Guest Post: Lenovo IdeaPad S10 Review

Laptop Logic has recently tested Lenovo’s IdeaPad S10 netbook and wrote for our website a guest post, summarizing the in-depth review.

“Lenovo’s new IdeaPad S10 netbook comes fitted with the same core components as most netbooks with slight variation: a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 512MB RAM, 80GB HDD, and a 10.2” LED backlit screen are included in the base configuration, and that has to be considered somewhat mediocre compared to some of the competing models that come with twice the RAM and roomier hard drives. Another thing that separates the S10 from the competition, however, is a very attractive design – it’s slightly thinner than the popular MSI Wind and sports a “flowing” design with appealing chrome highlights.

The size and weight are fairly trim, with dimensions of 9.8” x 7.2” x 1.1”. The S10 carries only a 3-cell battery, so the weight checks in at a moderate 2.4lbs. The keyboard leaves something to be desired though. It feels rather cramped considering it’s a 10.2” netbook. A Smartphone-sized tab key and an equally small right shift key are less than optimal, and it completely lacks a mute key.

The trackpad on the S10 is quite usable for a netbook, and the inclusion of a mini-express card slot is an excellent move by Lenovo, but there are only two USB ports instead of the customary three. Other connectivity includes VGA out, a multicard reader, audio in/out ports, Bluetooth, and an Ethernet port. One nice thing in particular is the ability to easily upgrade. Both RAM and hard drive are easily accessible, in the likely event that you want to upgrade the 512MB module. On the downside, the 3-cell battery life topped out at less than 4 hours even with light use.“

Overall, Laptop Logic wasn’t ecstatic about the Lenovo S10, but the conclusion was that it still provides a lot of good features considering the affordable price point, and the design is clearly appealing. The LED backlit screen is great, but the keyboard could have been better. All things considered, the editor had no trouble recommending the netbook, as it’s both attractive and affordable, but buyers should take the weak base configuration as well as the relatively short battery life into consideration.

Thanks, Laptop Logic

I cannot speak to the quality of Lenovo’s laptops, but I can say that their customer service is a JOKE. I placed an order for a ThinkPad only to find out it wouldn’t be ready for 1 month. I’ve been trying to cancel the order for 2 weeks and am having the most trouble. I had to cancel it twice (apparently the first person didn’t finish the cancellation), and they have been holding $1500 from my credit card this entire time. Your first point of contact is always India, and after holding for however long it takes to get there, you have to wait again while they transfer you back to the US for someone who can actually do something. I could not imagine myself living with this customer service for the life of my laptop. You should think about it, too. After canceling, I ordered a MacBook and had it within 5 days. I have never been a mac person, but that company has got their s$%t together. It speaks volumes.