Lenovo Launches Six New Desktops, 'Tiny' New Form Factors

Lenovo expanded its ThinkCentre desktop and all-in-one line-up Tuesday with the addition of six new "M" and "Edge" series PCs, including the "tiny" ThinkCentre M92p, based on Intel’s third-generation Ivy Bridge processors.

The new ThinkCentre 92z all-in-one and ThinkCentre Edge 72, like the rest of Lenovo’s Edge series, are geared specifically toward SMBs. The higher-end 92z is being dubbed by the PC giant as its slimmest commercial all-in-one to-date, measuring 2.5 inches thick and touting a 21.5-inch high-definition LED display that has an optional 10-point multi-touch feature.

The ThinkCentre Edge 92z also includes Intel’s Small Business Advantage platform of SMB-specific tools for data back-up, software monitoring and power conservation.

[Related: Lenovo Adds New Security, Fast-Boot Features To Windows 7 PCs ]

The four new M series desktops are designed for larger commercial environments and a range of vertical markets. The ThinkCentre M72z all-in-one, for instance, was built specifically for the education, healthcare, and government verticals, Lenovo said, with an optional wireless mouse and keyboard design that requires 65 percent less space than traditional desktop systems. The M72z has a 20-inch LCD display and integrated voice and video capabilities for more streamlined communication.

The new ThinkCentre M72e, optimized for larger business and government agencies like the others in the product line, is distinguishable from the rest of Lenovo’s M series because of its sizing options. In addition to a traditional desktop "tower" form factor, users can opt for the PC maker’s new "tiny" desktop design, the "one-liter desktop." Lenovo also unveiled its new "tiny" ThinkCentre M92p desktop, which it says measures the width of a golf ball.

The concept behind these new "tiny" form factors, according to Lenovo, is to deliver a computing platform that can "fit in practically any space," without sacrificing performance. Like their counterparts in the SMB-focused Edge series, these compact M series desktops run on Intel’s next-generation Ivy Bridge processors.

"ThinkCentre desktops are evolving to fit the needs of today’s professional users, offering uncompromised desktop power in a very innovative, space and energy-efficient form factor," said Tom Shell, vice president and general manager of Lenovo’s Commercial Desktop Business Unit, in a statement. "We designed the tiny form factor so that businesses can enjoy outstanding performance and manageability regardless of the size of their workspace."

Lenovo rounded out its new M series offering with the announcement of the ThinkCentre M82 for mainstream business users, which is also available in a traditional tower or small form factor design.

The new ThinkCentre M series desktops will be available in June, with the M72e priced at $499 and the M82 and M72z priced at $599. The ThinkCentre Edge 92z will be available in July starting at $699, and the ThinkCentre Edge 92z will be available in September starting at $439.