Lenovo S12 Netbook packs NVIDIA Ion graphics

by Stevie Smith - May 26 2009, 15:00

Just when we thought it was safe to exercise total apathy towards Netbook systems, the persistent little recession dodgers go and evolve into something more appealing than just budget-based and ultra-mobile Web platforms.

Meet the new Lenovo S12, which is due to hit retail outlets in August of this year and will arrive as the very first Netbook computer pushing discrete graphics capabilities through NVIDIA’s Ion processing chip.

What that essentially means is that Lenovo’s diminutive system, which is just 1.14 inches thick, will deliver Full HD video output and fairly convincing mobile gaming muscle. According to NVIDIA that gaming prowess will see the S12 handling the likes of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Portal, Spore and World of Warcraft.

Beyond its graphical capabilities, the S12 further pushes the boundaries (blurs the line?) of recognised Netbook specification thanks to a generous 12.1-inch LCD screen (1280 x 800) – although the inclusion of an Intel Atom N270 processor is somewhat of a surprise given the availability and widespread use of the slightly superior N280.

Other features and functions include 1GB of DDR2 RAM, Windows XP Home, 160GBs of HDD storage, a modest 1.3 mega pixel Web camera, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi (what, no 802.11n?), an HDMI port, support for HD H264, VC-1 and MPEG-2, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, and an Express Card slot for memory expansion.

With initial models expected to land in colour choices of black or white, the central point of attraction for the Ion-equipped 12.1-inch Lenovo S12 is its distinctly Netbook price of $499 USD. We. Want. One.

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