Lenovo IdeaPad S10 Netbook

Lenovo IdeaPad S10–a great netbook for a flashpack who wants a little more functionality

Since the highly portable, affordable netbook exploded onto the technology scene in 2007, it seems that every manufacturer has been scrambling to make their own version of these mini-notebook perfect for the flashpacker or internet junkie on the go. With prices tags coming in at less than $500 and weights coming in under 3 lbs, it’s no wonder why these little computers are quickly becoming popular. Eneter Lenovo’s most recent version of a netbook, the IdeaPad S10.

This netbook has a remarkably large 10 inch screen and a starting price of just under $450, but it’s the impressive and quick features that give this netbook a leg above much of its competition. With a bigger screen also comes a bigger keyboard, making typing (without a ton of typos at least) a whole lot easier—but the still relatively small 10-inch screen also keeps this netbook super compact. One of the IdeaPad’s best features, however, is its “ExpressCard” slot, which gives users the option of adding more USB ports, Firewire or any other number of ports as well as allowing the use of a broadband modem which will allow you to pick up the internet anywhere there’s cell reception. The IdeaPad also has built-in Bluetooth, which is a unique feature among the other netbooks.

>>Want to check out more Netbooks? Check out Best Netbooks for Traveling

The quick & dirty:
Where to get one:
Lenovo IdeaPad S10 $459

Why it Rocks:

1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom Processor
1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz
Windows XP Home Edition (SP3)
10.2″ WSVGA AntiGlare TFT with integrated camera 1024×600
160GB 5400rpm hard drive
Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
Broadcom 11b/g Wi-Fi wireless and Bluetooth
4-in-1 Media card reader and ExpressCard slot
3-Cell Li-ion battery
Size: 9.8″ x 7.2″ x 1.2″ (including feet)
Weight: 2.64 lbs (with 3-cell battery)
Starting price: $439 (with 512MB RAM and 80GB hard drive)

Seat-of-the-Pants Rating: 9 out of 10

While Lenovo’s IdeaPad S10 seems to have many of the same problems as comparable netbooks in the market (it can overheat, poor battery life, cramped keyboard and screen), the slightly larger screen size (10 inches versus 8) does give it a leg up on the competition. Even with the bigger screen and keyboard, the IdeaPad S10 still is super light (2.65 lbs.) and compact, making it the perfect companion on your next flight. The ExpressCard slot and built-in Bluetooth also give this netbook a few unique features that seem to be missing in other manufacturers’ models.

Looking to Buy? Check out these sites:
Lenovo IdeaPad S10 $459