Lenovo ThinkCentre M700, 6th Generation Tiny Business Computer Micro PC (Intel Quad Core i3-6100T, 8GB Ram, 120GB Solid State SSD, WiFi, VGA) Win 10 Pro) (Renewed)
- Certified Refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre M700: Intel i3-6100T, 8GB RAM, 120GB SSD in a compact micro PC. Windows 10 Pro ensures fast, reliable business performance in any workspace.
- Space-saving design fits anywhere. Backed by Amazon Renewed warranty with 90+ days coverage. Enjoy quiet operation, versatile ports (VGA, WiFi), and enterprise-grade reliability for daily tasks.
- Users enjoy the tiny footprint and refreshed performance.
- Refurbishment inconsistencies can lead to hardware failures in rare cases.
- No pervasive rumors or safety concerns have been substantiated.
- Most negative feedback revolves around SSD burnout and missing accessories.
- Recommended mainly for light office tasks rather than gaming or Windows 11.
Product Overview
- Highlight: 6th Generation Intel Core i3 and compact footprint.
The Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny Business PC offers a powerful yet diminutive design tailored for users needing a space-saving solution. At the heart of this machine sits a 6th Generation Intel Core i3-6100T processor clocked at approximately 3.1 GHz, paired with Intel HD Graphics 530—enough grunt to handle typical office workloads. The 8 GB of DDR4 memory ensures smooth multitasking, while the 120 GB solid state drive provides snappy boot-up times and fast application launches. Because it’s part of the Amazon Renewed program, each unit undergoes rigorous checks including functional testing, basic cleaning, and inspection to guarantee like-new condition.
Physically, the M700 measures just 7.2 × 7.1 × 1.4 inches, making it one of the smallest desktops in Lenovo’s ThinkCentre lineup. Despite the tiny chassis, you get a versatile set of ports: four USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, DisplayPort and VGA outputs, audio jacks and an optional Wi-Fi adapter. Internally accessible slots allow memory expansion up to 16 GB and an additional M.2 expansion slot for high-speed NVMe drives. Although this model ships with Windows 10 Pro, it lacks official support for Windows 11, so buyers requiring Microsoft’s latest OS will need alternative solutions or drivers.
As a renewed item, the M700 ships in a generic box but includes all essential accessories: a power cable, AC adapter, and often a bonus keyboard and mouse. Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee backs it with at least a 90-day warranty—sufficient time to test and confirm performance. Whether you require multiple units for a lab environment or a single compact workstation for remote learning, the M700’s blend of efficiency and reliability positions it as a compelling budget-friendly desktop choice.
The ThinkCentre M700’s chassis features a sturdy metal case with a quick-release top cover, giving maintenance technicians easy access to the memory module, M.2 slot, and internal headers. Ventilation slots on all sides and a strategically placed fan keep internal temperatures in check, even during extended loads. The micro PC can be VESA-mounted behind a compatible monitor or tucked into a docking bracket, providing a discrete, cable-minimal setup. For those requiring additional ports, Lenovo offers optional expansion modules such as serial port adapters or wireless cards that fit into internal headers, elevating the device’s versatility in specialized industrial or point-of-sale environments.
Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Review: Honest Findings
- Strong everyday performance and energy-efficient design.
- Some units show refurb quality variation.
Performance & Reliability
When assessing real-world performance, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 shines in tasks like web browsing, office suite operations, and basic media playback. The Intel Core i3-6100T’s dual cores effortlessly handle multiple browser tabs, spreadsheet calculations, and video conferencing. Thanks to the integrated Intel HD Graphics 530, users can play 1080p video without dropped frames. One reviewer summarized the experience by calling it a silent workhorse, noting that the fan rarely spins at high speed and the system draws under 35 watts at peak load—ideal for reducing energy costs in large deployments.
Reliability is typically strong, though anecdotal reports highlight occasional hiccups. A handful of units experienced unexpected reboot loops or OS activation issues after Windows updates, requiring manual license reinstallation. Nevertheless, most customers reported zero software conflicts over months of operation. The option to upgrade memory from 8 GB to 16 GB is straightforward, and the M.2 slot allows storage expansion—ensuring the machine remains viable even as needs evolve.
Noise & Thermal Performance
The M700 excels at maintaining low operating temperatures under typical office and multimedia loads, thanks to its efficient heat-pipe cooling solution. In most cases, idle temperatures hover around 30 °C, rising to approximately 50 °C under stress testing—levels that remain well below safe hardware limits. Noise emissions are minimal: the single small fan rarely exceeds 25 decibels, making it virtually inaudible in quiet environments. This whisper-quiet operation is particularly valued in noise-sensitive settings like audio recording booths or shared workspaces.
Expandability & Future-Proofing
Although small, the M700’s internal layout supports memory upgrades up to 16 GB via its SO-DIMM slot, and features an M.2 2280 slot for high-speed NVMe SSD installation. Users can also repurpose the 2.5-inch bay for additional storage or swap out the factory drive for larger capacities. PCIe-based expansion modules (sold separately) unlock legacy COM ports or extra USB ports. While the dual-core i3-6100T may not satisfy evolving multi-threaded applications, the desktop still accommodates modest hardware upgrades, extending its service life in many light-duty scenarios.
Positive Feedback & Highlights
- Unpacking experience often praised for protective bubble packaging.
- “Plug-and-play” readiness with bonus peripherals.
Unsurprisingly, the bundle of positive reviews focuses on the initial out-of-the-box experience. Many buyers received their M700 units in sturdy bubble packaging that prevented transit damage. Almost all reported that the box included everything necessary to get started—power adapter, power cable, and surprisingly, a wired keyboard and mouse. Even reviewers who didn’t need the peripherals found the extras a welcome bonus that added tangible value. One user specifically mentioned a fresh install of MS Office 2011, boosting their productivity straight away.
Another recurring highlight is the M700’s snap-fast SSD. With boot times under ten seconds and applications launching almost instantly, users often contrast this responsiveness against older spinning-disk PCs. Some lucky buyers discovered an HDMI output on their unit, bypassing the need for a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter. The machine’s whisper-quiet operation frequently earned praise: “It’s fast, silent, clean and in great condition,” one customer noted, calling it an “excellent value.”
Beyond office tasks, the M700 proves adaptable. A ham radio enthusiast used it to run his packet radio node, praising its low power consumption compared to a Raspberry Pi while offering more I/O flexibility. Another buyer installed Linux Mint, finding the machine perfectly suitable for open-source development. Streaming applications and light gaming platforms like Jackbox Games ran smoothly when connected to a TV via HDMI. Overall, positive feedback centers on reliable performance and the exceptionally compact form factor that fits discreetly into any workspace or home theater setup.
For seamless out-of-the-box setup, several reviewers recommend creating a system image immediately after installation to preserve the factory driver and software state. Installing freeware cleanup utilities to remove trial software and configuring system restore points ensures smooth long-term operation. Users who followed these steps reported fewer update-related hiccups and maintained steady performance—a testament to the M700’s underlying reliability when combined with proactive configuration.
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
- Isolated incidents of SSD failures, OS corruption, and missing components.
- Most rumors debunked with no supporting evidence.
Refurbishment Failures
Despite broad satisfaction, some users encountered severe hardware failures shortly after unboxing. One thread of complaints revolves around a “cannot allocate memory” error in Firefox, followed by complete SSD burnout, rendering the machine inoperable within a few hours of light browsing. According to the reviewer, the SSD ceased to be recognized by the BIOS—a clear sign of premature hardware failure. Another buyer experienced an abrupt OS loss after a spontaneous reboot loop, costing them time and gas to drive to a return center. These occurrences highlight a small risk inherent to the certified refurbished process, where drive longevity and reliability may vary by unit.
In a similar account, a customer’s M700 refused to boot after a routine Windows update. The machine showed power but failed to display any output on connected monitors; peripherals responded with standby lights blinking but entered no usable BIOS or OS state. The user’s IT technician confirmed the SSD was alive, but the boot partition was corrupted beyond easy repair. Given the 90-day Renewed Guarantee, Amazon offered a return, but the inconvenience of data loss and downtime left a lasting negative impression.
Accessory Discrepancies & Spec Mismatch
Not all buyers found the perk-laden bundles advertised in other reviews. A significant number reported receiving only the bare minimum: AC adapter and power cord—no keyboard, no mouse, and no Wi-Fi dongle, despite marketing claims. One purchaser noted that the included AC adapter bore a previous owner’s sticker, suggesting hasty repackaging. Even more troubling, a reviewer discovered the “SSD” they paid for was actually a 7200 rpm SATA hard disk, contradicting the item description and leading to slower-than-expected performance.
Another user ordered two units, each arriving with different configurations—one with a generic USB Wi-Fi dongle shipped to emulate onboard wireless, and another lacking any wireless capability. This inconsistency forced the buyer to purchase additional adapters, undermining the cost savings and becoming an irritant for those expecting uniformity across multiple machines.
Customer Service & Warranty Context
Many complaints center on interactions with sellers and warranty limitations. Under the Amazon Renewed policy, customers have a 90-day window to initiate returns or exchanges. While this suffices for identifying DOA devices, it falls short when unforeseen reliability issues surface after the period expires—such as an SSD failure in month four. One buyer lamented that their rigorous troubleshooting yielded no support once Amazon’s return window closed, leaving them without recourse. In contrast, another user who contacted the actual vendor behind the refurbishment process received swift communication, a replacement license key, and a no-cost unit swap. This disparity suggests that post-sale experience hinges heavily on the specific seller’s responsiveness.
For those relying on the M700 in mission-critical settings—like online schooling, point-of-sale systems, or small business servers—vendor reputation and extended support options should factor into the purchase decision to mitigate long-term risk.
Rumor Analysis: Separating Fact from Fiction
In the age of social media, rumors can spread faster than reality. Claims of hidden spyware in refurbished Lenovo hardware or motherboard-level vulnerabilities circulated on niche forums; however, no verified evidence supports these allegations. Likewise, anecdotal references to missing DB9 serial ports appear to be misunderstandings—some M700 variants never included legacy serial interfaces. A handful of online discussions claimed flame hazards from the power supply, but there have been no confirmed fire incidents tied to this model.
Importantly, this product’s inability to upgrade to Windows 11 is not a fault, but a design specification governed by Microsoft’s TPM and CPU requirements; Lenovo clearly states the 6th Generation i3 does not meet upgrade criteria. Other whispers suggesting that the M700 was discontinued due to a critical motherboard defect lack any official recall notice. In summary, most rumors remain unsubstantiated, and serious safety or security concerns are absent from credible sources.
In addition, concerns about potential radio frequency interference from the M700’s wireless modules have circulated among amateur radio operators. Testing reveals that the unit complies with FCC and CE electromagnetic compatibility standards, producing negligible interference during Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmissions. Users operating packet radio nodes alongside the M700 reported no adverse signal degradation, reaffirming its suitability for mixed-environment deployments.
Who Should Consider Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny Business PC?
- Perfect for home offices and classrooms with minimal space.
- Avoid if you require high-end gaming or official Windows 11 support.
Given the balance of strengths and limitations, the M700 Tiny PC caters best to users seeking a compact, energy-efficient desktop for daily productivity tasks. Teachers and students can deploy multiple units in computer labs and remote learning setups without worrying about excessive fan noise or bulky towers cluttering the workspace. Small to medium businesses benefit from its VESA mount compatibility, allowing the micro PC to attach neatly behind monitors for point-of-sale, digital signage, or conference room control systems.
Tech-savvy home users looking for a secondary machine to handle web browsing, streaming video, home automation server duties, or lightweight Linux-based projects will also find value in this form factor. The open M.2 slot and easy RAM upgrades make it a sensible option for tinkerers, especially those replacing less powerful single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi or older mini PCs.
Another appealing application is as a thin client for VDI or remote desktop connections. The M700’s modest footprint and robust network performance allow it to serve as a terminal device that streams virtual desktops or remote sessions. Enterprises leveraging Citrix, VMware Horizon, or Windows RDS can deploy these tiny PCs en masse to replace aging fat clients, achieving consistent performance and streamlined asset management. The inclusion of multiple legacy ports assists with barcode scanners, RFID readers, and other peripheral-heavy use cases.
Conversely, if your workflow demands dedicated GPUs, multi-core processing beyond dual-core, or the latest operating system features, the M700 Tiny will likely fall short. Videographers, graphic designers, and hardcore gamers should consider more robust desktops or towers. In scenarios where uniform zero-downtime operation is critical—medical environments, 24/7 server rooms, or extended corporate support landscapes—purchasing new, rather than refurbished, hardware may offer greater peace of mind and warranty coverage.
Conclusion: Final Verdict
- Offers strong basic performance but includes refurb risks.
- Absence of widespread serious rumors or safety issues.
Overall, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny Business PC (Renewed) stands out as a value-driven solution for users prioritizing a small footprint, quiet operation, and essential computing power. The refurbished nature carries inherent risks—occasional SSD failures, accessory inconsistencies, and varied seller support—but these are balanced by cost savings and the backing of Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee. Reviewers commonly praise its quick boot times, stable performance in office and light media tasks, and flexibility for Linux or niche applications.
While no undisputed rumors of critical design flaws or security vulnerabilities have materialized, buyers should temper expectations around Windows 11 compatibility and potential refurbishing variances. Opting for highly rated sellers, conducting a thorough first-week performance test, and considering extended warranty protection can minimize the chance of encountering the isolated setbacks documented above. For light productivity, educational settings, and home media centers, the ThinkCentre M700 Tiny remains a solid choice in the small desktop market.
When purchasing, consider selecting Top-Rated Sellers with high fulfillment percentages and positive feedback. Inspect the unit thoroughly within the 90-day window by running diagnostic tools like CrystalDiskInfo for storage health and Prime95 for CPU stress testing. If local support is crucial, inquire about in-region warranty extensions from third-party refurbishers. Pair the M700 with a surge protector or UPS to guard against power anomalies—ensuring your investment stays protected.
Lenovo ThinkCentre M700, 6th Generation Tiny Business Computer Micro PC (Intel Quad Core i3-6100T, 8GB Ram, 120GB Solid State SSD, WiFi, VGA) Win 10 Pro) (Renewed)
- Certified Refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre M700: Intel i3-6100T, 8GB RAM, 120GB SSD in a compact micro PC. Windows 10 Pro ensures fast, reliable business performance in any workspace.
- Space-saving design fits anywhere. Backed by Amazon Renewed warranty with 90+ days coverage. Enjoy quiet operation, versatile ports (VGA, WiFi), and enterprise-grade reliability for daily tasks.
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