Lenovo prepares to release the ThinkCentre A55. This is a small-form-factor (SFF) desktop PC, which packs in leading technologies, such as Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs and the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. The SFF technology allows the integration of all these powerful features in an enclosure the size of an average briefcase.
Lenovo declares that the ThinkCentre A55 SFF desktop is approximately 64 percent smaller than traditional tower-form-factor PCs and 25 percent smaller than the usual small desktop enclosures. SFF systems feature a smaller footprint (it is only 3-inches tall and 12.2-inches by 14.1-inches deep and wide) that can free up desk space for other items, such as an extra monitor for dual-monitor work environments or a personal printer and scanner.

"We are seeing an increased adoption of small form factor desktops in settings such as healthcare, education, financial institutions and call-centers," said Tom Tobul, executive director, desktop marketing, Lenovo. "Adding the ThinkCentre A55 Small Form Factor desktop PC to our ThinkCentre line gives small-to-medium business users access to the best engineered PCs in a small, full-featured design. These PCs give users the latest innovations like the new Windows Vista operating system and our innovative ThinkVantage Technologies in a compact form."

The new desktop lineup also includes Lenovo's proprietary ThinkVantage Technologies (TVTs), such as Rescue and Recovery and Client Security System, which help reduce costs for data recovery and reliable password management. Each SFF desktop PC can be fully customized in order to support up to 500GB of storage space, powerful quad-core Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs, and up to 4GB of RAM.

The new SFF desktops will be available in early February and prices begin at $579 for the low-end model.