Lenovo Ideapad U350 Review

[theotakishun]

Any idea how i can speed up my u350? 4gb ram windows7 32bit

[Killasklan]

My ideapad u350 seems really crappy because of cpu overload. if i keep it on 32bit it crashes all the time and on 16 bit it can only run games older than 1999 :(

[n0y0x]

:O wow, this guy is clueless when it comes to computers....

[volure1]

I got the Lenovo G560 the trackpad sucks ball. It easy fix with the Lenovo Driver trackpad. Overall it good Laptop.

[Skorrigan]

Brushed PLASTIC aluminum to be exact :)

[yowadsup321]

Are we able to upgarde the processor?

[cphadley]

I got the chance to use this laptop again since a coworker purchased the upgraded model (dual core version). I tested the HDMI out with HD again since that is what gave me major performance issues before. It works much better now. As was pointed out prior, it was probably a video driver issue in the initial review. I'm trying to talk our rep into sending a U460 for us to test out around the office. If they do, I will be sure to review.

[HiTEC7]

This thin laptop is in the "Apple MacBook Air" category cheap / low voltage above netbook specs its a decent machine and ill like to get one of these instead of a 11' netbook....

You just don't know what u talking about this plays 720p easy! ffs

[italiancherrywine]

Your arms look yummy sexy.

[neothespian]

Wow... someone is a computer snob without alot of tech knowledge... Considering that Netbooks are (with 2GB of ram), quite capable of doing 720p HD, moderate photoshop elements, and any office apps you can throw at it, this machine does more than you think. Also, you're painting the computer line as a single chip design, when in fact they sell at a mid 500 buck Dual Core configuration all day long. It's easy to slam a first run of a computer and slam the entire line. Update your reviews

[Merlo177]

The Marketing department form Lenovo know that this Laptop is on demand.

They don't really care what people say or think about it.

It all depends on what you are looking for.

[yinna43]

Hi. I am aware this review is over a year old. However, I thought your review was excellent!!! What laptop would you recommend me from the Idea Pad U series $ Y series. I really I want get the Thinkpad T400s but It is pretty expensive . Thanks

[cphadley]

@yinna43 I have not used it but I have been hearing good things about the U450. I know it has a better GPU than the U350 but at this point driver updates seem to have solved any of the performance issues that I had with my unit a year ago prior to the Win 7 release. I will say, while the T series is definitely more expensive, my T61 is three years old and going strong. The keyboard went out and Lenovo sent me a new keyboard free next-day shipping. Great service.

[Skorrigan]

Could you please say a few words about the fan noise? I would appreciate that.

[cphadley]

@Skorrigan I don't recall fan noise being an issue but I never used it in a completely silent environment so I didn't really pay that much attention. It definitely wasn't loud enough for me to have any concern.

[mineralwasserbrunnen]

JOHN OTTO??? :D

[Oscarnkil]

4:13!

I have this sort of Laptop and i am playing Counter-Strike: soruce on it. It runs great!

[ChristianFS1]

There IS an ethernet port...YOU JUST SHOWED IT 2:35, afterwards, "it's kinda ridiculous you have to say this, that there isn't ethernet for networking direct into the computer. Because alot of the netbook makers out there is leaving this out, and hoping that you have a wireless connection"

[cphadley]

@ChristianFS1 I'm confused as to what you are saying? I was pointing out after I showed the port that it is nice the computer has an ethernet port because a lot of netbooks out there don't. It was one of the things I appreciated about the U350.

[aznsleepyb0ii]

@ChristianFS1

he says that other makers usually forget to put the ethernet port on this.

he's actually complimenting it's design at this point not bashing it. rewatch and listen again. you misheard.

[cphadley]

Wow, it really makes me laugh that people take the time to leave such hateful and ignorant comments on a video about a computer. Get a life.

To those with constructive comments, thank you. They will help people who may be interested make an informed decision. Especially since this video is a bit old now and the models have changed some.

[konczpeter76]

@cphadley sorry about that. I was in a realy bad mood. I didn`t want to hurt your feelings. and yes I know there is a newer version.

[konczpeter76]

this guy is a typical smart ass, the annoying one from the school who knows better everything than the others. I hope he didn`t get money for this hysterics performance. :) asshole

[asadlarik3]

good conclusions

[lekotar]

I got mine with a Core 2 Duo SU7300 with 4GB for 500€/630$ and I don't have any of the problems you mentioned. For that price... it's a perfect 13" long life battery laptop... perfect.

[maxjmuir]

@lekotar Where did you find that deal, if you don't mind my asking?. Also, I'm looking pretty much to write notes and essays/ watch video/download music/ possibly run some music software (all on the move) do you think it can handle that okay? Thanks for your help!

[lekotar]

@maxjmuir I'm in Germany and I found it with a price comparison site called idealo, which took me to a place where they sold them, now the model I have is even cheaper 480€. I think it'll be great for the job, it handles quite a lot. The whole point of this processor is to ensure long battery life and perfect mobility without sacrificing computing power.

[smallin45]

can this u350 do video editing?

[StormBringer44]

Awesome review, really. You put everything out there so clearly.

[GeorgiMarinow]

works perfect on Ubuntu 9.10 !!!

[MR2Nutts]

People are all brainwashed by the HD, annoying alias "Hi-Def", marketing.

[MR2Nutts]

This dude is sorta of an illiterate tech reviewer. 98% of laptops today all uses an HD display (widescreen format). HD doesn't mean it has to be glossy, it is the resolution. And when it says HD, it does not mean it has to be 1080p video compatible.

[konczpeter76]

@MR2Nutts yes I agree with that. he is an asshole and he put it on the net

[recidive]

You guy talk too much!

[GrandDanois]

There is just one problem with the ThinkPad series. It's just so non stylish at all points.

Thanks for the nice review :-)

[xbsoft]

Great review, but I want to comment about HD playback.

If you have the correct codec(CCCP), you will be able to play HD video on that particular CPU(1 Core).

Now, I have lenovo U450P equipped SU4100 @1.3GHz (2X Cores), so you get more horse power. Anyhow, I am able to play even 1080P video playback on youtube with flash using the CPU at about 70-80%.

If you're playing the same video on the computer not on the web, the video playback is much better and cpu utilization is around 20-30%

[hal1992]

Why sell a Thin-and-light that can't do HD? That's silly.

[MrsRandomMadeMeDoIt]

buying this model soon. and i can do plenty of gaming all i play is diablo 2 once in a while lol ^^

it can't play hd :( thats an issue.. but i will survive i quess

[amusernameutube]

dude you got i all wrong. this laptop is for portabiblity not gaming or playing HD videoes. get a bluray disc player and a HD TV for that. it's a good laptop. i know, i have one.

[cphadley]

@amusernameutube my issue is the way it is marketed. There is a huge sticker pushing the laptops HD capability placed on the unit when you take it out of the box. Plus the fact they put in an HDMI port as well. Perhaps driver updates and faster hardware for this model have solved the problem (the review is over 5 months old now) but my unit was choppy. I agree tho, just get a PS3 and an HDTV for the real HD experience :)

[sicktown80]

show me a better notebook with this price 420 euro???!!!!!

[roycemolokai1]

awe! stop slamming my future laptop. i'de rather have this then dells they last for one or two years then die. lenovos are known to last long but i gotta say the ADAMO is sexy but so far all adamos review has been bad

[myztic123]

it's only aluminium look, not real aluminium

[DJTEVAdotCOM]

because weight makes a big different when ur mobile. If ur gonna be playing high end games , u shouldnt be getting a mobile laptop.

[magic5059]

i might sound like a british nob here but does it not ave a dvd/cd slot ????

[atcanobbio]

hey hadley, what do you think of the U450P?

I'm looking for a portable, good performance, cheap laptop and i was thinking about the U450p...

[SFseis]

hm but u did sth wrong if hd videos stuttered. the IGP should handle this so it looks like u didnt use a playblack program with adequate codecs!

second of all the single core processor is way faster than the atom which makes this system still very interesting

[wuyitongXX]

Just keep clapping !

[smilly9]

Excellent Review, Was so tempeted to buy one of these, even through its a low spec and has a small screen for £389 in the UK, but since it doesnt even have an optical drive I'm not gonna bother.

[HavenSpawn]

nice review dude look forward to more reviews from you :D

[CRBlKER]

excellent review man

[xxpmrong]

nice review mate! keep it coming! I like the objectivity

[cphadley]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I did finally get a chance to try out the Core 2 Solo version of this system and it did help with the HD.

It is a shame Lenovo markets this system as a good HD content player (making a point to put stickers regarding the HDMI port all over the unit) and then not have enough power built in to play it smoothly. I hope they eventually make the Core 2 Solo the base CPU in this system since it handles things much better.

[BothofUs4]

Have you tried the newly released IdeaPad u450? Seems like they addressed some of your concerns and added a optical drive.

[DavidEloySaenz]

I liked the review, however, I think he missed the point with this Laptop, this is not a profesional oriented laptop, its oriented to net surfers, students, young people looking fo a stylish laptop, Just for what most of us use our laptops for, which is checking facebook, video in youtube, bluggin and staying in contact with people, and som ocasional word typing door school, and for that, I think this offer a good valu of mobility, design and aceptable perfomance.

[kostiak]

Really good review. Very professional and in detail. I also liked that you move the laptop around so we can see how it looks in your hands.

Subscribing to get some more reviews (something in the lightweight category would be cool)

[Jayayess1190]

I have an Acer Timeline 3810T. It is a competitor to this, but it has a dual core SU9400 in it. The point of these culv machines is BATTERY LIFE, not performance, yet my computer still plays HD video great, and plays the only game I care about fine (Sim City 4). No optical drive adds battery life, and it only weighs 3.5lbs. So the point is, this Lenovo, along with my Acer and all other culv machines offer netbook battery life coupled to greater performance, making them great buys in my opinion.

[muzvit]

Acer are known for not being as steady as other brands. The parts used for the PC's are, unfortunately not that good.

But however, i cant tell if they have been doing any better on your model particular :)

[xxpmrong]

this rig can play sim city 4?

[Jayayess1190]

Yes. I used to play SC4 on my EEE with an N270 and before that a Dell Inspiron 9100 with a Pentium 4. This will play it much better than both of these.

[pizzalobster]

great review

[cphadley]

Marzmany pointed out that drivers are available in the support section of Lenovo's web site. There is a Vista 64 driver in there dated August 5th that may very well solve some issues. Definitely check it out if you have any problems and thanks Marzmany for pointing that out!

[mluu510]

i am more than confident that this laptop can view hd videos if it's properly configured. he didn't specify what method he was using to play hd video. flash hd video is a no go for sure because flash is a lousy video platform.

i am sure it can play h264 720p video if you use ffdshow with media player classic and proper graphics driver. i would definitely downgrade to xp for performance boost and battery life. windows vista and 7 is just too bloated.

[cphadley]

The video being played was h.264 720p. I tried both the built-in windows media player as well as VLC.

Unfortunately, Lenovo does not give you an operating system choice so you are stuck with Vista Home Premium. Also, there are no driver downloads available from Lenovo at this time for the U350.

Again, I think with the 1.4 Core 2 Solo this would not be a problem. As Marzmany pointed out, turning off the fluff could solve the problem so definitely give that a try if you go with the 1.3.

[SFseis]

well as i said... neither VLC nor WMP support HD playblack using the IGP.

Cyberlink hower does take advantage of the 4500MHD...

so HD playback is possible even at 1080 resolution!

[cphadley]

Good to know about Cyberlink. Shame they didn't include that. Still crappy that the system performed as it did given how it was marketed. Thus why Lenovo let me return it with no questions. Service representative actually admitted they were getting a lot of complaints and that the Core 2 SU7300 version would be available soon (which it now is) and that should fix the issues if I wanted to wait and order that. I said no thanks but I have heard good things. U550 is out now as well.

[toytony]

the watching hd problem could be a software issue.

[Marzmany]

I managed to play blu-ray movies on the u350 using an external player, both full screen and outputting to a tv. There was no stuttering, so I don't know why HD content stuttered for you. I did disable most of Vista "enhanced" features like glass. Maybe that is why.

[cphadley]

Very good point! Disabling the interface enhancements may have been the trick I never tried. I was playing HD H.264 content with stuttering about ever 3 to 5 seconds and HD flash content was unwatchable.

[mluu510]

some people prefer not to have an optical drive. it lightens and compact the laptop. the only time i use it is to restore windows; very rare.

the 6 cell battery will be out soon. hopefully, they'll make one with a c2d cpu.

[ParanoidMarvin24]

Looks like the 1.4ghz SU3500 model with 4GB RAM will be in teh UK for £550, which is quite a good price. It also seems that this model has enough oomph for HD Video.

I'm really tempted by this laptop. I'm stepping up from two failed netbooks (Acer Aspire One, HP Mini 1000) - they were both damaged badly through accidents D:

What I loved about them was that they were thin and light. Performance was 'good enough'. As was battery life.

The Lenovo ticks all the netbook boxes and improves on a few

[qwertypipe]

Thank you for the review.

[cphadley]

Thanks for all the great comments everyone. Hopefully they are helping people out looking at this machine.

I think there may be a bit of confusion for why I was so displeased with this system. As soon as you open the system you get a big ready for HD sticker and the website advertises the screen as being perfect for HD content. It even comes with an HDMI port for HD out. Unfortunately, the CPU is so underpowered HD content is choppy and hickups. Prices continue to drop tho so it may be worth it

[hdxnickka]

I bought mine at a very reasonable price at $521+tax.

su2700, 3gb ram, 320hd

[hdxnickka]

imo, i think this ultra portable does just what its supposed to. people don't buy ultraportables to play games and what not.. I think its supposed to be used for basic things such as surfing, microsoft office, chatting, emailing, etc. This machine does just what its supposed perfectly fine. Being that it is an ultra portable, you wouldnt expect a super performing computer anyways. Portability is whats key when buying an "ultra portable laptop"

[edgec23]

You have some valid points for sure. I was actually ALL ready to buy the S12 until I saw the U350. 2 issues with the S12 killed it for me, the 6 cell bat that sticks out and makes it just as heavy as the U350. And the fact that it still screams "NETbook" versus the "Laptop" looks of the U350. Call me pretentious, but I am willing to fork over the extra $100 for the U350 form factor alone. I am getting mine next Mon, I just cross my finger wishing the CULV is still better than an Atom CPU. Thanks

[edgec23]

BTW, Lenovo has this Contractor Site with another 20-30% discount, and passcodes are avail for search online everywhere. It saves you another $100 or so. I got mine for only $576 after tax and it's the 3G memory, 320G HD version none the less.

[cphadley]

Sweet deal. At the time I got my unit I paid $579 for the 250 HDD and 2GB memory (it has since been returned to Lenovo as my play period was over). I'm hoping Lenovo will eventually get the price of the 1.4 Core 2 Solo unit down to under $700 as I said below. Would be perfect for me as I need enough power to playback HD content smoothly on the go but I love the smaller form factor the U350 offers. Enjoy your sweet deal. Those coupons and special discounts are nice!

[edgec23]

Thanks for the review. It sounds like you don't like this laptop solely because of its CPU performance issue. But some people are just looking for a simple, nice looking, easy for travel, light and think laptop for email, surfing and MS office use. You are just not their intended customer is all.

[cphadley]

Indeed the CPU was my main issue with the system. The reason it bothered me so was you can get an Ideapad S12 starting at $429 that would be perfect for email, web surfing and office work. It even has a full size keyboard.

The bang-for-your-buck ratio just doesn't match up for the U350. Now the Core 2 Solo version may be faster but costs $849 making it more than the starting price of the T400. If they could get the Core 2 Solo model down to, say $699 then the system would fit in nicely :)

[JMDylan]

Hi, very interesting video! At first glance I really like the design of the notebook. It was the best looking "slim laptop" that I have seen besides the Macbook Air. Although the 1.3ghz processor does put it in an awkward market. If that machine had a 2.0ghz Core2Duo with the same price tag, I think it would be an awesome machine! It would have a lot of potential. Overall great quality review. Looking forward to future videos!

-Dylan

Ps: What camera are you using?

[cphadley]

Agreed! The design is great and the system has so much potential. Shame it is crippled by the CPU. Would also be nice to see other color options for the top like they have overseas.

I'm using a Canon Vixia HG20 compressed down to 1280 x 720 H.264

[JMDylan]

Looks like a great camera, the quality is impressive. You should show us a setup tour. It would be awesome to see your Mac Pro configuration.

-Dylan