IBM ThinkCentre A50p Desktop PC (2.4 GHz Pentium 4, 128 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, CD-RW Drive)
IBM ThinkCentre A50p Desktop PC (2.4 GHz Pentium 4, 128 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, CD-RW Drive)
Manufacturer: IBM (Aap Misc Parts)
Product Type: Personal Computer
Editorial Review:
Product Description
The evolution of the desktop computer continues with the ThinkCentre desktops. The ThinkCentre A50p delivers leading technologies, extensive multimedia options, plus unique ThinkVantage Technologies that streamline computing. Features include advanced graphics and powerful Intel processors. New core technology supports fast dual-channel memory and Serial ATA hard drives on select models. All this at a price that's well within your budget.Make setup easier by using System Migration Assistant to move data and familiar settings from your old systems to new ThinkCentre A50p desktops. It's just one of the ThinkVantage Technologies that help make using a ThinkCentre desktop easier.Protect your data with Rapid Restore Ultra software, a one-touch recovery tool preloaded onto ThinkCentre A50p desktops. In many cases, Rapid Restore Ultra software can restore data, applications and even the operating system to a previously saved working configuration in as few as 20 minutes.few as 20 minutes.
Manufacturer
The Basics
IBM may be recognized for its high-end business-oriented computers, but this model, the ThinkCentre A50p Desktop PC, proves that "Big Blue" hasn't forgotten the budget-conscious home-based end user either. Sporting a snappy processor but minimal memory, a small hard drive and entry-level graphics support, the 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 will definitely want to steer clear, but if price is a serious issue and only an IBM will do, the ThinkCentre A50p 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 A50p takes advantage of Intel's powerful Pentium 4 line. This particular Pentium 4 operates at 2.4 GHz and is therefore far from the quickest in the series, yet it's fast enough to form the basis of a high-end PC. However, the overall performance of any computer is influenced by a variety of factors, including the quality of its video controller, the amount and speed of its memory and the capacity of its hard drive. And as you'll see, the ThinkCentre A50p is not overly strong in any 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 just 128 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM main memory. This is today's absolute minimal allotment of desktop PC memory. As such, the system is not an adept multitasker. Furthermore, with 128 MB rather than the 512 MB in many midlevel PCs, it will rely more on the hard drive when retrieving information - a slower process than if that data had been stored in "virtual" memory and a drain on the hard drive's life expectancy. Fortunately, the unit will support much more memory -- to a whopping total of 4 GB -- but this will cost extra.
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 will better handle complex procedures. IBM has equipped the ThinkCentre A50p with an Intel Extreme Graphics 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. IBM has also included a pair of small desktop speakers.
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 A50p features a CD-RW drive that allows you to play and burn audio and data CDs. DVD support is not offered in this stock configuration.
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 A50p 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 variety of multimedia 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 A50p Desktop PC (2.4 GHz Pentium 4, 128 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, CD-RW Drive)
Manufacturer: IBM (Aap Misc Parts) ProductGroup: Personal Computer Binding: Personal Computers  Networking & Online Communication
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ASIN: B0000AZK2V |
Product Description
The evolution of the desktop computer continues with the ThinkCentre desktops. The ThinkCentre A50p delivers leading technologies, extensive multimedia options, plus unique ThinkVantage Technologies that streamline computing. Features include advanced graphics and powerful Intel processors. New core technology supports fast dual-channel memory and Serial ATA hard drives on select models. All this at a price that's well within your budget.Make setup easier by using System Migration Assistant to move data and familiar settings from your old systems to new ThinkCentre A50p desktops. It's just one of the ThinkVantage Technologies that help make using a ThinkCentre desktop easier.Protect your data with Rapid Restore Ultra software, a one-touch recovery tool preloaded onto ThinkCentre A50p desktops. In many cases, Rapid Restore Ultra software can restore data, applications and even the operating system to a previously saved working configuration in as few as 20 minutes.few as 20 minutes.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 A50p takes advantage of Intel's powerful Pentium 4 line. This particular Pentium 4 operates at 2.4 GHz and is therefore far from the quickest in the series, yet it's fast enough to form the basis of a high-end PC. However, the overall performance of any computer is influenced by a variety of factors, including the quality of its video controller, the amount and speed of its memory and the capacity of its hard drive. And as you'll see, the ThinkCentre A50p is not overly strong in any 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 just 128 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM main memory. This is today's absolute minimal allotment of desktop PC memory. As such, the system is not an adept multitasker. Furthermore, with 128 MB rather than the 512 MB in many midlevel PCs, it will rely more on the hard drive when retrieving information - a slower process than if that data had been stored in "virtual" memory and a drain on the hard drive's life expectancy. Fortunately, the unit will support much more memory -- to a whopping total of 4 GB -- but this will cost extra.
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 will better handle complex procedures. IBM has equipped the ThinkCentre A50p with an Intel Extreme Graphics 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. IBM has also included a pair of small desktop speakers.
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 A50p features a CD-RW drive that allows you to play and burn audio and data CDs. DVD support is not offered in this stock configuration.
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 A50p 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 variety of multimedia 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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