Gadget Review: Lenovo U150 (Update)

It's been a while since I did a gadget review and since I don't really have the money to buy new gadgets, I thought I'd revise the first review I made on Lenovo's ultraportable U150.

As mentioned before, this is Lenovo's U Series, essentially a solution to the netbook-laptop dilemma. While it packs a punch, it delivers this power in a package that is manageable in size and weight. I've had this computer for about 3 months, which has allowed me to reflect on the pros and cons more effectively, with a look outside the reviews on the web.

The Good

• The size is perfect. I have come to love the 11.6" LCD screen, which delivers HD video playback from the video websites I visit most: Youtube and Hulu. As I mentioned in my previous review, I was very concerned about having a computer that would have the capacity to playback video in HD without being choppy, the U150 definitely addresses this problem.
• The weight difference between a laptop and this semi-netbook is quite significant. I used to carry around a Dell M1210, a 12.1" Dell XPS that weighed in at around 4.4 lbs, not much right? Wrong. This hunk of plastic weighed down my bag like nothing. Moving down to 3.22 lbs was amazing and no longer tired me during a long day.
• The build. Don't take this the wrong way, I loved my Dell, but the Lenovo feels far superior in build and sturdiness compared to the likes of my Dell. Now, compared to an Acer and Asus, this Lenovo is God. Those other netbook-famous brands are very well known for portability, and, well, being a netbook. The Lenovo keeps this size and weight dimension under control while also providing a keyboard that has good response and no flex. The design on the palm rest doesn't hurt either.

The Bad (Verified from use)

• The battery, yes it's really a problem. Not only is the battery a strange oblong shape, but the "legs" or "pegs," whatever you want to call them, dig into your lap when you are trying to use it as a "lap-top." These narrow pegs are equivalent to the metal end of a flash drive, poking into any object it rests on. While this may be ideal for typing on flat, hard surfaces like a table, it sure does hurt your lap if your legs are not narrow enough to fit in between the pegs, and trust me, they are not narrow enough. This problem manifests itself in my carrying case. I carry it around in an Incase specifically made for Macbooks. Yes, it's a strange fit, but it was what I used for my Dell, which fit snugly. The Lenovo slides around in the case, but that's expected for something with the carrying capacity of a 13" laptop. However, these troublesome pegs have managed to create a permanent and increasingly large dent in my neoprene sleeve - not so pretty.

• The battery gauge. There is none. One benefit to having the Dell was the battery gauge. Similar to the ones you might find on an HP netbook, you will be able to see how charged your laptop battery is even if the unit is not on. By pressing a physical button on the battery itself, a gauge will show you just how much juice your battery has. To make things even worse, in this regard, the battery charging indicator light doesn't really fit the bill. While it does tell you that your computer is being charged, it sure as hell does not tell you when the laptop is done charging. As a paranoid for overcharging lithium-ion batteries (I know the arguments against this, but I really think they have the capabilities to degrade), I would like to know when my laptop (when off) is fully charged so I can remove the AC-adapter, well it doesn't tell you that. The indicator light stays on even if you battery is charged to 100%.
• The AC-adapter sits quite precariously in the unit. When it is placed in my computer and charging my unit, I often remove the battery when it is already fully charged. However, compared to my Dell, I'm always fearful that the plug will just slip out and kill my power. This has not happened yet, but I am left uneasy about the integrity of the plug, which does not instill the same feeling of "stability" or "snugness" that I expect to feel or witnessed with my Dell.

The heat. Yes, the heat is an issue. Much to my dismay, the left side of the unit gets quite hot, even to the point that I can't have it on my lap. Sitting in bed, I am forced to put it on top of my blanket or a hard surface. If I have jeans on, this heat may be a bit more tolerable, but definitely not comfortable. I saw the reviews from Netbooked describing this problem of heat, stating that it was quite "warm," but trust me, it gets hot. It's not always an issue, but it is if you are going to be doing more than just surfing the web or word processing. But like I said, if you are going to be using it on flat, table-like surfaces, this shouldn't be a problem, it doesn't run hot on the palm rests. The rest of the unit is considerably cooler.

Last, but not least, the notorious Fn/Ctrl switch up. You will see on these units that there the Fn and CTRL keys have switched place. Don't ask me why this is or if it's changeable because it's not, you can't even change the function in Bios. This makes it problematic for people like me who switch back and forth between computers. The traditional PC keys situate it CTRL and then Fn, which I have gotten used to. I use CTRL on a day to day basis, scrolling through my text while word processing and using it in programs like iTunes and for functions like CTRL + T, CTRL + Shift + Arrow, etc. It gets annoying when I have to move back and forth between keyboards, but something pretty negligible compared to the issues with battery and heat. It's not too much of a problem since I don't use the Fn button too often, but it would definitely be beneficial if they didn't situate these keys like an Apple.

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to it, I'm still happy with my purchase. The Lenovo U150 fits exactly into that Netbook-Laptop domain where people can compromise between portability and power, without sacrificing too much from either category. The fact that it comes with Windows 7 Home Premium installed, has great build quality and product dimensions closes the deal for me. I'm a student and portability and style runs high on my list of needs, the U150 delivers this with many more functions. It has run well for these past months and I rarely run into many large issues. It works as my hub to connect with the cloud, the new Web 3.0 age as I call it. I think the Lenovo U series will last for quite some time and offer a solution to the problems that people have with their laptops and netbooks on a day to day basis.

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