Lenovo IdeaPad S10 unboxed

Sure, it’s been a few weeks since the Lenovo IdeaPad S10 netbook was first unboxed by the Chinese language IT168. But now Lenovo is finally sending out review units of its netbok to the US. And retail units aren’t far behind.

Laptop Magazine posted an unboxing video and some first impressions of the Lenovo IdeaPad S10 today. At a glance, the netbook looks a bit smaller and thinner than the Asus Eee PC 1000H or MSI Wind. And that makes sense, because the S10 has a 3 cell battery while the others have thicker (and longer lasting ) 6 cell batteries. But like the 1000H and Wind, the S10 does have a 10.2 inch display.

No other real surprises. As expected, the computer has just 2 USB ports, which is one fewer than you’ll find on most computers this size. But it has an ExpressCard slot, which isn’t a feature you’ll find on every netbook. The IdeaPad S10 also has an access panel on the back of the unit for easy access to the RAM and hard drive. It does appear that there are two RAM slots though, one visible, and one hidden within the depths of the PC. Because when Laptop Magazine removed the plate in the back, they found a 512MB stick, even though the computer actually has 1GB of memory. That means that while it should be simple to upgrade the RAM, it will take a bit more work if you want to upgrade both sticks.

In related news, Liliputing reader Lee Fairbanks wrote in to let me know that Lenovo sent him a message saying his Idepad S10 shipped today. He placed his order on August 19th, which was the first day the netbook was available for order.


Posted on Wednesday, September 24th, 2008, 1:08 pm by Brad
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  • MrBoB
    Two comments, first have we seen any battery life tests on the S10?

    Secondly, the Lenovo website is back up, but only offering the white S10 with 512mb of ram. Didn't the S10 have 1gb of ram when introduced?
  • m
    when announced, but no, there has not yet been a 1GB version for sale not in this country (USA). some say microsoft has forbidden it. but it looks easy to upgrade the HD and RAM: lenovo sells the 1MB memory module matching its specs for like $35. the installed 512 chip may be soldered in, however, making it impossible to get an even 2 GB. it seems nobody's really sure.
  • lazy
    that's because microsoft doesn't allow to...
  • Nox
    I could be wrong (so don't quote me on this), but I'm convinced that a few weeks ago I read somewhere that the S10 (and presumably the S9 as well) had 512MB soldered onto the motherboard plus a single SODIMM socket with a maximum capacity of 1GB. I suppose it's possible that this 512MB is socketed too, but it seems unlikely if it was never intended to be user-upgradable. Assuming 512MB on board and one SODIMM slot, the theoretical maximum memory capacity of the S10/9 would be 1.5GB.
  • RK
    yup, I saw that, too...video with a Lenovo guy describing that... 512MB soldered on, 1GB stick, max 1,5GB
  • zima
    Too bad it's mostly "just another netbook"...and Lenovo could have, for example, include Trackpoint into the design...
  • DougC3
    If they had included a Trackpoint, I would have been willing to pay $100-150 US extra for that, assuming the other specs were what I wanted.
  • zima
    Same here, DougC3. And if Lenovo would make screen hinge mechanism in
    a way that allows accomodation of really big,extended batteries
    (like...in Thinkpads) and perhaps made the whole thing passively
    cooled,they would have THE best netbook on the market.

    As it is...they're only average. And late...
  • amy
    thinkpads always be the first choice.......... greatest ever... but ideapad ..they just lunched........

    i wont buy this at this time...i'm still buying a thinkpad..!
  • zima
    PS. And, for the love of whatever deity they worship, make the whole thing really matte. (not sure how those Ideabooks are in this regard) Glossy material on back of the screen/etc. looks good only on shelf/when nobody is using the thing (just look at ANY unboxing video of glossy laptop - it hasn't really been used yet, but it already is fingerprints galore)
  • DougC3
    Absolutely! I arm-twisted at the local Circuit City to get them to go against their policy and let me open an Acer Aspire One box, and the netbook had a huge, grungy, complete hand print plastered top center, fresh from the factory :)

    The S10 seems to be one of the more matte things available now, but the lukewarm reports about the keyboard are a disappointment to me. I thought keyboards were one thing I could depend on from Lenovo.
  • billy
    the trackpoint must be exclusive to thinkpad....so they wont add that on this...but, who knows....
  • DougC3
    Right, trackpoints are offered only on ThinkPads now and not available on anything in the Ideapad line, but apparently they have appeared on some Dells and maybe other brands of laptop in the past, possibly supplied or licensed by Lenovo....

    So we could hope they would make an exception and add one to a netbook, especially since they could then leave off the trackpad to make more room for the keyboard.
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