NetbookTech

With Windows 7 launched, Lenovo is finally offering the ION-based IdeaPad S12 netbook for sale with prices starting at $599. The $599 model has the following specs

• Intel Atom N270 processor clocked at 1.6GHz
• Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit
• NVIDIA ION with 256MB RAM
• 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
• 12.1 inch WXGA TFT 1280 x 800 resolution display
• Touchpad
• 250GB Hard Drive
• 6 cell Lithium Ion battery
• Broadcom 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

The $699 model ups the memory to 3GB of RAM and the storage capacity to 320GB.  Both ION based S12 models are available in black only.

Remember that the S12 is also available in other configurations. The low end model for $429 consists of the VIA Nano ULV 2250 processor clocked at 1.3GHz coupled with the VIA Chrome 9 HC3 graphics while the mid-range model for $449 consists of an Intel Atom processor coupled with the Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics.

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The new Lenovo IdeaPad S12 is off to a rocking start with both PC Magazine and LaptopMag giving the new 12 inch netbook their “Editor’s Choice” award. Here’s what PC Mag has to say about the system:

“With the IdeaPad S12, Lenovo produces its best 12-inch netbook yet, but there’s a price premium above your average netbook.”

and LaptopMag’s comments:

“This 12-inch netbook has an excellent keyboard, very good speakers, and lasts just short of 6 hours on a charge.”

Of course the current iteration of the S12 lacks the NVIDIA ION platform so don’t expect anything stellar on the graphics front – but if you need a 12 inch display and a full sized keyboard, the S12 certainly is something to  look at.

And speaking of Lenovo, LaptopMag is reporting that the ION-powered IdeaPad S12 is now delayed until later this fall. The system was originally announced back in late May when Lenovo stated that systems would be available “later this summer.” Guess later really meant much later. Theory has it that Lenovo wants to time the S12 launch closer to the launch of Windows 7. In the meantime, you might see the Samsung N510 out sooner!

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Lenovo formally announced the IdeaPad S12 netbook today – marking the entrance of the NVIDIA ION platform into the netbook arena. According to Dion Weisler, V.P. of Business Operations, Idea Product Group at Lenovo – “We’ve heard from consumers loud and clear about the need for affordable and extremely portable computing devices, and we’ve responded by introducing our third netbook with a completely new form factor, making mini-computing more usable and redefining value in today’s market”

What else can we say except “BRAVO”.

Now before I jump into the full details, it should be noted that the S12 will have the NVIDIA ION platform as an option for the netbook. According to PC World, the S12 will also be available with a 1.3 GHz VIA Nano 2250 processor and Chrome 9 HC3 graphics outside of the U.S. There will also be a version of the S12 with the Atom processor and traditional Intel graphics on the inside.

With that said, here’s the gist of what you’ll typically find within the IdeaPad S12:

• Intel Atom N270 processor running at 1.6GHz
• 12.1 inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution
• NVIDIA ION graphics
• Up to six hours of battery life
• Wi-Fi support
• ExpressCard slot
• 160GB HDD
• 1GB of RAM
• Dolby Headphone technology
• VGA port
• HDMI port on select models
• Bluetooth
• 4 in 1 media card reader
• Multi-touch touchpad
• Full size keyboard
• QuickStart feature allows you to boot into a Linux shell for simple computing functions such as surfing the web and playing with Skype
• Lenovo OneKey Rescue System
• New ring pattern design in black or white
• Weighs 3 pounds

Initial versions of the S12 will be available next month (June) with starting prices of around $449. Models with the NVIDIA ION will begin appearing later on in the summer (probably around the August timeframe).

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If you’re like me, then you’ve been waiting for an NVIDIA Ion powered netbook for some time. My friends – that time has finally (well almost)arrived. Starting in June, Lenovo will offer the new IdeaPad S12 – a 12 inch netbook powered by both an Intel Atom processor and the NVIDIA Ion platform which basically brings the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M GPU to the netbook platform.

Yes, we finally have a netbook capable of full HD playback as well as some basic 3D gaming. Netbooks with the NVIDIA Ion platform are basically re-energized with extra graphics oomph. Pretty exciting stuff folks!!!  Stay tuned for more info.

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