Lenovo have just updated their X100e netbook, giving it a new dual-core AMD processor for better performance. With an AMD Turion Neo X2 dual-core CPU and ATI Radeon graphics on board, does this netbook have what it takes to compete with its Intel Atom-based netbook rivals?
The Thinkpad X100e features a 11.6 LED inch screen, with a healthy resolution of 1366 x 768. Like all computers in the Thinkpad range, the X100e has a very solid build quality, and would make a welcome addition to boardrooms and bedrooms alike. It shares a common look with the rest of the Thinkpad range, and is available in ‘midnight black’ and ‘heatwave red’.
However, the X100e does differ from the standard Thinkpad design in one way, featuring the chiclet style keyboard design that is very popular of late. The keyboard maintains a similar level of quality however, although the lack of a backlight is a little disappointing. Once you have used a backlit keyboard it is hard to go back, and this in itself may be enough of a reason to turn some consumers off.
The screen has a matte finish, which is notably different from the glossy screens used in many other netbooks. While glossy screens can look great under certain conditions, I much prefer the improved outdoor readability that a matte screen is able to provide. The sound is far from fantastic, but it is loud enough for most applications and quite low in distortion.
Performance wise, the dual-core X100e is a huge improvement over its single-core predecessor, due to the AMD Turion Neo X2 Dual-core L625 processor on board. For the price being asked, this is a quick computer which will be more than enough for most users’ mobile needs. In fact, it is so good that you could easily call the X100e an ultraportable laptop or a netbook.
Most of the usual ports are provided, with a handy 4 in 1 card reader but no HDMI or display port connectivity. The USB standard is only 2.0 as well, but that really isn’t that surprising in a netbook class computer. Disapointingly, the Thinkpad X100e does run a little hot, which is never a good trait for an ultraportable computer that will realistically be used a lot on a lap.
Battery life is an important issue on any portable laptop, and the X100e fairs well if not brilliantly in this regard, at a little over 4 1/2 hours under wireless Internet use. Overall, it is hard to complain about the X100e when you consider the asking price of about $550, which is not a lot when you consider the build quality and performance that are on offer.
Specifications
1.6GHz AMD Turion Neo X2 dual-core L625 CPU
ATI Radeon 3200 graphics
11.6 inch LED screen
1366 x 768 resolution
250GB SATA HDD
2GB of DDR2 RAM
4-1 card reader
802.11 b/g/n
Windows 7 Professional 32bit
