Coffee break- the IdeaPad U110 in action

I finally have a few minutes to kick back in the coffee shop and share a few thoughts about the Lenovo IdeaPad U110 notebook.  Today I brought just the U110 with me in the Lenovo-provided slipcase and as I carried it around with me it struck me repeatedly that it was hard to believe there was a full laptop in the case.  It is just so thin and light, even with the 7-cell battery attached.  I arrived in the SBUX and handed the closed slipcase to my buddy who was working away on his HP Mini-Note and didn't say a word.  I watched in amusement as he unzipped the case, peaked inside and then a confused look came over his face.  He asked what the red thing was in the case as it hadn't hit him that it could be a notebook computer.  He pulled it out of the case, saw the Lenovo logo on the lid and said- well, I can't repeat what he said as this is a family blog.

I spent the next 15 minutes getting no work done whatsoever as he examined the U110 from every angle, played with the keyboard, oohed and ahhed at every little thing.  I finally got it back from him and tried to work for the next half hour as he kept going on and on about every cool feature on the notebook.  His reaction has been very similar to just about everyone I've shown the IdeaPad to and with good reason.  It is hard to believe it is not only a full-function notebook PC but such a powerful performer to boot.  It is actually liberating to open this puppy up and start working and keep thinking how it's faster than all the other mobile PCs I have used.  By a wide margin.

I find the U110 to be very comfortable to use for extended periods of time.  The keyboard is quite nice for touch typing and the wrist rest is just the right size for my hands.  I keep finding little touches that continually make my work easier the longer I use it, like the dedicated page up/down keys at the front of the keyboard.  The scroll area on the trackpad works better than most I've used and I find myself foregoing an external mouse and using that which is rare for me.  Lenovo has always designed the ThinkPad with an eye toward usability and they've definitely brought that experience to the IdeaPad.  I find I can use it for quite a while and then realize that I haven't even thought about the tool I was using, just about getting my work done.  That is just priceless.  I'll be sharing more thoughts including a complete review soon.  If you haven't seen my video of the IdeaPad then go watch that.

Comments

[Chris St.]

I would get the IdeaPad U110, but two things keep me away from it: Price and Vista. The 11 inch screen sounds better then the 9 inch mini note.

I was curious if you thought the 11 inch screen of the IdeaPad is a better buy for internet surfing and typing then the Mini-note? Especially for extended periods of time. Like others, I'm on the verge of purchasing a mini-note. I'm waiting for isaiah and to see if Dell and Apple offer some ulternatives (Ultra portable under 1000 or just above 500).

Screen size on the Mini is worriesome, but the IdeaPad seems to fit the bill.

[Nate]

You see what you're doing to all of us, don't you James?

This poor guy's happily typing away on his brand new Mini-Note that you, undoubtedly, recommended to him, and you come waltzing in with the IdeaPad. Now this guy has to go back to using that cruddy little Mini-Note.

You're creating an unfair level of gadget envy. That poor guy probably didn't even know what hit him.

[Nate]

@ Chris

Keep dreaming, on that sub 1000 dollar Apple. It ain't gonna happen.

IMO, screen size is not an issue, as far as the Mini is concerned. I just upgraded from the Eee Pc where screen size, and more importantly resolution, is a definite issue.

The Mini packs a lot of pixels in that 8.9" LCD, and it makes all the difference in the world. No horizontal scrolling is necessary on the Mini, and everything is very sharp. I don't know that I've ever owned a notebook with a display this nice.

[Jan]

Could anyone compare the quality of lcd: Lenovo u110 vs. Sony TZ?

If money were no object, which of the two (Lenovo Ideapad u100 vs. Sony VAIO TZ) would you choose?

Sony's Pros:
* excellent LCD, not glossy, no glare
* excellent keyboard
* battery life approx. 7h
* built-in optical drive

Lenovo's Pros:
* seems to have a better CPU
* 800 Mhz bus
* lighter

It seems that the Lenovo should outperform the Sony TZ - could anyone confirm that?

[DavidT]

@Jan, the Lenovo do outperform the the Sony TZ's. Notebookreview.com has benchmarks comparing the new Lenovo U110 to the Sony TZ (And a few other laptops in this cateogry). From what I have read, the Lenovo also has two RAM slots whereas the Sony only has one (Meaning the max for the Sony TZ will be 2 GB). The TZ has a ULV processor and the Lenovo has a LV processor so the Lenovo should be more efficient overall especially with the higher clock speed.

I know it doesn't bother James, but I still don't like the glossy finish of the U110. I wish they would of at least kept the gloss off the keyboard and palm rest, I don't mind a glossy screen but I think Lenovo went overboard with the gloss. Aside from that, the Lenovo looks to be an amazing device.

@James, I know what you mean when you say you still can't believe it's a full fledge laptop you're holding with something that small. Over and over again I tell myself that when I'm with my TZ. The ooos and awwws are nonstop wherever I go when I use it. I don't like to carry it anymore, brings too much attention and I can't get anywork done. BTW James, I saw in your mobile tech manor video you have an OQO Model O2 however I don't see a video or blog about your impression on the device? :D

Love this site, keep up the good work.

[Chris St]

@ Nate....I also doubt apple will ever enter the sub 1000 notebook market. But they are missing a huge opportunity that their competitors are going to take advantage of. Mac book air was meant to hit a niche market, and I wanted the air to be the mini note but for maybe 700-900 bucks.

Sounds like the mini is a usable screen size, I'm using a 14.1 inch and was worried about the transition.

Comparing a mini with a U110 seems unfair, different types of computers.

[Nate]

I agree, comparing these devices seems kind of unfair, but it's inevitable.

[Borgel]

I have a question, but I guess its really a personal opinion thing.

Ive got a 4 year old Thinkpad x40 thats going to get replaced by the end or the summer or so if I can. I've been using it almost exclusively for general office stuff and web browsing (Ive got a desktop for heavy stuff) as I'm in college and use it for notes and such.

In any case, Im basically debating between getting a U110 or waiting for the new Montevina chipsets in June and then getting whatever the first new revision of the X series with the new architecture.

My holdback on getting the U110 is basically its battery life (though I do also love a Trackpoint). Even on my older Thinkpad, I can get a solid 5 hours of use + or - about 45 minutes with the extended battery. So Im worried about battery life.

Whats your opinion?

[nomo]

Borgel: The X200 will have better technology than the U110, but isn't expected until September when the low-voltage Montevina chips are available.

[Mike Cane]

Man oh man oh man, do I have a lust on for that u110! But I keep thinking ... carry around TWO GRAND of small notebook in a shoulder bag? Place TWO GRAND worth of computer on a public park table for low-lifes to see? Have TWO GRAND worth of notebook in a shoulder bag that is POROUS and get caught in a downpour?

ARGH!!!

But that horsepower is what I bloody *need*.

[Erick]

good article, thx

[carmen]

so, when montevina for this thing?

does it use the SFF like the air and envy?