The IdeaPad S Series is a series of notebook computers launched by Lenovo in October 2008.[1] The IdeaPad S10 was initially scheduled for launch in September, but its release was delayed in the United States until October.[2][3]
The S series began with the IdeaPad S10, the lowest cost model, powered by an Intel Atom processor in a 10.2-inch subnotebook. Later, more expensive laptops in the S-series also powered by Intel Atoms were released. Once the Atom CPU line was discontinued, the main line of lightweight S series laptops switched to alternatives, such as the low-power AMD A-series, Intel Celeron, Pentium, and low-cost versions of Y-series CPUs.
The IdeaPad S10 was Lenovo's first netbook.[4] While Engadget found the design unremarkable, the low starting price was well-received.[4] The S10 featured a 10.2-inch (260 mm) TFT active matrix 1024×576 or 1024×600 display with an 80 or 160 GB hard disk drive and 512 MB or 1 GB DDR2 Random Access Memory, both of which could be upgraded via a trap door on the bottom of the netbook. The initial S10 featured 512 MB of RAM soldered to system board with an expansion SO-DIMM slot for further upgrades to 2 or 2.5 GB (2.5 GB was only usable with an operating system with support for sparse memory regions). The processor was an Intel Atom that ran at 1.6 GHz. The S10 supported IEEE 802.11 b/g wireless networking and had two USB ports, an ExpressCard expansion slot, a 4-in-1 media reader, and a VGA output. These computers received positive consumer reviews and a 9/10 rating from Wired magazine.[5][6]
In May 2009 Lenovo introduced the S10-2. While the S10-2 shared many traits with the S10/S10e,[7] it omitted the ExpressCard34 slot, featured a new physical design, added an additional USB port, and enlarged the keyboard, touchpad,[8] and sizes of the hard drive and SSD.[9]
The IdeaPad S10e was a re-launch of the IdeaPad S10, with features updated for the education market.[10] The netbook included a quick start operating system and 5 hours of battery life at a low starting price.[10] It weighed 2.8 lbs, with a form factor of 9.8 x 7.7 x 0.9–1.4-inches.[10] The netbook offered a wide keyboard occupying almost the entire width of the chassis, and LAPTOP Magazine reported that it was easy for even adults to type on.[10]
The IdeaPad S10-2 was a 10-inch netbook with a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB RAM, a 6-cell battery, and Intel GMA Integrated Graphics.[11] Notebook Review reported that the netbook's design offered "a cleaner and smoother appearance all around".[11] The specifications of the netbook are as follows: