IBM ThinkCentre S50 Desktop PC (818336U) (2.8 GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, CD-ROM Drive)
Manufacturer: IBM
Product Type: Personal Computer
Editorial Review:
Product Description
The ThinkCentre S50 desktops feature 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 S50 desktops 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 S50 is a full-feature enterprise PC offering image and platform stability in an extremely small form factor. The ThinkCentre S50 is 62% smaller than a standard Lenovo desktop. It allows for flexible placement, either horizontally or vertically. The ThinkCentre S50 also features an internal power supply, two full-size PCI slots, three bays, and an industry-standard desktop optical drive. These features allow customization and easy upgrading, which is uncommon for a small form factor PC.ustomization and easy upgrading, which is uncommon for a small form factor PC.
Amazon Product Description
The Basics
The IBM ThinkCentre S50 Desktop PC (818336U) is a very interesting computer. For starters, it's so compact - not much bigger than a typical phone book, actually - that you can position it in spaces a traditional PC just won't fit. It features a fast processor, a high-speed front side bus (the front side bus is the internal "data highway" connecting the most important components of a PC), and enough memory to keep things moving briskly along. Yet its hard drive isn't exactly spacious and it doesn't offer CD or DVD burning. Nor are its 3D graphics capabilities particularly strong. Ultimately, the system is a great choice for penny-pinching users who appreciate raw speed but don't plan to venture too far beyond computing basics such as word processing, personal finances, email communication and Internet surfing.
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 S50 (818336U) 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 Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus accelerating some high-end applications). Though this cost-effective processor is definitely fast enough for most users and blends nicely with the system's snappy 800 MHz front side bus, it is not cutting-edge.
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 333 MHz DDR SDRAM main memory. This is the current average allotment for a mid-priced PC and a perfectly satisfactory amount for virtually anything apart from extreme multitasking.
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 and is integrated on the system's motherboard, as it better handles complex procedures. For the ThinkCentre S50 (818336U), IBM opted for the latter - an Intel Extreme Graphics 2 video controller that shares 32 MB of the system's main memory. Therefore, the unit is not appropriate for anyone who regularly works or plays with 3D graphics.
Display
IBM has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.
Sound
Audio is courtesy of a SoundMAX Cadenza audio chip integrated on the motherboard. Though this arrangement is not as sophisticated as many standalone audio cards, it produces both stereo and surround sound and is adequate for most applications. Speakers are not included.
Hard Drive
The built-in 40 GB hard drive sports a fast 7200 PRM speed and enough storage space for a low-demand home or home office situation or student setup. However, if you're someone who utilizes large applications or creates large files, or if you maintain a sizeable multimedia or music collection, you'll need to upgrade to a larger 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 S50 (818336U) features a CD-ROM drive that allows you to install applications from CD and play music CDs, but does not support DVD playing or CD and DVD burning.
Connectivity and Expansion
With a surprisingly generous eight high-speed USB 2.0 ports - two conveniently located on the front - you'll have plenty of room for plug and play peripherals and gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. The system is not equipped with an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (most commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), or a memory card reader. Communication options include an Intel Pro/100 Ethernet interface for fast Internet and network communication and a standard 56K dial-up modem.
Operating System and Software
The ThinkCentre S50 (818336U) features an average software package headed by Microsoft's most powerful operating system, Windows XP Professional Edition, and full licensed versions of Lotus Notes Stand-alone Client and Lotus SmartSuite Millennium.
Keyboard and Mouse
You'll control your system with a versatile IBM Preferred Pro full size PS/2 keyboard and IBM USB Optical Wheel Mouse.
Average customer rating: 
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IBM ThinkCentre S50 Desktop PC (818336U) (2.8 GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, CD-ROM Drive)
Manufacturer: IBM ProductGroup: Personal Computer Binding: Personal Computers  Networking & Online Communication
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ASIN: B0000E65B9 |
Product Description
The ThinkCentre S50 desktops feature 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 S50 desktops 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 S50 is a full-feature enterprise PC offering image and platform stability in an extremely small form factor. The ThinkCentre S50 is 62% smaller than a standard Lenovo desktop. It allows for flexible placement, either horizontally or vertically. The ThinkCentre S50 also features an internal power supply, two full-size PCI slots, three bays, and an industry-standard desktop optical drive. These features allow customization and easy upgrading, which is uncommon for a small form factor PC.ustomization and easy upgrading, which is uncommon for a small form factor PC.Amazon Product Description
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 S50 (818336U) 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 Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus accelerating some high-end applications). Though this cost-effective processor is definitely fast enough for most users and blends nicely with the system's snappy 800 MHz front side bus, it is not cutting-edge.
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 333 MHz DDR SDRAM main memory. This is the current average allotment for a mid-priced PC and a perfectly satisfactory amount for virtually anything apart from extreme multitasking.
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 and is integrated on the system's motherboard, as it better handles complex procedures. For the ThinkCentre S50 (818336U), IBM opted for the latter - an Intel Extreme Graphics 2 video controller that shares 32 MB of the system's main memory. Therefore, the unit is not appropriate for anyone who regularly works or plays with 3D graphics.
Display
IBM has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.
Sound
Audio is courtesy of a SoundMAX Cadenza audio chip integrated on the motherboard. Though this arrangement is not as sophisticated as many standalone audio cards, it produces both stereo and surround sound and is adequate for most applications. Speakers are not included.
Hard Drive
The built-in 40 GB hard drive sports a fast 7200 PRM speed and enough storage space for a low-demand home or home office situation or student setup. However, if you're someone who utilizes large applications or creates large files, or if you maintain a sizeable multimedia or music collection, you'll need to upgrade to a larger 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 S50 (818336U) features a CD-ROM drive that allows you to install applications from CD and play music CDs, but does not support DVD playing or CD and DVD burning.
Connectivity and Expansion
With a surprisingly generous eight high-speed USB 2.0 ports - two conveniently located on the front - you'll have plenty of room for plug and play peripherals and gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. The system is not equipped with an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (most commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), or a memory card reader. Communication options include an Intel Pro/100 Ethernet interface for fast Internet and network communication and a standard 56K dial-up modem.
Operating System and Software
The ThinkCentre S50 (818336U) features an average software package headed by Microsoft's most powerful operating system, Windows XP Professional Edition, and full licensed versions of Lotus Notes Stand-alone Client and Lotus SmartSuite Millennium.
Keyboard and Mouse
You'll control your system with a versatile IBM Preferred Pro full size PS/2 keyboard and IBM USB Optical Wheel Mouse.
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