Lenovo ThinkCentre M92p

Bottom Line

With external expansion, the tiny Lenovo M92p does everything an entry-level desktop tower can do. Stocked with business friendly features, it won't eat up desktop space or take a big bite out of your wallet.

Performance

Strictly business. Equipped with an i5 Intel Ivy Bridge processor, 4 MB of memory, integrated graphics, and a 500 GB hard drive, the Lenovo Thinkcentre M92p is a small, solid, quiet and energy-efficient performer. Reviewers are struck by how cool it runs, thanks to Lenovo's ICE (Intelligent Cooling Engine) feature.

The integrated graphics rules out 3D gaming. But it doesn't impede most multimedia functions and is no drawback at all in business applications. For enhanced productivity, memory can be added to an upper limit of 16MB. For greater speed, Lenovo will replace the hard drive with a 128GB solid-state drive (*Est $220) and can add a second drive for more storage.

Even without upgrades, experts are impressed by how much power this 2.9-pound desktop delivers. It's also Intel vPro certified, and supports many IT-friendly features like AMT (Active Management Technology), Trusted Execution Technology and Intel Virtualization Technologies.

Design

It's all about the tiny design. Powered by an external brick, the sturdy Lenovo ThinkCentre M92p is small enough to mount under the desk or to the back of a monitor. The included VESA bracket will also enclose an optical drive if you choose to order one (an optical drive is not standard). The drive hooks up to the computer's single USB 2.0 port. Since the drive has two USB 2.0 ports of its own, that's a net gain of an extra port. You get four built-in USB 3.0 ports as well. With cable splitters, a VGA port and a DisplayPort, you can hook up as many as four monitors in mosaic quad display mode.

Ethernet is built-in, but reviewers are disappointed to find a wireless connection is not. If you must have wireless networking, you can order a wireless card upgrade when you configure your system at Lenovo's web site.

Bundled in the box, you do get a wired keyboard and mouse that "are average at best", says Matthew Elliott of ComputerShopper.com. Excluding them from your order will save a few bucks to invest in options you might prefer. Rounding out the package is an integrated speaker that, while unexceptional, lets you hear system tones, chimes, and sounds without needing an external speaker.

For those not overly impressed with the ThinkCentre M92P's small form factor, it's also offered in exactly the same configuration in a full-sized tower case, and at the exact same price.

Support and Reliability

Top-notch support. Reviewers are impressed by the Lenovo ThinkCentre M92p's three-year standard warranty with on-site service included. For a fee, it can be extended for an additional two years. The company also provides around the clock phone call support.

Value

A good business value. Space on your desktop may be at a premium, but you won't have to pay a premium for the compact Lenovo ThinkCentre M92p. It's a competent, compact business performer with strong IT credentials.