse is a basic optical USB scroll mouse, with two primary buttons, and a clickable scroll wheel that will act as a middle button.
Power, Heat, and Noise
Power consumption with the C300 set to full screen brightness while also in high performance mode was 48 watts at idle and 57 watts under a full load. With the screen brightness reduced to its minimum, power consumption drops to a conservative 37 watts. This is low enough that most people wouldn't mind continuously running in the background, ready to jump to go at a tap of a keyboard or jiggle of its mouse. Heat output is minimal with its Intel Atom-based internals, staying relatively cool to the touch. Noise is moderate, but entirely related to the full-size hard drive that you can hear over the system fan. Unless you are working in a silent office, the sound would be quickly drowned out by music or talking.
Conclusion
The Lenovo C300 is a pretty nice value when you compare it to other budget all-in-one systems currently on the market. Users get a speedy 3.5" 7200RPM hard drive, good looking 20" 1600x900 display, and on the highest tier for $549, dedicated ATI Radeon 4530 graphics. Overall the looks and build quality were great, and fitting into almost any décor. The included mouse could have looked nicer or the keyboard could have interfaced through USB, but at the end of the day they do their job just fine. If you are in the market for a cheaper all-in-one system, the Lenovo C300 is definitely worth looking at.
Pros
- Very nice 20" 1600x900 display
- 3.5-inch hard drive
- Optional dedicated graphics
- Some models use dual-core Atom
Cons
- PS/2 keyboard
- Single-core Atom standard
Lenovo IdeaCentre C300 Review
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