The M-series of desktops are part of Lenovo's ThinkCentre product line. Lenovo has released M-series desktops in multiple form factors, ranging from traditional tower, small form factor, to ultra small form factor, and all-in-ones (AIOs). Formerly an IBM brand, Lenovo acquired the ThinkCentre desktop brand following its purchase of IBM's Personal Computing Division (PCD) in 2005.
2003 In 2003, IBM redesigned and re-launched their ThinkCentre product line. The first desktop released was an M-series desktop – the M50.
M50 The first desktop in IBM's redesigned ThinkCentre line was the M50, announced in 2003. The desktop offered the following specifications: Processor: Intel Pentium 4 3.0 GHz RAM: 256 MB PC2700 DDR Storage: 40 GB 7200 RPM Graphics: Intel Extreme 2 (integrated, 64MB of shared video RAM) Optical drive: 48x CD-ROM Audio: SoundMAX Cadenza audio without speakers Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional USB ports: eight USB 2.0 Ports
While the desktop was made available as a consumer PC, it was more suited to a corporate environment, with the limited storage and graphics capabilities.
2005 The ThinkCentre desktop released by Lenovo in 2005, following its acquisition of IBM's PCD was the M52.
M52 The ThinkCentre M52 desktop was announced in May 2005 following Lenovo's acquisition of IBM's Personal Computing Division. PC World called the M52 desktop, "A corporate machine for the security conscious business user looking for stability and reliability". The M52 desktop was equipped with a 3 GHz Pentium 4 processors, an 80 GB hard disk drive, up to 4 GB of RAM, eight USB 2.0 ports, two serial ports, a Gigabit Ethernet connection, VGA output, and a chassis that did not require tools to open − a toolless chassis.
2006 The ThinkCentre M55, M55p, and M55e were announced by Lenovo in September 2006.
M55 The ThinkCentre M55 received a positive review from PC World, with the reviewer stating that "The Lenovo ThinkCentre M55 9BM is a compact and quiet business PC that keeps maintenance simple and makes upgrades easy. Its design and functions are well-suited to an office environment and we think it's a good choice for any business searching for a uniformed PC roll-out."
The desktop offered the following specifications: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86 GHz RAM: 1 GB of DDR2 Storage: 80 GB
Despite the fact that the desktop was capable of handling Windows Vista Business, it was preloaded with Windows XP. While the chassis was similar to previous ThinkCentre desktops, it was made smaller to fit better in office spaces.
M55p The ThinkCentre M55p desktop offered the following specifications: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 RAM: 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Storage: 160 GB 7200 RPM SATA Graphics: Intel GMA 3000 Integrated Graphics (256 MB shared video RAM) Audio: Intel HD Audio Optical drive: 16x Dual Layer DVD reader/writer USB ports: ten USB 2.0 ports Operating System: Windows XP Professional
It was described by About.com as being "a very solid system for business users" and a "general purpose PC" for consumers. However, both multimedia performance and storage space were criticized.
M55e The ThinkCentre M55e desktop was equipped with: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86 GHz RAM: 2 GB Graphics: Intel GMA 3000 (integrated) Storage: 250 GB hard disk drive Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business Display: 22 inch LED widescreen
PCMag listed the pros as being the dual-core processor, small form factor, enterprise-class hardware, ThinkVantage Technologies, and the three year on-site warranty. The price, the 90-day subscription to Symantec Client Security, and the lack of a DVD writer were listed as the cons of the desktop.
2007 The ThinkCentre M-series desktops released by Lenovo in 2007 were the M57 and M57p.
M57 and M57p The ThinkCentre M57 and M57p desktops were announced in September 2007 by Lenovo. These were the first desktops from a manufacturer to receive a GREENGUARD certification. In addition, both desktops were EPEAT Gold] and Energy Star 4.0 rated. They were also the first ThinkCentre desktops to incorporate recycled material from consumer plastics. The desktops were equipped with up to Intel Core 2 Duo processors, up to 2 GB DDR2 RAM, integrated graphics, and up to 160 GB hard disk drive.
2008
M57 Eco and M57p Eco The ThinkCentre M57 Eco and M57p Eco were announced by Lenovo in March 2008. These were eco-friendly versions of the M57 and M57p, which were released in 2007. The desktops were dubbed "eco" and had an ultra-small form factor with low power consumption. According to Desktop Review, the M57 used a fraction of the power needed by standard desktops, and a little more than that of an energy-saving notebook.
The M57 desktop offered the following specifications: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3 GHz Graphics: Intel X3100 (integrated) RAM: up to 4 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM Storage: 160 GB 7200 RPM Optical Drive: DVD Burner Operating System: Windows Vista Business (32-bit) Dimensions (inches): 11.8 x 9.4 x 3.2 Weight: 7 lbs
The M57p eco desktop had the same specifications as the M57 eco.
M58 The M58 and M58p were announced by Lenovo in October 2008.
The desktop offered the following specifications: Processor: 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Storage: up to 500 GB hard disk drive RAM: 2 GB RAM Optical drive: DVD writer Graphics: Intel GMA 4500 Audio: Intel HD audio USB ports: eight USB ports Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista
M58p The M58p was received by Desktop Review in a manner similar to the M58, with the reviewer stating, "The M58p is designed to meet all the stringent requirements commercial organizations have while still providing that Lenovo touch through OEM software, warranties and support."
The M58p desktop offered the following specifications: Processor: 3.00 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 RAM: 4 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM Storage: 250 GB 7200 RPM SATA Audio: integrated HD audio Speakers: integrated speakers Graphics: integrated graphics Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium Customized with best options: (SFF) Processor: Up to Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 (3.0 GHz Clock) RAM: Up to 8 or 16 GB 1066 MHz (updating BIOS) DDR3 Memory Storage: Up to 2x1 TB 7200 RPM SATA Graphics: Up to GT 1030 or GTX 750 Ti Graphics Card Operating system: Genuine Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)
The pros of the system were listed by Desktop Review as the high-end configuration, the handle for easy movement, and the capacity for expansion. The cons were listed as being the price and the lack of DVI ports.
2009 The ThinkCentre M-series desktop released by Lenovo in 2009 was the M58e. The Small Form Factor version uses a BTX motherboard.
M58e Lenovo announced the ThinkCentre M58e desktop in March 2009. The desktop offered the following specifications: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3 GHz RAM: up to 4 GB Graphics: Intel GMA 4500 MHD (integrated) Storage: 320 GB Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business
The desktop was EPEAT Gold rated and met Energy Star requirements. The M58e was also compatible with solar charger packs. PC Mag summarized its review of the desktop by saying "The Lenovo ThinkCentre M58e is a middle-of-the-road business PC, both in performance and features, though it does have the added benefits of Intel vPro and IT-friendly features. It's certainly worth a look if you need a PC environment that can grow with your business."
2010 The ThinkCentre M-series desktops released by Lenovo in 2010 were the M70e, M70z, M90, and M90z.
M70e The M70e desktop was released by Lenovo in 2010 with the following specifications: Processor: 3 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Chipset: Intel G41 RAM: up to 4 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 Storage: 500 GB SATA Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 Audio: Integrated HD audio Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
M90 The M90 desktop was released by Lenovo in 2010 with the following specifications: Processor: 3.33 GHz Intel Core i5 RAM: up to 4 GB DDR3 Storage: up to 500 GB 7200 RPM SATA Optical drive: DVD reader/writer Graphics: Intel GMA X4500 Form factor: Small form factor (SFF) Dimensions (inches): 10.78 x 9.37 x 3.07
The M90 desktop received the "PCPro Recommended" award upon release, with an overall rating of five of six stars. The desktop was summarized as, "Expensive but, thanks to superb design and power, worth the cash for demanding business users".
M90z Also released in 2010, the M90z was an all-in-one (AIO) desktop released by Lenovo. The AIO desktop offered the following specifications: Processor: 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5-650 RAM: 4 GB Storage: 500 GB Graphics Card: Intel GMA HD Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD reader/writer Display: 23 inch HD widescreen (maximum resolutions of 1920x1080) USB ports: 6 USB 2.0
PCMag listed the pros of the desktop as the compact design, HD display, support for two monitors, simple multi-touch interface, good component mix, stand options, and easy servicing. The cons were listed as the dull colors on videos because of the matte screen, the lack of an eSATA port, and the need for an adapter when using external DVI.
Computer Shopper summarized the capabilities of the M90z with the statement, "In our test configuration, the business-oriented M90z is overkill for most office tasks. Configuration options, however, can bring down the price while still delivering a peppy big-screen office PC."
2011
M71e The ThinkCentre M71e desktop was described by PCWorld as being "a basic PC designed for small and medium-sized businesses". The desktop was powered by an Intel Core i5-2500 processor and included 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500 GB 7200 RPM hard disk drive, and AMD Radeon HD 5450 discrete graphics. The desktop was indicated to be good for everyday office tasks and offering suitable responsiveness. Despite the presence of three fans, the desktop was not "annoyingly loud".
The DVD bay was powered by a strong motor; the drive tray would eject and close almost as soon as the button was pressed with very little lag. The desktop was, overall, described as being a simple machine with a decent configuration, without "fancy features" such as a USB 3.0 port. Some legacy features, such as a PS/2 port were available on the desktop. Also, the assembly of the machine was described as "basic", with a messy internal appearance.
The one year on-site warranty was indicated as being one of the best features on the desktop. Other features on the desktop included four USB 2.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, DVI, DisplayPort, and analogue audio ports.
M71z The M71z was described by IT Pro as being "a rare business all-in-one with a touchscreen." The default configuration offered a non-touch screen, with multi-touch as an optional upgrade. The touchscreen was described as being precise and responsive, with Lenovo applications using suitably large icons. However, the applications themselves were indicated to have not been optimized for touch control. Further, there were no touch-specific applications commonly found on consumer touchscreen devices.
The 1600 x 900 display was indicated to be "spacious enough" with acceptable color accuracy. However, the brightness level was indicated to be low, at 210.8 cd/m2.
The processing and graphical power was acceptable for everyday office tasks, with the all-in-one powered by an Intel Core i3-2100 processor and Intel HD 2000 integrated graphics. The use of graphics- and processing-intensive software was indicated to be a challenge, because of the lack of discrete graphics. Power consumption, heat levels, and noise levels were low. IT Pro commented that "the fans never became irritatingly loud. In fact, we had to press our ears up against the computer to even hear them."
The build of the all-in-one was described as being good, with strong, matte black plastic. Both keyboard and mouse were called reliable, with the keyboard described as responsive.
Detailed specifications of the M71z all-in-one are as follows: