Lenovo Debuts Tweaked IdeaPad S10-2 Netbook

It's not often that you see a manufacturer release a self-proclaimed "incremental update" to an existing product (firmware refreshes notwithstanding), so Lenovo's new IdeaPad S10-2 is certainly noteworthy. The original IdeaPad S10 first surfaced last autumn, and rather than delivering a true successor, Lenovo has opted to dole out a Revision B (if you will) that is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Indeed, the entire machine is simply tweaked rather than overhauled, but there's no need to reinvent the wheel when the current one rolls fine, right?



Among the most notable changes on the S10-2 are a new cover design (white, black, pink or grey), a slightly slimmer (4mm) and lighter (0.2kg) chassis and a keyboard which is marginally larger (89% full-size) than the regular S10. Specifically, the whole gamut of keys are receiving a size boost, while the right Shift key is also enlarged. Thankfully, Lenovo also saw fit to enlarge the touchpad, which we seriously hope other outfits pay attention to and follow after. The new units include QuickStart, VeriFace, and the OneKey Rescue software, and there's also a third USB 2.0 port thrown in.



Sadly, the underpowered 1.6GHz Atom CPU is still at the helm alongside 1GB of DDR2 memory, a 160GB hard drive, no optical drive, integrated graphics, Wi-Fi, a 1.3MP camera and a six cell battery for $349.99. A version with integrated Ericcson 3G will ship this summer for $399.99.





New Lenovo Netbook Steps Ups Design for Extra Portability and Style

Built thinner and lighter, packed with latest entertainment and wireless connectivity technologies

 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – May 12, 2009: Lenovo today announced the IdeaPad S10-2 netbook to give online enthusiasts, social networkers and mobile consumers the latest in connectivity, entertainment and performance features to keep them better connected and enjoying their computing experience anytime, anywhere. The new IdeaPad S10-2 netbook gives consumers even cooler netbook features – models with 3G connectivity1 and 2, the rich sound of Dolby headphone technology for music and movies and long battery life. Lenovo also made the IdeaPad S10-2 netbook thinner and lighter than the previous IdeaPad S10 netbook, and packaged the netbook in an expressive, colorful new ring pattern design.

 

 “With the netbook scene rapidly changing, consumers are telling us they want to merge the capabilities of their most commonly used sources of electronic entertainment, such as digital photographs, online TV, music and social networks all into one portable and affordable device,” said Dion Weisler, vice president, Business Operations, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. “We’ve incorporated that feedback into our new IdeaPad S10-2 netbook, giving consumers around the world more ways to connect with options for wireless connectivity, a more portable and expressive design and entertainment-packed features.”

 

Slimming Down on Size and Pumping Up Performance

With consumers becoming more mobile today, thin and light laptop design matters, and saving space counts. Starting at just over two pounds and measuring less than an inch thick, the new IdeaPad S10-2 netbook is setting the bar higher in portability and affordability. Lenovo also revamped the S10-2 netbook with a modern and sophisticated ring pattern on the top cover for a distinct look personalized in grey, pink, white or black.

 

While slimming down the netbook’s size for increased portability, Lenovo outfitted the netbook for usability by giving it a larger keyboard over previous models. Lenovo made the netbook’s keyboard nearly 90 percent the size of a standard keyboard to give users an improved typing experience closer to that of a familiar, full-function laptop. The netbook also has identically sized and balanced shift keys on both sides of the keyboard. Lenovo made the netbook’s touchpad larger and more comfortable to use, and the netbook now comes with three USB ports for greater expandability, a 4-in-1 card reader for flexibility in using different multimedia tools and up to six hours of battery life3 to keep up with consumers’ mobile lifestyles. The IdeaPad S10-2 netbook’s battery saving software helps it achieve up to 30 percent more battery life than before.  

 

Making Internet and Entertainment “On Demand”

Consumers can now go online “on demand” with their netbook anywherewith a host of wireless connectivity options to surf the Internet, email or chat at home or on the go. A great online experience and a great entertainment experience go hand-in-hand. Lenovo equipped the IdeaPad S10-2 netbook with Dolby Headphone technology to amplify customers’ audio experience. Users can wear any set of headphones to hear surround sound audio from 5.1 channels of sound. For individuals who demand “on demand” functionality, the netbook lets them use their favorite applications quickly with Lenovo QuickStart. From this application, users can listen to music, view photos, send instant messages or even make Skype calls without waiting for their operating system to boot. Users are also only one click away from Lenovo Social, a website designed to help get them up to speed on social networking.

 

“On demand” users will also enjoy VeriFace facial recognition technology, letting them log into the PC with their face instead of having to remember lengthy passwords. A built-in web camera can be used to record video messages or conduct web calls, making the netbook the one device for connectivity, entertainment and extreme PC portability.  

 

Extreme portability means taking extra steps to help protect data. With Lenovo’s OneKey™ Rescue System consumers can recover their data if it becomes corrupted in just a few simple steps. The tool can also be configured to run virus scanning before entering the main operating system to restore damaged files and allow users to back up and recover their data. Additionally, the netbooks offer added performance with the latest Intel Atom processor technology, a 10.1inch LED screen and plenty of hard drive storage. 

 

Pricing and Availability4

The IdeaPad S10-2 netbook will be available beginning at the end of May on www.lenovo.com and through business partners beginning at the end of June. Models start at $349.

 

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 more information see www.lenovo.com.