Lenovo enters netbook arena

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 4 Aug 2008 at 14:49

Lenovo has become the latest major manufacturer to throw its hat in the netbook ring, with the launch of the IdeaPad S10.

The S10 will offer a base configuration with 512MB of RAM and an 80GB hard disk for $399. An enhanced model with 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard disk will cost $450.

The device will go on sale in the US from early October, with Lenovo set to unveil UK pricing and availability later today.

The S10's LED baclkit screen spans 10.2in and will offer a resolution of 1,024 x 600. The mini-laptop will also offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, an ExpressCard slot, a four-in-one card reader and a 1.3 megapixel webcam.

Lenovo's entry into the market leaves Toshiba as the only top five PC manufacturer not to announce a netbook device. HP and Acer both have netbooks on the market, while Dell's E Netbook is expected to arrive later this summer.

Other high-profile laptop manufacturers, such as Sony and Apple, have so far resisted the stampede, although the Mac maker is heavily rumoured to be preparing a netbook launch of its own.