The 12.1” Lenovo IdeaPad S12, a netbook at its core, offers a premium computing experience over similar netbooks by adding Express Card and Memory Card Reader slots, exceptional battery life and the best mini-computer keyboard to date.
As many have come to realize, there’s not much on the inside to distinguish one of these highly-portable devices from another. Lenovo likely realized this when creating the IdeaPad S12 because it differentiates itself from the pack by including several premium hardware features not associated with performance: 12-inch 1280x800 resolution screen; full-size keyboard; large touchpad; SD memory card reader; Express Card Slot/34; standard 6-cell battery; stylish chassis. If this doesn't sound like the mini-computer for you, look on our netbook page for side-to-side comparisons and objective reviews.
Design:
The S12 chassis, because of the 12.1” screen, is much larger than its 10.1” netbook competitors. Measuring only 1.3” thick at its thickest point where the 6-cell battery protrudes qualifies it for the ultra-portable classification, however. Sturdy plastics make up the majority of the chassis with a high-gloss pattern of small circles decorating the top. On the inside, a glossy black finish surround the large 12.1” monitor and below it lies a flat black that is still very aesthetically pleasing. Both the high-gloss and flat black track fingerprints easily and we consistently found ourselves wiping down the hardware – not a deal-breaker because most units in the mini-computer category equally suffer from this.
The 12.1” display, despite it being only 2” larger than its 10.1” competitors, is a breath of fresh air for netbooks and is absolutely stunning at its 1280x800 native resolution. Brightness was not an issue, nor did it play a huge part in overall battery life when turned to max or dimmed to nearly the lowest possible setting. Another benefit of the larger screen and higher resolution is the ability to run applications that utilize fixed 800x600 and 1024x768 minimum resolutions without important buttons and information extending off the screen, making them hard or impossible to reach without the aid of third-party apps.
Another standout feature of the IdeaPad S12 is its keyboard. A full 100% in width, it is a welcome addition to a mini-computer whose primary purpose is on-the-go web-browsing and word processing. Not to mention the feel. The feedback its keys offer is precise and distinct and the Fn keys are easily identifiable using bright orange text. Touch typists will appreciate the level of attention given to the keyboard save one button – the left Ctrl key. The left Ctrl key and Fn keys are reversed on the S12 and, despite all efforts, we have consistently and no less frequently pressed the Fn key instead of left Ctrl when using even the most basic keyboard shortcuts - Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V. Be prepared to adjust unless you use key remapping software. Another small and less irritable keyboard mistake is the location of the F12 key. The F11 and F12 share a physical key, only F12 requires the Fn key command.
As far as touchpads go, the S12’s is ordinary. It’s average size and two buttons fall below the touchpad and, mimicking the keyboard, have very nice feedback and sound.
The S12’s connectivity features mirror the usual mini-computer offerings – 3 USB 2.0 ports, SVGA, microphone, headphone, Ethernet and AC adapter, but also include a memory card reader that supports MMC, MS, MSpro and SD expandable memory cards as well as an Express Card Slot/34. Both the memory card slot and Express Card slot included dummy plastic sticks to protect the slots while not in use and keep unwanted dust out. The S12 also supports a security lock and wireless on/off switch.
User Interface Features:
Because most of these computing devices share equal or similar internal components, there is little of note inside the IdeaPad S12. The unit we received was equipped with an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz single-core processor, 1GB of memory, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (GMA 950) and 5400RPM 160GB SATA3.0 hard disk drive. Combined, these are enough to perform most basic work tasks such as browsing the web, sending and receiving email, listening to your iTunes playlist, watching standard definition video either streamed or played from the HDD, word processing, manipulating spreadsheets, preparing presentations. Note: The included 12.1” screen makes for a much more pleasant computing experience with the latter.
Memory/Battery Life:
The S12’s 6-cell battery protrudes a bit from the chassis, giving the keyboard a slight incline. As unsightly as this may sound, it does not detract visually from the unit’s overall appearance. Carrying the unit can be awkward but we found it most comfortable to grasp the side opposite the battery and tucking it under the arm. The battery included with our unit did not fit snugly despite the locking mechanisms on the bottom of the chassis and required us to be more careful with the unit when toting it around.
Summary:
As far as these mini-computers go, the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 reaches where few have trod prior – to a 12.1” screen and full-sized keyboard – all in a relatively compact, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing design. Battery life is moderate and should be enough to keep you up and running the better part of a work day so the likelihood of this being used as a desktop replacement isn’t out of the question. Students who don’t require the power of a full-sized notebook would also be smart to consider the ultraportable S12 at its $499 price point. The S12 handles anything a typical netbook can despite the increased resolution and makes for a much easier and comfortable workspace with the large screen and full-sized keyboard. It also supports several memory card formats and an Express Card slot, bleeding even further into the competing ultraportable notebook lines.
As many have come to realize, there’s not much on the inside to distinguish one of these highly-portable devices from another. Lenovo likely realized this when creating the IdeaPad S12 because it differentiates itself from the pack by including several premium hardware features not associated with performance: 12-inch 1280x800 resolution screen; full-size keyboard; large touchpad; SD memory card reader; Express Card Slot/34; standard 6-cell battery; stylish chassis. If this doesn't sound like the mini-computer for you, look on our netbook page for side-to-side comparisons and objective reviews.
Design:
The S12 chassis, because of the 12.1” screen, is much larger than its 10.1” netbook competitors. Measuring only 1.3” thick at its thickest point where the 6-cell battery protrudes qualifies it for the ultra-portable classification, however. Sturdy plastics make up the majority of the chassis with a high-gloss pattern of small circles decorating the top. On the inside, a glossy black finish surround the large 12.1” monitor and below it lies a flat black that is still very aesthetically pleasing. Both the high-gloss and flat black track fingerprints easily and we consistently found ourselves wiping down the hardware – not a deal-breaker because most units in the mini-computer category equally suffer from this.
The 12.1” display, despite it being only 2” larger than its 10.1” competitors, is a breath of fresh air for netbooks and is absolutely stunning at its 1280x800 native resolution. Brightness was not an issue, nor did it play a huge part in overall battery life when turned to max or dimmed to nearly the lowest possible setting. Another benefit of the larger screen and higher resolution is the ability to run applications that utilize fixed 800x600 and 1024x768 minimum resolutions without important buttons and information extending off the screen, making them hard or impossible to reach without the aid of third-party apps.
Another standout feature of the IdeaPad S12 is its keyboard. A full 100% in width, it is a welcome addition to a mini-computer whose primary purpose is on-the-go web-browsing and word processing. Not to mention the feel. The feedback its keys offer is precise and distinct and the Fn keys are easily identifiable using bright orange text. Touch typists will appreciate the level of attention given to the keyboard save one button – the left Ctrl key. The left Ctrl key and Fn keys are reversed on the S12 and, despite all efforts, we have consistently and no less frequently pressed the Fn key instead of left Ctrl when using even the most basic keyboard shortcuts - Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V. Be prepared to adjust unless you use key remapping software. Another small and less irritable keyboard mistake is the location of the F12 key. The F11 and F12 share a physical key, only F12 requires the Fn key command.
As far as touchpads go, the S12’s is ordinary. It’s average size and two buttons fall below the touchpad and, mimicking the keyboard, have very nice feedback and sound.
The S12’s connectivity features mirror the usual mini-computer offerings – 3 USB 2.0 ports, SVGA, microphone, headphone, Ethernet and AC adapter, but also include a memory card reader that supports MMC, MS, MSpro and SD expandable memory cards as well as an Express Card Slot/34. Both the memory card slot and Express Card slot included dummy plastic sticks to protect the slots while not in use and keep unwanted dust out. The S12 also supports a security lock and wireless on/off switch.
User Interface Features:
Because most of these computing devices share equal or similar internal components, there is little of note inside the IdeaPad S12. The unit we received was equipped with an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz single-core processor, 1GB of memory, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (GMA 950) and 5400RPM 160GB SATA3.0 hard disk drive. Combined, these are enough to perform most basic work tasks such as browsing the web, sending and receiving email, listening to your iTunes playlist, watching standard definition video either streamed or played from the HDD, word processing, manipulating spreadsheets, preparing presentations. Note: The included 12.1” screen makes for a much more pleasant computing experience with the latter.
Memory/Battery Life:
The S12’s 6-cell battery protrudes a bit from the chassis, giving the keyboard a slight incline. As unsightly as this may sound, it does not detract visually from the unit’s overall appearance. Carrying the unit can be awkward but we found it most comfortable to grasp the side opposite the battery and tucking it under the arm. The battery included with our unit did not fit snugly despite the locking mechanisms on the bottom of the chassis and required us to be more careful with the unit when toting it around.
Summary:
As far as these mini-computers go, the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 reaches where few have trod prior – to a 12.1” screen and full-sized keyboard – all in a relatively compact, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing design. Battery life is moderate and should be enough to keep you up and running the better part of a work day so the likelihood of this being used as a desktop replacement isn’t out of the question. Students who don’t require the power of a full-sized notebook would also be smart to consider the ultraportable S12 at its $499 price point. The S12 handles anything a typical netbook can despite the increased resolution and makes for a much easier and comfortable workspace with the large screen and full-sized keyboard. It also supports several memory card formats and an Express Card slot, bleeding even further into the competing ultraportable notebook lines.
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