The IdeaPad S10-3 is perhaps the least exciting of Lenovo's latest offerings. It doesn't make as many headlines as the Lenovo Skylight smartbook or that Lenovo laptop with a detachable display. Still, you can't overlook the IdeaPad S10-3. This machine is a fully-functional mini-laptop and may sell more units than the upcoming Lenovo smartbooks or tablets.

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Configuration

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Processor: 1.66-GHz Intel Atom N450 processor
Operating System: Windows 7 Starter Edition
Maximum RAM: 1GB
Maximum storage: 160GB/5,400 rpm
Display: 10.1 inches display with 1024 x 600 pixels
Graphics: Intel GMA 3150 integrated graphics
Price as configured: 9.00

The Laptop Magazine recently reviewed the netbook and seems impressed with it. There are, nevertheless, a few drawbacks as well.

At 2.6 pounds, the S10-3 is lighter than most netbooks. It also sports an attractive design. The lid features a checkered pattern of matte and glossy black squares which does a good job of hiding fingerprints.

Lenovo notebooks are famous for their excellent keyboards. The S10-3 is no different. It has one of the best netbook keyboards. But the touchpad is another story. Like some Dell netbooks, the IdeaPad S10-3 has touchpad buttons integrated on to the touch area. This set up was probably an attempt at saving some space. But unfortunately it doesn't function properly. It also requires some getting used to. But if you prefer using an external mouse with your laptop, you can certainly overlook this flaw.

The speakers produce loud sound. They are better than the speakers on most netbooks. The display is also good.

Battery life

The IdeaPad S10-3 lasted for a respectable 7 hours in the Laptop Battery test. But if endurance is your chief concern, you may find the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (9 hours) or the Eee PC 1001P (8.5 hours) more attractive than the S10-3.

Performance

The S10-3 is powered by a Pine Trail Atom N450 processor with integrated GMA 3150 graphics. Performance is satisfactory. The machine has enough power to handle everything a netbook is supposed to do.

Verdict

The IdeaPad S10-3 is significantly better than its predecessor. It features a slick design, has a great keyboard and audible speakers. On the flip side, it gives less battery life than its competitors the Inspiron Mini 10 or the Asus Eee PC 1001P. The best feature of this netbook is its keyboard. So if you tend to do a lot of typing on your laptop, you will definitely find this machine more useful than other netbooks in the similar price range. But if endurance and storage are your priorities, get the Toshiba NB305 or the Inspiron Mini 10 instead.

Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3 - The Netbook With the Best Keyboard

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