The new ThinkCentre A30 series desktops start at $469, according to IBM's Web site. They are designed to compete closely with Dell Computer and Hewlett-Packard on price. But following IBM's "Think" vision for PCs that are easier to use, the desktops include extra software, such as the Rapid Restore Ultra utility for packing up files, designed to make the desktops less difficult to implement and manage.  

IBM's lowest price ThinkCentre A30 series is the 819911U model, which starts at $469. It includes a 2GHz Intel Celeron processor, 128MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, a CD-ROM, a floppy drive and a modem. It relies on built-in graphics from Intel and comes with Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system. It offers a one-year warranty.

Another A30 model, the 819913U, adds a CD burner and an 80GB hard drive and starts at $639, according to the site.

The new models from IBM renew its focus on smaller businesses. Small businesses have become a major area of focus for large PC manufacturers because of the number of PCs the businesses collectively purchase. IBM, Dell and HP have all launched numerous programs to lure small businesses over the past few years.

The competition is fierce. While IBM's price starts at $469, Dell's least expensive small business PC, a version of its Dimension 2350 desktop, starts at $399. The Dimension includes a 2.2GHz Celeron chip, a 30GB hard drive, a CD-ROM and a one-year warranty for that price. However, in order to hit $399, it excludes a floppy drive and a modem. Adding the modem and floppy drive back in to match IBM's A30 increases the Dimension's price to $449, according to Dell's Web site.