Lenovo Ideapad S Serie

There is little doubt that netbooks are here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. A recent news article reported that netbooks are now more popular than Apple’s iPhone, which recently overtook the Motorola Razr as the most popular cell phone based on sales. The current generation of netbooks are not notebook/laptop killers, but once equipped with Intel’s Dual Core Atom processor in the coming months, they will be one step closer. Doubling the processing power will no doubt have an impact on performance and things like HD video playback should become a reality.

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. It has a lot of nice features at this price point and the connectivity isn't the worst, and carrying a nice LED 10.2” LCD is also great. However, I feel that there could be some improvements on some aspects and the touchpad could be slightly quieter. If you're looking for a fashion friendly netbook that doens't leave you stranded for some great function, I'd highly recommend it. However, being that the 6-cell version has been spotted but no sign of official release on our side of the pond, I'd have to say that the modest battery power might not be for some users, along with that kinda funky keyboard.

Lenovo's IdeaPad S10 is unique enough to turn some heads for those looking to purchase a netbook in an increasingly saturated market. It's definitely a sharp little system, design wise, and we think that in some of the more unique Lenovo color offerings, it will stand out more compared to the unit we have looked at today. However, to be frank, Lenovo hasn't brought anything truly outstanding to the table here, and there are also are some bits which we still think need some work. On the upside, Lenovo's very slim and stylish external bezel design is one of the better looking designs when the unit is closed for transportation. The front bezel is quite sharp, with its open-airflow design with integrated speakers.

Lenovo's netbook can't fail to attract the eye - for better or worse. An upgrade of the S10e, rather than a complete overhaul, the IdeaPad S10-2 builds on its predecessor's success by adding some new features. Overall, the IdeaPad S10-2 is a decent netbook and, while its slightly fiddly user interface does detract from the overall experience, there should be enough here to attract most buyers.

An impressive large-screen machine, offering lots of features and good usability. Lenovo is best known for its ThinkPad business laptops, but its IdeaPad range provides entry-level systems for both corporate and consumer use. The IdeaPad S12 is its 12.1-inch offering and strikes a balance between a netbook and a full-sized ultraportable. Although the size of the IdeaPad S12 makes its netbook status questionable, it is nevertheless a very usable and wellmade machine and provides an affordable alternative to business ultraportables, without scrimping on features.

An impressive large-screen machine, offering lots of features and good usability. Lenovo is best known for its ThinkPad business laptops, but its IdeaPad range provides entry-level systems for both corporate and consumer use. The IdeaPad S12 is its 12.1-inch offering and strikes a balance between a netbook and a full-sized ultraportable. Although the size of the IdeaPad S12 makes its netbook status questionable, it is nevertheless a very usable and wellmade machine and provides an affordable alternative to business ultraportables, without scrimping on features.

As 12-inch netbooks go, the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 and the Samsung NC20 are fairly evenly matched in terms of ergonomics, performance, and endurance. While the NC20’s list price is $549, it can be found online for $499, the same as the S12. We slightly prefer the design of the NC20—it does a better job at concealing its battery and feels a more sturdy—but the S12 is better in other ways. The Lenovo has much better audio quality, and the fact that it comes with the Quick Start OS is a nice perk. If you’d like a little more graphics oomph and can hold out for a couple of months, it might be worth waiting for the Nvidia Ion version of the S12. But, if you just want to get online and prefer the more comfortable computing experience that comes with a 12-inch netbook, today’s IdeaPad S12 is a great choice.

As 12-inch netbooks go, the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 and the Samsung NC20 are fairly evenly matched in terms of ergonomics, performance, and endurance. While the NC20’s list price is $549, it can be found online for $499, the same as the S12. We slightly prefer the design of the NC20—it does a better job at concealing its battery and feels a more sturdy—but the S12 is better in other ways. The Lenovo has much better audio quality, and the fact that it comes with the Quick Start OS is a nice perk. If you’d like a little more graphics oomph and can hold out for a couple of months, it might be worth waiting for the Nvidia Ion version of the S12. But, if you just want to get online and prefer the more comfortable computing experience that comes with a 12-inch netbook, today’s IdeaPad S12 is a great choice.