Introduction:-
Lenovo has finally launched its IdeaPad S10e netbook in the UK. Available from the end of November directly from Lenovo and its resellers, the IdeaPad S10e will cost from £299 inc VAT, with a choice of Windows XP or Linux operating systems.
The Lenovo IdeaPad S10e netbook is designed as a lightweight mobile PC for customers in all segments. Additionally, the Lenovo netbook provides basic functionality for Word processing and light multimedia capabilities. For a faster PC experience, it includes the Instant On1 feature. This allows users to quickly check email, browse the Internet, conduct video conferencing, view photos or listen to music without having to fully boot the operating system. A built-in webcam makes creating and sharing video messaging simple.
Lenovo offers a variety of customisation options including hardware technologies, software and flexible warranties to fit individual needs. Choices of operating systems include Microsoft Windows XP Home, XP Pro or Novell SLED 10 Linux. Designed to handle the rigors of mobile computing, the netbook comes equipped with a 4 GB solid state drive for reliability or a hard drive up to 160 GB.
The netbook come with the Intel® Atom processor, several choices of memory size up to 1.5 GB and a variety of ports for expansion. Users can connect wired or wirelessly through Ethernet, WiFi2 and optional Bluetooth. Outfitted with a standard ExpressCard 34 slot, the netbook can also be enabled for mobile broadband3.
About Lenovo :-
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For 1 Only available on models with hard drive and Windows XP Home.
Underneath the S10e’s exterior lies a 160GB hard drive with Windows XP pre-installed. As with all Lenovo machines, there’s a recovery partition too should you need to return XP to the factory settings, although this does take a few hours. With 1GB of DDR 2 memory and the almost netbook-standard 1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom processor, you certainly don’t feel you’re being held back.
Differentiating from other netbooks, the S10e uses a 1024 x 576 resolution, unlike the 1024 x 600 panels that most other netbooks are using, including the original S10.
It is, however, a fairly nice screen, with the glossy finish that really brings out the colours, partly helped by the use of LED backlighting. The downside is that the viewing angle is rather poor, and if viewed from a less than optimal position, colours really start to suffer. This is really noticeable when you’re on a Skype call, as the 1.3Mp camera is mounted at the top of the screen, where the angle can only be adjusted by moving the display itself – at least it’s a sturdy hinge and stays in place.
The built-in microphone is unfortunately located where just below the keyboard where your hands are likely to be if you find yourself taking notes during a Skype conversation. Things aren’t much better with the speakers either, being under powered and positioned at the very front. If you’re into Skype, you’ll definitely want to consider using a headset.
On the left side, we see a USB 2.0 port, VGA port for an external monitor and an SD card slot. SD cards unfortunately jut out of the netbook, so don’t lend themselves to being permanently installed. Also of note: we couldn’t boot from SD cards either, for those who like to keep a Linux distro on SD cards. On the right side, there’s a PC Card slot – does anyone use these any more? – another USB 2.0 port, Ethernet and 3.5mm headphone/microphone sockets.
Although a 4GB SSD version of this notebook is said to be available, we couldn’t find them anywhere listed, let alone in stock, so the only option is the 160GB hard drive version – plenty of room for media, but not as sturdy.
Verdict
The Lenovo S10e is a great netbook. The Quick Start feature is lacking and the battery life could be better. At £249, it’s competitively priced and worthy of consideration. If you need extra battery life, consider the similarly specced Samsung NC10, with double the battery life, for only £50 more.
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