{"id":15428,"date":"2013-03-11T08:00:31","date_gmt":"2013-03-11T13:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/techcitement.com\/?p=15428"},"modified":"2013-03-11T07:07:58","modified_gmt":"2013-03-11T12:07:58","slug":"review-lenovo-ideacentre-b540-hits-many-but-not-all-of-the-right-buttons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/techcitement.com\/software\/windows-os\/review-lenovo-ideacentre-b540-hits-many-but-not-all-of-the-right-buttons\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Lenovo IdeaCentre B540 Hits Many, But Not All, Of The Right Buttons"},"content":{"rendered":"
Lenovo’s been making an impressive push with its new wave of hardware. The company was kind enough to send us the new IdeaCentre B540 to give it a once over. As a regular user of Windows Vista and until a few months ago, a Windows XP user (I know!), I was excited to put a Windows 8-powered, higher-end entertainment model through its paces.<\/p>\n
Set up is remarkably simple with the Lenovo IdeaCentre B540. As one would expect in an “all-in-one” model, with the exception of a power cord, there weren’t any wired connections to be made. After firing the B540 up, I was right into the quick and easy guided Windows set up.<\/p>\n
It wasn’t a completely error-free first impression, though. The included mouse didn’t work. After trying three batteries, I gave up and used my trusty Logitech mouse and keyboard. I have to admit, after giving the mouse and keyboard a once-over, I was okay with that decision. These two tools stood out from the rest of the package as a bit chincy. I suppose Lenovo decided these weren’t important elements for a touch-based model, but for this price tag, customers deserve better navigation hardware.<\/p>\n
The unit itself is 16.2″ x 22.7″, with an impressive 23″, 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution touchscreen. Two short rows of indicator lights melt into the bottom of the touchscreen frame. Buttons, audio, and USB ports are hidden from view but easy to access on the sides of the all-in-one system. Around back are ports for HDMI, Ethernet, and a few more USB slots. Early production photos show RCA and old-school RF antenna ports, but they are noticeably absent from the review unit Lenovo sent us.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n The B540 comes with Windows 8 (64-bit) with four GB DDR3 RAM and a one TB 7200 rpm Hard Drive, all gussied up on the front end with Microsoft’s new Metro interface. Much of Windows 8’s usability relies on Windows Mail, X-Box, Bing, Weather, and other Microsoft products. While that doesn’t bother me so much when Google does it, I’m irritated that Microsoft made it difficult to use the computer without handing over a ton of information about my online life just to use the computer. But that’s a Windows issue, not a Lenovo one, so I’ll leave it at that.<\/p>\n Lenovo sent the IdeaCentre B540 preloaded with Angry Birds and a game called Fishing Joy, presumably to introduce the wonders of touch screen capabilities. Neither was really necessary, but the thought was nice.<\/p>\n For someone accustomed to waiting for Windows Vista to catch up with what he’s doing, the start up time is startlingly fast, and transition between programs is quick and responsive. With 2 TB of storage and 8 GB memory, I’m unable to pump the B540 full of enough programs to slow it down. The touchscreen is fantastic, working exactly as it should with what Lenovo touts as 10-point multi-touch.<\/p>\n The IdeaCenter B540 has impressive entertainment specs. With 1080p HD capabilities, quality integrated speakers, a webcam broadcasting at 720p HD quality, and multiple HDMI ports, it would fit well in a high-definition environment. The built-in WiFi capabilities and included wireless peripherals ensure a nearly wire-free experience, a welcome sight on anybody’s desk.<\/p>\nThe Software<\/h3>\n
Performance<\/h3>\n
The Strengths<\/h3>\n