The Lenovo C260 Touch (57327436) proves that you can get a excellent full-featured Windows 8.1 desktop PC for far much less. It features some recommendable features like a high-resolution touch screen, 4GB (DDR3) of system memory, 500GB (7200 rpm) hard-drive and an Intel Celeron J1800 2.4 GHz Processor.
If all you need is a basic Windows-based PC for non-complex computing without the usual drawbacks you’ve had to endure with budget PCs in the past, then this is a great choice for an entry-level all-in-one desktop PCs.
Design
The Lenovo C260 design accentuates solid desktop features in a sleek display-no unsightly tower required. Its components are entirely set on its signature black polycarbonate chassis. It has an easel-style arm jutting of the back of the system that lets you adjust the angle to a comfortable position as needed. On the C260 Touch is a 19.5-inch, 1,600-by-900-resolution display, which is just OK for entry-level all-in-one desktops like the Dell Inspiron i3043-5000BLK.
At these resolutions, the images on the screen are bright and clear. It measures 19-by-14-by-2 inches (HWD), and without including the extra space for the arm, the C260 can easily fit on most work surfaces or even a kitchen workspaces or countertops.
Connectivity is good on the C260, with an Ethernet port, an HDMI-out port, one USB 3.0 port, and two USB 2.0 ports (used for connecting the bundled wired keyboard and mouse). By all standards, this all-in-one desktop is a lot better than the Dell Inspiron i3043-5000BLK, which only has 3 USB 2.0 ports, but lacks USB 3.0 ports and HDMI ports. It features integrated 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, implying that it can pick signals on the 2.4GHz radio bands.
Although support for 5GHz 802.11a/n/ac would have provided faster speeds on new routers, nevertheless, old-school Wi-Fi is still sufficient for most general users. It lacks an HDMI port, meaning you can’t hook up to another PC and extend the awesome display, but for an entry-level PC it isn’t absolutely necessary.
Performance
The Lenovo C260 Touch is powered by a quad-core Intel Pentium J2900 processor, which provides enough horsepower for the integrated Intel HD Graphics. It is equipped with 4GB of memory, and a 500GB hard drive-which is quite enough for general-purpose users. Even with the AIO design, there is room for upgrading the internal memory to 8GB, and the hard drive can be switched for more space, but most users won’t probably bother. The specs assure users tat they will not experience glitched when playing back 720p HD streams, and will be quick enough when surfing the Internet.
On the Lenovo C260 is a responsive touch screen, which is ideal for new users trying to experiment on with Windows 8.1, with considerations that Microsoft made the operating system easier to use with a mouse and keyboard, although it still maintains the natural feel of the Start screen when using the touch function on the display. Some of the all-in-one PCs in the same price category such as the Gateway – One ZX4270-UB31 that lacks a touch screen, as does its older sibling the ZX4970G-UW308. The fact that the Lenovo C260 Touch is less expensive shows a gradual march towards touch technology at a lower price-with Lenovo setting the pace.
Conclusion
If you’ve always thought that a touch-screen desktop is out of reach with your budget, it is time to think again. The Lenovo C260 Touch (57327436) is a competent Windows PC with lots of grear specs (good price, touch screen, less bloatware), and of course few drawbacks (wired-keyboard,2.4GHz Wi-Fi, no HDMI-in). These drawbacks are not new in this category, and are not a major concern for users with basic computing needs.
It is classier and outperforms many AIOs in its price range in both design and price. If you need a very inexpensive all-in-one desktop PC, the Lenovo C260 deserves a long look-only if your computing needs are truly minimal.
