Lenovo's IdeaPad S10-2 is a thinner, lighter, longer-lasting update to its 10-inch S10 netbook. Its svelte chassis, peppy performance, and bundled instant-on operating system make this $399 machine a decent choice. However, other systems offer additional features, better keyboards, and many more hours of endurance at the same price.
Design of the IdeaPad S10-2
With the IdeaPad S10-2, Lenovo has put its netbook line on a diet, shaving 0.2 pounds off the weight and 0.2 inches off the thickness (at its thinnest point) of the original S10. While some may like the new look, we think it's a giant leap backward in attractiveness.
While the original S10 has a sleek, futuristic aesthetic with squared off edges, attractive metal accents, and vents that look like they belong on a spaceship, the S10-2 just looks cheap. Its white glossy plastic lid (also available in pink, gray, or black) is adorned with an unattractive circle-patterned imprint that is reminiscent of 1970s-era wallpaper or the Target logo, depending on your point of view. The hinge covers, which had been sleek metal discs on the S10, look like a pair of used thumbtacks.
Worse, still the 6-cell battery bulges out of the S10-2’s gaunt frame so dramatically that it actually makes the system 0.4 inches thicker in back than its predecessor (1.4 to 1.8 inches) and gives the whole netbook a bit of a lopsided feel. Even if you don't mind the S10-2's design, it just can't compare to the ultra attractive Toshiba NB205, the ultra thin Eee PC 1005HA (with its flush battery), or the clean looks of the Samsung N120.
Ports
When it comes to ports, the S10-2 has the basics, but nothing more. It comes with three USB ports, Ethernet, VGA-out, audio in/out, a 4-in-1 card reader, and a Kensington lock port. However, the system lacks an ExpressCard 34 slot, which can be found on many of its competitors and on the original S10.
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