Filed under: Laptops

Just days after FCC approval, the IdeaPad S10 netbook just popped on Lenovo’s retail site tossing a big Chinese wrench in ASUS’ plans for global Eee PC domination. At least we think so — the S10 wasn’t expected to hit the US until October (China September 5th). Availability says “ships within 2-3 weeks” but clicking on the “customize and buy” link results in an “Exception Occurred” error — pretty much on par with Lenovo’s US retail launch routine. Anyway, for $399, er $429 (thanks again dollar) you’ll take home 512MB of memory and 80GB worth of hard drive, a 1.6GHz Atom N270 proc, Windows XP, and a paltry 3-cell Lithium-Ion battery. Annoyingly, the progression from the base-model black color to white or red costs an extra $10 without any appreciation in specs. While ASUS’ is approaching the netbook market like attrition warfare, it might just be a few, well-placed products with stellar support that wins over the netbook market in the end.

[Thanks, Kevin]

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Filed under: Laptops

Hey, look — another cart before the horse scenario! Long after coming to grips with the fact that Lenovo was indeed producing an IdeaPad S9 and S10, the netbook(s) have surfaced in the FCC’s lair. Interestingly, the User Guide looks to tackle both machines in one fell swoop, suggesting that there’s not enough difference to warrant the writing of two whole pamphlets that no one will read. There’s not too much here that you didn’t already know, but it’s always a great sign to see a machine make it past this federal hurdle.

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Filed under: Laptops

If you’ve been making a mess of the floor (you know, with drool) waiting for Lenovo’s IdeaPad S9 netbook to come flying in your direction, here’s a little something to further whet your appetite. A “Lite” version of the device appears to have gotten official pricing, specs, a site, and apparently a deal if you buy three at once (at least in Hong Kong). The diminutive laptop will feature that Intel N270 Atom CPU (at 1.6GHz) we’ve already heard about, an 8.9-inch SWVGA display, 512MB of RAM, a 4GB SSD, and will apparently utilize a Linux build. That last point is of note as this model was previously believed to be carrying around an install of Windows XP. The new literature also suggests that the S9 (and presumably the S10) will pack a multi-touch trackpad, and be available in white, red, or pink. The S9 Lite will be launched next month, and prices run from HKD 2,899 (about $371) for a single model down to HKD 1,933 ($247) if you pick up three at once. And hey, who doesn’t need three small laptops?

[Thanks, Joe; Via UMPC Fever]

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Filed under: Laptops

When Lenovo’s oh-so-nimble IdeaPad U110 crashed onto the scene in January, intrigue was high. After all, it came packing a lightweight frame, a couple of longevous batteries, a respectable price tag and a decent list of specifications. After spending some quality time with the ultraportable, we came away less than enthused, but that’s not the point here — we’re asking you, dear readers, to toss in your own two pennies and let us know how you would’ve done things differently on this here machine. Would you have stripped off a coat or two of that gloss? Shoved in a more potent processor? Pre-installed just a bit less bloatware? Wrack your brain and let us know, alright?

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Filed under: Laptops

We’ve seen Lenovo beefing up its consumer offerings of late, but this is really taking it up a notch. The company just announced its very first netbook, the recently spotted 10.2-inch, Atom-powered little wonder. Sadly, there’s little of note in the design — it seems to have more in common with the MSI Wind and the Eee PC than its Lenovo siblings — but the $399 starting price is certainly pleasing. That model brings 512MB of RAM and a 80GB hard drive, while a $450 version will be available with 1GB of RAM and 160GB of storage, with both being powered by 1.6GHz Atom chipsets. Windows XP will be preloaded initially, but Linpus versions will be available eventually. The display is 1024 x 600 and LED backlit, and the touchpad does multi-touch. Lenovo didn’t skimp on the trimmings either, with WiFi, Bluetooth, ExpressCard, 4-in-1 card reader and a 1.3 megapixel webcam. The S10 hits China on September 5th, and will land in the States in early October. A 9-inch version is also in the works for other countries.

[Via Laptop Mag]

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Filed under: Laptops

Well hey, there’s Lenovo’s rumored IdeaPad G Series on the company’s Malaysian website as of this afternoon. It’s not a netbook after all, but a cheap, nice-looking laptop. Specs for the G400 are slightly less great than what we’ve heard, but they’re not bad: 1.86GHz T2390 Core 2 Duo with X3100 integrated graphics driving a 14.1-inch display, 160GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, a dual-layer burner, and b/g WiFi — no n, apparently. Pricing is listed at just RM1,999 ($631), so if this thing ever makes it to the States it’ll probably make that Eee 1000 decision just a little harder, no?

[Thanks, Nick]

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Filed under: Laptops

We’ve been hearing the faintest of whispers that Lenovo had a new IdeaPad on tap, and while we haven’t received any official confirmation just yet, we figured it prudent to pass along the latest. According to an anonymous tipster, the G430 will boast a 14.1-inch WXGA display, 2GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, Vista Home Basic, a DVD burner, NVIDIA’s 256MB GeForce 9300M GS and a 6-cell battery. Furthermore, you’ll find 802.11a/b/g WiFi, no webcam and an undisclosed array of ports. Your guess is as good as ours when it comes to pricing / availability, but surely we’ll know something more soon. Surely.

[Thanks, anonymous]

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Filed under: Laptops

Ah, the unsourced Digitimes rumor — not quite as accurate as simply making things up, but almost always more interesting. This time the erstwhile trade rag says Lenovo’s working on a new line of IdeaPads to compete with the flood of netbooks that’s consumed the market. The IdeaPad G-series, as it’s supposedly called, is said to feature a 14.1-inch display and run on the Centrino 2 platform — which doesn’t sound like much a netbook to us, but who are we to argue with a sketchy trade rumor? We asked a Lenovo rep about them, and while he didn’t dive into any specs with us, he had heard of the G-series, but said they’re probably / most likely not coming to the States, since they want to keep that premium vibe over here while they build the brand. We’ll see how things shake out in the second half of the year, when these are supposed to hit, but it sounds like it’ll probably be an Asia-only launch.

[Via I4U News]

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Filed under: Laptops

That new X200 isn’t being left all by its lonesome, not by a long shot. Lenovo is giving its fledgling IdeaPad line quite the shot in the arm, with new Y530, Y430, Y730 and U330 models, designed to give US retail that variety of stock it craves — and which confuses consumers to no end. The real winner here is the U330 (pictured), a premium IdeaPad of the U110 variety, only this one has a full 13.3-inches of screen, a Centrino 2 processor, HDMI and a built-in optical drive. The Y430, Y530 and Y730 are basically 14.1-inch, 15.4-inch and 17.1-inch versions of the same idea, with WXGA, WXGA and WUXGA resolutions, Blu-ray options, and a corresponding scale in graphics and processor power. The Y430 sticks with integrated graphics, the Y530 is Centrino 2 P7350-based and does up some NVIDIA NB9M GS 256MB graphics, while the Y730 runs a Centrino 2 P8400 processor and ATI M86 ME 512MB graphics, and supports dual 320GB hot-swappable drives. The Y730 comes in entertainment and gaming editions, with the “GameZone” model sporting a secondary display. Pricing is forthcoming, and these all should be landing this fall.

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Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

This probably won’t be ruining anybody’s day, but if you were hoping to buy a Lenovo laptop with 3000 scrawled somewhere on it, you’re pretty much out of luck. Lenovo has apparently killed off the entirety of its budget-friendly 3000 lineups, both laptop and desktop. The Y Series 3000 laptops are now gone in place Y710 and 7510 Series IdeaPads, and the fugly old 3000 K100 desktops gone, with only K210 IdeaCentre desktops available in their place. Not earth-shattering, but the IdeaPad and IdeaCentre brands are already off to a strong start, with much better design than the 3000 series, but similarly low prices. And besides, we suppose they needed all those excess 0’s for the Olympics. You know, for the rings. No? You always hate our jokes. Die in a fire.

[Thanks, Ian]

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Filed under: Laptops

After giving the new IdeaPad U110 its 15 minutes of fame in front of the camera, we got down to business. The 11.1-inch ultraportable is built like a tank — a really, really lightweight tank. The uniquely-designed lid and (overly) glossy motif is a welcome change for Lenovo, but after a good bit of use, it’s easy to see this one won’t appeal to the masses. Click on for the full rundown of impressions and notes (and a video, too).

Continue reading Lenovo IdeaPad U110 overview and video

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Filed under: Laptops

Though our pals over at Switched managed to snag some hands-on video with a red pre-production unit, we figured we’d grab hold of the classic black edition of the IdeaPad U110 and give you a closer look. Made available for order just this week, Lenovo’s latest ultraportable is high on style (and way high on gloss) and possesses the price tag to prove it. Meander on into the gallery below for a veritable plethora of unboxing and hands-on shots — and rest assured, impressions are on the way.

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Filed under: Laptops

Just as expected, Lenovo has updated its webstore with the shiny new IdeaPad U110. The 11.1-inch ultraportable is available for customizing right now in black or red, and both hues start at $1,899. Currently, the red variant touts a 3- to 5-day wait before shipment occurs, while the black model isn’t likely to head your way for 2- to 3-weeks. Of course, Lenovo may be padding those figures a touch, but there’s your worst-case scenarios, anyway. Your route to being nearly two grand poorer starts at the read link below.

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Filed under: Laptops

digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/gadgets/Final_specifications_for_Lenovo_s_IdeaPad_U110_revealed’; Get ready, ultraportable fans — here’s the dirty details you’ve been demanding. Lenovo’s IdeaPad U110, which becomes available in the US tomorrow in black and red — is all set to start at $1,899 directly from Lenovo. Wondering what that’ll net you? Here goes:

• Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 CPU (1.6GHz, 4MB, 800MHz)
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• 11.1-inch widescreen WXGA (1,366 x 768) LED-backlit panel
• Intel’s GMA X3100 graphics set
• 120GB 4,200RPM hard drive
• 2GB of RAM
• dual-layer DVD writer (external)
• 1.3-megapixel camera
• 10/100 Ethernet, WiFi and optional Bluetooth
• 2.4-pounds with 4-cell battery
• Dimensions: 10.8- x 7.7- x 0.72- through 0.88-inches

You’ll also get a 1-year warranty, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, FireWire / VGA sockets, a 6-in-1 multicard reader, Mini-PCIe / ExpressCard slots, audio in / out and a pair of stereo speakers. It should be noted that the 4-cell battery is only rated for 2-hours of use, while the rig can withstand up to 8-hours if the 7-cell Li-ion expansion pack is utilized, too. You may also notice a slew of retailers carrying a $1,999 model starting in mid-May — those come stocked with 3GB of RAM versus the standard 2GB on the $1,899 model.

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Filed under: Laptops

We already knew Lenovo’s 11-inch darling was shipping to eager US-based consumers “soon,” but now we’ve got a definitive date for you to circle on that jam-packed calendar: April 29th. The IdeaPad U110 will indeed be available for order on Tuesday, and it’ll be starting a full Benjamin less than we previously heard (down to $1,899, to be exact) directly from Lenovo. We’re still waiting on the full list of specifications as well as the slate of retailers that will likely be selling it, but if you’re anxious for more right this very moment, you can check out a promotional video of the unit in black and red right after the break.

Continue reading Lenovo’s IdeaPad U110 showcased on video, available in US on April 29

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Filed under: Laptops

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Filed under: GPS, Handhelds

Although officially unveiled at Intel’s IDF forum last week, the UI of Lenovo’s Ideapad U8 MID has remained a bit of a mystery. Oh sure, we saw the teaser video. However, that vid was all flash based animation. Now we’ve got the real goods thanks to the folks at PCHome.net. That ain’t Windows kids, the U8 features a sexy Lenovo-grown UI which has us asking when we can get our hands on it outside of China… and for how much? Unfortunately, you’ll notice some serious lag between finger touch and application launch in the video posted after the break. We’ll attribute that to what we presume is a prototype device — certainly it can’t be the fault of Intel’s highly touted new Atom processor could it?

P.S. Anyone speak the native tongue found in the video? We distinctly heard “SSD,” “WiMax,” and “SIM card” mentioned, all of which would be new details.

Update: Our helpful readers Riceman and rdy0329 tell us the following from their snap translations: definitely a prototype, will not include WiMax but will support China’s 3G TD-SCDMA standard for voice and data, will ship in 4, 6, and 10GB SSD options.

[Thanks, Engadget Fan]

Continue reading Video: Lenovo’s Ideapad U8 interface scrolls like butter, looks like candy

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Filed under: GPS, Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Oh my. Look at what Lenovo is cooking up with the help of Intel’s newest Atom processor. Unveiled at Intel’s IDF in Shanghai, the new Ideapad U8 device features a 4.8-inch touchscreen display and bullseye, optical mouse for (supposedly) one-handed operation while surfing the web over EDGE or 3G data — presumably China’s TD-SCDMA. The device also features “Live GPS,” hand writing recognition, and support for MS Office applications. We’re guessing it’ll also make a phone call or two with that 12-key numeric pad. And with Intel calling this a MID, don’t expect to see a Microsoft OS riding that Atom, this pup’s looking Linux to the bone. Check the video after the break.

[Via UMPC Portal]

Continue reading Video: Lenovo’s Ideapad U8 MID teases with Intel’s Atom

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Filed under: CES, Desktops, Laptops

IBM Lenovo’s Think brand (ThinkPad, ThinkStation) has gotten the company far, but it was clear those boring numbers (3000, 2000) just weren’t cutting the mustard. Say hello to Lenovo’s new global portable and desktop computing brands: IdeaPad and IdeaStation, respectively. While details on the IdeaStation desktop lineup are still pretty sparse, the laptop lineup has three machines running the gamut of sizes — the Y710 (17-inch gaming rig), Y510 (15-inch workhorse), and U110 (11-inch ultraportable) — all featuring VeriFace (facial recognition software), media keys, textured lids, and flush bezels, and available in April. Too bad none have WWAN — that really would have made our day. Check out the specs:

Y710 (above)

• 17-inch WXGA (1440 x 900) CCFL VibrantView display
• Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 (2.5GHz)
• ATI Mobility Radeon HD2600, 256MB
• Up to 4GB RAM, up to 500GB in drives
• Game Zone keyboard lighting, and auxiliary display with resource usage and performance controls
• Blu-ray reader with dual-layer CD / DVD burner
• 802.11a/b/g/n (but no Bluetooth, apparently)
• HDMI, VGA, S-Video
• (4) USB 2.0, ExpressCard, 1394, media reader
• 1.3 megapixel camera
• Dolby Home Theater sound: four speakers + subwoofer
• 15.6 x 11.2 x 1-1.5-inches, 7.9 pounds
• Starts at $1,200.

U110 (the rest of the specs are still pending)

• 11-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) CCFL display
• 0.7-inches thick, 2.3-pounds

Click on for the rest on the Y510; gallery below.

Continue reading Lenovo launches IdeaPad, IdeaStation laptop and desktop lines

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