Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2 Netbook Review
Summary and Conclusion
Performance Summary: In our SiSoftware Sandra testing, the S10-2 managed to perform exactly as we expected considering just how familiar this specification list has become. In other words, it's not significantly stronger or weaker than any other Windows XP-powered netbook out there, though it performs most similarly to the N270-equipped rivals out there. Basic tasks were handled with relative ease (a minor amount of lag when multi-tasking; nothing out of the ordinary for a low-power netbook), though 3D gaming is a no-go. Select 720p clips (WMVHD) played back relatively smoothly, though 720p H.264 and 1080p multimedia clips could not play back well at all on the weak GMA 950 graphics.
The S10-2 is a great option for those in the market for a new 10.1" netbook today. We have reason to believe that Windows 7 netbooks, which can finally skip Microsoft's tough hardware limitations that are keeping WinXP netbooks from progressing, will be much better options when the OS debuts in October, but there are still a few months to go before that occurs. If you have an original S10, there's no need whatsoever to upgrade. If you're looking for a new standard 10.1" netbook, however, the S10-2 deserves a serious look. It has one of the nicest keyboards we've used, performance was great given the hardware within and the battery life was stupendous.
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Still, don't expect this to do things that other netbooks cannot--aside from accept three USB 2.0 devices at once, which it most certainly can handle. Even light duty gaming is a no-go here, and you can pretty much bank on 720p+ content not playing back smoothly. Also, you're really buying aged parts here--this exact same configuration has been available on other netbooks for months, literally. The biggest gripe we have with this machine is the $349.99 MSRP (+$50 for integrated 3G). With these specs, the price tag shouldn't be a dime over $300, if that. Windows 7 is right around the bend, and if you can hold off, we'd recommend it. If not, the S10-2 deserves high consideration alongside Asus' Eee PC 1005HA and 1000HE.
The S10-2 is a great option for those in the market for a new 10.1" netbook today. We have reason to believe that Windows 7 netbooks, which can finally skip Microsoft's tough hardware limitations that are keeping WinXP netbooks from progressing, will be much better options when the OS debuts in October, but there are still a few months to go before that occurs. If you have an original S10, there's no need whatsoever to upgrade. If you're looking for a new standard 10.1" netbook, however, the S10-2 deserves a serious look. It has one of the nicest keyboards we've used, performance was great given the hardware within and the battery life was stupendous.
;)
Click To Enlarge
Still, don't expect this to do things that other netbooks cannot--aside from accept three USB 2.0 devices at once, which it most certainly can handle. Even light duty gaming is a no-go here, and you can pretty much bank on 720p+ content not playing back smoothly. Also, you're really buying aged parts here--this exact same configuration has been available on other netbooks for months, literally. The biggest gripe we have with this machine is the $349.99 MSRP (+$50 for integrated 3G). With these specs, the price tag shouldn't be a dime over $300, if that. Windows 7 is right around the bend, and if you can hold off, we'd recommend it. If not, the S10-2 deserves high consideration alongside Asus' Eee PC 1005HA and 1000HE.
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