CLASSE maintains a set of tested computing hardware and accessories. These change as time goes on and we thought it is a good time to provide a snapshot of some highlighted current offerings. As you know, CLASSE uses Lenovo for our computing and most users have Lenovo models issued to them. We usually have several stock models targeting a few main use cases. These models are for standard desktops, Inventor Workstations (and other high powered workstation uses) and Desktop Replacement Laptop models.
Lenovo is one of the industry leading PC companies worldwide. Since Lenovo’s acquisition from IBM, the company continues to deliver top-class service and technology solutions to businesses and clients worldwide. Lenovo recently released a major update to their model lines, and CLASSE has correspondingly updated our stock offerings. Here we give a short overview of the new models.
Computers
ThinkStation P500 Workstation:
Lenovo’s P-Series models made its market debut last year, while further enhancements and hardware updates have been more recently released. With this model, you may enjoy the many benefits of its features, such as the power in its performance, the Flex module, or lightning data transfer. The model has a quad core Xeon processor, 8GB RAM, a NVMe M.2 SSD module and a Quadro video card. Of special interest is the M.2 SSD, a new design for mass storage that places the SSD on the motherboard’s PCIe bus. This equates to an 8x improvement over previous stock models with a SATA HDD for booting the OS and reading or writing to the “Hard Drive”.
This stock model is priced at ~$1650. When you think power, also think flexibility with the ThinkStation P500 Workstation. Upgrades available are RAM in 16GB increments (the first will raise total RAM to 16GB). Special order upgrades may include special purpose hardware on PCIe cards, additional mass storage devices, and increased display performance.
The ThinkStation P500 Workstation desktop weighs in at up to 49 pounds, so you don’t want to plan to move it around a lot.
And if you like a noise-free workplace, just imagine enjoying the silence of this desktop’s cool components. Thanks to Lenovo’s engineers, the Thinkstation has a new Tri-Channel design — which means cooler components that are less likely to fail, three separate internal channels for airflow through the enclosure — in turn improving reliability and acoustics (a reduced need for fans means less noise).
The Operating Systems available on this model is Windows 7 x64 and Scientific Linux 6 x64 or 7 x64.
ThinkCentre M83:
Lenovo expands their market share in innovation with ThinkCentre M83. This model puts the ‘T’ in tiny and for a smaller budget, this stock model is priced at between $710 for the base model. You may have noticed our newer standard desktops are tiny, and this continues that trend. A mini desktop that weighs in at 2.87 pounds, which is both small and light enough to be supported by mounting solutions. This desktop is flexible to fit almost anywhere, so no need to be concerned about desk space or clutter.
Along with Lenovo’s strong brand comes its strong performance, which in this model features the Intel Stable Image Platform Program (SIPP). According to Lenovo, this model has no planned hardware changes that impacts software compatibility. An added benefit of this tiny computer model is that you can maximize space and productivity with an independent display of up to 3 or 4 (mosaic) monitors(2 monitor support standard, additional adapters or special hardware may be needed for additional monitors). Again, engineered with reliability and long-term sustainability in mind, this model’s thermal Intelligent Cooling Engine (ICE) design prevents overheating and works well under hotter temperatures.
Don’t think that tiny size means tiny performance! The M83 continues our performance focused yet space efficient models. The stock model has a fast Intel i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a SSD for blazing fast mass storage. The SSD is about 4x faster than previous models with a HDD, boot times are really fast, as is program loading times.
Upgrades available are RAM in 8GB increments to 32GB MAX.
This model is available with Windows 7 x64 or Scientific Linux 6 x64 or Scientific Linux 7 x64.
ThinkPad P50
The ThinkPad P50 is Lenovo’s lightweight, mobile workstation laptop, weighing in at only 5.6 pounds. This model demonstrates high-performance and has high-resolution displays through its single, compact port. One cable is all it takes to connect your ThinkPad P50 to multiple displays.
The laptop comes with Intel vPro Technology and a touchpad, keypad that allows added professional workstation functionalities.
The laptop has a battery life of up to 6.1 hours and 6 cell battery with Mobile Mark 2014.
The ThinkPad P50 delivers quality sound (think cinema) with its maximized audio volume output featuring the Dolby Home Theater Stereo Speakers. So you not only will you have a cinema-like experience, but distortion-free, crisp, clear, and immersive sound that allows a good audio experience.
Our stock model is a massive improvement over the previous generation laptop. It upgrades from an Intel i7 to a quad core Xeon processor, RAM increases from 8GB to 16GB, the SSD is upgraded to a NVMe M.2 SSD which is 2x as fast as the previous SSD and has a mobile Quadro card with 4GB of RAM. This stock model base is priced at ~$2140.
Upgrades available are RAM in 16GB increments and a Performance Docking Station.
This stock model runs Windows 7×64.
Other supported hardware
Adapters
CLASSE has a number of commonly used adapters in stock. We stock USB2 Hubs, USB3 Flash Drives (Thumb Drives), USB to Serial and Display Port to VGA and DVI adapters. These can be requested from Steve Hubble, or via a service request to the Computer Group.
Monitors
CLASSE recently overhauled its monitor models. We now offer 24″ 1920×1080 as our standard model. Our “Large” model is now a 27″ 2560×1440 monitor. Note that the Large model is only supported by recent generations of CLASSE stock hardware. Please submit a service request if you need an upgrade.
Keyboards and Mice
The stockroom has Keyboards and USB Mice available. Ask Steve Hubble to sign one out, or submit a service request. We can also special order various human input devices if necessary.