ThinkCentre
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | International Business Machines (IBM) |
| Fate | Transferred to Lenovo in 2005 |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Desktop computers |
| Owner | Lenovo (since 2005) |
| Parent | Lenovo |
ThinkCentre represents a series of business-focused desktop PCs originally developed and marketed by International Business Machines (IBM) beginning in 2003. In 2005, IBM transferred ownership of its personal computing division, which included the ThinkCentre line, to Lenovo. ThinkCentre desktops are generally equipped with mid-range to high-performance processors, options for dedicated graphics cards, and support for multiple displays.
Introduction
IBM introduced the ThinkCentre desktop family in 2003, launching three initial models: the S50, M50, and A50p. Each model was powered by Intel Pentium 4 CPUs. The chassis was constructed from steel and designed for easy component access without tools. Hard drives were mounted in caddies lined with rubber bumpers to minimize vibration and noise levels.
These systems incorporated ThinkVantage technologies and offered ImageUltra software as an option. An 'Access IBM' button allowed users quick access to built-in resources, diagnostic tools, automated software management, and online updates. Certain models also featured IBM's Embedded Security Subsystem, which included a built-in security chip alongside Client Security Software.
Lenovo Acquisition
Following Lenovo’s acquisition of IBM’s PC division in 2005 and their existing partnership, Lenovo launched the ThinkCentre E Series desktops aimed at small business users. The ThinkCentre E50 came in both tower and small form factor versions, finished in a combination of silver and black.
In the same year, Technology Business Research (TBR) documented a notable improvement in customer satisfaction with ThinkCentre desktops. Lenovo stood out as the only one among four companies surveyed to achieve a significant increase in satisfaction scores according to TBR’s "Corporate IT Buying Behavior and Customer Satisfaction Study" for Q2 2005.
By May 2005, Lenovo released the ThinkCentre M52 and A52 models, which were the first in the series to incorporate dual-core processors and 64-bit architecture. Lenovo also revealed intentions to include Intel Active Management Technology (iAMT) in forthcoming desktops.
Product Families
The IBM/Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop range consists of:
- ThinkCentre A series (small form factor and all-in-one)
- ThinkCentre M series (tower, small form factor, ultra small form factor)
- ThinkCentre Edge (tower and all-in-one)
- ThinkCentre Neo (tower, small form factor, tiny, all-in-one)
ThinkCentre X1
Unveiled at CES 2016, the ThinkCentre X1 is a mid-tier all-in-one desktop equipped with a 6th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB DDR4 memory clocked at 2,333 MHz, and offers various storage configurations including HDDs, hybrid drives, and SSDs. It features a 23.8-inch anti-glare display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and includes a 1080p webcam positioned above the screen. Connectivity options comprise five USB 3.0 ports, DisplayPort output, Ethernet interface, and an optional memory card reader. One model variant functions solely as a display unit.
ThinkCentre Tiny-In-One II
The ThinkCentre Tiny-In-One II represents Lenovo’s second iteration of modular all-in-one desktops that allow independent upgrades to both display and internal components. Available with 22-inch or 24-inch anti-glare screens featuring slim bezels and optional multitouch capability, both sizes support full HD resolution (1920x1080). Connectivity features include two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one mini USB 2.0 port, plus a Kensington lock slot. This device is compatible with both Microsoft Windows and Google’s ChromeOS platforms.
Chromebox Tiny
The Chromebox Tiny is a diminutive desktop equipped with a Core i3-5005U CPU, 4 GB of RAM, a 16 GB SSD, and integrated graphics, operating on ChromeOS. Aimed primarily at educational institutions and corporate users, it measures approximately 7 inches by 7 inches, with a thickness of 1.4 inches, and weighs around 2.2 pounds. Its design allows versatile installation options, including VESA mounting on monitors or walls. Connectivity features include two USB 3.0 ports located on the front and back, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 enhanced by an external antenna for better signal strength, and it is supplied with a mouse and keyboard.
M83 Tiny
Introduced in 2014, the ThinkCentre M83 Tiny is an ultra-compact desktop powered by an Intel Core i5 processor. Its standard connectivity options consist of one DisplayPort, Ethernet port, five USB 3.0 ports, and a VGA interface. Additionally, there is a configurable port that can serve as a second DisplayPort, serial port, extra USB port, or HDMI output depending on user requirements. Wireless support includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for peripheral devices.
S50
In 2004, IBM launched an ultra-compact version of the S50 desktop—the smallest PC it had released at that time. This miniature ThinkCentre S50 was approximately the same weight as IBM's initial notebook model (the IBM 5140 PC Convertible) and comparable in size to a New York City telephone directory or a cereal box. It featured a tool-free steel chassis and incorporated IBM ThinkVantage Technologies for enhanced management.
A60
Lenovo introduced the ThinkCentre A60 desktop in August 2006 as its first system utilizing AMD processors.
In September 2006, Lenovo announced that its ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, and ThinkVision product lines had received high EPEAT ratings following evaluation of 42 products. The ThinkCentre desktops earned an overall EPEAT Silver rating, indicating adherence to environmental criteria such as minimized cadmium, mercury, and lead content; increased energy efficiency; and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
That month also saw Lenovo broaden its ThinkCentre portfolio with new models including the M55p, M55, M55e, A55, and A53—all equipped with Intel Core 2 Duo processors.
A55
January 2007 marked the release of the ThinkCentre A55 small-form-factor desktop by Lenovo. This model was approximately 64% more compact than traditional tower desktops and reduced in size by around 25% compared to previous small desktop models. Later in September 2007, Lenovo unveiled the ultra-small-form-factor A61e to further extend its range of compact desktops.
Additionally in September 2007, Lenovo introduced two new M Series desktops—the M57 and M57p—designed to enhance enterprise-level manageability and performance.
A58 and M58e
In March 2009, Lenovo launched two budget-friendly desktops: the ThinkCentre A58 targeting small to medium-sized businesses and the M58e aimed at medium to large enterprises. Both models were available in tower and small form-factor configurations, underscoring Lenovo’s commitment to scalable solutions for business environments.