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Lenovo H500

John R. Delaney
 & John R. Delaney Contributing Editor

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Lenovo's H500 is a sub-$200 desktop PC that's capable of handling day-to-day computing tasks. You get a sizable hard drive, but don't don't expect stellar performance or an abundance of features at this price. - Lenovo H500
3.0 Average

The Bottom Line

Lenovo's H500 is a sub-$200 desktop PC that's capable of handling day-to-day computing tasks. You get a sizable hard drive, but don't don't expect stellar performance or an abundance of features at this price.

Buy It Now

Pros & Cons

    • Very low price.
    • Large hard drive.
    • Wi-Fi enabled.
    • Sluggish performance.
    • No optical drive.
    • Limited upgrade potential.

Lenovo H500 Specs

Graphics Card Intel HD Graphics
Operating System Windows 8.1
Processor Intel Celeron J1800
Processor Speed 2.41
RAM (as Tested) 4
All Specs

The Lenovo H500 ($199.99 as tested) is a very affordable desktop PC that performs like one. Powered by an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of memory, it will handle the basics, such as emailing, Web browsing, and viewing photos, but don't count on this bare-bones system to do things like burn CDs and create multimedia DVDs, as it lacks an optical drive. You do get 1TB of storage and built-in Wi-Fi, but your upgrade options are limited. If you're looking for an entry-level desktop with decent power and growth potential, the Editors' Choice Gateway DX4885-UR2D is a better, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Design and Features
The mini-tower chassis measures 14.5 by 6.9 by 16.9 inches (HWD). It has a matte-black finish and sports a two-tone black/gray front panel with silver trim. Along the top of the panel are two USB 2.0 ports, headphone and microphone jacks, and a 7-in-1 card reader. This model does not come with an optical drive, but there is an optical drive door panel and empty drive bay should you decide to add one somewhere down the road. Rear-accessible connectors include two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, a VGA video output, a LAN port, and three audio jacks with support for 5.1-channel surround sound.

Lenovo H500

Final Thoughts

Lenovo's H500 is a sub-$200 desktop PC that's capable of handling day-to-day computing tasks. You get a sizable hard drive, but don't don't expect stellar performance or an abundance of features at this price. - Lenovo H500

Lenovo H500

3.0 Average

Lenovo's H500 is a sub-$200 desktop PC that's capable of handling day-to-day computing tasks. You get a sizable hard drive, but don't don't expect stellar performance or an abundance of features at this price.

Get It Now

Buy It Now

About Our Expert

John R. Delaney

John R. Delaney

Contributing Editor

My Experience

I’ve been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor. 

The Technology I Use

I do all of my writing on my aging but trusty Lenovo Thinkpad T460.

At home I have two wireless networks running: one for streaming, gaming, and other day-to-day networking tasks, and another for testing all sorts of smart home devices including smart plugs and switches, lighting, indoor and outdoor security cameras, home security systems, air conditioners, smart grills, robotic lawn mowers, pool cleaners, and whatever else finds its way to my door.

It’s not uncommon to find people standing in front of my house taking video of a robotic lawn mower traversing my lawn during the summer months. Now if only someone would come up with a robotic snow blower, I’d be all set. 

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