IBM launches a small desktop for the small business

 

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By Alun Williams

Posted on 7 Oct 2004 at 16:02

The ThinkCentre A50 is the smallest desktop PC yet introduced by IBM. It is one of 40 additions to its Express Portfolio range, consisting of software, server and storage products aimed specifically at the small and medium sized business (SMB) market.

Measuring just 16.3 x 7.5 x 16 inches, IBM says the ThinkCentre A50 is 35 per cent smaller than the bijou S50 ThinkCentre.

IBM claims the space saving does not compromise functionality. Running Microsoft Windows XP Professional on a 2.80E GHz Intel Pentium 4, with a 40GB hard drive, 256MB of RAM and a CD-RW optical drive. Installed software includes Lotus SmartSuite Millennium, Lotus Notes Stand-alone Client and Access IBM 4.0. It also comes with IBM's ThinkVantage technology for minimising dependence on IT staff for matters such as deployment, backup and security.

Pricing for the ThinkCentre A50 starts from £260, excluding VAT.

Other product releases from Big Blue include the Linux platforms eServer p5 520 and p5 550 systems as well as the eServer xSeries Express systems (specifically, x226, x236, x336 and x334 models). There are also the IBM Maintenance ServicePacs for Retail, providing onsite repair service for point-of-sale systems.

You can find more information on the Express portfolio at www.ibm.com/businesscentre/uk/express.