More details on the Lenovo S10 netbook
(Updated with corrected video card information. Damn you, Lenovo!) Okay, I admit I wasn’t too excited about this thing a couple of days ago when they first appeared on Lenovo’s site, and while I’m still irked by the keyboard layout, further details have come out that indicate I may have been rash with my initial disinterest.
While it’s a good looking design overall, the S10 has the stupid right shift key that Asus and the others are so fond of. My keyboard gripes aside, it looks like Lenovo has done something unique with this netbook that other manufacturers should copy: video card. My current favorite, the Acer Aspire One has the X3100 (or so they claim), but Lenovo’s netbook is outfitted with the X4500 apparently rocking the GMA 950 (I think that translates to the X3100 — I seriously hate Intel’s naming system). I missed that on Lenovo’s site the first time around, but now I want to know how much that changes the game. (I’m also curious how this fits in with previous reports of the Atom being shackled to the X3100.)
I know netbooks have a variety of uses and by no means does everyone have the same uses as me, but I think the inclusion of the more capable X4500 could really give Lenovo the edge. Of course, this requires Intel to provide quality drivers which has been something of a problem in the past with their video solutions. Still, the idea that anything more than absolute casual gaming and low quality video can (potentially) be played on the S10 is compelling.
Aside from the better video card, the S10 also has a matte screen, which is a real boon for me. I really like the Aspire One, but I prefer my notebooks (and netbooks) to have matte displays. I know that’s a hot topic in the notebook world, but I’m firmly on the side that insists the matte displays are easier on the eyes, as well as far less hassle thanks to not having to worry about glare.
As a side note, there’s not a lot of configurations, hardware wise, for the S10, but they are claiming that the netbook is shipping in 3-5 days. That’s quite the change from 2-3 weeks only a couple of days ago.
Read more about the Lenovo S10 at LaptopMag’s blog.
Oh, and only two USB ports? Not an issue. This isn’t a pro machine — it’s a netbook.
Sigh. Looks like it was a typo after all and the shackles of the crappy video system remain. This drops my interest back to the realm of somewhere between “it’s a nice red” and “at least it’s cheap when you add the 15% off coupon.”
It is all over the forums… the X4500 is a typo, as is the bluetooth support, as is the media card reader, etc…
hey are u sure about that? I was really interested, but now I’m a bit worried. Also is the screen LED or not? some places don’t say LED but one page does. and also what is the BATTERY LIFE??? I don’t see that mentioned anywhere?
JT, thanks for the heads up. I’ve since corrected the article to reflect the video card change. I would have done so sooner if not for work…grr.
sk, I’m not sure if it’s an LED backlit screen or not. There seems to be a lot of conflicting information. Lenovo doesn’t look to have established a specs page, so until I see something there, I’m not sure what to believe. But previous claims were 3 hours of battery life, but again, that may be suspect now.
On a completely unrelated note, thanks for spoiling the volleyball results, Lenovo.
3 hours is horrible, i reviewed the eee 900 and that offered at least 5 hours. the new eee’s claim 8 hours.
hopefully that isn’t true…
Considering that they’re using a 3 cell battery, and not Fujitsu’s magic 3 cell battery (never mind that’s a UMPC and not a netbook), I think 3 hours is likely being generous. Reviews ought to be popping up any time now.
FYI man the GMA 950 is just that, GMA 950, no special name. GMA 965 is the X3100 and it’s not possible to be in a netbook right now since the Atom runs on the intel chipset using GMA 950.
Fair enough. In the years they’ve been using their naming system, I’ve never figured it out. At least nVidia has sense enough to put an “M” in their products. Sure, it’s a single letter and easily missed, but it also clearly distinguishes it as a mobile product.
Then again, maybe it’s just me.
Besides, the point stands: the Atom’s possibilities are limited so long as its tethered to that worthless video card.
And the S10 is boring.
I agree, but I think the N10 for instance is going too far – I don’t want a chip like a 9300M GS in a 10″ book. I’m waiting for a netbook with a dual core atom and an X4500 in a 10″ package. To me, that’s the perfect spot for performance vs battery life.