Lenovo IdeaPad U350

Standout Features

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• 4GB RAM Memory
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

At just 3.5 pounds and a mere one inch thick, the Lenovo IdeaPad U350 has the look of an ultra-portable netbook. It has a 13.3-inch widescreen, LED backlit display and an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness in response to surrounding lighting conditions. As handy as the minimal size and weight are, they can imply being rather lightweight in computing power as well. Thanks to a couple of important upgrades from Lenovo, the device has moved significantly towards being a serious laptop computer.

Most notable is the upgrade of the CPU from an Atom processor, characteristic of Netbooks, to an Intel Core 2 Duo Su7300 running at a respectable 1.3GHz clock speed. More significantly, as a dual core chip, it is essentially two distinct processors built into one. Further, each core has two threads so it’s rather like data is flying down a four lane highway rather than the single path that had been available with the previous processor. In short, it represents a tremendous increase in the amount and speed of data processing.

Nearly as significant is the leap from Windows Vista which was previously offered as the operating system to the far superior Windows 7 Home Premium. This is an upgrade that loads of Vista users willingly pay for so it really is a tangible bonus for Lenovo buyers.

Network and internet connectivity is always an issue for laptop users and this unit has the issue covered. It has a gigabit Ethernet port for wired connection but more practically provides wireless internet and LAN access via Wi-Fi including the high speed 802.11n protocol. Bluetooth, both mono and stereo, is also furnished. This is handy for users who would like to connect to interface with wireless devices like a mouse, cell phone or even headphones.

The U350 comes with 4GB of RAM memory which is pretty substantial for a small laptop. Storage is provided by a 320GB hard disc drive. One item that is lacking is an optical disc drive. That helps in the size and weight category means that an external drive would have to be connected in the event that a user needs to transfer information to or from a DVD or CD.

The computer includes an integrated 1.3-megapixel web cam which is typical of this category. An unusual use of the camera, however, is the Lenovo VeriFace facial recognition system which affords a level of security beyond simple password entry.

The device is covered by a one year limited parts and labor warranty which includes depot level repair if required. That can be upgraded to include in-home service and accidental damage protection if desired. Coverage can be expanded to two or three years at additional cost.