Lenovo rolls out small, green, quad-core M57 desktop

Lenovo today followed up the launch of its L220x 22-inch screen with its compact M57 desktop. Although it comes in small and ultra-small form factor cases, the system uses full desktop Core 2 processors to manage high-demand tasks: up to a 3GHz Core 2 Duo can fit into the M57p while the normal M57 scales up to Core 2 Quad models. The M57p also gains an edge on office networks through Intel's vPro technology that lets IT managers remotely troubleshoot the PC even when initially turned off, saving the hassle of a visit to reboot a system or reinstall software.

In spite of the extra speed, the systems are also reportedly better for the environment than the M55 models they replace. Each uses a more efficient power supply, runs at a nine percent cooler temperature than before, and meets the tougher Energy Star 4 standard. Noise pollution is also reduced, Lenovo says, with each system running about 5dB quieter than in the past.

The price for a standard M57 was unavailable at press time, though the company notes a starter M57p is available today for $1,011 with a 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo, 1GB of memory, an 80GB hard disk, and an empty optical drive bay. Beyond the faster 3GHz processor, Lenovo scales the system up to 8GB of memory with a 500GB hard disk and a DVD burner.