Lenovo IdeaPad S10

A 3G ExpressCard-ready netbook

LENOVO'S IDEAPAD S10 DOESN'T STRAY far (torn the netbook pack, but its expandability features give it an edge. The 2.7-pound S10 has solid construction and precise fit-and-finish. Its attractive, matte-white shell closely resembles a more squared-off version of the MSI Wind. The 10.2-inch LCD is very bright, with tich color reproduction and wide viewing angles, which you'll appreciate when showing information to someone else. It offers both 1,024x768 and 1,024x600 resolution. You often have to scroll vertically at 1,024x768, however; unlike the Eee PC 1000H, the S10 lacks the option to drop pixels vertically to fit the smaller screen.

Its keyboard is mixed. The layout doesn't include any unpleasant surprises, but it's still a little cramped. At just an inch in height, the touch pad is among the smallest we've seen, but it's reasonably comfortable to use. The dual buttons are responsive.

The 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 802.11g Wi-FI and Bluetooth radios, 1.3-megapixel Webcam, and Windows XP Home Edition are standard netbook fare. Out S10 featured 1GB of DDR2 667 memory and a spacious 160GB hard drive.

The S1O's standout feature is its ExpressCatd/34 slot, which lets you add a 3G wireless modem. We also appreciate that the 510's card reader supports SD, MMC, and Memory Stick formats. You'll find a VGA monitor output; 10/100 Ethernet, headphone, and mic jacks; and two USB 2.0 ports. The S10's
speakers offer above-average volume and clarity.



Performance is average for this categot y.The S10 scored a strong 827 on out Cinebench 10 test but lasted just 2 hours and 44 minutes with Wi-Fi on in power-saving mode.

The 510 is a worthy but unremarkable netbook. The nearly identically sized MSI Wind U100 will be a more attractive choice for many, given its larger keyboard and longer battery life. —Denny Atkin



Computer Shopper January 2009