Super netbooks are on the way
What do you get when you cross a modern-day, super-portable netbook computer with a modern-day, high-definition video processor? You get the amazing new Lenovo IdeaPad S12.
First of all, the S12 has a big, 12.1-inch screen, a full-sized (well, 99-percent is close enough) keyboard, a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1 GB of memory (Microsoft keeps Windows XP/netbook memory limited) and the choice of a 160, 240 or 320 GB hard drive. Those specs are impressive on their own.
But Lenovo’s engineer have also replaced the netbook standard, run-of-the-mill video chip with a Nvidia Ion video processor. That allows this netbook to easily handle 1080p video on its 1280 by 800 pixels, WXGA screen. As a matter of fact, I have witnessed a demonstration where a S12 played HD video onto a large screen LCD TV (through the netbook’s HDMI output) while at the same time, it was able to crunch that same video file for playing on an iPhone.
Don’t forget, we’re talking about full-HD video coming from a netbook running an Atom processor with only 1GB of RAM! That’s pretty amazing.
In addition, the S12 weighs-in at less than three pounds and sports features like three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth, a 6-cell, rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and lots, lots more.
Now, the best part. The IdeaPad S12 can be ordered from Lenovo’s Website for $499. That’s a lot of computer for that price.
I can’t wait to get my hands on one to put it through its paces.