lenovo IdeaCentre Q180 (31102NU) Desktop PC Intel Atom D2700(2.13GHz) 2GB DDR3 320GB HDD Capacity AMD Radeon HD 6450A Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Pros: I purchased this as an attempt to test the new atom processors for a replacement htmpc at home. Overall it's been a good experience and I've been happy with the performance I've been seeing. I loaded this up with a 60gb ssd and an external drive to house the media captured through media center and my hd homerun. It also works great with media on my network using xbmc.

Cons: I have been satisfited with the speed and overall agility but it just studders a bit when starting a bluray (I purchased and replaced the dvd burner) or starting and stopping recorded tv. I've also seen that some web based videos are grainy or choppy. I will blame bad coding however because if I can play a bluray and only see minor studdering when stopping and starting playback I know there should be plenty of power to play a web video from comcrap and their porrly designed xfinity web tv service.

Other Thoughts: I believe the next generation of atom/gpu mini pc's will be able to playback almost any content with no studder and server as excellent media pc's.

Pros: Small system with a decent amount of graphics power.

Cons: -Did not shutdown correctly from day one. Updating ALL the device drivers in the system normally solves this problem, but this is occurring on a lot of these systems.
-Useless with only 2GB installed, 5 minute boot times, could not play any video streamed or otherwise at 480p or above. With 4GB installed, still does not stream 1080p with skipping, and labors with 720p occasionally skipping.
-A lot of issues with the HDMI audio and audio jack detection. Normally you must manually select your input.

Other Thoughts: Don't purchase one of these systems unless you are ready to do a lot of work to get it running the way you want it.

Pros: Overall this is a great little HTPC. I was sceptical after reading the negative reviews. Clearly the negative reviews had networks that were the problem not this device. I have seen NO shutter with all my testing the past couple days. If you dont have broadband then you probably should have an HTPC in my humble opinion. That is like trying to stuff a sausage thru a straw...you just dont even try to do it.

Cons: Not crazy about this little keyboard. Its not very responsive and often you push the keypad and it doesnt work. If you have big hands its also an issue. was designed for children...

Other Thoughts: If you want an HTPC and dont plan to game this is your solution. The processor is fast enough to do the jobs you will ask of it. Windows media center works just fine. Also roll XBMC and you are good to go. Impressed with this little versital machine. Ignore the posts about inability to stream, they have bad network speeds to begin with. I love this thing. the more I play with it the more I love it.

I plan to use this as standalone for my main TV then move my roku to another room...this thing is awesome!

Pros: Small size

Cons: Some times after shutting down the machine, and power it on again, the machine will not boot. You will hear the fan but the OS will not boot (doesn't even get to POST). This is an intermittent problem that has been happening since I got the machine. The first time happened after Windows Update ran and restarted the machine. I called Lenovo to report the problem and the solution they offered me was to unplug the power, press the power button of the machine for 30 seconds (to discharge the capacitors), reconnect the power, and then turn on the machine. This procedure certainly goes around their poor design, but it is not a solution to the real problem. When I complained that this is unacceptable I got back a "sorry to hear that, sir" type of answer. What a disappointment with the quality of the product and Lenovo's technical support!

Other Thoughts: Considering that Lenovo has the work around for this problem documented in its support database, Lenovo should offer to fix or replace the machine of anyone who reports this problem.

Pros: Hooked up an external drive to it.. Plays all movies through XBMC. No issues.

Cons: None so far.

Pros: Runs common programs at an acceptable speed. Mini-wireless keyboard is a nice touch and works well. Plenty of USB ports and a nice, small footprint.

Cons: Haven't tried to use the unit to stream video so I can't comment on that, but for ordinary tasks, it is very competent.

Pros: I bought a Q150 and, I forget why, but the standard return policy did not apply, so I was stuck with it. HD Video stuttered.
So, I upgraded to the Q180 and, same thing. So, I returned it.
Last week I upgraded my wireless router to a top end D-Link router and, voila, the Q150 plays 1080P without any issues. Obviously the problem is not in the processor it is in the speed of your network.
It is now discretely hidden at the side of my receiver in the family room and just does it's thing.
Felt I should add this correction to my previous review/rating

Cons: The keyboard issue. The first thing I did was replace the little thing that Lenovo provides with a LogiTech wireless keyboard with a touch-pad.

Pros: Compact unit, comes with vesa mount for back of monitor
and has DVD burner built in. Has multiple configurations for video output, stand and mini keyboard remote. Decent amount of usb slots and works pretty good.

Cons: Not quite as HD capable as people will want, slower 5400 rpm drive.

Other Thoughts: This was bought as a replacement pc for my oldest son who was pretty rough on his 5 yr old previous pc. Since it was meant to be a school use pc, it does the job nicely. He is able to watch netflix, stream pandora and get research and homework done on it. The netflix is SD, and I did have it briefly hooked up to my 42" HD tv, but it didn't see to handle the rendering for the HD signal very well. I've see some folks have tweaked the settings but I never intended the use to be an HTPC with HD capabilities. If that is what you want, then you will need to spend a little more, or wait a little longer.

Pros: size

Cons: quality, functionality

Other Thoughts: Bought as a gift for parents, what a nightmare, can barely stream any video, slow browsing, and now it's making horrific sounds, just awful

Pros: Looks good on paper. "USB 3". Built in DVD ROM. Good price for these options in a micro device.

Cons: Doesn't work IRL. No video processing, no (functional) upscaling, can't push enough bandwidth over the GPU LANE (singular) to display 1080 (p/i, 50/60).

Other Thoughts: Don't mix Iintel and AMD, it doesn't work. 1x PCI-E lane is bad enough, Lenovo isn't exactly know for performance, and especially not for quality for low end equipment. Drivers included are poor versions. Reinstall from scratch for any hope of stability.