Lenovo is reaching out to the HTPC crowd with a new IdeaCentre system it touts as the world's smallest desktop PC. While we can't vouch for their marketing statements, the new IdeaCentre Q180 is certainly slim and trim, and it packs a pretty decent feature set for the price.
The base model, priced at $379, uses a dual-core Intel Atom D2700 processor clocked a 2.13GHz with 2GB of RAM and Radeon HD 6450A graphics to keep videos running smooth. You get a 500GB hard drive and plenty of connectivity options, including 802.11n Wi-Fi, four USB 2.0, two USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA ports and 8-in-1 card reader. For $50 more, the next step up pre-build model doubles the RAM to 4GB and adds a DVD drive.
Of course, you can further customize it with up to a 750GB HDD or a 128GB SSD to store all of your media, a Blu-ray drive, and a hand-held keyboard to control your HTPC form the comfort of your couch. You'll aslo have to provide your own monitor or use the VESA mount to fit it behind your HDTV.
The IdeaCentre Q180 is currently available for preorder on Lenovo's website, with units scheduled to start shipping as early as December. A limited time Black Friday promotion brings the price down to $303 or $343, depending on the model, using the coupon code 'BLACKFRIDAYEPE' during checkout.