CNET Editor's rating: 8.0 out of 10
Reviewed by
Michelle Thatcher
Review date: 5/8/08
Release date: 4/28/08
The good: Gorgeous design; lightweight, yet solid construction; sharp screen resolution; comfortable keyboard; ships with two batteries.
The bad: Lacks a built-in optical drive; glossy screen finish sometimes produces annoying reflections; piano finish on keyboard is prone to smudges; fixed configuration can't be customized; no WWAN option.
The bottom line: The 11.1-inch Lenovo IdeaPad U110 is the most beautiful laptop we've seen in years, and behind those good looks is a well-appointed, fairly priced ultraportable. Despite a few minor nitpicks, we recommend the IdeaPad U110 to those who want a lightweight, eye-catching laptop for frequent travel.
Description:
This configuration of the Lenovo IdeaPad U110 is a 2.4-pound, ultra compact notebook computer.
Compared to other ultra light notebooks on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,800.
Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.
Pros:
Has only a 2.4-pound weight, which is somewhat lighter than some similarly priced notebooks.
Also, this notebook has 1366 x 768 native screen resolution, which is higher than some similarly priced notebooks.
Cons:
Has a DVD-Writer removable disc drive, which is less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.
The Lenovo IdeaPad U110 comes with basic word processing software – if you often create complex documents you will likely need to upgrade to a full-fledged
office suite
.
Shared video memory has a negative impact on system performance which may be okay for users with more modest graphics needs.
Users with more demanding needs should look to a graphics solution that brings its own muscle.
Suitability:
A ultra light notebook, suited for traveling light.
Bring along your favorite movies and watch them on your laptop with the included DVD player.
If you have a
wireless network
at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.
Value:
Given its relatively inexpensive price, this notebook has great features for the money.
Suggestions:
(1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a
wireless access point
for your home, so that you can browse the Web more conveniently from any room.
(2) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital camcorders and other equipment to rapidly upload data to the notebook hard drive.
Intel GMA X3100 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0
Audio
Audio output type
Sound card
Audio codec
Realtek ALC888S
Audio output compliant standards
Dolby Home Theater,
High Definition Audio
Audio Input
Stereo microphone
Notebook Camera
Camera Type
Integrated
Notebook Camera / Sensor Resolution
1.3 Megapixel
Multimedia Functionality
TV Tuner Type
None
Input Device(s)
Input device type
Keyboard,
Touchpad
Telecom
Modem
None
Networking
Networking
Network adapter
Networking / Wireless LAN Supported
Yes
Wireless NIC
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG
Data link protocol
Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11g,
Fast Ethernet
Networking standards
IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11g
Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Bays
None
Expansion Slots Total (Free)
1 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin
Interfaces
3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A,
1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15),
1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm,
1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 pin FireWire
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories
Additional 7-cell lithium ion battery
Features
Power-on password,
Hard drive password,
Administrator password,
ThinkVantage Active Protection System,
Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
Compliant Standards
CE,
CCC,
RoHS,
UL 60950,
IEC 60950,
FCC Part 15,
CISPR 22 Class B,
FCC Class B certified
Power
Power device form factor
External
Voltage Required
AC 120/230 V
Battery
Technology
4-cell Lithium ion
Installed Qty
1 / 1 (max)
Battery capacity
1750 mAh
Operating System / Software
OS Provided
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Environmental Standards
EPA Energy Star Compliant
Yes
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support
1 year warranty
Service & Support Details
Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year,
Limited warranty - Battery - 1 year
Greenpeace 'Guide to Greener Electronics'
Greenpeace 'Guide to Greener Electronics' manufacturer rating (June 2008)
3.9
Greenpeace 'Guide to Greener Electronics' manufacturer rating (Mar 2008)
7.3
Greenpeace 'Guide to Greener Electronics' manufacturer rating (Sep 2008)
Manufacturer: Lenovo Specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo (1.6 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 2.4 lbs, 11.1 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, RoHS, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Manufacturer: Lenovo Specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo (1.6 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 2.4 lbs, 11.1 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, RoHS, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
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