Test Drive the Palm PreLenovo IdeaPad U110 (black)
Manufacturer: Lenovo Part number: 23042BU
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The 11.1-inch Lenovo IdeaPad U110 is the most beautiful laptop we've seen in years, and behind those good looks is a well-appointed, fairly priced ultraportable. Despite a few minor nitpicks, we recommend the IdeaPad U110 to those who want a lightweight, eye-catching laptop for frequent travel.
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CNET editors' review
Lenovo IdeaPad U110 (black)
price range: $1,349.00
- Reviewed by: Michelle Thatcher
- Edited by: Matthew Elliott
- Reviewed on: 05/08/2008
- Released on: 04/28/2008
The good: Gorgeous design; lightweight, yet solid construction; sharp screen resolution; comfortable keyboard; ships with two batteries.
The bad: Lacks a built-in optical drive; glossy screen finish sometimes produces annoying reflections; piano finish on keyboard is prone to smudges; fixed configuration can't be customized; no WWAN option.
The bottom line: The 11.1-inch Lenovo IdeaPad U110 is the most beautiful laptop we've seen in years, and behind those good looks is a well-appointed, fairly priced ultraportable. Despite a few minor nitpicks, we recommend the IdeaPad U110 to those who want a lightweight, eye-catching laptop for frequent travel.
The Lenovo IdeaPad U110 looks more like an object of art than a piece of consumer electronics. The tendril pattern etched into its aluminum lid (available in black or red) and the patterned vents on its base both bring to mind an illuminated manuscript or a fine textile. But a laptop it is, and for its $1,899 price tag, the IdeaPad U110 is a pretty good ultraportable. Despite its compact size, the IdeaPad U110's screen and keyboard are comfortable to use for long stretches. Its case is stocked with current-generation components and a decent set of features--though media fanatics should note that its DVD burner is an external drive. The fastidious should also note that the very shine that makes the laptop so appealing is easily dulled by fingerprints. Despite these imperfections, the Lenovo IdeaPad U110 offers a combination of price, features, and performance that's competitive with such ultraportables as the Toshiba Portege R500 and the Sony VAIO TZ150, inside a package of unparalleled beauty.
| Price | $1,899 |
| Processor | 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 |
| Memory | 2GB of 667MHz |
| Hard drive | 120GB at 4,200rpm |
| Chipset | Intel 965GM Express |
| 2.9 / 3.6 pounds with 7-cell battery | Intel GMA X3100 (integrated) |
| Operating System | Windows Vista Home Premium |
| Dimensions (WDH) | 10.8x7.7x0.72 inches |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 11.1 inches |
| System weight / Weight with AC adapter | 2.4 / 3.1 pounds with 4-cell battery |
| Category | ultraportable |
The Lenovo IdeaPad U110 is imperceptibly smaller than one of our favorite 11.1-inch ultraportables, the Sony VAIO TZ150. It gives up 2 inches in screen size to the 13.3-inch MacBook Air, but the U110 weighs a full pound less (when using its four-cell battery). Toshiba's Portege R500, on the other hand, weighs less--just 1.7 pounds--and gives you an extra inch with its 12-inch screen. Aside from its diminutive size and stunning design, the IdeaPad U110 is remarkable in its sturdy construction, thanks to an aluminum cover and magnesium-aluminum case.
The sturdy construction seems to owe something to Lenovo's business-focused ThinkPad line. But the IdeaPad U110 is considerably different from the company's other flagship ultraportable, the $2,476 ThinkPad X300. The latter maintains the familiar ThinkPad DNA--rectangular black case, great keyboard, and such corporate-friendly features as WWAN and a Trusted Platform Module--while still allowing for innovation in design and cutting-edge components. The IdeaPad U110, on the other hand, is focused on the consumer market, and as such gives Lenovo more freedom to experiment with design while still incorporating new technologies. Speaking more concretely, the 11.1-inch, 2.4-pound IdeaPad U110 is considerably smaller than the 13.3-inch, 3.4-pound ThinkPad X300.
The entire keyboard deck on the IdeaPad U110--including the keyboard, touch pad, mouse buttons, and quick-launch keys--is one flush surface, all in a glossy piano finish. At first the flatness of the keys, and the lack of space between them, had us worried about typing comfort. But closer inspection revealed that the keys have a slightly concave surface, and while the keyboard did feel noticeably less than full-size, typing was remarkably comfortable and error-free. Part of the reason: Lenovo extended the keyboard quite nearly to the edges of the system, similar to the HP 2133 Mini-Note, to accommodate larger keys than would ordinarily be found on such a compact laptop. Unfortunately a concession had to be made when it came to the touch pad; the IdeaPad U110's narrow depth means the touch pad sits uncomfortably low on the keyboard deck, and its mouse buttons are part of the laptop's front edge. We were able to complete a day's work with this setup, but would likely want to pack a travel mouse for better ergonomics on lengthy trips. Also, the meticulous among us might be put off by the shiny interior, which easily picks up fingerprints. (Lenovo does include a chamois cloth to help you keep the IdeaPad U110 looking sharp.)
Above the keyboard you'll find another stunning aesthetic touch: a row of glowing orange launch buttons, framed with a curling ivy design evocative of the IdeaPad U110's etched lid. The keys, which include a button to launch an audio manager as well as two keys that launch programs of your choice, appear only when you run your finger across the black panel above the keyboard. To the right of these "hidden" keys sit light-touch volume controls (mute, volume up and down) that are always illuminated. On the far left side are the power button and the Novo button, which provides quick system recovery should you lose the battle against a computer virus; during times of peace the Novo button toggles among different power settings to help you manage battery life.
We like the IdeaPad U110's display, which measures just 11.1 inches diagonal but features a sharp 1,366x768 native resolution. The result is a screen that has plenty of room for Web browsing, e-mail, and office applications, though we did find ourselves squinting as the day wore on. Some of the discomfort that comes with working on a small laptop is mitigated by the fact that the IdeaPad U110's lid is slightly angled, so there's a little extra distance between the screen and the keyboard. This setup is adequate for working on the road, but if the IdeaPad U110 is your primary computer you'll likely want to hook it up to an external monitor when you're at your home base.
The display itself is what Lenovo calls a "frameless screen," meaning the screen surface is flush with the edges of the lid. The designation is a bit inaccurate, because there is still a black bezel around the screen; nevertheless, the flush surface mirrors that of the keyboard deck and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal. Our only real complaint lies in the screen's highly reflective finish, which proved particularly distracting when we were working close to a window. Above the screen sits a 1.3-megapixel Webcam, which works with the included VeriFace face-recognition software to let you use your mug to log into Windows.
| Lenovo IdeaPad U110 | Average for ultraportable category | |
| Video | VGA-out, Webcam | VGA-out |
| Audio | Stereo speakers with Dolby Virtual Surround, headphone/microphone jacks | Headphone/microphone jacks |
| Data | 3 USB 2.0, mini FireWire, multiformat memory card reader | 2 USB 2.0, mini FireWire, multiformat memory card reader |
| Expansion | ExpressCard/34 | PC Card or ExpressCard slot |
| Networking | Ethernet, 802.11 a/g, Bluetooth | Modem, Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional WWAN |
| Optical drive | External DVD burner | None, or DVD burner |
With a laptop this small, there are inevitably concessions to be made when it comes to ports and connections. Fortunately, the IdeaPad U110 squeezes in a healthy selection that includes three USB ports and an ExpressCard slot. The latter will be particularly useful to those who need mobile broadband, because Lenovo currently does not offer a built-in WWAN option with the IdeaPad U110. (The option is available on the company's business-oriented ThinkPad line.) More of a concern to some users will be the laptop's lack of a built-in optical drive. Every IdeaPad U110 does ship with a relatively lightweight external DVD burner, but those who want to travel light will have to do without the capability to read discs on the run.
Inside the Lenovo IdeaPad U110 you'll find a low-voltage 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 CPU. Use of a low-voltage processor, designed to reduce heat output in small cases, often results in sluggish performance. But the IdeaPad U110 ran faster than Lenovo's recent business ultraportable, the ThinkPad X300, on some portions of CNET Labs' performance benchmarks, most likely due to its processor's faster clock speed. Neither Windows system could keep up with the Apple MacBook Air when it came to our Multimedia multitasking test; because this test uses a handful of Apple applications, the MacBook Air reaped some benefits from running OS X. However, the gap narrowed when it came to our Photoshop and iTunes tests, and we can say anecdotally that during our use the IdeaPad U110 juggled Web surfing, document typing, and music streaming without hiccups.
It's worth mentioning that the IdeaPad U110 is currently available in only one fixed configuration, which simplifies the shopping process but also prevents users from customizing their system with higher-end components, such as a solid-state hard drive (as found in the MacBook Air and the Toshiba Portege R500).
When it comes to battery life, the Lenovo IdeaPad U110 is both disappointing and satisfying. That's because Lenovo ships two batteries with every IdeaPad U110: a four-cell battery that lasted 1 hour, 27 minutes on our drain test, and a seven-cell battery that lasted nearly 3 hours. (Our drain test is particularly taxing, so you can expect more life from typical Windows use. In fact, we were able to squeeze about four hours out of the extended battery during our use.) The lightweight, four-cell battery sits flush with the IdeaPad U110's case, while the seven-cell battery (which is, realistically, the primary battery) adds some bulk--and a half-pound of weight--to the back of the laptop. Still, we applaud Lenovo for giving users the freedom to choose between longer battery life or maximum portability. And the IdeaPad U110's power brick offers some small consolation; almost identical in size and thickness to the fourth-generation iPod, it won't take up too much room in your bag.
Lenovo includes an industry-standard one-year parts-and-labor warranty with the system, with affordable upgrades for up to three years of coverage. We do wish the consumer-focused IdeaPad line included some variation of the company's suite of support and configuration tools (called ThinkVantage on ThinkPads and Lenovo Care on the Lenovo 3000 line). However, the company's support Web site is above average, providing easy access to features such as an online knowledge base and driver downloads. Support is also accessible through a 24-7 toll-free phone line and an online chat tool.
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System configurations:
Lenovo IdeaPad U110
Windows Vista Home Premium; 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L7500; 2048MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 128MB Mobile Intel 965GM Express; 120GB Toshiba 4200rpm
Lenovo ThinkPad X300
Windows XP Professional SP2; 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L7100; 2048MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 384MB Mobile Intel 965GM Express; 64GB Samsung Solid State Drive
Apple MacBook Air
OS X 10.5.1 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz; 2048MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 144MB Intel GMA X3100; 80GB Samsung 4,200rpm
HP 2133 Mini-Note
Windows Vista Business Edition; 1.6GHz VIA C7-M Ultra Low Voltage; 2048MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 256MB VIA/SG3 UniChrome Pro II IGP; 120GB Seagate 7,200rpm
Toshiba Portege R500
Windows XP Professional SP2; 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra Low Voltage U7600; 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; 224MB Mobile Intel 945GM Express; 64GB Samsung Solid State Drive
User reviews
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The worst customer service experience ever
by rover3d on September 11, 2008
Pros: Handsome; light.
Cons: Lenovo's tech support, in home service contractor (Unisys) and customer relations continue to debate my dead laptop...OS issue? Motherboard? Defective hard drive? Replacement unit? It's going on 3 weeks; laptop worked for 2 days. MadHatter tea party.
Summary: Purchased 3g U110 direct from Lenovo online. After 2 days of data transfers and customizing, the unit froze...for good. It took over one week to get any response from ...
Summary: Purchased 3g U110 direct from Lenovo online. After 2 days of data transfers and customizing, the unit froze...for good. It took over one week to get any response from the "24/7 onsite tech support." I still have no laptop. The original is at a service center in Texas. A replacement "should" ship in 10 business days. I have dealt with over 14 people and two supervisors in tech support alone. From errors on their website to erroneous invoices and mystery charges to the empty space on my desk where a laptop should be...A complete nightmare.
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Diggable machine
by dietsunkist on December 2, 2008
Pros: lightweight; luminous screen; nice battery life; customer service; multiple ports for a machine this small
Cons: slippery keyboard; smudge-prone body; awkward key layout; inability to touch-type;
Summary: I began researching this computer in early 2008. When it first debuted, reputable internet sources averred that this new notebook would eventually be offerred with a 64 gb SSD (solid ...
Summary: I began researching this computer in early 2008. When it first debuted, reputable internet sources averred that this new notebook would eventually be offerred with a 64 gb SSD (solid state drive). I was skeptical, and called Lenovo in the Spring of 2008 and spoke to their salesmen. I was told (twice) that a 64 gb SSD was going to be available by the Fall of 2008 (which worked with my deadline, as I was purchasing the computer for graduate school). Unfortunately, everyone was wrong - no SSD was going to be offerred. Dismayed that I had waited 6 months for the SSD that never came, I almost didn't purchase this notebook. But, for some reason, I found this little guy so unbelievably cool I just had to have it. Let me preface, however, with a quick personal truth: I invariably choose form over functionality. I have only owned iPod Nano's, my watches don't tell time, my wallets can't carry cash, and my sunglasses don't block the sun.
However, I'm quite computer literate, but my computer practices are sloppy. I run Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Google Chrome simultaneously sometimes so that I can exploit each of their strengths, and other times because I lazily click on whatever icon looks most appealing. I always have Outlook and Word open, even when not in use.
With these computer practices which could tax most every system, this computer purrs. I have never had a hiccup (save for those few Windows moments that will probably plague even the most finely tuned supercomputer). Once I uninstalled the Veriface (slowest, most worthless pile of bloatware I've ever experienced)software that comes with this computer, the startup time was super slick. There's never any reason to Sleep/Hibernate or whatever, because the startup is super fast, and your battery will thank you for the rest.
With those tasks in mind (simple office and webbrowsing), this computer rocks. However, are you trying to run iTunes? Don't even bother. Are you trying to play a flash game on the internet? Not worth your time. A flash version of "Asteroids" chunks up on this machine. If e-mail, word processing, web browsing, and some youtube excursions are what this machine is meant for, grab it (with some caveats explained 'infra'). If you want this for gaming, www.crazymonkeygames.com, Adobe, iTunes, DVD's (no internal drive), or bittorrent, it's severely underpowered.
The caveats as to word-processing: this keyboard is a pain. You never know where your hands are; there's no delineation between keys, and, though this may be a problem with all new ultraportables, why, oh why, did the function key replace the control key on the lower left corner of the keyboard. I use the control key 1,000 times more than the function key, it shoud be readily accessible. And, believe me, I used to own an iBook, so I'm quite forgiving when it comes to annoying key placement (that frustrating Apple key was three years of my life I'll never get back). The entrie keyboard, however, might as well be one key. You just can't tell where your fingers are, ever. And, to make matters worse, the palm rests have a piano finish so any sweat, grease, or just general "skin-li-ness" makes your hand slide off the bezzle (because its' so short). And, even more frustratingly, there's these little nubs that prevent the lid from closing to close to the keys which dig right into the veins in your wrist. Typing for an extended period on this guy is tantamount to slitting your wrists.
Two more things: first, the wireless card in this guy seems to be weak. In class, my colleagues are on the internet way faster than I am; it's like the u110 takes forever to find a network. I have to run it in ultra power suck mode to get it to find the omnipresent network that everyone else can tap into. As well, though the comptuer is super duper small, the battery that comes standard is worthless, so you have to use the bigger one (which really isn't that big). The power adapter, though, is hardly portable, and I'm constantly jealous of those Apple geeks who have AC adapters that allow the single cord to wrap around it to save space. \
However, I must add, that I dropped a soda on this guy and made the entire right side of the keyboard unresponsive. I had it back in less than 3 days, working perfectly. The customer service was incredible: better than any product I've ever owned, and even more importantly, broken.
All in all, the computer is really 'cool' and light. The customer service is great. But owning this computer is like trying to use an iPod touch with gloves on. A pain.0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lenovo
- Part number: 23042BU
- Description: A cover finished in textured metal gives the IdeaPad U110 notebook an eye-catching design that is ideal for the fashion-conscious user. Enhanced by a frameless screen and weighing less than 2.5 pounds, the 11-inch wide notebook's infinite-like viewing experience and thin and light frame cater to the highly mobile user, proving style and technology can go hand-in-hand.
General
- Platform Technology Intel Centrino Duo
- Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, Wireless LAN antenna
- Width 10.8 in
- Depth 7.7 in
- Height 0.9 in
- Weight 2.4 lbs
- Color Black
- Localization English
- Notebook type Ultraportable (Under 4 lbs.)
- Screen type Widescreen
- Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Processor
- Processor Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 / 1.6 GHz
- Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
- 64-bit processor Yes
- Core voltage technology Low-Voltage (LV)
- Data bus speed 800 MHz
- Processor features Intel 64 Technology, Intel Dynamic Acceleration, Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Execute Disable Bit capability, Intel Virtualization Technology
- Chipset type Mobile Intel GM965 Express
Cache Memory
- Type L2 cache
- Cache size 4 MB
RAM
- Installed Size 2 GB / 4 GB (max)
- Technology DDR2 SDRAM - 667 MHz
- Memory specification compliance PC2-5300
- RAM form factor SO DIMM 200-pin
- RAM configuration features 1 x 1 GB + 1 GB (soldered)
Environmental Parameters
- Environmental standards RoHS, EPA Energy Star
Storage Controller
- Storage controller type IDE
Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Hard Drive 120 GB - 4200 rpm
- Storage Removable None
- Hard drive type Portable
Optical Storage
- Type DVD-Writer - External
Optical Storage (2nd)
- 2nd optical storage type None
Display
- Display Type 11.1 in TFT active matrix
- Max Resolution 1366 x 768 ( WXGA )
- Widescreen Display Yes
- Color Support 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Features Glossy, VibrantView
Video
- Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA X3100 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0
Audio
- Audio output type Sound card
- Audio codec Realtek ALC888S
- Audio output compliant standards Dolby Home Theater, High Definition Audio
- Audio Input Stereo microphone
Notebook Camera
- Camera Type Integrated
- Notebook Camera / Sensor Resolution 1.3 Megapixel
Input Device(s)
- Input device type Keyboard, Touchpad
Telecom
- Modem None
Networking
- Networking Network adapter
- Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Wireless NIC Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG
- Data link protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet
- Networking standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Bays None
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin
- Interfaces 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 pin FireWire
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Additional 7-cell lithium ion battery
- Features Power-on password, Hard drive password, Administrator password, ThinkVantage Active Protection System, Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
- Compliant Standards CE, CCC, RoHS, UL 60950, IEC 60950, FCC Part 15, CISPR 22 Class B, FCC Class B certified
Power
- Power device form factor External
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
Battery
- Technology 4-cell Lithium ion
- Installed Qty 1 / 1 (max)
- Battery capacity 1750 mAh
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year, Limited warranty - Battery - 1 year
Sustainability
- EPA Energy Star Compliant Yes
- Greenpeace policy rating (Mar 2009) 3.1
Product series
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Manufacturer: Lenovo
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (1.6 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 2.4 lbs, 11.1 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
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Manufacturer: Lenovo
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (1.6 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 2.4 lbs, 11.1 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Accessories
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Lenovo IdeaPad 10" Sleeve S110 - Notebook sleeve - 10" - gray, pink (45K2171)$8.00
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Case Logic 13.3" Laptop Sleeve - Notebook carrying case - 13.3" - black (ENS13 BLACK)$16.14 - $19.99
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Lenovo Entry 15" BackPack B10 - Notebook carrying backpack - 15.4" - black (45J5468)$37.00
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Lenovo IdeaPad Mini Optical Mouse M10 - Mouse - optical - wired - USB (45J7729)$8.00
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Lenovo DataSlim E16 - Hard drive - 160 GB - external - Hi-Speed USB - 5400 rpm (45J7700)$89.00 - $145.00
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Sony VAIO VGPAMC6 Neoprene Case - Notebook carrying case - 11.1" - black (VGPAMC6)$20.60 - $25.98
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Sony VAIO VGP-CKTT1/N - Notebook carrying case - 11.1" - champagne gold (VGPCKTT1/N)$115.60 - $119.99
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Sony VGP-CCTR/J - Notebook carrying case - 11.1" - black, silver (VGP-CCTR/J)$26.15 - $33.99
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SanDisk Cruzer Micro - USB flash drive - 8 GB - Hi-Speed USB - black (SDCZ6-8192-A11)$15.45 - $44.99
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LaCie iamaKey - USB flash drive - 8 GB - Hi-Speed USB (130870)$33.89 - $37.99
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SanDisk Cruzer Micro - USB flash drive - 16 GB - Hi-Speed USB - black (SDCZ6-016G-A11)$25.61 - $79.99
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Lenovo Laser Mouse - Mouse - laser - 3 button(s) - wired - PS/2, USB - stealth black (41U3074)$37.09 - $43.99
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Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks - Mouse - optical - wireless - RF - USB wireless receiver - black (910-000153)$19.00 - $34.86
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Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks - Mouse - laser - 5 button(s) - wireless - 2.4 GHz - USB wireless receiver (910-000253)$53.54 - $69.99
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Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 700 - Keyboard - wireless - RF - mouse - USB wireless receiver - black - English - US (65X-00024)$24.69
Manufacturer info
- Lenovo
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Lenovo products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.lenovo.com/us/en/
- Address:
1009 Think Place, Morrisville, NC 27560
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