ThinkCentre M series


The M-series of desktops are part of Lenovo's ThinkCentre product line. Formerly an IBM brand, Lenovo acquired the ThinkCentre desktop brand following its purchase of IBM's Personal Computing Division in 2005. Following its acquisition of IBM's PCD, Lenovo has released M-series desktops in multiple form factors, ranging from traditional tower, small form factor, to ultra small form factor, and all-in-ones.

2003

In 2003, IBM redesigned and re-launched their ThinkCentre product line. The first desktop released was an M-series desktop – the M50.

M50

The first desktop in IBM's redesigned ThinkCentre line was the M50, announced in 2003. The desktop offered the following specifications:
While the desktop was made available as a consumer PC, it was more suited to a corporate environment, with the limited storage and graphics capabilities.

2005

The ThinkCentre desktop released by Lenovo in 2005, following its acquisition of IBM's PCD was the M52.

M52

The ThinkCentre M52 desktop was announced in May 2005 following Lenovo's acquisition of IBM's Personal Computing Division. PC World called the M52 desktop, "A corporate machine for the security conscious business user looking for stability and reliability". The M52 desktop was equipped with a 3 GHz Pentium 4 processors, an 80 GB hard disk drive, up to 4 GB of RAM, eight USB 2.0 ports, two serial ports, a Gigabit Ethernet connection, VGA output, and a chassis that did not require tools to open − a toolless chassis.

2006

The ThinkCentre M55, M55p, and M55e were announced by Lenovo in September 2006.

M55

The ThinkCentre M55 received a positive review from PC World, with the reviewer stating that "The Lenovo ThinkCentre M55 9BM is a compact and quiet business PC that keeps maintenance simple and makes upgrades easy. Its design and functions are well-suited to an office environment and we think it's a good choice for any business searching for a uniformed PC roll-out."
The desktop offered the following specifications:
Despite the fact that the desktop was capable of handling Windows Vista Business, it was preloaded with Windows XP. While the chassis was similar to previous ThinkCentre desktops, it was made smaller to fit better in office spaces.

M55p

The ThinkCentre M55p desktop offered the following specifications:
It was described by About.com as being "a very solid system for business users" and a "general purpose PC" for consumers. However, both multimedia performance and storage space were criticized.

M55e

The ThinkCentre M55e desktop was equipped with:
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86 GHz
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Graphics: Intel GMA 3000
  • Storage: 250 GB hard disk drive
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business
  • Display: 22 inch LED widescreen
PCMag listed the pros as being the dual-core processor, small form factor, enterprise-class hardware, ThinkVantage Technologies, and the three year on-site warranty. The price, the 90-day subscription to Symantec client security, and the lack of a DVD writer were listed as the cons of the desktop.

2007

The ThinkCentre M-series desktops released by Lenovo in 2007 were the M57 and M57p.

M57 and M57p

The ThinkCentre M57 and M57p desktops were announced in September 2007 by Lenovo. These were the first desktops from a manufacturer to receive a GREENGUARD certification. In addition, both desktops were EPEAT Gold and Energy Star 4.0 rated. They were also the first ThinkCentre desktops to incorporate recycled material from consumer plastics. The desktops were equipped with up to Intel Core 2 Duo processors, up to 2 GB DDR2 RAM, integrated graphics, and up to 160 GB hard disk drive.

2008

M57 Eco and M57p Eco

The ThinkCentre M57 Eco and M57p Eco were announced by Lenovo in March 2008. These were eco-friendly versions of the M57 and M57p, which were released in 2007. The desktops were dubbed "eco" and had an ultra-small form factor with low power consumption. According to Desktop Review, the M57 used a fraction of the power needed by standard desktops, and a little more than that of an energy-saving notebook.
The M57 desktop offered the following specifications:
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3 GHz
  • Graphics: Intel X3100
  • RAM: up to 4 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM
  • Storage: 160 GB 7200 RPM
  • Optical Drive: DVD Burner
  • Operating System: Windows Vista Business
  • Dimensions : 11.8 x 9.4 x 3.2
  • Weight: 7 lbs
The M57p eco desktop had the same specifications as the M57 eco.

M58

The M58 and M58p were announced by Lenovo in October 2008.
The desktop offered the following specifications:
  • Processor: 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad
  • Storage: up to 500 GB hard disk drive
  • RAM: 2 GB RAM
  • Optical drive: DVD writer
  • Graphics: Intel GMA 4500
  • Audio: Intel HD audio
  • USB ports: eight USB ports
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista

    M58p

The M58p was received by Desktop Review in a manner similar to the M58, with the reviewer stating, "The M58p is designed to meet all the stringent requirements commercial organizations have while still providing that Lenovo touch through OEM software, warranties and support."
The M58p desktop offered the following specifications:
  • Processor: 3.00 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
  • RAM: 4 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  • Storage: 250 GB 7200 RPM SATA
  • Audio: integrated HD audio
  • Speakers: integrated speakers
  • Graphics: integrated graphics
  • Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Customized with best options:
  • *Processor: Up to Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650
  • *RAM: Up to 8 or 16 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 Memory
  • *Storage: Up to 2x1 TB 7200 RPM SATA
  • *Graphics: Up to GT 1030 or GTX 750 Ti Graphics Card
  • *Operating system: Genuine Windows 10 Pro
The pros of the system were listed by Desktop Review as the high-end configuration, the handle for easy movement, and the capacity for expansion. The cons were listed as being the price and the lack of DVI ports.

2009

The ThinkCentre M-series desktop released by Lenovo in 2009 was the M58e. The Small Form Factor version uses a BTX motherboard.

M58e

Lenovo announced the ThinkCentre M58e desktop in March 2009. The desktop offered the following specifications:
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3 GHz
  • RAM: up to 4 GB
  • Graphics: Intel GMA 4500 MHD
  • Storage: 320 GB
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business
The desktop was EPEAT Gold rated and met Energy Star requirements. The M58e was also compatible with solar charger packs. PC Mag summarized its review of the desktop by saying "The Lenovo ThinkCentre M58e is a middle-of-the-road business PC, both in performance and features, though it does have the added benefits of Intel vPro and IT-friendly features. It's certainly worth a look if you need a PC environment that can grow with your business."

2010

The ThinkCentre M-series desktops released by Lenovo in 2010 were the M70e, M70z, M90, and M90z.

M70e

The M70e desktop was released by Lenovo in 2010 with the following specifications:
The M90 desktop was released by Lenovo in 2010 with the following specifications:
  • Processor: 3.33 GHz Intel Core i5
  • RAM: up to 4 GB DDR3
  • Storage: up to 500 GB 7200 RPM SATA
  • Optical drive: DVD reader/writer
  • Graphics: Intel GMA X4500
  • Form factor: Small form factor
  • Dimensions : 10.78 x 9.37 x 3.07
The M90 desktop received the "PCPro Recommended" award upon release, with an overall rating of five of six stars. The desktop was summarized as, "Expensive but, thanks to superb design and power, worth the cash for demanding business users".

M90z

Also released in 2010, the M90z was an all-in-one desktop released by Lenovo. The AIO desktop offered the following specifications:
  • Processor: 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5-650
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 500 GB
  • Graphics Card: Intel GMA HD
  • Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD reader/writer
  • Display: 23 inch HD widescreen
  • USB ports: 6 USB 2.0
PCMag listed the pros of the desktop as the compact design, HD display, support for two monitors, simple multi-touch interface, good component mix, stand options, and easy servicing. The cons were listed as the dull colors on videos because of the matte screen, the lack of an eSATA port, and the need for an adapter when using external DVI.
Computer Shopper summarized the capabilities of the M90z with the statement, "In our test configuration, the business-oriented M90z is overkill for most office tasks. Configuration options, however, can bring down the price while still delivering a peppy big-screen office PC."