Lenovo has been making laptops for many years and in that time they have seen their fair share of ups and downs. So when looking at the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s Ultrabook, it is wonderful to see all of the things Lenovo has done with the new technology. This machine is sleek, attractive, and built for performance.
What to Expect from Your Lenovo IdeaPad U300s Ultrabook
The Lenovo IdeaPad U300s Ultrabook starts with familiar specs for anyone currently researching an Ultrabook. It uses the second generation Intel Core processors – the entry and mid-level models carry an i5 processor with 1.6 GHz and the high end model uses the i7 processor with 1.8Ghz.
All three models have the same 4GB of DDR3 memory and only the lower end model uses the 128GB SSD hard drive while both higher end models sport a more spacious 256 GB SSD hard drive – very much needed in a Windows 7 computer.
Here is where the IdeaPad Ultrabook really stands out though – it is one attractive looking machine. At just over a half inch thick and weighing under 3 pounds, it is sleek and lightweight. Combined with the full aluminum shell and inset keyboard, you’d swear you were looking at a Macbook. This is a great looking machine.
Lenovo brings its own rapid start technology to the tablet with RapidDrive which allows the computer to boot up in as little as 10 seconds. You may never turn the computer off again – simply drop it into sleep mode and it will wait there for up to 3 weeks for you to turn it back on.
Lenovo brings a couple of other interesting new technologies to the table as well, including Wireless Display technology which allows you to stream your laptop contents directly to a TV or computer screen with an adaptor. You’ll also receive an HDMI output, which is a nice touch in an era where new PCs are increasingly leaving display ports behind.
The Drawbacks of the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s Ultrabook
It’s attractive, powerful and filled with perks, but the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s has its drawbacks as well. At the top of the list is the storage issue. Of course, this is a problem all Ultrabooks have, but if you are interested in a lightweight computer, be prepared to start picking and choosing which files you save. Windows 7 and the recovery partition from Lenovo will use up about 45 GB on your hard drive – severely cutting back what you have to work with.
Compared to some other machines, the U300s doesn’t have the same strengths in display output. Slightly lower resolution, a lighter dimmer screen and you have a machine that runs fantastic but looks merely okay.
The Bottom Line
If you want an Ultrabook that runs smoothly and provides steady performance with a number of perks, the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s Ultrabook is a great place to start. Other Ultrabooks may offer better resolution or a greater degree of customization at this price point, but in terms of raw performance and appearance, the IdeaPad U300s is at the top the list.