Lenovo Unveils Trio Of DesktopsLenovo Unveils Trio Of Desktops

Lenovo on Tuesday introduced three desktops, one for each segment of the PC market for consumers.

For mainstream PC users looking to watch video and play some games, Lenovo launched the IdeaCentre K220, which includes an Intel Core 2 quad-core processor and up to 4 GB of DDR3 memory. Together, the technologies contribute to a 16% performance boost over the previous-generation K210 desktop.

In addition, the K220 is available with up to 1 TB of storage and an optional Blu-ray drive and Nvidia GeForce 9300GE graphics card. The system also comes with Lenovo's VeriFace facial-recognition technology that enables multiple users to use their facial image to log in to the system. The software requires a Web camera, which is sold separately.

The desktop also ships with Lenovo's Bright Vision technology, which automatically adjusts the screen's brightness based on the user's proximity and surrounding light conditions. The software, however, requires Lenovo's L222 camera that attaches to a Lenovo monitor, both of which are sold separately.

For people looking for all the capabilities of the K220, but also want higher performance for video editing, Lenovo launched the IdeaCentre K230. The system features an Intel Core 2 quad-core processor, up to 8 GB of memory, and the 64-bit edition of Windows Vista Home Premium. The system is available with the same storage, graphics, and Blu-ray options as the K220.

Prices for the K230 and K220 start at $499 and $539, respectively. The former scales up to $899 with options, while the latter tops off at $1,299. Both systems are scheduled to be available Jan. 20.

For people looking for a low-cost desktop, Lenovo introduced the H200, which is best suited for reading e-mail, browsing the Web, viewing pictures and video, and other basic computing applications. The system is the first Lenovo desktop powered by Intel's Atom processor and features a fanless design, which makes the PC Lenovo's quietest consumer desktop. The system comes with up to 2 GB of memory and a 320-GB hard drive.

The H200, which has been available since Jan. 10, comes bundled with the ThinkVision L195 LCD monitor and has a starting price of $399. Without the monitor, the PC costs $299.

China-based Lenovo launched its first consumer desktop outside of its homeland last June with the release of the IdeaCentre K210 in the United States.

The world's fourth-largest PC maker, along with some its rivals, has been hit hard in the global economic downturn. Lenovo this month forecast a quarterly loss and said it would cut 2,500 jobs as part of a restructuring to cope with the drop in PC sales.