Lenovo IdeaPad S10

IdeaPad  S10

IdeaPad S10
Developer	Lenovo (2008-present)
Type	Netbook
Release date	October 8, 2008
Media	80, 120 or 160 GB 2.5" HDD
Operating system	Windows XP Lenovo Quick Start
CPU	1.6GHz Intel Atom (single core Diamondville)
Memory	512 MB/1 GB
Display	10.2" (25.9 cm) 1024x600 LED-backlit TFT LCD
Input	Keyboard Touchpad Microphone 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
Connectivity	10/100 Mbit Ethernet 802.11b/g wireless LAN 2 USB 2.0 ports 4-in-1 Flash Memory card reader Bluetooth (except US prior to March 2009) Expresscard
Power	3-cell (2.5 hours) 28Wh (2.6Ah), 6-cell (5.5 hours) 56wh (5.2Ah), 9-cell (7 hours) 84Wh (7.8Ah)
Mass	2.64 pounds (1.2 kg) (3-cell battery)

The IdeaPad S10 is a line of consumer-oriented netbook computer designed by Lenovo. The computers were put on the market in October 2008 and offer a variety of colors. They are available in "pearl" white, black, red, blue, and pink. They feature a 10.2" TFT Active Matrix 1024x600 display with a 80 or 160GB hard disk drive and 512MB or 1GB DDR2 RAM, both of which are easily upgraded via a user access panel on the bottom of the netbook. The processor is an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor. They support 802.11 b/g wireless networking and come with two USB ports, an Expresscard expansion slot, a 4-in-1 media reader, and a VGA output. These computers have been receiving generally good reviews getting on average, 4 out of 5 stars from consumer reviews, and a 9/10 rating from Wired magazine.

Models

The Lenovo S10 is available in many different configurations. They have the model number 4231-XYU where "XY" identifies the particular configuration. All have the following characteristics in common:

• CPU: Intel "Diamondville" Atom Processor N270 Single Core (1.60GHz 533MHz 512KB)
• Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 3 and Lenovo Quick Start
• Display: 10.2" WSVGA AntiGlare TFT, 1024x600
• Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (64MB shared)
• Networking: 10/100 Ethernet & Broadcom 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• USB: 2 ports
• External video: DE-15 VGA port
• Flash memory slot: accepts MMC, SD, Memory Stick, and Memory Stick PRO
• Expansion slot: ExpressCard34
• Mouse: Synaptics Touchpad
• Camera: integrated 1.3 megapixel Camera above screen
• Weight: 1.2 kg (2.64 lbs)
• Price: $349–$409 depending on configuration and color (May 2009).

Characteristics that vary by configuration are:

• Exterior case color: black, white, red, blue, or pink. The keyboard, palmrest, battery, and screen plastics are black for the black model, and white for the others. The red, blue, and pink models feature a "piano finish" on the lid.
• Memory: either 512MB or 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz. Some configurations have 512 MB internal memory, while others have none; any balance is in the user-accessible slot.
• Hard Drive: 80GB or 160GB 5400 RPM SATA
• Battery: 3-cell or 6-cell Lithium-Ion (the 6-cell battery is twice as physically large as the 3-cell and adds to the size and weight of the S10)
• Bluetooth: none or 2.1+EDR

As of April 2009 the model number S10e refers to additional variants of the S10, with the following differences. Its model number is 4187-XYU where "XY" identifies the particular configuration.

• Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 3 and Lenovo Quick Start, or SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop10 Service Pack 2
• Display: 10.1" WSVGA glossy TFT with Integrated camera, 1024x576
• Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (128MB shared)
• Exterior case color: black or grey. Keyboard, palmrest, and screen plastics are black.
• Hard Drive: 80GB or 160GB 5400 RPM SATA, or 4 GB SSD (which omits Lenovo Quick Start)
• Price: $309–$349, depending on configuration

In May 2009 Lenovo introduced the S10-2, model number 2957-XYU, where XY identifies the configuration. While the S10-2 shares many traits in common with the S10/S10e, it features a new physical design, adds a third USB port, omits the ExpressCard34 slot, and enlarges the keyboard and touchpad. It is available in black, white, pink and grey, and with larger HD and SSD sizes. Lenovo has not published a full list of configurations on their web site as of this writing. It is likely there are more configurations than those sold on their web site, as that is the case with the S10, and the user manual suggests other variants in its specifications listing.

Common problems

While most reviews rank the Lenovo S10 favorably among comparable netbooks, the fan controller is a common complaint among users. The fan's speed changes erratically, often repeatedly turning on at high speed for only for a second or two every few seconds during non-cpu intensive use such as web browsing. There is currently work a in progress software solution by the community to control the fan speed thresholds.

Poor EMF shielding near the CPU may cause this netbook to reboot when exposed to strong cell phone signals. This can be recreated when a cell phone in a weak coverage area is placed over the top left portion of the keyboard and is forced to emit an even stronger output to compensate for the netbook absorbing a portion of the outgoing signal.

Use in School Environment

In late 2008, the Australian Government announced plans that all secondary school students from years 9 to 12 in New South Wales will be given a Lenovo IdeaPad S10 Netbook free of charge. In Term 3 2009 the laptops will be given out and every subsequent Year 9 student will get one each. This initiative was confirmed early 2009[1]. Students may keep their laptop if they complete Year 12. Over 20000 laptops are being made.

See also

• Comparison of netbooks

External links

• IdeaPad S Series (Lenovo U.S. website)
• [2] (Work in progress fan control software)