The Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z 1165 as a Digital Picture Frame With Benefits; Why Not?!

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At the end of 2008 I bought my first digital picture frame, the Gigantor 15″ from Think Geek, which at the time was one of the largest available without getting into astronomical amounts of money. I paid about $200 for it, which I thought was a pretty good deal considering that many 10″ and under frames were selling in the ~$150 range. Everyone who comes into our house will generally stop dead in their tracks when they see the massive photo display; they want to know who people are, when photos were taken, and where they were taken. It’s as much fun for us as it is for them, and I am glad that I waited to get such an amazing frame, even if it does have a few “quirks” — like how it can accept any size SD card, but it will only work if there are no more than 1,000 pictures on it (seriously). It’s a limitation that makes no sense, but I’ve grown used to it. The Gigantor is no longer one of the biggest digital picture frames available (nor is it still ~$200); a quick search just showed that there are 19″ frames out there for around $499 and even a 32″ frame for ~$1000.

Anyway, my point (and I do have one!) is that digital picture frames are becoming much more common; it seems like everyone has one — and for good reason! They are much more interesting than a static photograph, and they give you the opportunity to show many more pictures than you might otherwise have wall or shelf space to display. Even though there might be a few bells and whistles added to the different digital picture frame models, they all basically do one thing well – show photos. I know that some show movies, many also play MP3s, and some might even have wireless capabilities, but in the end they are basically all one trick ponies … are they not?

So if  you have the shelf or wall space, and if you want a larger frame to show off your photos, and if you are in the market for a 15 – 19″ digital frame, then my suggestion would be that you might want to not bother with digital picture frames, and instead take a look at the Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z series. Yes, I just suggested that you consider an all-in-one desktop computer instead of a digital picture frame.

I’ll get into why shortly, but let’s start with what’s in the box …

Amazingly, other than the big cardboard outer box and the two cardboard accessory boxes inside (all recyclable, by the way), packing material is kept to a minimum. According to an early Lenovo A70z press release, “To help reduce overall packaging material, the A70z ships with reusable protective bag. By using one box instead of two, material savings are equal to approximately 250 paper cups and 139 plastic packaging bags.”

Two spongy spacers hold the computer in protective limbo, and the A70z is wrapped inside a reusable cloth shopping bag; Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Indeed.

A single power cable in the box; there is no typical PC brick. This in and of itself is a huge improvement over every desktop PC I have ever owned or reviewed. A USB wired mouse is included; it’s a pretty cheap optical version, but Lenovo is likely assuming that most people will quickly replace it with their wireless brand of choice.

Also included is a Lenovo branded USB wired keyboard; it might as well be generic, as it is very basic. Perhaps Lenovo is again assuming that most people who don’t like it will replace it with something better.

Specifications:

Processor
64-bit Computing: Yes
Clock Speed: 2.93 GHz
Installed Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Intel
Max Supported Qty: 1
Multi-Core Technology: Dual-Core
Processor Main Features: Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology , Intel Execute Disable Bit , Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology
Processor Number: E7500
Type: Core 2 Duo

Optical Storage
Interface Type: Serial ATA
Type: DVD-Writer

Bay Provided
Form Factor: 5.25″ x 1/6H (Slim Line)
Form Factor (metric): 13.3 cm x 1/6H (Slim Line)
Free Qty: 0
Total Qty: 1
Type: Front accessible



Form Factor: 3.5″ x 1/3H
Form Factor (metric): 8.9 cm x 1/3H
Type: Internal

Storage Hard Drive
Capacity: 320 GB
Installed Qty: 1
Interface Type: Serial ATA-300
Spindle Speed: 7200 rpm
Type: Standard

Audio Input
Type: Microphone

Audio Output
Compliant Standards: High Definition Audio
Form Factor: Integrated
Type: Sound card

RAM
Configuration Features: 1 x 2 GB
Data Integrity Check: Non-ECC
Features: Dual channel memory architecture
Form Factor: DIMM 240-pin
Installed Size: 2 GB
Max Supported Size: 4 GB
Memory Specification Compliance: PC2-6400
Memory Speed: 800 MHz
Technology: DDR2 SDRAM

Cabinet
Chassis Built-in Devices: 1.3 megapixel camera , Stereo speakers

Dimensions & Weight
Depth: 2.9 in
Height: 14 in
Weight: 17.6 lbs
Width: 18.6 in

Display (Projector)
Diagonal Size: 19 in
Diagonal Size (metric): 48.26 cm
Image Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Max Resolution: 1440 x 900
Technology: TFT active matrix
Type: LCD display
Widescreen Display: Yes

Display
Projector Image Brightness: 300 cd/m2

Environmental Parameters
Humidity Range Operating: 10 – 80%
Max Operating Temperature: 95 °F
Min Operating Temperature: 50 °F
Sound Emission: 23 DBA

Header
Compatibility: PC
Localization: English
Manufacturer: Lenovo Express Models
Model: 1165
Packaged Quantity: 1
Product Line: Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z

Input Device
Type: Keyboard , Mouse

Interface Provided
Connector Type: 4 pin USB Type A
Location (AA): 3 front, 3 rear
Qty: 6
Type: Hi-Speed USB



Connector Type: 9 pin D-Sub (DB-9)
Qty: 1
Type: Serial



Connector Type: RJ-45
Interface: Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
Type: Network



Connector Type: Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Interface: Input
Type: Microphone



Interface: Output
Type: Headphones

Mainboard
Chipset Type: Intel G41 Express
Data Bus Speed: 1066 MHz

Modem
Type: None

Miscellaneous
Color: Business black
Compliant Standards: RoHS
Features: Administrator password , Boot sequence control , Boot without keyboard or mouse , Power-on password , Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) , USB port control
Manufacturer Selling Program: TopSeller

Networking
Compliant Standards: IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , IEEE 802.11n , IEEE 802.3
Data Link Protocol: Ethernet , Fast Ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , IEEE 802.11n
Ethernet Controller(s): Realtek RTL8111DL
Features (AA): ACPI support
Form Factor: Integrated
Remote Management Protocol: DMI 2.0
Type: Network adapter
Wireless Protocol: 802.11b/g/n


OS Provided
Edition: Windows 7 Professional
Family: Windows 7
Type: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional

Power Device
Frequency Required: 50 – 60 Hz
Nominal Voltage: AC 120/230 V
Power Provided: 130 Watt
Type: Power supply
Slot Provided
Free Qty: 0
Total Qty: 1
Type: PCI Express Mini Card



Form Factor: DIMM 240-pin
Free Qty: 1
Total Qty: 2
Type: Memory



Form Factor: LGA775 Socket
Type: Processor

Software
Microsoft Office Ready: Includes a preinstalled image of select 2007 Microsoft Office suites. Purchase a Medialess License Kit (MLK) to activate the software.
Type: Adobe Flash Player , Adobe Reader , Lenovo Online Data Backup , Microsoft Office 2007 (60 days trial) , Norton Internet Security 2009 (30 days subscription) , Roxio Creator Business Edition , Roxio My DVD , Skype , ThinkVantage Power Manager , ThinkVantage Product Recovery , ThinkVantage System Update , ThinkVantage Toolbox

Storage Controller
Controller Interface Type: Serial ATA-300
Form Factor: Integrated
Installed Qty: 1
Type: Serial ATA

Storage Controller (2nd)
Type: None

Storage Floppy Drive
Type: None

Storage Hard Drive (2nd)
Type: None

Storage Removable
Type: None

System
Hard Drive(-s) Total Capacity: 320 GB
Type: Personal computer

Video Output
Form Factor: Integrated
Graphics Processor Vendor: Intel GMA X4500

Cabinet (Chassis)
Form Factor: All-in-one
Manufacturer Form Factor: All-in-one

Cache Memory
Installed Size: 3 MB
Per Processor Size: 3 MB
Type: L2 cache

Environmental Standards
ENERGY STAR Qualified: Yes

Keyboard
Interface: USB
Keyboard Name: Preferred Pro USB

Mouse
Features: Scroll
Interface: USB
Technology: Optical

Storage Hard Drive (3rd)
Type: None

Video Memory
Memory Allocation Technology: Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0

So the one thing that’s immediately missing is Bluetooth support, but luckily 2.0 adapter dongles are plentiful and inexpensive. 4GB RAM would be nice, but it’s an easy <$100 upgrade. All things considered, as a desktop computer the Z70z is nicely appointed.

The frame around the 19″ (diagonal) screen is a slightly textured matte black with a beveled bottom edge, not dissimilar to many digital picture frames; at approximately 18″ wide x 14″ tall x 3″ deep, it’s thinner than the typical LCD TV, and it wouldn’t be obnoxious sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall.

It’s not a bad looking unit, but it will look even better once all the stickers on the bottom right are peeled off. 😉

A stainless steel swing-arm on the back allows the A70z to lean back a bit for easier viewing from a standing position, or it can stand more erect when a user is sitting directly in front of it.

The CD / DVD bay is located on the left side, which makes for easy movie loading when you’re in the mood.

There is a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam, which makes the A70z the only digital picture frame that I’m aware of which will allow you to video conference.

Screen brightness is adjusted on the right side …

… and there are three USB ports along with jacks for an external microphone and headset.

The A70z’s backside is surprisingly clean …

… an integrated handle is built into the top of the stand …

… and at the base there is a plug for the power cable, an Ethernet port, three USB ports, and a … serial port? I’m trying to remember the last time I used one of those, and it’s hard. 🙂

Setup is supremely easy: Plug the laptop in, enter basic info, get on your network, accept or reject the few share-ware or other software items offered, and then … begin your personal setup. The first thing I did was install an HP wireless mouse that I had handy, just so I could eliminate the first cable. Then I initiated the Windows 7 on-screen keyboard and ditched the second cable.

Next I downloaded the Kylo browser (free) which I had discovered when reviewing the Hillcrest Loop (normally $99) It’s worth mentioning that the Loop is the perfect way to take advantage of the media setup I’ve subjected my A70z to — especially for being controlled from across the room, and they are currently on sale for half price.

Windows Media Player manages displaying the photos stored on the A70z brilliantly, and what I particularly like is that I can either display them as full-size, taking up nearly the entire screen …

… or I can display them in a smaller size if I want to still see other items on the “desktop”.

I’ve also downloaded the Pandora desktop widget (I have the premium subscription, which runs $36/year), a few Windows 7 desktop widgets, and now I have got a fantastic family hub which displays the weather, time, scrolling RSS, and a few other goodies when photos aren’t displaying and something else is needed. I’ve got iTunes installed and plenty of memory available for movies and stored music, and I can download any program or special feature which will work on a PC desktop and run it on this “digital frame”.  If I ever need to pull the A70z into emergency service because my laptop is in the shop, it could step in and function as my main computer.

The A70z fits right on top of the buffet, which is the Gigantor used to sit, but it is a little bit bigger and a whole lot smarter. The best part is that the A70z model starts at $499 … the exact same price that I found for 19″ digital picture frames. So tell me … which would you rather have if you were in the market for a large digital frame?

The Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z line is available from CDW or PC Connection.

MSRP: $729.00 as tested; also available in other configurations starting at $499.00.

I was sent the A70z on long-term loan, and I will update this review periodically if issues arise or if other events worth mentioning happen.

What I Like: All-in-one unit takes up very little space; screen is brilliant and large enough for easily viewing photos from across a large room; functions extremely well as a dedicated multimedia machine and as a desktop computer; in my setup it serves as an info hub for the entire family;

What Needs Improvement: If used as a desktop computer, 4GB would have been better, but you can upgrade for <$100; included keyboard and mouse are very basic

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About the Author

Judie Lipsett Stanford
Judie is the co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of Gear Diary, which she founded in September 2006. She got her start in 1999 writing software reviews at the now-defunct smaller.com; from mid-2000 through 2006, she wrote hardware reviews for and co-edited at The Gadgeteer. A recipient of the Sigma Kappa Colby Award for Technology, Judie has written for or been profiled by nationally known sites and magazines, and she has served on multiple industry hardware and software award panels. She is best known for her device-agnostic approach, enjoyment of exploring tech, gadgets, and gear, and her deep-diving, jargon-free reviews.

5 Comments on "The Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z 1165 as a Digital Picture Frame With Benefits; Why Not?!"

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  4. Judie, isn’t this a bit power hungry for a digital picture frame, that will probably be on 24/7?

    But on the other hand, I have something similar at home too. It’s just a bit more “home made”, and a bit cheaper.
    I used my old EEE PC700 7″ netbook, installed WinXP on it and connected it to an old 19″ LCD screen. But since I wanted something “fancy”, I also bought 19″ Touch layer from E-bay and now I have touch enabled device, that functions as printer server for two printers that are connected to it, family information hub (I use Goolge Calendar to display family calendar and iGoogle page for weather and other stuff) and also as a software based Squeezebox music player for the room.
    Of course it’s also a picture frame – when screen saver is running.

  5. alese, I don’t think it is that power hungry at all. I usually turn the A70z off at night, just as I still do the digital photo frame, and during the day it’s on just as if it were a regular desktop; if I leave I put it to sleep. So I think the power aspect is not too bad.

    On the other hand, I really like your solution — including creating a touchscreen! :-))

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