Anyone looking for an easy to use netbook that comes with a decent-sized keyboard and screen and a size that’s small enough to fit in almost any shoulder bag should definitely check out the Lenovo IdeaPad S10.
As someone looking to purchase a netbook in the near future, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the IdeaPad S10. Once I received the product, I was amazed at just how compact and lightweight it is. Weighing only 2.4 pounds and having a slim form factor that starts at just 0.9-inches thin, the netbook was the ideal weight and size for me to carry in any one of my handbags for work and travel.
I was happy to see the screen of the IdeaPad S10 was a decent size, measuring at 10.2-inches as a widescreen display, complete with an LED backlight. The review model I had featured a matte screen, which prevented any glare which is usually caused by PCs with a glossy finish. As the netbook was a lot smaller than my personal notebook at home, it did take some time to get used to the smaller keyboard, which Lenovo lists as being 85 per cent the size of a full keyboard.
I was able to perform basic computing functions on the netbook and was even able to test the integrated 1.3 megapixel camera, which comes in handy for instant messaging chats. Lenovo is targeting this product at the home, as a secondary PC unit and also at first time PC buyers. With a variety of colour choices, including the standard black, the IdeaPad S10 also comes available in white, red, blue or pink. Having these colours available definitely appeals to someone like me, who has a weakness for anything pink, and also for someone who enjoys accessorizing whenever possible.
The netbook comes with either 512MB or 1GB of memory and also features a 160GB hard drive. Lenovo’s IdeaPad S10 also comes with Intel’s 1.6GHz Atom Processor, a four-in-one memory card reader, two USB 2.0 ports (one on each side), a microphone input jack, stereo headphone jack and a lithium ion three-cell battery that Lenovo states can last up to two and a half hours.
I found that when on a balanced power setting and surfing the Internet, I was able to get close to two hours and 20 minutes battery life before I was prompted to recharge.
The boot time of the machine was impressive since it took under a minute from the time I turned it on to get up and running. The speakers on the unit were equally impressive because I never had to adjust the volume to its max when watching videos.
What I really liked about the IdeaPad S10 is that it comes with Microsoft’s Windows XP Home Edition preinstalled. The netbook also comes with the option of having the SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 operating system as well.
Anyone looking for a netbook that’s small, lightweight, and also comes with Windows XP, should seriously consider taking a closer look at IdeaPad S10. The fact that it comes in a range of colours is a bonus.
Lenovo IdeaPad S10 is now available at a starting price of US$349 and comes with a limited warranty of one year for parts and labour, 24 x 7 toll-free support for warranty issues and service upgrade options in eligible locations.
