Lenovo IdeaPads

[50words]

There is a whole thread devoted to ThinkPads, but to me, the IdeaPad line are a whole different kind of computers, and could be real Apple competitors. This thread is for IdeaPads.

What do you think about them? If you have them, do you like them? How do they work with Ubuntu or other distros?

[Icehuck]

I don't own one, but I probably wouldn't buy one. They aren't too customizable as compared to Dell. Last I checked they also don't seem to have a "high end" version either. These machines are quite nice for general purpose, unfortunately not my purpose.

[niko7865]

I want an S10, I wish they were back in stock!

[50words]

I am pretty interested in the U330. Looks like a much more attractive alternative to the X310. The ridiculously-wide bevel on the ThinkPads drives me crazy. Plus, I don't really want a solid-state drive.

[archer6]

I am pretty interested in the U330.

Here is what I purchased:
Lenovo IdeaPad U330 - 22672BU
Core 2 Duo P7310 2GHz
Windows Vista
13.3 WXGA Backlight TFT 1280x800
ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB
2GB PC3-8500 SDRAM 1066MHz
250GB 5400rpm HDD
DVD Recordable
Bluetooth v. 2.0 +EDR
Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100
6 cell Li-Ion batt
4.35 lbs
One Yr Warranty


Upon arrival, I took the next day off of work, so I would have an entire day to test it, be sure everything worked well, as the minute I was satisfied that all was well, my intention was to immediately wipe the drive and install Ubuntu 8.04 So, indeed the day after arrival, I set out to test it and put it through its paces. I was particularly happy to find that it compares quite favorably to a ThinkPad. And I have a decades worth of experience with ThinkPads to be able to form an accurate opinion rather quickly. After a few hours, I felt assured that all was well. I installed Ubuntu 8.04 from my CD.
At first boot, all went well, and upon using the computer I found my experience to be exactly the same as that of my ThinkPad T60. Everything worked perfectly! Not a single problem or anything to be sorted out. I cannot say enough good things about ThinkPads / IdeaPads & Ubuntu 8.04. If you want a really easy, fast, fun way to go, there is no better choice.

I Am The Single Most Enthusiastic Ubuntu Hardy Heron Advocate In LinuxLand ....

Cheers!

[Icehuck]

The fact that the U330 has a 13 inch screen is a turn off.

[50words]

The fact that the U330 has a 13 inch screen is a turn off.

It's a big plus for me. I buy notebooks for portability, and 13.3" is just the right size. You get a full-sized keyboard and enough screen real estate to get work done. (Plus, I have a 24" monitor on my desktop at work.)

I haul my laptops everywhere, so a sub-4 lb. computer small enough to tuck into any bag is perfect. It's lighter, thinner, and faster than a Macbook for about the same price.

archer6, What kind of battery life are you getting? Regardless, I think I'm sold. As soon as my T43 gives me another scare, I think I'm downsizing to the U330.

[archer6]

I haul my laptops everywhere

I do too, every single day 24/7 I have a laptop with me. I'm hooked on WiFi....period.

At Starbucks, at home, my vacation home, my office, airports, and the hotels I stay at. Since I'm also the founder/CEO of my own company I stay connected and involved by choice, constantly. That's why sometimes you will notice some of the posting I do here is via my BlackBerry.

I'm addicted
I love mobility & Laptops
I'm sick
I love BlackBerrys (the device)
I'm a geek
I have more laptops than common sense
I'm a Ubuntu freak
Any Questions.............

However in my case at 6'3' and an ex UCLA football player, weight of a laptop is totally meaningless to me. I carry my 17" MacBookPro like it was the size and weight of my BlackBerry.
And I'm not bragging, it's just that a big lunk like me could care less about a pound or two.

And yet I have ThinkPads @ 12.1", 13.3", 14.1", 15.1" etc

If I was limited to just one computer, the U330 is a great 13.3" laptop.

A sweet spot as far as screen size in my opinion.
Battery life is fantastic, I'm not going to quote times as we both know it depends on usage, however I will say beyond a shadow of a doubt, it's far superior to my 6 mo. old MacBook, my 3 mo. old MacBook Air, and anything else except another ThinkPad.

So 50words Please feel free to ask any other questions you have as I'm' sure you probably have more....

Cheers!

[archer6]

The fact that the U330 has a 13 inch screen is a turn off.

I find it the sweet spot.... perfectly usable. Not too small, not too large.... Just Right....

[50words]

So 50words Please feel free to ask any other questions you have as I'm' sure you probably have more....

What is it, exactly, that you do that you require so many laptops? I think I want that job.