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Lenovo IdeaPad S12

Specifications

Lenovo IdeaPad S12
Lenovo IdeaPad S12 (Ideapad S Series)
Processor
Intel Atom N270 1 x 1.6 GHz, DiamondVille
Memory
2048 MB 
, DDR2-533
Display
12.00 inch 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixel, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Nvidia MCP79MX (9400M G)
Storage
Fujitsu MJA2250BH G2, 250 GB 
, 5400 rpm
Soundcard
Realtek ALC269 @ nVIDIA MCP79/7A
Connections
3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3,5 mm audio ports, microphone, Card Reader: SD, MMC, Memory-Stick, MS Pro
Networking
Broadcom NetLink Fast Ethernet (10/100MBit/s), Broadcom 802.11 b/g (b/g/), Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 36 x 292 x 230 ( = 1.42 x 11.5 x 9.06 in)
Battery
49 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 32 Bit
Camera
Webcam: ja
Additional features
Lenovo VeriFace, Quick Start, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.55 kg ( = 54.67 oz / 3.42 pounds), Power Supply: 320 g ( = 11.29 oz / 0.71 pounds)
Price
400 Euro

 

Price comparison

Average Score: 75.04% - good
Average of 24 scores (from 32 reviews)
price: 80%, performance: 67%, features: 65%, display: 72% mobility: 72%, workmanship: 76%, ergonomy: 71%, emissions: 80%

Reviews for the Lenovo IdeaPad S12

82% Review Lenovo IdeaPad S12 ION Netbook | Notebookcheck
The small, white one. Stylishness is a must for all netbooks, because those who buy these mini PCs are not always computer experts who need a secondary computer. Most of the buyers are normal, everyday people without much experience with computers who simply wish to surf on the internet, and stylish netbooks would definitely catch the eye of these people. Lenovo realised this and designed the IdeaPad S12 so as to accomodate the buyers' need. The netbook is a trendy white and has a few other clever features, which we will describe in detail in our in-depth review.
Lenovo IdeaPad S12 (NVIDIA ION) review
Source: Liliputing English Archive.org version
The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 with NVIDIA ION graphics costs about $170 more than the version with integrated graphics. Is it worth the extra price? That depends on how important the extra graphics capabilities are to you. In terms of everyday performance, you probably won’t notice a difference between the two machines. But if you want a model that can reliably handle HD video, Flash video, and some 3D gaming, as well as pump out video to an HDTV via an HDMI port, the NVIDIA ION model is the way to go.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/13/2010
performance: 80%
69% Lenovo IdeaPad S12 (2959-5GU)
Source: Computer Shopper English Archive.org version
Fish or fowl, vegetable or mineral, netbook or ultraportable? That's a good question. The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 (or S12-2959-5GU, to be exact), the $649 top-shelf model in the S12 line, features a 12.1-inch display and integrated Nvidia Ion graphics. Lenovo's top-of-the-line S12 model displays high-def content handily and features some ultraportable-grade hardware, but its performance parks it in the netbook camp.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/01/2010
Rating: Total score: 69%
65% Lenovo IdeaPad S12-2959 (Ion, Atom N270 1.6GHz, 3GB RAM, 320GB HDD, Windows 7)
Source: CNet English Archive.org version
Long, long ago in the year 2009, we first heard news about the forthcoming Nvidia Ion GPU for Netbooks and got excited. At long last, Netbooks would be more capable of graphics processing and handling HD video. Although the IdeaPad S12, with its Nvidia Ion graphics processor, provides some 3D muscle, it costs more than comparable Netbooks.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/21/2009
Rating: Total score: 65% performance: 70% features: 60% mobility: 60%
70% Lenovo IdeaPad S12 (Ion)
Source: PC Mag English Archive.org version
When Nvidia decided to launch its own chipset (called Ion) that worked in tandem with the Intel Atom processor and brought more graphics horsepower to the netbook category, Lenovo wasted little time announcing a netbook that ran it. The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 (Ion), Lenovo's Ion netbook, finally ships with full support for 1080p, though battery life and speed take a hit.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/08/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%
60% Lenovo IdeaPad S12 with Ion
Source: Laptop Mag English Archive.org version
There’s certainly a lot to like about the Lenovo IdeaPad S12-29595GU, including Ion graphics, a relatively large keyboard, ample RAM, OneKey backup, and lots of storage. However, the $649 asking price for this netbook on steroids is considerably higher than the similarly configured $574 HP Mini 311, which offers an hour of additional battery life.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/07/2009
Rating: Total score: 60%
80% Lenovo IdeaPad S12 ION 12.1-inch Netbook
Source: Comp Reviews English Archive.org version
Lenovo's IdeaPad S12 is one of the few netbooks that has gone beyond the standard 10 and 11-inch screens. The extra screen size and resolution are a definite plus with the NVIDIA ION graphics capable of HD and 3D video. The full Windows 7 OS license also provides Lenovo the option of high memory and hard drive sizes. The downside to all of this is the extra bulk of the 12-inch screen and and the higher price make the system less attractive compared to less expensive netbooks with less graphics capabilities or higher performing but only slightly more expensive CULV ultraportables.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/04/2009
Rating: Total score: 80%
90% Lenovo IdeaPad S12
Source: Maximum PC English Archive.org version
The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 is not the fastest netbook we’ve ever tested, nor the smallest—but that isn’t the point. It’s a competent netbook in a much more usable formfactor. The higher screen resolution makes everything better—from browsing the web to editing photos and watching movies. And at a three pound, 6.5 ounce lap weight, it’s only a few ounces heavier than the Asus Eee 1000HE or MSI Wind U123—still light enough to throw in a bag and bring to the coffee shop. Some might argue that a netbook with a 12-inch screen isn’t even a netbook anymore.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/28/2009
Rating: Total score: 90%
70% Lenovo Ideapad S12 review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version

An impressive large-screen machine, offering lots of features and good usability. Lenovo is best known for its ThinkPad business laptops, but its IdeaPad range provides entry-level systems for both corporate and consumer use. The IdeaPad S12 is its 12.1-inch offering and strikes a balance between a netbook and a full-sized ultraportable. Although the size of the IdeaPad S12 makes its netbook status questionable, it is nevertheless a very usable and wellmade machine and provides an affordable alternative to business ultraportables, without scrimping on features.


Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/27/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%
80% Lenovo IdeaPad S12
Source: Toptenreviews English Archive.org version
As far as netbooks 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.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% features: 80%
70% Lenovo IdeaPad S12 netbook
Source: Geek.com English Archive.org version
Lenovo’s S12 12-inch netbook is a good system, but not a great one. It has some advantages over 10-inch products so if you are picky about your keyboard or don’t like to strain your eyes with 10-inch displays then it could be worth considering. It seems like a good netbooks for a more casual user, who isn’t particularly concerned about its ho-hum design, extended battery, or increased size. Despite what’s good about it, I’d like to see more polish from a $450 computer.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/24/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%
60% Lenovo IdeaPad S12 review
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
If you're looking for a netbook with decent battery life, a bigger screen, and the ability to recognise your face, then the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 is a solid choice. It packs a punch in a little netbook package. With its big hard drive, better-than-average battery life, and stylish exterior, it's great for your basic netbook user on the go. It's cheaper and lasts longer than HP's Pavilion dv2 - another 12 incher. However, this S12 is a taste of things to come. If you wait a little longer, an Ion-powered model with an nVidia GPU on board will come out, selling for a little more. That's where the smart money's at.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/26/2009
Rating: Total score: 60%
68% Lenovo IdeaPad S12 review
Source: CNet English Archive.org version
When we first heard that Lenovo had an IdeaPad S12 netbook on the way, we were expecting the long-anticipated Nvidia Ion-packing version, including graphics power decent enough to handle high-definition video and even some demanding gaming. Unfortunately, Lenovo contacted us to say that this model won't be coming to <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>. Instead, we got a configuration that includes an Intel Atom N270 processor and GMA 950 graphics -- essentially the same configuration as many current netbooks. The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 feels and looks like a laptop, but, due to its Atom N270 CPU, it performs like a netbook. Although it's comfortable to use, we can't help but wish it had a more powerful processor.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/31/2009
Rating: Total score: 68%
Lenovo IdeaPad S12 review
Source: Liliputing English Archive.org version
If you judge the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 by netbook standards, the computer has an excellent screen and keyboard. While the laptop is still small by conventional notebook standards, it should be large enough to placate some folks who find the typical netbook to be too small to make for a comfortable typing or reading experience. And weighing in at just 3.4 pounds, the notebook is barely heavier than the Asus Eee PC 1000HE.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/25/2009
Rating: mobility: 80% ergonomy: 80%
Lenovo IdeaPad S12 Review
Source: Notebookreview.com English Archive.org version
The IdeaPad S12 is excellence in a small form factor at a low price. The overall design is very pleasing to the eyes and it has the best netbook keyboard I have used to date. Build quality is solid and the screen is beautiful. There is little complain about on the S12 – sure, the touchpad could be a bit larger and the screen could tilt back further, but other than that, if you are in the market for a netbook with a larger screen, it is difficult to go wrong with the Lenovo IdeaPad S12.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/24/2009
Rating: display: 95% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
80% Lenovo IdeaPad S12
Source: PC Mag English Archive.org version
For netbook makers, the first instinct is to vie for the lowest prices, but they are bound by what's considered the norm for netbooks—a 10-inch screen, an undersized keyboard, and minimal features. There are only a handful of netbooks that push beyond these boundaries in an effort to draw in the sophisticated netbook users—if there's such a group. The Lenovo Ideapad S12 ($500 direct) is arguably the best 12-inch netbook available, besting the Dell Inspiron Mini 12, Samsung NC20 (21GBK), and HP Pavilion dv2-1030us. With the IdeaPad S12, Lenovo produces its best 12-inch netbook yet, but there's a price premium above your average netbook.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/15/2009
Rating: Total score: 80%
Lenovo Ideapad S12
Source: Netbookchoice English Archive.org version
The Lenovo Ideapad S12 is the company’s 12-inch entry into its Ideapad range of netbooks. Whilst much of the hype surrounds the ION-based S12, due later this year, the model also comes with versions powered with the Intel Atom and VIA Nano processor. Laptop Mag has the review of the Intel Atom version and overall seemed to like what they saw. Putting it head-to-head against the current 12-inch netbook, the Samsung NC20, they found that the Samsung felt a bit sturdier and had a better design.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/15/2009
Rating: mobility: 80% emissions: 80%
80% Lenovo IdeaPad S12
Source: Laptop Mag English Archive.org version

As 12-inch netbooks go, the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 and the Samsung NC20 are fairly evenly matched in terms of ergonomics, performance, and endurance. While the NC20’s list price is $549, it can be found online for $499, the same as the S12. We slightly prefer the design of the NC20—it does a better job at concealing its battery and feels a more sturdy—but the S12 is better in other ways. The Lenovo has much better audio quality, and the fact that it comes with the Quick Start OS is a nice perk. If you’d like a little more graphics oomph and can hold out for a couple of months, it might be worth waiting for the Nvidia Ion version of the S12. But, if you just want to get online and prefer the more comfortable computing experience that comes with a 12-inch netbook, today’s IdeaPad S12 is a great choice.


Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/14/2009
Rating: Total score: 80%
77% Lenovo IdeaPad S12
Source: Computer Shopper English Archive.org version
This is a netbook? That could well be your first impression upon seeing the Lenovo IdeaPad S12. With its 12.1-inch screen and full-size keyboard, this is no cramped compact. Those looking for an affordable in-between model who have no desire to tap away on a Chiclet-style keyboard should take a look. But demanding users should take note: Under the hood, we found mixed performance. This unit did well on tests that emphasized rendering, but not as well with 3D-graphics-focused benchmark measures. If you're looking for a netbook that feels like a notebook, the Lenovo IdeaPad S12, with its 12.1-inch screen, just might be it.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 77%

Foreign Reviews

82% Test Lenovo IdeaPad S12 ION-Netbook
Source: Notebookcheck German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/09/2010
Rating: Total score: 82% performance: 62% display: 70% mobility: 87% workmanship: 82% ergonomy: 77% emissions: 85%
82% Die besseren Netbooks
Source: PC Praxis - 3/10 German
Comparison, , Length Unknown, Date: 02/01/2010
Rating: Total score: 82% price: 70%
TEST: Sechs neue Netbooks zwischen 329 und 450 Euro im Check
Source: Magnus.de German DE→EN Archive.org version
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 01/04/2010
Rating: features: 80% mobility: 80%
80% Lenovo S12-ION Netbook
Source: Minitechnet German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/21/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 70% features: 80% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80% ergonomy: 100%
Lenovo IdeaPad S12 ION
Source: Notebookjournal German DE→EN Archive.org version
User Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/26/2009
Rating: display: 80% mobility: 40%
79% Das Netbook wird erwachsen
Source: PC Go - 12/09 German
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 11/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 79% price: 80%
82% Schneewittchen und die 7-Zwerge
Source: Computerbild - 26/2009 German
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 11/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 82% price: 80% performance: 73% features: 81% display: 91% ergonomy: 81% emissions: 100%
90% Lenovo IdeaPad S12 im Test: Erwachsenes Netbook
Source: Onlinekosten.de German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/14/2009
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 80% performance: 80% features: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80% ergonomy: 80%
55% Netbook Lenovo Ideapad S12 im Test
Source: PC Welt German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/18/2009
Rating: Total score: 55% price: 80% performance: 89% features: 47% mobility: 52% ergonomy: 17%
Netbook, Subnotebook, oder was?
Source: Cyberbloc German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/04/2009
Rating: mobility: 80%
80% Lenovo Ideapad S12 weiß M19B3GE
Source: Notebookjournal German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/15/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 90% performance: 70% features: 30% display: 50% mobility: 30% workmanship: 50% ergonomy: 50%
Supernett-Books
Source: c't - 16/09 German
Comparison, , Very Long, Date: 07/01/2009
Rating: performance: 40% features: 40% display: 50% mobility: 90% ergonomy: 80% emissions: 80%
70% Lenovo IdeaPad S12 (Ion)
Source: Jambitz Spanish ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/09/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%
Lenovo IdeaPad S12 – minek nevezzelek?
Source: Prohardver.hu HU→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/30/2009
Rating: performance: 40% display: 60% emissions: 50%

Comment

NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (G) / ION (LE): Integrated (shared Memory) graphics adapter. Built in in current MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air laptops and also used in the ION (LE) platform for netbooks. Also called GeForce 9400M G. Fastest available motherboard GPU (in 2009). Integrated PureVideo HD (VP3) video processor to decode HD videos with the GPU.

Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.


Intel Atom: The Intel Atom series is a 64-Bit (not every model supports 64bit) microprocessor for cheap and small notebooks (so called netbooks), MIDs, or UMPCs. The speciality of the new architecture is the "in order" execution (instead of the usual and faster "out of order" execution). Therefore, the transistor count of the Atom series is much lower and, thus, cheaper to produce. Furthermore, the power consumption is very low. The performance per Megahertz is therfore worse than the old Pentium 3M (1,2 GHz on par with a 1.6 GHz Atom).


N270:

Power efficient, cheap and slow Netbook single core CPU. Because of the in-order execution, the performance per MHz is worse than Core Solo or Celeron M processors.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.


12.00":

This is a standard display format for tablet computers or small convertibles. You see more on the screen than on a smartphone but you can't use big resolutions well. On the other hand, mobility is not a problem.

» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.


Lenovo: Lenovo ("Le" from English legend, novo (Latin) for new) was founded in 1984 as a Chinese computer trading company. As of 2004, the company was the largest laptop manufacturer in China and, after acquiring IBM's PC division in 2005, the fourth largest in the world. In addition to desktops and notebooks, the company manufactures monitors, projectors, servers, etc, and specializes in developing, manufacturing and marketing consumer electronics, personal computers, software, enterprise solutions and related services.

In 2016, the company ranked first in the world in computer sales. It still held it in 2023 with about 23% global market share. Important product lines are Thinkpad, Legion and Ideapad.

In 2011, it acquired a majority stake in Medion AG, a European computer hardware manufacturer. In 2014, Motorola Mobility was purchased, which gave Lenovo a boost in the smartphone market.


75.04%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.


» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

 

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Current Prices

Lenovo IdeaPad S12 on Ciao

Stefan Hinum, 2009-08-17 (Update: 2012-05-26)