Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2

Lenovo's S10-2 is an somewhat of an odd proposition for netbook buyers. For those who completely missed out on the IdeaPad S10, this is a welcome update and a solid overall contender in the netbook space. For those familiar with the original, two feelings are apt to surface: bitterness and / or confusion. Indeed, the changes found on the IdeaPad S10-2 are minor, with most of the hardware remaining exactly the same. In fact, the vast majority of the tweaks are completely cosmetic, though we do think much thought went into this overhaul.

Rather than dishing out a completely new netbook at the 10.1" level, Lenovo instead opted to stick with its S10 label and push out a new revision. Here's a rundown of what's new compared to the original IdeaPad S10:

• 0.2kg (0.44lbs.) lighter
• 4mm thinner
• New top lid with special cover pattern and color design
• New Dolby sound enhancements
• 89% full-size keyboard with enlarged right-Shift key
• Larger touchpad
• Optional 3G built-in
• One extra USB port (now a total of three)
• OneKey Rescue System
• Lenovo QuickStart
• Up to six hours of battery life, or around 30% more than before

Specifications and Features (as tested)

"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 connectivity and 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." - Lenovo

• Intel Atom N270 @ 1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 cache
• 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz 
• 10.1 inch LCD (1024x600 resolution); LED backlight
• Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics
• Intel 945GSE chipset
• 160 GB WD Scorpio Blue WD1600BEVT (5400RPM) 2.5 inch SATA II hard drive
• Broadcom 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• No optical drive
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• VGA Output
• USB 2.0 x 3
• RJ-45 (Ethernet 10/100)
• Headphone / Mic Input Jacks
• MMC/SD card reader
• Twin Dolby speakers
• Industry standard multi-touch touchpad
• 89% full-size keyboard
• ~2 Pounds (with battery installed)
• ~1.25 inches thick
• Removable 6-cell Li-ion Battery (Up To 6 Claimed Hours of Computing)
• 9.8” (W) x 7.2” (D) x 1.25” (H)
• Windows XP Home
• Color Options: White, Black, Pink, Gray
• 1-year limited warranty