Lenovo has officially entered the mini desktop PC space with two new devices, the ThinkCentre neo 50q and IdeaCentre Mini x, which will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series chips. This move marks a significant expansion of Windows on Arm beyond laptops, bringing the technology to desktop form factors for the first time.

The IdeaCentre Mini x is a 1-liter mini PC designed specifically for creatives, offering a quiet and capable desktop experience. The device features a built-in power supply and an easy-to-open case, allowing users to swap components with ease. Although it's not a fan-less mini PC, it has two fans inside to ensure efficient cooling. The front of the device features a single USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, a single USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, a headphone jack, and a power button. The rear of the device is equipped with two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a single USB-A 2.0 port, a USB-C 4 port, a HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort 1.4 connection, and an ethernet port.

The IdeaCentre Mini x can be configured with either a base Snapdragon X chip or the Snapdragon X Plus, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. Additionally, Lenovo has incorporated the latest Wi-Fi 7 connectivity into the device. This level of customization and advanced connectivity options make the IdeaCentre Mini x an attractive option for creatives and professionals alike.

In contrast, the ThinkCentre neo 50q is designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. Although it shares similar specs with the IdeaCentre Mini x, it has some key differences. The ThinkCentre neo 50q will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chip or the X Plus, but with up to 16GB of RAM instead of the 32GB found on the IdeaCentre Mini x. The front of the device features a single USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, a single USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, a headphone jack, and a power button. The rear of the device is equipped with two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort 1.4 connection, and an ethernet port. Notably, the ThinkCentre neo 50q features Wi-Fi 6E connectivity instead of Wi-Fi 7.

Despite the ThinkCentre neo 50q's more limited specs, it will be priced higher than the IdeaCentre Mini x. The IdeaCentre Mini x is expected to be available starting in April, with a starting price of $659.99. The ThinkCentre neo 50q, on the other hand, will be available in February, with a starting price expected at $849. This pricing disparity may influence consumer and business purchasing decisions, with the IdeaCentre Mini x appearing to offer more value for its price.

The introduction of Windows on Arm mini desktop PCs marks a significant shift in the PC market, as Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series chips bring a new level of efficiency and performance to desktop form factors. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other manufacturers respond to Lenovo's move and how the market adapts to this new era of Windows on Arm devices.