IBM THINKCENTRE P4-2.8G/800 512MB ( 8189E8U )
IBM THINKCENTRE P4-2.8G/800 512MB ( 8189E8U )
Manufacturer: IBM (Aap Misc Parts)
Product Type: Personal Computer
Editorial Review:
Product Description
The ThinkCentre M50 model features a tool-free chassis design, which simplifies and enhances usability. Encased in a durable steel chassis, components inside the machine, such as the hard disk and memory, can easily be removed by the customer, making the PC serviceable and upgradeable, helping to limit the downtime and cost associated with on-site support. Cable routing is bundled out of the way for easy access to components and cable ends and user touch points are colored blue to be easily identified by the user.ThinkCentre models also feature an innovative "caddy" that surrounds the hard disk drive, locking it into place without the use of tools or screws. Rubber bumpers on the caddy decrease vibration and deliver quieter operation. Other mechanical improvements have been made to the overall design of the ThinkCentre PCs, including improved airflow and reduced noise. The ThinkCentre range includes many of the latest industry standard technologies to improve overall system performance and efficiency. ThinkCentre models incorporate the latest Intel processors.
Manufacturer
The Basics
IBM may be recognized for its high-end business-oriented computers, but this model, the ThinkCentre M50p Desktop PC (8189E8U), proves that "Big Blue" hasn't forgotten the budget-conscious home-based end user either. Sporting a snappy processor and adequate memory but a small hard drive, entry-level graphics support and no CD recording abilities, this system is ideal for those who don't plan to venture beyond computing basics such as word processing, personal finances, email communication and light Internet surfing. Demanding users, music fans and gamers may want to steer clear, but if price is a serious issue and only an IBM will do, the ThinkCentre M50p is a smart solution.
Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Many entry-level desktops utilize second tier processors such as an Intel Celeron, yet the ThinkCentre M50p takes advantage of Intel's powerful Pentium 4 line. This particular CPU is a midlevel Pentium 4, operating at 2.8 GHz and utilizing Intel's new Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications). Though this processor is definitely fast enough to form the basis of a high-end PC, the overall performance of any computer is influenced by a variety of factors, including the quality of its video controller, the capacity of its hard drive, and the amount and speed of its memory. And as you'll see, the ThinkCentre M50p is not overly strong in the latter two of these areas.
Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. IBM has partnered this unit's processor with 512 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM main memory. This is today's average allotment of desktop PC memory, allowing fast multitasking and quicker operation during complex procedures. Moreover, users may upgrade their memory to a whopping 4 GB, more than enough for anything the future may bring.
Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that "shares" the system's main memory, as it better handles complex procedures. IBM has equipped the ThinkCentre M50p with an Intel Extreme Graphics 2 video controller that is integrated on the motherboard and shares 32 MB of the system's main memory. As such, the unit is not recommended to anyone who regularly works or plays with 3D graphics, unless they first purchase and install a separate "dedicated" graphics card. A display screen is not enclosed, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.
Sound
Audio is produced via a SoundMAX Cadenza audio chip integrated on the motherboard. Though not as sophisticated as some standalone audio cards, this integrated chipset produces both stereo and surround sound and is perfectly adequate for most applications. Speakers are not included.
Hard Drive
The built-in 40 MB hard drive sports enough space for a low demand home or home office situation or student setup. However, if you're someone who loads large applications, saves large files, or maintains a sizeable multimedia or music collection, you'll either need to upgrade this drive, transfer larger files to a compact disc to free up room, or add another hard drive.
Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs).
The ThinkCentre M50p features a CD-ROM drive that allows you to install applications from CD and play music CDs. In order to burn CDs or play and record DVDs, you'll need to purchase a separate drive with those capabilities.
Connectivity and Expansion
With eight high-speed USB 2.0 ports (two conveniently located on the front) at your disposal, you'll have plenty of room for plug and play peripherals and gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. IBM has not included an IEEE 1394 FireWire port, most commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders. Communication options include an integrated 100Mbps networking interface for fast Internet and network communication and a low-speed 56K dial-up modem.
Operating System and Software
The ThinkCentre M50p features an average software package headed by Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system. IBM will also pre-install full licensed versions of Lotus Notes Stand-alone Client, Lotus SmartSuite Millennium, and a small selection of diagnostic and Internet utilities.
Keyboard and Mouse
An IBM Preferred Pro Full size PS/2 keyboard and IBM USB Optical Wheel Mouse are enclosed.
Average customer rating: 
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IBM THINKCENTRE P4-2.8G/800 512MB ( 8189E8U )
Manufacturer: IBM (Aap Misc Parts) ProductGroup: Personal Computer Binding: Personal Computers  Networking & Online Communication
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ASIN: B0000CA2T3 |
Product Description
The ThinkCentre M50 model features a tool-free chassis design, which simplifies and enhances usability. Encased in a durable steel chassis, components inside the machine, such as the hard disk and memory, can easily be removed by the customer, making the PC serviceable and upgradeable, helping to limit the downtime and cost associated with on-site support. Cable routing is bundled out of the way for easy access to components and cable ends and user touch points are colored blue to be easily identified by the user.ThinkCentre models also feature an innovative "caddy" that surrounds the hard disk drive, locking it into place without the use of tools or screws. Rubber bumpers on the caddy decrease vibration and deliver quieter operation. Other mechanical improvements have been made to the overall design of the ThinkCentre PCs, including improved airflow and reduced noise. The ThinkCentre range includes many of the latest industry standard technologies to improve overall system performance and efficiency. ThinkCentre models incorporate the latest Intel processors.Manufacturer
The Basics
Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Many entry-level desktops utilize second tier processors such as an Intel Celeron, yet the ThinkCentre M50p takes advantage of Intel's powerful Pentium 4 line. This particular CPU is a midlevel Pentium 4, operating at 2.8 GHz and utilizing Intel's new Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications). Though this processor is definitely fast enough to form the basis of a high-end PC, the overall performance of any computer is influenced by a variety of factors, including the quality of its video controller, the capacity of its hard drive, and the amount and speed of its memory. And as you'll see, the ThinkCentre M50p is not overly strong in the latter two of these areas.
Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. IBM has partnered this unit's processor with 512 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM main memory. This is today's average allotment of desktop PC memory, allowing fast multitasking and quicker operation during complex procedures. Moreover, users may upgrade their memory to a whopping 4 GB, more than enough for anything the future may bring.
Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that "shares" the system's main memory, as it better handles complex procedures. IBM has equipped the ThinkCentre M50p with an Intel Extreme Graphics 2 video controller that is integrated on the motherboard and shares 32 MB of the system's main memory. As such, the unit is not recommended to anyone who regularly works or plays with 3D graphics, unless they first purchase and install a separate "dedicated" graphics card. A display screen is not enclosed, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.
Sound
Audio is produced via a SoundMAX Cadenza audio chip integrated on the motherboard. Though not as sophisticated as some standalone audio cards, this integrated chipset produces both stereo and surround sound and is perfectly adequate for most applications. Speakers are not included.
Hard Drive
The built-in 40 MB hard drive sports enough space for a low demand home or home office situation or student setup. However, if you're someone who loads large applications, saves large files, or maintains a sizeable multimedia or music collection, you'll either need to upgrade this drive, transfer larger files to a compact disc to free up room, or add another hard drive.
Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs).
The ThinkCentre M50p features a CD-ROM drive that allows you to install applications from CD and play music CDs. In order to burn CDs or play and record DVDs, you'll need to purchase a separate drive with those capabilities.
Connectivity and Expansion
With eight high-speed USB 2.0 ports (two conveniently located on the front) at your disposal, you'll have plenty of room for plug and play peripherals and gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. IBM has not included an IEEE 1394 FireWire port, most commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders. Communication options include an integrated 100Mbps networking interface for fast Internet and network communication and a low-speed 56K dial-up modem.
Operating System and Software
The ThinkCentre M50p features an average software package headed by Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system. IBM will also pre-install full licensed versions of Lotus Notes Stand-alone Client, Lotus SmartSuite Millennium, and a small selection of diagnostic and Internet utilities.
Keyboard and Mouse
An IBM Preferred Pro Full size PS/2 keyboard and IBM USB Optical Wheel Mouse are enclosed.
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