The Bottom LineMay 26 2009 - Lenovo's IdeaCentre A600 is a very affordable option for those looking at a low cost all-in-one desktop without the performance sacrifices of the low cost models using netbook processors. It certainly isn't going to be a trailblazer for performance, but it good for just about any general purpose work including multitasking other than gaming. The LCD screen is quite large and bright. It would be nice to see a bit more in terms of software and a better location for the DVD.
Pros
* Very Affordable
* Large and Bright Display
Cons
* Odd Location of DVD Drive
* No Productivity Software But Lots of Trivial Apps
Description
* Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4200 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 3GB PC3-8500 DDR3 Memory
* 500GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 21.5" WUXGA (1920x1080) Display With 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
* Intel GMA 4500MHD Integrated Graphics
* Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/g/n Wireless
* Six USB 2.0, FireWire, 6-in-1 Card Reader
* 20.5" x 18.2" x 2.4"
* Vista Home Premium 32-bit, Trend Micro Internet Security
Guide Review - Lenovo IdeaCentre A600 21.5-inch All-In-One Desktop PC
May 26 2009 - Lenovo's IdeaCentre A600 is a very affordable option for those looking for a general purpose machine that is only slightly more expensive then a nettop but without as many sacrifices. With the $750 price tag, it is hundreds less than Apple's 20-inch iMac and roughly $100 less than Dell's XPS One 20.
Powering the IdeaCentre A600 is the Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4200 dual core mobile processor. While not as fast as desktop processors, this provides it with some strong performance over the Intel Atom based nettops. With the 3GB of DDR3 memory, this system should be able to handle any general purpose application under the Vista Home Premium operating system.
Storage is pretty typical of what is found in all-in-one segment not limited by Windows XP and the Atom licensing agreements. The 500GB hard drive provides a good level of storage space. The dual layer DVD burner is also standard, but its placement is not. The drive is on a slant and you must turn the data side towards the user in properly insert it. Most users will expect this to be the other way around.
The IdeaCentre A600's display is slightly larger than the 20-inch all-in-ones because it uses the higher 1920x1080 resolution compared to the 1680x1050 typical of the size. The screen is quite bright and colorful. The downside is the GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics that prevents it from really being used for 3D graphics or gaming.
One disappointing aspect of the IdeaCentre A600 is the software. The lower priced version does not come with any productivity software at all. It does however feature a fair amount of software applications that can bog down the system. A good example is the health one that uses the webcam at all times to adjust the screen brightness and tell if you are too close or far away from the screen.
source by: Mark Krynin