Lenovo ThinkCentre M71z review

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M71z is an attractive yet refreshingly functional all-in-one. It keeps costs down by using a 20in 1,600 x 900 resolution touchscreen display and, while this is smaller than the screens found on other models here, viewing angles are good and the colours displayed are vibrant. The touchscreen itself is responsive, and will work well with those rare touch-compatible apps or the new Metro UI in Windows 8.

Variations on the specification are available; our review sample featured an Intel Core i3-2100 processor running at 3.1GHz, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard disk and built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi.

The front of the unit features the power button and brightness controls, with two USB 2, headphone and mic sockets and a memory card reader on the side for easy access. A slimline DVD drive sits along the other side with four more USB 2 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a serial port and a DisplayPort output. Connectivity isn’t quite what it could be – there’s no USB 3 – but this is reflected in the price of the M71z. With no VGA or HDMI output, you’ll need a DisplayPort adapter to connect to most projectors or external monitors.

The M71z features an easel-style stand to tilt the display. Although the PC feels stable on the desk, we’re not sure if you’d want younger students ICT adjusting it for fear of the whole thing toppling over. A handy recessed carry handle located at the top of the unit makes the M71z easy to move around; an option to wall-mount it using the standard VESA connection is also available.

The ThinkCentre M71z is ultimately a very solid if slightly unspectacular PC – but there’s a lot to like about it. It’s well built, easy to use and – with a benchmark score of 0.61 – capable of handling a hefty workload. The touchscreen is a bonus and, coupled with the low price, it makes for a cost-effective all-in-one that trades style for practicality and value.

Author: Jamie Stephens