Lenovo’s Snapdragon X-based IdeaCenter Mini x isn’t the smallest or fastest mini desktop, but it’s a savvy buy for basic use if you find it discounted.
Although Qualcomm canceled its Snapdragon Dev Kit, that hasn’t stopped a few desktop manufacturers from introducing mini PCs built around its Snapdragon X processors. Lenovo, for one, has embraced the platform, and the IdeaCentre Mini x ($899.99) is the first mini PC we’ve reviewed with a Snapdragon X chip inside. (We’ve tested quite a few of the laptops, of course.) It’s far from a perfect mini PC, being larger than some and not as fast, but it performs well enough that it’s worth a look. Just make sure you pick it up on sale; otherwise, we point to the Geekom A6 Mini as our Editors’ Choice award holder for budget-priced mini PCs.Configurations: Limited Options, So Far
The Lenovo web store lists just one configuration of the IdeaCentre Mini x mini PC, costing $899.99 and packing a Qualcomm Snapdragon Plus X1P-64-100 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. At the time of this review, we saw this model on sale for $665. (It wavered around the high $600s in recent weeks.)
That pricing makes the IdeaCentre Mini x more attractive; it’s not quite as alluring at the list price. Some other Windows mini PCs, like the Asus NUC 15 Pro+, are around the same price, so the Lenovo isn’t especially expensive for its kind. But it’s a much better value at the sale pricing when you match up component for component. Apart from that, the Geekom A6 Mini sits well below this Lenovo desktop’s sale price and packs a comparable or better configuration.Design: Could Use a Size Shave
Lenovo’s designs for its mini PCs tend to be a bit larger than some others. The IdeaCentre Mini x measures 1.7 by 7.7 by 7.5 inches (HWD). Meanwhile, the Asus NUC 15 Pro+ comes in at 1.6 by 5.7 by 4.4 inches, and the Apple Mac mini measures 5 inches in width and depth, and is tall at 2 inches. Lenovo’s business-oriented ThinkCentre Neo 50q is a bit smaller, at 7.1 inches by 7.2 inches, and 1.4 inches tall.
All that said, the IdeaCentre Mini x is still small enough to fit comfortably on most desktops—but keep the larger size in mind. (You can also position the Mini x vertically with the included stand.) Part of the reason it’s a bit larger than the pack is that the system’s 150-watt power supply is built inside, rather than as a brick on the power cable.
The chassis uses a mix of materials—including aluminum for the sides, plastic on the bottom, and a soft-touch material on the top—with a dark gray color that’s attractive enough and doesn’t call attention to itself. The design feels solid, and the materials make it comfortable to move around. The vents—located in the rear and on the bottom—create a cohesive look, but they don’t sound quite so lovely. Even though the IdeaCenter Mini x is built around the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor, the fans sometimes spin up and can get quite loud.
