Netbook Reviews

Lenovo is not a popular name in the laptop market segment but it has good reputation in the field of business application computers. After introducing well build product line Thinkpad Laptop version, which was previously been marketed by IBM, Lenovo slowly plunged into the laptop market as well as netbook market with the launch of S9 an S10 netbook version. Later Lenovo comes with popular ‘e’ version of S9 under Ideapad series with improved battery life and design. There is no Mandriva or Ubuntu Open source OS rather you can find this ideapad S9e netbook with Linux version of SUSEX Enterprise applications. This ‘e’ version of Ideapad series is specially designed for students and workgroups who like to quickly browse and handle simple work while on travel. This netbook comes under Ideapad S series, which is made lightweight with basic configuration for home and school use.

Design:

This Lenovo S9e netbook does not come with any wacky kind of design and with sophisticated curve, which you normally find with Acer Aspire One AOA110-Ap Netbook. It is simply built with boxy type shape with no non-sense curve and edges that look like a true business netbook at visual point of view. It does not mean that it is an unattractive netbook but Lenovo wants to maintain minimal size without unrealistic shrinkage of this netbook. It is fully made with matte black finish that does not attract any fingerprint smudges and scratches when compared with other glossy netbooks. This Lenovo ideapad S9e is a lightweight and a compact netbook that just weight 1.2kg with proportional dimension. This netbook has smaller chassis that surrounds the display screen with thin design.

Keyboard:

The bottom bay is also constrained with space and made the keypads fit into it. As a result, there is not enough space between the keys and they are closely built. You might feel little cramped with unavailability of space on the keyboard. Similarly the touch pad and mouse click buttons are small that need your attention when you use two finger to scroll through the applications. The usability of this keyboard has gained a little drawback with small sized shift key without any differentiation from other keys. This computer notebook does not create any pleasant environment with large keystrokes. Unusually the function key is placed in the area where you normally find Ctrl key at the bottom in the right side. This usability is something awkward and you would find difficult to operate both Ctrl key and Function key in the same place and you need to get used to it.

Connectivity:
The usability issue is well compromised by nicely built chassis design with comprehensive set of connectivity features that includes Express card slot. Lenovo IdeaPad S9e is the only netbook having Express card slot that is placed on the right side of the machine along with Ethernet socket, a USB port connection and a Kensington lock. This machine gets very hot during peak performance and when handling multiple applications. Thanks to wide window underneath the netbook that helps to disperse heat generated inside the machine. Additionally large air intake is placed on left side along with an SD card slot, VGA output and a USB port. The air intake keeps the netbook cool when heavy applications worked on the glossy screen.

Screen:

This IdeaPad S9e Mini netbook has 8.9 inch display unit and gives good impression when you first see the frame. The screen size seems to be very small and it would be better with 10 inch screen size, which you normally find in next version of ideapad S10e netbook. It is totally a glossy screen that makes you difficult to work under bright lighting environment and open sunlight. This 8.9 inch netbook is not following the most common 1024 x 600 pixel screen resolution, which you find in most netbooks and laptops rather it comes with 1024 x 576 pixel resolution, which is little disappointing.

Features:

This IdeaPad S9e 8.9″ computer netbook has decent spec and powered with Atom N270 processor. It has 1GB of RAM memory along with 80GB hard drive. The graphic is supported by Intel 945GSE chipset with moderate performance when compared with its rivals. This netbook has a standard wireless connectivity and this capability is overwhelmed by 802.11b/g wireless connectivity with Bluetooth technology that comfortably allow you to stay connected in wireless hotspot.  This machine does not have 3G connectivity, which is normally available in higher version of netbooks.
This Lenovo  S9e netbook comes preloaded with Window XP and feature Linux GUI as Lenovo Quickstart that present separate pre-window applications were you can have access with photo gallery, music player, skype chat, web browser and instant messenger. If you use these most frequently accessed applications in Windows then it would take time for booting but in Linux platform you can instantly access them and enjoy with less waiting. The Quickstart feature would let you to have greater control over pre-window applications and quickly shows them on the screen whenever you want. Practically for launching the web browser, Linux GUI Quickstart takes same time as in Window XP and there is no much difference.

Battery life:

This Lenovo IdeaPad S9e netbook PC comes with 3 cell battery with lifespan of 2.5 hours on single charge, which is considered to be poor and not up to the mark of expected battery performance. This 3 cell battery is placed at the rear end that looks like a tubular form and not bulky. When you run multiple applications the battery would not lost longer but when you use it for only document reader then it boost up to 3.5 hrs.

Performance:

Lenovo IdeaPad S9e Netbook has similar functions and performance when compared with other branded netbooks in the market. When it comes to show high definition videos along with demanding graphic tasks, this notebook takes a step back but performs well for simple tasks used for everyday purpose.

Warranty:

This Lenovo IdeaPad S9e Computer Netbook carries one year warranty.

Verdict:

Due to its poor battery life and some usability drawbacks, this Netbook does not score well and has no strong reason to suggest. Though it is in the lesser price range, this Lenovo netbook struggles to differentiate from its competitor brands. If you are price conscious then it is worth considering otherwise you can try Acer Aspire One AOA110-Ap Netbook.

Lenovo IdeaPad S9e Mini Laptop – Technical Specification Table

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