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Review LG X110 Netbook

High gloss Sandwich.

Almost every manufacturer has them in their series. 10 inch netbooks at an absolutely attractive starting price. LG sends the X110 into the race, a chic mini-notebook with the usual hardware equipment. In the following editorial, you can discover where its strengths - but also its weak points are.

LG X110

The X110 is currently the only netbook offered from LG. The manufacturer offers a total of four variations: The X110-L A7SAG or the X110-L A7SBG which define the start variants and only differ in their coloring (black-white, solely white). Both designs are also available with an integrated, wireless broadband under the product number: X110-L A7HAG or X110-L A7HBG.

Case

In regards to the measurements of all 10" netbooks, you might think that all cases come from one and the same factory (who knows…?), because the LG X110 also corresponds with a case breadth of 261 millimeters to its netbook colleagues,  Eee PC 1000H from Asus or even the Samsung NC10 being almost cut of the same cloth.

LG sets on design of the above mentioned variations. On the one hand, a model with a black and white color combination is offered, reminding somewhat of a sandwich and on the other, there's the design variation clad completely in white, for the innocent of the netbook customers.

 

We were allowed to take a closer look at the sandwich alternative in the test. The display lid is covered with a black high gloss finish on its outside. But that's not enough. LG tops that, because as one of the first net/notebooks in our hands the manufacturer actually dared to make the bottom side of the device in a high gloss optic, too.

Like for all other in piano lacquered netbooks - for the LG X110 applies: Optic, grade A; practice – well then…

Already after taking of the protecting cover for the test, countless fingerprints were collected fast on the outer sides of the device. That's the first point of critique for the X110 in this regard: Where, please, is the obligatory microfiber cloth in the range of delivery, with which you can at least try to strife this problem?

In any case, the stability of the base unit is o.k. LG most likely falls back onto a magnesium alloy, too. The case puts away applied pressure very sufficiently with exception of the bottom side in the area of the louver. This applies to the display, as well, which offers an even as good protection for the sensitive display.

We weren't particularly happy with the display hinges. These didn't only appear especially delicate; they couldn't prevent an observable luffing of the display when in motion, either. Besides that, the maximum opening angle is limited to 133°, which constricted us considerably in the one or other situation during the test.
The LG X110 also does without a safety catch. But apparently a magnet provides for a better hold in a closed condition.

Connectivity

There's no surprise in the offered connections of the X110. On the device are found: three USB 2.0 ports, 3.5mm sockets for a headphone and a microphone, a VGA connection as well as a RJ45 port for wired network. A 4in1 cardreader is also offered.

Under certain circumstances, the placement of the single ports may lead to problems at mass occupancy. Both USB ports are positioned fairly far on the front side edge and even the right USB is found in the first third of the side edge.

Front side: No connections
Front side: No connections
Left side: Kensington Lock, power socket, 2x USB
Left side: Kensington Lock, power socket, 2x USB
Back side: No connections
Back side: No connections
Right side: SD Cardreader, Audio, USB 2.0, VGA-Out, LAN
Right side: SD Cardreader, Audio, USB 2.0, VGA-Out, LAN

A Realtek RtL8102E network interface card (10/100Mbps) provides for a respective data transfer over cable. Alternatively, this can also take place over the built in 802.11 b/g wireless LAN module. This also applies for Bluetooth.

Only the higher value variant equipped with a wireless broadband internet includes Bluetooth 2.0+EDR in its bundle. With a street price of about 430.00 euros, you have to put about 100.00 euros on top of the starter variation.
Video conferences are made possible with an UMTS module and a webcam (1.3 megapixels) built in to every variation. The integrated cam had big problems with moving pictures, even at a minimal resolution of 160x120 pixels.

Regarding the guarantee, LG also offers a 24 month warranty with a "pick up and return service" on the 1200 grams heavy, or rather light, mini-notebook.

Input Devices

All current 10 inch netbooks offer a very similar keyboard with only small differences. This is already primarily defined through the size of the device. With a case width of 261 millimeters, the X110 from LG offers quite the same space as the netbooks giants Asus Eee 1000H or the Samsung NC10.

The single figure-keys measure 1.7 x 1.6 centimeters and correspond with that to the class standards, too. Therewith, the input fields were treated to a sufficient and very useable size, with exception of the ^, + and # keys and the cursor keys.    

The offered keyboard could also convince in the practical test. Not just the measurements of the single keys, but the layout and especially the typing feeling turned out to our satisfaction. It was possible to use the netbook even for touch typing without any further problems.

The touchpad surprisingly showed an almost squarish layout, very untypical for a netbook of this size. With an area of 5 x 4 centimeters the pad offers enough room to navigate quite nicely. Both touchpad keys turned out to be not quite as convincing, though. For one thing, the end to end key bar had a very large dead zone in its center and for another the keys could only be pressed with a large amount of pressure. Therefore, it is advisable to use both hands to work the pad.

LG X110 Touchpad
Touchpad
LG X110 Keyboard
Keyboard

Display

LG sets on a 10" WSVGA LED screen, which corresponds to the current standards of this device category, with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels for a display. As for all other comparable netbooks, we have to refer to the need of an increased scrolling during surfing, as well as during the use of various other programs for the X110.

In our test the screen delivered a very good result of 255cd/m2 in the lower middle area as for the maximal display brightness. Unfortunately, the display brightness fell considerably in the upper corners (down to 198 cd/m2), resulting in an only under average illumination of 74% of the display.

189
cd/m²
192
cd/m²
192
cd/m²
224
cd/m²
239
cd/m²
220
cd/m²
240
cd/m²
255
cd/m²
235
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 255 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 220.7 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 74 %
Contrast: 664:1 (Black: 0.36 cd/m²)

Regarding the maximum possible contrast, the display reached an equally good result. The minimum measured brightness of 0.36 cd/m2 (black value), resulting of interaction with the maximal brightness, reached a very good contrast value of 663:1.

LG X110
LG X110 Outdoor

Due to the good display brightness as well as the matt display surface, the LG X110 is absolutely suitable for outdoor use, even surroundings with adversely bright light conditions.

The given stable viewing angles of the X110 generally correlate to that of other netbooks. In the horizontal area satisfactory viewing angles can be noted, whereas image distortions have to be counted with much faster in the vertical viewing areas.

Blickwinkel LG X110
Blickwinkel LG X110

Performance

You could almost think that an Intel Atom CPU with an Intel GMA 950 graphic chip is the inevitable basis for a netbook. Even if this is not so and other technologies would be applicable, Intel evidently offers at present the most attractive value for money ratio with this package.

The performance of the netbook is therefore construed for standard office applications, i.e. writing texts, simple spreadsheets, picture galleries, e-mail traffic and internet. These tasks are completed from the Intel package absolutely satisfactorily. The system only runs out of air fast at performance intense computing tasks and graphic applications. Netbooks aren't designed for that, anyway.

Regarding the hard drive, a common hard disk from Fujitsu (MHZ2160BH) came to use in our test model of the LG X110. This is the same memory module as used in our test of the netbook competitor from Samsung, the NC10. The disk with a rotation velocity of 5400 rpm and a gross capacity of 160 gigabytes showed very good results in the HDTune benchmark test, regarding the transfer rates and access times.

 

System info CPU
System info CPU
System info Chipset
System info Ram
System info Ram
System info GPU
System info GPU
System info HDD
System information LG X110
3DMark 2001SE Standard
2788 points
3DMark 03 Standard
675 points
Help
Cinebench R10
 SettingsValue
 Shading 32Bit272 Points
 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit822 Points
 Rendering Single 32Bit541 Points
160 GB - 5400 rpm
Transfer Rate Minimum: 6.7 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 63 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 50.3 MB/s
Access Time: 17.4 ms
Burst Rate: 82.9 MB/s
CPU Usage: 4.7 %

Emissions

System Noise

When using the netbook in its energy savings profile (minimum energy use), the system fan stays mostly deactivated even in applications with a low load, i.e. surfing in the internet or text writing. The netbook remains practically silent except for quiet running noises from the hard disk. Every now and then we could observe a short start up of the fan, though. The fan turned on in the adapted profile of portable/laptop or even at a slight higher load and runs practically constant at a very well audible level of 34.4 dB(A).

We could elicit a maximum of 40.3 dB(A) out of the LG X110 under load, whereas the mini-notebook may very well be described as loud. This should be barely ever achieved in the classic application areas of the netbook, though.

 

Noise Level

Idle
30.4 / 30.4 / 34.4 dB(A)
HDD
31.8 dB(A)
Load
33.5 / 40.3 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light    (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Interesting was that we were able to measure the "maximum" heating on the upper side of the device. This was 32.2°C in the middle area of the keyboard. The bottom side of the device stayed with a maximum of 31.7°C slightly beneath this value. Generally, mobile use on the lap is possible, with that.

Max. Load
 27.9 °C
82 F
28.4 °C
83 F
27.9 °C
82 F
 
 31.3 °C
88 F
32.2 °C
90 F
27.6 °C
82 F
 
 27.8 °C
82 F
31.6 °C
89 F
25.3 °C
78 F
 
Maximum: 32.2 °C = 90 F
Average: 28.9 °C = 84 F
31.6 °C
89 F
30.4 °C
87 F
29.7 °C
85 F
31.7 °C
89 F
30.2 °C
86 F
28.8 °C
84 F
28.8 °C
84 F
29.8 °C
86 F
27.7 °C
82 F
Maximum: 31.7 °C = 89 F
Average: 29.9 °C = 86 F
Room Temperature 20 °C = 68 F
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 28.9 °C / 84 F, compared to the average of 29.8 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Netbook.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 32.2 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 33.1 °C / 92 F, ranging from 21.6 to 53.2 °C for the class Netbook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 31.7 °C / 89 F, compared to the average of 36.6 °C / 98 F
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.6 °C / 88.9 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 29.3 °C / 84.7 F (-2.3 °C / -4.2 F).

Loudspeakers

The sound of the integrated speakers could almost be called a disgrace. These are placed on the bottom side front area of the netbook and throw their extremely thin and tinny sounding sound waves against the set-up area of the netbook.

Generally, it's safe to assume that you can forget these speakers for music playing. Its bandwidth is at the most enough to play Window system sounds, and even here you shouldn't have the volume turned up to high.

In the end, there are only the offered audio ports to make music playing acceptable. These delivered an adequate sound in the test and made even the LG X110 to a mobile audio player.

 

Battery Life

Maximal battery runtime (BatteryEater Readers Test)
Readers Test
Minimal runtime (BatteryEater Classic Test)
Classic Test

LG offers, according to its spec sheet, two different battery versions for the X110. A 3-cell battery with a capacity of 24.4 Wh or a bigger 6-cell battery with a respective larger storage capacity. Our test sample was fitted with a 3-cell battery, which bode ill in comparison to the high performance batteries of the competitors.

In the BatteryEater test, representative for the maximum possible battery runtime of the netbook, with maximum energy savings options (min. display brightness, energy savings mode, WLAN off) our test sample reached a runtime of merely 148 minutes.
Under load (max. display brightness, high performance profile, WLAN on) it was even less. It already came to an end after 78 minutes.

It didn't really get better in the practical WLAN test. With maximum brightness in the profile portable/laptop the X110 reached a runtime of 125 minutes, equal to somewhat more than 2 hours. Not much, if you consider that a netbook is primarily thought for mobile use. Various netbook competitors offer at least double as much durability in this exercise, admittedly with a respective larger battery capacity.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 9.6 / 12.8 / 13.8 Watt
Load midlight 19.5 / 20 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
2h 28min
WiFi Surfing
2h 05min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 18min

Verdict

With the X110, LG tries to score primarily with a very attractive design. Unfortunately, we think they went too far with this, seeing that both the display lid as well as the case shell has been provided with a very sensitive high gloss finish.
The X110 is interesting because of its low starting price of a bit over 300.00 Euros. In this condition you have to do without a Bluetooth and an integrated UMTS/HSDPA module.

The keyboard turned out very positive in the test. The key size, as well as the layout and typing feeling speak for an even more intensive use of the keyboard. The only deficiency of the input devices, as we see it, is the end to end touchpad key with a bit high of resistance and the dead zone in its middle area.

On the one hand the display collects points, in regards to the maximal brightness and the extremely good contrast, but remains with its only under average illumination and an average viewing angle stability not completely without critique.

There were no surprises hidden in the built in hardware. This offers the expected netbook performance for uncomplicated office applications. An extremely quiet use of the netbook is possible with an aligned energy management and the surface temperatures always stay within a limit.

The offered speakers have to almost be called indisputable. Music pleasure is practically impossible with them. The 3-cell battery, which gives the X110 merely a moderate battery runtime, cuts off only slightly better.

The LG X110 can be described as an interesting device, depending on what you expect from your netbook. Its strengths lie primarily in its design, its input devices and the outdoor suitable display. For an extended mobility, an upgrade of the battery should be considered at any rate. At its expense, the starting price could be pushed down to of only just over 300.00 Euros, making the LG X110 to a serious competitor for established netbooks.

LG X110
LG X110
LG X110
LG X110
LG X110
LG X110
LG X110
LG X110

 

Many thanks to Cyberport.de which kindly provided us with the test device. You can configure and purchase it here, as well.. You can configure and purchase it here, as well.  

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LG X110
In Review: LG X110 Netbook, with courtesy of:

Specifications

LG X110 (XNote Series)
Processor
Intel Atom N270 1 x 1.6 GHz, DiamondVille
Graphics adapter
Memory
1024 MB 
, DDR2
Display
10.20 inch 16:9, 1024 x 600 pixel, WSVGA LED Display, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel 945GM
Storage
160 GB - 5400 rpm, 160 GB 
, 5400 rpm, FUJITSU MHZ2160BH
Soundcard
Realtek ALC888
Connections
3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Kopfhörer, Mikrofon, Card Reader: 4in1 Cardreader (SD, MMC, MS, MS pro)
Networking
Realtek RTL8102E Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet (10/100MBit/s), 802.11b/g (b/g/), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (optional)
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 36 x 178 x 261 ( = 1.42 x 7.01 x 10.28 in)
Battery
24 Wh Lithium-Ion, 11.1V 2.2 Ah
Operating System
Microsoft Windows XP Home 32 Bit
Additional features
24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.2 kg ( = 42.33 oz / 2.65 pounds), Power Supply: 370 g ( = 13.05 oz / 0.82 pounds)
Price
350 Euro

 

Das LG X110 Netbook setzt in erster Linie auf einen eindrucksvollen Auftritt.
The LG x110 netbook sets primarily on an impressive entrée.
Keine Freude kommt mit den integrierten Speakern auf. Sie klingen überaus dünn und blechern.
The speakers don't give reason for joy. They sound very thin and tinny.
Auch die Oberflächentemperaturen des Mini-Notebooks halten sich in Grenzen.
The surface temperatures of the mini-notebook also stay within a limit.
Der Lüfter hat mit der verbauten Intel Hardware (Atom N270, GMA 950) keine allzu großen Probleme.
The fan doesn't have all too many problems with the built in Intel hardware (Atom N270, GMA 950).
Dank der matten Oberfläche lässt sich das Netbook auch im Freien ohne Probleme einsetzen.
Thanks to the matt surface, the netbook can be used outdoors without any problems.
Das Display bietet hingegen eine ausgesprochen gute Helligkeit sowie einen guten Bildkontrast.
On the other side, the display offers a very good brightness, as well as a good image contrast.
Beim Touchpad ist leider die durchgehende zugehörige Taste zu kritisieren, die eine große tote Zone aufweist.
Unfortunately, the end to end key belonging to the touchpad has to be critisized, having a large dead zone.
Die Tastatur konnte im Test sowohl durch ihre Größe als auch durch das überaus angenehme Tippgefühl punkten.
The keyboard could score due to its size, as well as, because of its pleasant typing feeling, in the test.
ein integriertes UMTS/HSDPA Modem wird erst in einer höherwertigen und entsprechend teuren Variante geboten.
a built in UMTS/HSPDA modem is only offered in a higher quality and respectively more expensive variation.
Dazu zählen insgesamt 3 USB 2.0 Ports, ein VGA Ausgang sowie Audio Ports für Mikrofon und Kopfhörer.
A total of 3 USB 2.0 ports, a VGA-out, as well as audio ports for a microphone and headphone count to this.
An Anschlüssen bietet das LG X110 die üblichen Netbook-Basic-Ports.
The LG X110 offers the usual netbook basic ports as connections.
Sie gewährleisten einen Öffnungswinkel des Displays von rund 133°, können allerdings ein Wippen des Displays nicht verhindern.
They grant an opening angle of approx. 133°, can't prevent a luffing of the display though.
Etwas problematisch sind in dieser Hinsicht dir nur überaus filigran ausgeformten Displayscharniere zu betrachten.
The very delicately molded display hinges can be considered a bit of a problem in this regard.
Die Gehäusestabilität geht dank der verwendeten Magnesiumlegierung durchaus in Ordnung.
Due to the applied magnesium alloy the case stability is absolutely alright.
Für eine entsprechende Optik sorgt ein Displaydeckel in schwarzer Klavierlackoptik als auch eine hochglänzende Gehäusewanne.
The display lid in black piano laquer, as well as a high gloss case jacket provide for an appropriate optic.
Der ab Werk eingesetzte 3-Zellen Akku verleiht dem 110 eine Laufzeit von nur rund 2 Stunden.
The 3-cell battery built in ex-factory gives the X110 a runtime of only approx. 2 hours.

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Pricerunner.de

Pros

+Attractive Design
+Low priced starting price
+Very pleasant keyboard
+Outdoor suitable display with a good contrast
+Low system noise possible
+Low heat emissions
 

Cons

-Surface very susceptible for smudge
-Undersized hinges
-No WLAN Draft-n, Bluetooth in the basic configuration
-Miserable sound rendering of the int. speaker
-Low battery life with a 3-cell battery

Shortcut

What we liked

The sandwich design. Unfortunately, due to the high gloss surface not really practical.

What we missed

Definitely a higher performance battery and that in the basic configuration. The obligatory microfiber cloth or even better: a wholesale package of cleaning cloths.

What surprised us

That the mini-hinges are really supposed to hold the display tight for a whole netbook life.

The competitors

Everything in the 10" netbook division that puts a bit of importance on its looks:  HP Compaq Mini 701eg, Asus Eee PC 1000H, Samsung NC10,...

Rating

LG X110 - 11/11/2008
J. Simon Leitner

Chassis
86%
Keyboard
88%
Pointing Device
82%
Connectivity
79%
Weight
98%
Battery
66%
Display
86%
Games Performance
40%
Application Performance
60%
Temperature
90%
Noise
90%
Add Points
86%
Average
79%
85%
Netbook - Weighted Average
J. Simon Leitner, 2009-01-24 (Update: 2012-05-26)