Big things come in small packages like the Lenovo ThinkCentre M58P ultra small business computer

Small in size - big in features

Who says a computer has to be big in size in order to be big in processing power?

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M58P series computer is compact, no, make that ULTRA compact, and designed with business in mind!

Weighing in at 9.2 lbs, and measuring 3.1″ tall, 10.8″ wide and 9.4″ deep, it takes up a LOT less space than a standard desktop, and it makes a great monitor stand, placing a typical wide-screen monitor at a very comfortable viewing angle for most PC users.

Despite the small size, never forget this computer is a true business computer, not a watered down consumer-grade system.

It comes loaded with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, so it can join your network without doing the Microsoft anytime upgrade. This is something that is overlooked by businesses on a budget very frequently. They purchase a computer from Staples, Best Buy or Office Depot because they can get it TODAY, and because it seems inexpensive. Problem is, it is inexpensive for a reason. It is a consumer computer, loaded with Windows Home Premium, and built with consumer grade components. The warranties sometimes are not even a year long. When they get it to their office, they have to purchase a Windows Anytime Upgrade in order to join their network, and waste precious time doing so.  Buying a business computer to begin with will eliminate this headache.

This Lenovo has a full three year warranty, which should attest to their belief that the M58P was built to last!

What’s under the hood?

The M58P is not built around an Atom processor, but instead a full Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 at 3 Ghz! While not an i3, the current mainstream business processor, the E8400 is very respectable in performance, especially those used in the typical business environment, such as word processing, spreadsheets, accounting packages. Microsoft Office 2010 Home & Business or Professional flies on this system.

It comes equipped with only 2GB of RAM, but that can be expanded to 8GB if there is a need. The hard drive is a 3.5″ Seagate 160 GB 7200RPM SATA unit, more than adequate for those wishing to place the computer on a company network and use the file server for the bulk of their storage if working with larger files. It also comes with a DVD-RAM/+/-R/+/-RW dual layer optical drive.

For graphics, the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 765MB graphics card is no slouch either. It would be lousy for playing the latest first person shooter, and I wouldn’t want to work with CAD graphics with it, but for the typical user in a business environment, it is outstanding.

The machine supports RAID 0, 1 if you are so inclined to utilize that feature with additional storage.

  • Gigabit Ethernet is included for fast network connectivity
  • One empty PCI slot available
  • Includes USB keyboard & Mous
  • 10 total USB ports (USB 2.0)
  • Audio line in/out
  • VGA out
  • DisplayPort out
  • Kensington security lock slot

Wanting to make a different or have “green initiatives” at your business?  This machine eats less power than the larger fullsize desktops – Compliance Certificates/Authority: Energy Star, RoHS, EPEAT Gold, GREENGUARD, Green Compliant.

My two cents regarding this computer are simple… If you have room for a larger computer, don’t mind the higher electric bills and can afford one, get a full size desktop.  You will ultimately have a better user experience in my humble opinion. The full size computers have standard power supplies in them, which allow for inexpensive replacement, and never have to be ordered, causing a day of downtime. Also, the full size computers are easy to expand in most cases, accepting full size PCI cards, additional hard drives and fans.  Speaking of fans, larger cases have more room for better cooling.

If you are a power user, working with video, graphics, or someone who wants to play graphic intensive games, this is not the computer for you.  If you want to use business apps and get some work done, you may have found your next computer.

If you want more information about the Lenovo M58P or any of the Lenovo line of computers, laptops or servers, please call us at 864.990.4748, we are an authorized Lenovo partner and can sell you one, or a one thousand! If your business is located in the Greenville or Upstate SC area, we can provide full support, service, installation and migration in addition to sales!

 

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