Netbook Review UK

Lenovo IdeaPad S12 with Nvidia Ion

The latest in a trio of models of the Lenovo IdeaPad s12 has been released and now reviewed by the geeks over at Laptop Mag.  This version has an Intel Atom processor, coupled with Nvidia’s powerful Ion graphics chipset.  The other two versions combine integrated graphics with either a Via Nano or the Intel processor.  This version, along with the 1.6gh Intel Atom processor, has 3gb of RAM and a 320GB hard drive.

There’s praise for the design of the S12 – especially for the keyboard (no flexing) and good sized trackpad.  We have the non-ion version of the S12 here in the office and would concur, and also note that the general build quality of the S12 is excellent.  Performance wise, the S12 with Ion does signifcantly better than standard netbooks, especially in teh graphics department.  However, it’s not quite as fast as the Compaq Mini 311c (also an Ion netbook).  Battery life also lets the S12 down a bit, running for 3 hours and 45 minutes on a single charge.

Overall, the IdeaPad s12 looks to be an extremely competent netbook, but it does face stiff competition from rivals, particularly the Compaq Mini 311c.  This version of the IdeaPad with Nvidia Ion is currently available at Amazon UK for £399 while the Compaq Mini 311c comes in at £346.34

LaptopMag via Liliputing