Lenovo IdeaCentre K450 Desktop (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

2/14/15 UPDATE: This desktop computer is still going strong. No serious problems as of yet, though the USB port in the front on the right side is very touchy and doesn't always read devices plugged in. I have to jiggle it upwards to get the connection and then hope it stays as I take my fingers off. Otherwise, I'm very pleased. Also, running dual monitors now which was easy to set up and it handles like a champ.For the price I paid, this was a great "bang for bucks" purchase. However, after having this desktop for almost a week, a few glaring issues have popped up.CONS1. The first day, the fan was whisper quiet. Every day after that, it runs at a constant, audible hum/whine. The power toggling switch on the top of the computer does not change this. And it seems to hold there, regardless of whether I'm doing simple word processing or streaming movies.2. The HDMI port in the back of my unit is part of the "onboard" graphics (meaning on the motherboard). So even though it's listed as having HDMI Out, I can't use it unless I remove the NVidia graphics card from the motherboard (per Lenovo tech support). Maybe I'm alone in this, but I've never bought a computer that listed HDMI out where I couldn't actually use it. At the very least, there should be a note or disclaimer in the specs about this.2A. I was on the phone with Lenovo Tech support for just over 2 hours trying to figure out why the HDMI port wasn't working. Towards the end of the call, I was on hold for about 15 minutes and I decided to just try Googling the problem. The first page had several results explaining exactly what the problem was. The tech came back and I asked if this could be the issue? He said it likely was at this point and that he had thought of it earlier, but decided to do some troubleshooting anyway. I want my 2 hours back.3. There are two USB 3.0 ports on the panel at the top, front end of the desktop. They didn't label which one was "always on" for charging when the computer is off and presently, the one furthest right doesn't work at all.4. Lenovo advertises the USM drive dock on this desktop but there are simply not a lot of options available for purchase and there's A LOT of confusion among people who want to purchase this or already own it as to what will work.PROS1. As I said, the specs on this along with the price I paid, I can't complain about that. It was a good deal and likely the best deal at the time of purchase.2. Looks good, plenty of ports, output options (with the exception of my HDMI complaint).3. Windows 8 is a breeze to use. Anyone who is complaining beyond minor frustration is overreacting (business use excepted). I occasionally use the tile interface (despite not having a touch screen) but I generally live on the desktop just as I did with Windows 7. Though it's taken a little getting used to, I actually think it's an improvement and a notch more intuitive.EDIT (10/7/13): The noise increase was the video card. Lenovo is already sending a tech to replace the original one (to see if it makes any different with my HDMI issues) so I'll update as to whether or not the noise returns with the new one.EDIT (10/29/13): Just getting around to adjusting the review. The new video card has fixed both the noise issue and the HDMI issue. With those resolved, that leaves my finnicky USB port on the top/front panel and the lack of options for the USM dock. With that said, it earned a star back, but still falls just short of 5 stars.SPECSIntel Core i7-4770, 3.4 GHz12GB DDR32000 GB 7200 rpm Hard DriveWindows 8

I purchased this from Amazon, and it do not think it was their fault, but it was DOA (see next paragraph). I called Lenova and they told me to return it. I returned it and purchased another locally at a store that matches internet prices.It came with absolutely no documentation and Lenova support and online were totally ignorant about this computer. I took it back to the store. It turned out that the graphics processor in the machine disables both the monitor ports for the console connection. Lenova did not know this or tell me this although they did tell me it had a super graphics card.I finally got it up and running. It was very slow and I was constantly bombarded with 'error' messages and recommendations to buy the software to fix it! I called Lenova and they were of no use whatsoever. I contacted AVG support (who I have used before), and $200 later, my computer is running fast and fine.It had come loaded with all kinds of programs that want you to buy them, and not only that, it had a lot of viruses and trojans in this software that wanted you to buy it. Every time I would look at something it recommended, it downloaded a new trojan, virus, or other maleware onto my computer.I now have it running very well, and I recommend the hardware, but beware of the garbage software loaded on it! I suggest hiring AVG to remove all the crap.I do love this computer now.10/1/2013 - I still love this computer..it is lightening fast...however the crap that comes loaded on it is a real problem. I have had experts look at it, and they think they have gotten rid of the problem stuff, but something else always pops up. It really is a great computer...just buy something like AVG support to clean it up.It has a lot of crap that tried to load all kinds of viruses and trojans if you just click on it!

Perhaps I am just unlucky, but I'm trying to figure out the odds of getting TWO Lenovo K450 towers with bad video cards. Amazon was very gracious about replacing the first one that I purchased as a Christmas present for my wife and me to replace the twelve-year-old Dell which was on its last leg. I was very excited to get a FAST, up-to-date tower and had ordered the 23" Lenovo Touch Screen Monitor to complement the tower. After the duo was set up, all I got was a 23" BLANK SCREEN! I spent two hours talking to Lenovo techs who decided there must be a bad motherboard in the tower, so after talking with Amazon.com, another tower was shipped and received in TWO DAYS!!! Thanks Amazon.com! I hooked up the new tower to my Lenovo monitor and VOILA!!! A BLANK SCREEN! Another chat with a Lenovo technician and another prognosis--BAD VIDEO CARD. Rather than ask for another replacement and perhaps another bad video card, I decided to send the tower to Lenovo for repairs, which will take from 2-3 weeks, so I am still stuck with my twelve-year-old Dell, which is still driving me crazy with the Script/Shock Wave Warning Windows. You might want to think twice about buying this tower, unless you feel REALLY LUCKY!!! :-))PS. Since this posting I have ordered and received a THIRD Lenovo K450 tower, which also happened to have a defective video card, and as a result decided not to send the second tower to Texas for repairs. I'm through with trying to find a Lenovo K450 tower that works with a Lenovo 23" touchscreen monitor. I'm not sure that there is even one out there. I do appreciate the support that I have gotten from amazon.com. with the constant returning of towers, but it's time to move on to another DELL, which I bought today and it worked BEAUTIFULLY RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX with the Lenovo monitor!!!If you are still interested in the Lenovo K450 tower, I suggest you read this review again---and again---and again until the urge passes!!!Do it for your own sanity!!!