All-in-one PCs rule the market when it comes to combining a large display with powerful hardware. They are taking over the old fashion tower PCs, thanks to their space-saving designs. Unlike a traditional core i3 Desktop PC, AIO computers carry all the hardware on them without cluttering your deck. An all-in-1 PC packs all its components neatly behind the display and offers a clean look.
Decluttering and space-saving qualities are the main reasons why professionals prefer to buy All-in-one PCs in the UK. Besides, AIO PCs are more economical than bulky desktop computers, you can get the same high-end specs without spending extra money on a first-rate monitor. They are the best choice for offices and corporate companies and of course, Lenovo is the right choice when it comes to saving money.
If you are looking for an entry-level Core i3 Desktop PC, Lenovo IdeaCentre 520 is an ideal pick for you. Aside from its large display, it comes with a massive 1TB HDD storage, a 4GB memory and decent ports selection. This 21.5-inch all-in-one PC comes with all the goodies that Lenovo offers as a brand along with a speedy dual-core Intel processor.
We have reviewed its design and display and have evaluated its specs and their performance. Continue reading if you are in quest of an affordable AIO PC with good hardware.
Specs sheet
Processor: Intel dual-Core i3¬-7020U / 2.3GHz
Display: 21.5-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Resolution
RAM: 4GB Storage: 1TB HDD
Graphics: Intel HD 620 Integrated
Camera: Pop-Up (1080p IR)
Dimensions: 19.33 x 2.24 x 15.27 inches
Weight: About 12.45lbs (5.65kg)
Operating System: Windows 10 Home (64-bit)
Design
Lenovo IdeaCentre 520 features a basic design that resembles traditional widescreen monitors and it is reasonably portable. With dimensions of 19.33 x 2.24 x 15.27 inches and a 21.5-inch display, it weighs around 12.45lbs (5.65kg). The best thing about it is its decluttering nature, you can easily place it on any side of the desk and won’t have to worry about power cables.
The bezels on this All-in-1 PC are thin, except the lower one which is very thick. That’s because the lower end has a long row of speakers that generates quality sound. There is additional spaced between the speakers and display where you would find the Lenovo logo. The innovation presents itself on the top bar of this AIO PC where it resided a 1080p pop-up IR webcam.
Display
The display on Lenovo IdeaCentre 520 features an FHD panel with a resolution of 1080p. Although the finish is glossy which picks up fingerprints, this is a good display that performs well even under stressful conditions. You would get a clear display of whether you are sitting under dull lighting or in a room with flashy lights.
This is a borderless display, ignoring the speakers and ideal for creatives and business users. You can easily work on a media editing software, zoom in on images and scroll through videos. Thanks to a better refresh rate and the Intel HD 620, its FHD screen delivers crispy visuals and lively images with full-bright colours.
Connectivity
The ports selection on the IdeaCentre 520 is modest but satisfactory considering basic professional needs. Lenovo has added only one Type-C USB port along with two Type-A USB 3.0 ports and two traditional Type-A USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, there are HDMI in and out ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, an SD card reader slot and an RJ45 Ethernet connector.
Lenovo IdeaCentre 520 is the first all-in-one PC that has an optional ‘Far-Field Mic’ for voice connectivity. This means that you can command Cortana for searches and perform tasks even if you are five meters away.
Hardware selection
As an entry-level AIO computer, the IdeaCentre 520 is well equipped and has ideal hardware that can help you with heavy tasks. The dual-core Intel i3-7020U is paired with a speedy 4GB memory and on-board Intel HD 620 GPU. This is a high-speed processor that could deliver 2.3GHz clock speed but lacks Intel’s Turbo boost technology. Still, it has enough juice to handle your everyday work tasks and can run word processing and editing software.
The 1080p pop-up IR webcam on the top is of great quality and good for video conferencing and online team meetings. Plus, the IR sensor works with the Windows Hello feature to help you log in quickly. The presence of a 1TB storage drive means you could store data files for a long time and won’t have to buy an external storage drive.
Performance
Coming to its performance, the hardware combination on this all-in-one Core i3 desktop PC makes it best for office use. You could easily open more than a dozen Chrome tabs, stream a high-quality video and listen to music without any lags or stuttering. You can easily multitask on different programs and switch between apps without any holdbacks.
Overall, this is a good choice for businesses and professionals whose work involves word processing and typing tasks. While you can enjoy casual web gaming, this is not a good pick for keen gamers.
Verdict
In a nutshell, Lenovo IdeaCentre 520 is a simple, sleek AIO PC with a high-resolution display. This is an entry-level multipurpose computer for professionals and office users with modest yet powerful hardware choices. A stand with some extra movement, a high-speed Core i3 CPU and decluttering design make it worth the price.